A local Toyota Authorised dealer, CFAO Motors Kenya, has appealed to public transport operators to prioritize road safety standards by shunning the purchase of converted cargo vans into passenger vehicles.
Speaking at a handover ceremony for a fleet of 30 new Toyota Hiace Passenger Vans valued at Sh 132 million to The Guardian Coaches Ltd., CFAO Motors Kenya managing director Mr Arvinder Reel said that safety, comfort and security of passengers is at the forefront of the Toyota Hiace model that is the leading mode of public transport on Kenyan roads
Mr Reel said that the dealer is committed to ensuring the “highest technical and mechanical standards” are met through their local assembly value proposition, which includes the Toyota Hiace model, which has been locally assembled since 2021 at KD level 2, with enhanced safety standards.
The firm, he said, will continue to collaborate and partner with local road safety agencies, including the National Safety and Transport Authority (NTSA), to raise awareness of road safety standards through the use of purpose-built vehicles.
“As we celebrate the investment of these vans by The Guardian Coaches Ltd., we are also keen to reiterate the value of such tropicalized units. These units are built for local conditions and provide unrivalled driver and passenger comfort and safety,” Reel said.
He added: “At CFAO Motors Kenya, we are actively collaborating with SMEs and investors such as Guardian Coach Bus Company to renew their fleets using zero mileage quality assured vehicles as we seek to raise public service operating efficiencies and safety.”
Available for cargo or with up to 16 passenger seating capacity, the Toyota Hiace is a truly versatile model, equipped with a Euro 4, 3.0L diesel engine that provides the power needed to carry cargo or passengers in and around the city or rural areas. Van or minibus versions are specially designed to provide a fatigue-free driving experience on long journeys thanks to the ergonomic design of its seats. It also meets the safety requirements, particularly with driver and passenger airbags and ABS. Your travel is assured to be in complete peace of mind with the Toyota Hiace.
Toyota Hiace comes with fuel efficiency capabilities of up to 12km per litre with “ample leg and headroom” to facilitate long-distance travel. Incorporating a roll cage for advanced safety, reclining seats, standard speed governors, and high-mount lights offer vehicle operators, drivers and passengers a comfortable ride without worrying about safety issues.
On his part, Guardian Coach Company Managing Director, Mr Julius Mokaya, extended his appreciation to CFAO Motors Kenya for the excellent quality, noting that with the new fleet, the transport company will be able to expand to new routes, thus positioning it to emerge as one of the most preferred transport companies.
“As we head into the festive season, we are excited to introduce to our customers a newer fleet that will guarantee them safety and comfort as they move from one part of the country to another. The collaboration between CFAO Motors and Guardian Coach reflects a shared vision for the future of public transport services hinged on meeting and exceeding customer expectations,’’ Mr Mokaya said.
The move is part of CFAO Motors’ long-term ambition to support Kenya’s economy through its vision and investment towards local assembly, allowing Kenyans to benefit through technical knowledge transfer and training and create employment opportunities across its various lines of operations.
