Fresh boost for transport as new locally assembled vehicle rolls off KVM line

A locally assembled omnibus has been unveiled in Thika in a partnership between Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) Ltd and GB Auto.

The vehicle branded King Long Kingwin Microbus that comes with a turbo charged engine is touted to be fuel efficient and cost effective and suitable for the matatu industry, according to its manufacturers.

Speaking during the launch at KVM’s Thika assembly line in Kiambu County, GB Auto East Africa Managing Director, Gaurav Kaul said research has shown that the Kenyan market is rife for the model which has a 14-passenger capacity.

“This strategic investment reaffirms GB Auto’s commitment to contributing to the growth and development of the Kenyan automobile market. The company looks forward to playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of mobility in Kenya, and building lasting partnerships with local stakeholders,” he said.

Create jobs

The MD asserted that introduction of the vehicles into the Kenyan market will help boost the country’s economy as well as create jobs for Kenyans amid the current unemployment crisis in the country.

“We are projecting mass manufacturing of our vehicles and this will go a long way in creating employment opportunities for Kenyans,” Kaul said.

He also averred that the vehicles have been fitted with Euro IV engines that not only save on fuel consumption but also help in conservation of the environment since it doesn’t emit toxic gases into the environment.

The Sales Manager Danny Fu expressed confidence that the vehicle will be embraced by the Kenyan matatu industry on account of its features.

“One of the flagship products in GB Auto’s Kenyan portfolio is the Kingwin XMQ6520EA Microbus, a EURO 4 Microbus meticulously crafted to cater specifically to the unique requirements of the Kenyan market. GB Auto proudly holds the distinguished position of being the sole dealer for this exceptional vehicle in Kenya,” he said.

Fu stated that the vehicle is ideal for various sectors as it can be used as a matatu, a school van, private firms for goods logistics and tourism industry among others. He added that it’s an affordable product whose price stands at Sh3.5 million.

Affordable mobility

“We are determined to provide affordable mobility to Kenyans through our affordable products. Our first 50 customers will have a warranty of three years or 100 kilometres of service,” he said.

Moses Muriithi, an Engineer at GD Auto divulged that they have enough spare parts for the vehicle, adding that they are locally accessible and affordable.

KVM Quality Assurance Manager Rachael Wahinya rallied Kenyans to support local investments in the spirit of the Buy Kenya Build Kenya initiative which she noted will perk up the country’s manufacturing sector and turnaround the economy. 

The assembler puts together multiple vehicle brands including those from Crown Motors (Nissan), PSA Group (Peugeot) and CMC Motors (Nissan Diesel, Eicher, and MAN).