Nissan embarks on ambitious growth plan in Kenya

Car manufacturer Nissan has embarked on a plan to increase the market share for its cars in the Kenyan market, a move that is fuelled by he increased demand for Nissan’s new high-end brands in the country.

Nissan Managing Director Solomon Osundwa said the company is banking on the recent lifting of travel advisories on Kenya by the United States and the United Kingdom that is expected to help the ailing tourism industry recover and consequently increase the demand for high end vehicles.

Osundwa noted that Kenya is a key market for the company, saying that the country represents opportunities for business growth, trade and investment.

He intimated that some of the long-term plans for the company include establishing a sub-dealership network in Malindi, Machakos, Nyeri, Kericho, Meru, and Nanyuki to add to those already existing in Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret.

In a statement sent to newsrooms, Mr Solomon Osundwa said that the company seeks to increase its market share in Africa, which currently stands at 10 per cent with 200,000 units being sold.

The MD indicated that the company sees Africa as an emerging market and would like to benefit from the continent’s growth potential.

“With a growing middle class, many African markets are still largely non-motorised, thereby proffering many opportunities for expansion and growth in various automotive industries,” read the statement in part.

On Wednesday, Nissan Kenya took media and other guests on a road-trip to showcase the power and capabilities of one of their models, the Nissan Patrol.

Under the guidance of renown rally driver Carl (Flash) Tundo, and Timothy Jessop, his navigator, media and guests were treated to a show of the capabilities of the vehicle on Kenyan roads.

The drive that began from Nairobi to Naivasha then to Nanyuki saw the vehicle tackle different terrain, from smooth city roads to rural gravel roads and rain forest terrain.

Speaking in praise of the model that was produced in Nigeria, the Nissan MD said: “The Nissan Patrol is built for Africa – the hero of all terrains. It’s a vehicle that showcases Nissan’s innovative technology and engineering capabilities with surprising fuel efficiency.”