Ford reaffirms commitment to growth in Kenya

Ford Motor Company reaffirms its commitment to Kenya as one of the company’s priority growth markets on the African continent.

“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 region. As the biggest economy in East Africa, Kenya’s GDP growth in 2014 peaked at 5.4%*. A growing middle class, coupled with a business environment conducive for growth, makes it an undeniably attractive market for Ford on the continent.

“The creation of Ford’s fifth business unit Middle East and Africa ensures we have dedicated resources and manpower to bring the latest generation of products and smart technologies to the market,” Nemeth explained. “We are projecting increased share of the market for Ford in Kenya at the end of 2015, up from the 3.3% recorded in 2014. From the 579 sales last year, we are targeting significant growth.

In addition, Ford’s continued partnership with CMC Motors Group is a key factor in this growth strategy and will ensure a dynamic and exciting future for Ford in Kenya. This will also deliver the highest levels of quality and customer experience in sales and service that match Ford’s global standards.

Mark Kass, Group CEO of CMC Holdings Limited and his team at CMC Motors believe 2015 will be an extraordinary year for Ford in Kenya, as the brand continues to set the standards for innovation, quality and customer service.

“With the newly energized CMC Motors and their shareholder, Al Futtaim Automotive Group’s commitment and dedication to partnering with Ford Motor Company as their authorized dealer in Kenya, sales of Ford models are expected to grow significantly in 2015 with resultant market share growth of over 2%. This growth is a substantial improvement on the already impressive 31% sales growth performance registered since 2012,” Kass said.

Through CMC Motors, the portfolio of Ford cars, pick-up trucks and sports utility vehicles (SUVs) is set to grow significantly. By the end of the year, Ford’s line-up will include a raft of exciting new models, including the Focus, Fusion, Everest and Ranger. CMC is also investing in a Quick Lane Service Centre to allowfor a customer-focused business.

“Quick Lane not only provides all the regular services cars and trucks need – oil and filter changes, brake repairs, tyre replacements, wiper blades, belts and hoses, to name but a few– it does so while you wait,” concluded Nemeth.

“CMC will re-dedicate its efforts in improving its customer experiences by investing in the Quick Lane Service Centre, modernizing the Ford showroom and offering a rich mix of Ford vehicles which will be introduced to East Africa in 2015,” addedKass.

*Source the World Bank