The twin launches are a significant drive for the company as it targets growth in the Mount Kenya, Eastern and Rift Valley regions
Automotive manufacturer, Simba Corporation has unveiled its new Ashok Leyland ECOMET Truck model with an aim to position the product in the lucrative light duty trucks segment.
The development coincided with the opening of a new dealership in Thika Town, Swanley Motors, and enhances the firm’s efforts in gaining market share by positioning the 7 tonne truck, in the competitive 7 to 10 tonne trucks category that in 2023 registered total sales of 1,378 units.
“Priced at Sh4.5M, the ECOMET is a versatile solution that can easily convert into a 29 or 33 seater bus, which gives us an opportunity to tap into the larger public and mass transport segments of the market,” Naresh Leekha, the Group managing director, Motors Division, at Simba Corporation, said.
The company, through its subsidiary Deluxe Trucks and Buses, says it now aims to capture a wider market share while providing customer solutions beyond the traditional trucking needs such as hardware, mattresses, water tank and other logistics segments.
According to Mohamed Varvany, the Chief Commercial Officer of Simba Corporation, there will be financing offers among other incentives for the trucks including an after sales assurance of 5 years warranty, or 500,000 km, whichever comes first.
“Most businesses budget and make plans for purchase investments at the beginning of the year. For us this is an opportune time to announce our dealership arrangement with Swanley Motors and start building relationships with new truck customers. With the current state of the economy, customers want a truck that is well priced and which they can easily present to their financing partners for support without the fear or concerns of failure to perform,” said Mr. Varvany.
Targeting key business segments such as corporate and public service transport, agribusiness and processing, construction and education transport sectors, Varvany added that the new Thika dealership offering sales, spares, and vehicle servicing will also position other Simba Corporation brands in the region, including the Mahindra Scorpio Pick-ups which come with a 5 year warranty or 150,000 km after sales assurance.
