At Sh50,000, you can reserve a car

President Uhuru Kenyatta admires a locally made vehicle on 20th November 2014 at the Kenyatta international conference center. This was during the inaugural Kenya international investment conference (KICCO)

SUMMARY

• Mobius motors launched its first car in 2014
• One can reserve the new model at Sh50,000
• The new model comes with enhanced features like power-steering, lockable doors, sealed windows, an optional tablet, and refined body-panelling

NAIROBI, KENYA: When the maiden model of Mobius II was launched in 2014, it received mixed reactions from motorists; some called it an ugly contraption, while others like Isika Ndolongwe, a field assistant at Juhudi Kilimo, said it a was powerful and economical machine.

Needless to say, Mobius Motors listened and soon began engineering Mobius II, a new version which they say comes with more features but still affordable.

The chief operating officer of Mobius Motors Sunru Yong says the new generation is an improvement of the previous model, but it has retained its original durability.

“The next generation of Mobius II offers many improvements such as power-steering, lockable doors, sealed windows, an optional tablet, and refined body-panelling,” he told Citybiz.

According to statistics from National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), 696 people have lost their lives as a result of road accidents since January this year.

As a safety precaution, the Mobius II has a five-gear manual transmission with an overall space-frame architecture to minimise damage to the passenger cabin.

“The car has energy-absorbent crash zones to minimise the impact during an accident,” Sunru said. “We have virtual and physical crash tests in place towards compliance to international standards. The new Mobius II has been designed with better capability for frontal, side and roll over crash protection.”

According to the manufacturers, the new Mobius II is also designed and engineered, tested and validated on local road conditions to give motorists optimal support. The suspension and the power train are specifically calibrated for the Kenyan conditions.

With just Sh50,000, Kenyans can reserve the new ride which otherwise costs Sh1.3 million.

This price is comparable to a pre-owned seven-year old sedan, which is not designed to operate reliably on rough roads or to carry heavy goods – making the new Mobius II the logical choice for the local market.

“We also cooperate with several local banks for vehicle financing offers and are working with leasing companies,” Sunru explained.

 The new Mobius II can be used for transporting goods, driving upcountry on rural roads, or simply cruising around town.

Mobius Motors is the car maker, while Thika-based Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) is the assembling line for the car. Mobius, whose design and engineering works are supported by American billionaire Ronald Lauder, has opened a showroom at Sameer Business Park along Mombasa Road.