CMC Motors Group Managing Director Solomon Macharia says the configuration of the first tranche of at least 170 Ford Ranger pick-ups is ready/MARGARET WAHITO
CMC Motors Group Managing Director Solomon Macharia says the configuration of the first tranche of at least 170 Ford Ranger pick-ups is ready.
“You know these kind of vehicles need to be configured to the colours of the Kenya Police and Administration Police and as we speak, the first tranche has already been prepared,” Macharia announced.
Out of the 530 vehicles, 300 will go to the National Police Service while the remaining 230 will be leased to the Interior Ministry.
The local motor dealer won the tender last year of close to Sh2 billion which will involve the leasing of the Ford Ranger Pick-ups for a period of four years.
“After the four years, these will be an opportunity to either extend the lease or for the vehicles to come back to the leasing company,” Macharia said.
The CMC Motors MD was speaking on Tuesday when the Ford Motor Company reaffirmed its franchise agreement with CMC.
“Kenya is a key market in our sub-Saharan Africa region and a springboard into the rest of East Africa,” said Jeff Nemeth, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company, sub-Saharan who is in Kenya for the first time.
Ford’s announcement comes a few days after CMC Motors fully delisted from the Nairobi Securities exchange (NSE), after a successful buyout of the company by Dubai based Al-Futtaim Group.
READ: CMC Holdings de-listed from NSE after Al -Futtaim buyout
CMC Motors hopes to use the American brand among others to try and grow its market share even as it fully regains its image.
The company lost key franchise like Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) dealership to Thai firm RMA group, but says it is ready for full turn around especially after the buyout.
Ford, through CMC Motors, now plans to introduce five new vehicle models in Kenya alone this year which include Figo, Focus, Fusion, new Everest and new Ranger.
