CFAO Motors has initiated the assembly of Toyota Fortuners at the Associated Vehicle Assemblers (AVA) facility located in Mombasa County. The company has invested Kshs 120 million in AVA for technology upgrades and training to support the new assembly line.
The plant was inaugurated by President William Ruto and is expected to generate direct employment for 100 people and indirect employment for 500 others. CFAO Motors is also committed to promoting local sourcing of parts through technology transfer and technical expertise.
Chairman Dennis Awori revealed that in the first year, they plan to assemble 350 vehicles, with the potential for a gradual increase in accordance with the National Automotive Policy and the growing market demand. The inclusion of the Fortuner assembly line expands CFAO Motors Kenya’s locally assembled vehicle range following its recent merger with DT Dobie.
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Currently, CFAO Motors Kenya already locally assembles various vehicles, including the Land Cruiser LC79 series, Hino trucks and buses, Hilux single and double cab pickups, and the Toyota Hiace (mini-bus) at the AVA. Additionally, they assemble Mercedes-Benz trucks and buses, Hyundai trucks, and Volkswagen passenger cars at the Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers assembly plant in Thika.
Managing Director Arvinder Reel expressed optimism about the anticipated operationalization of the National Automotive Policy, which is expected to fuel exponential growth in the local assembly of vehicles. The policy’s implementation not only promises more job opportunities and increased local component manufacturing capacity but also presents Kenyans with the chance to own brand new vehicles at more affordable prices.
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