Local Motor dealer, CMC Motors, has received a major shot in the arm from the Ford Motor Company which has reaffirmed its franchise agreement, today.CMC Motors, a wholly owned subsidiary of Al-Futtaim Automotive Group, will now enjoy full franchisee support from the Ford Motor Company as part of an elaborate business development plan.A delegation of senior Ford Motor Company executives who are in the country for a two day visit have reaffirmed the firm’s 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.
“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,” He said.
As part of the commitment, CMC Holdings Limited Group CEO, Mark Kass, confirmed that plans to launch a variety of new Ford models are now underway as the firm moves to enhance its current range. CMC Motors, Kass added, is also investing in a Quick Lane Service Centre to enhance the firm’s customer experience.
“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 Figo, Focus, Fusion, Everest and Ranger,” Kass assured. “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,” he added.
Further, Kass noted that, Ford’s, renewed partnership with the CMC Motors Group is a key factor in the firm’s growth strategy as it 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.
He expressed optimism that 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, 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.
“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.
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.