Rivals of RMA group, the authorized dealer of the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) dealership in Kenya are on the rush to secure the rights selling the luxury vehicles as the dealer is set to leave the market.
RMA, a Thailand based dealer was established in 2013 and mandated as the official merchant for JLRs sales, services, and provision of spare parts. The franchise took over from CMC, which had graced the market for several years.
According to a source, the UK-based JLR will pick RMA’s replacement at least before June. The move will see the new dealer enjoy exclusive and fast-selling luxury car in the country including Jaguar and Range Rover brands.
Statistics from the Kenya Motor Industry Association (KMI), show that in 2017, the exiting JLR dealer sold 92 units of cars, a figure topping other premium car dealers. The numbers represent 38.3 percent of all 240 units sold in the segment.
The move by RMA to exit the Kenyan markets comes at a time when most dealers in the automotive industry have been constantly reviewing their franchises.
Not long ago, General Motors terminated the sale of Isuzu East Africa’s sale of Chevrolet vehicles while DT Dobie lost the Nissan franchise to Crown Motors and took over Volkswagen sale from CMC.
The sale of high-end cars in 2017 fell by 15.7 percent last year, and BMW remained the only luxury brand to register positive demands. This shows how the market for high-end vehicles is dropping.
The 240 units sold in 2017 is a tumble from a total of 285 units sold in 2016. According to KMI, this is the second time the demands have declined after it registered high sales of 409 units in 2015.
Although the RMA exit talks are underway, some individuals doubt whether the dealer would quit the Kenyan market. If all the signs were positive and in the green, there would be no solid basis for leaving if things are patched up.
Meanwhile, if you are looking for amazing discounts on Land Rovers, you should grab this chance as RMA is offering the best deals amidst the exit discussions.