Automobiles have become an essential part of our daily lives. It has completely improved our way of transport and aided in fast and convenient ways of transporting goods and services. The automobile industry has evolved significantly over the years, from combustion engines to electric cars. There are dozens of automobile manufacturing companies across the world with new ones emerging from Africa.
It is estimated that over 1 million cars are imported into Sub-Saharan Africa each year with about 90 percent being used cars from Japan, the EU, and the US. In 2013 981,199 used vehicles were imported to West Africa alone, which makes up 71.1 percent of the total imported vehicles. In Ghana, an estimated 100, 000 cars are imported into the country each year, of which about 90 percent are used vehicles, with an estimated value of US$1.14 billion per annum.
However, some African automobile manufacturing companies have started responding by producing durable and affordable cars specifically built for the African terrain. And there are African countries which have also introduced regulations to ban used vehicles over five years old among other reasons to foster the patronage of locally manufactured vehicles.
In today’s video, we shall take a look at some of the vehicles designed and made in Africa for the African market. If you’re new to the channel, click on the subscribe button so you don’t miss any of our forthcoming videos.
Mobius Motors
Mobius is a Kenyan car manufacturer founded by Joel Jackson in 2011. The company designs, builds, and sells vehicles specifically targeted at the African market. The company launched its first generational model Mobius which is a low-cost design SUV in 2015. The vehicle’s iconic design combined with its rugged suspension and the proven engine delivers the durability to handle rough roads reliably.
It was then followed by the Mobius II which was based on customer feedback. It is a 4×4 vehicle loaded with a raft of standard features like GPS navigation, WiFi connectivity, USB connection, Bluetooth for hands-free calling, and an 8” high-definition touchscreen display. It also comes with safety features like driver and passenger airbags, anti-lock brakes, child seat anchors, and seatbelts.
The company’s vision is to bring robust, reliable, and versatile vehicles to the African market and connect millions of people across the continent.
Kiira Motors
Originally developed by students from Uganda’s Makerere University for a project headed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2007, Kiira Motors Corporation is now a well-established car manufacturing company in Uganda. It is a state enterprise established to champion value addition in the emerging motor vehicle industry in Uganda. The company is developing long-term technology partnerships to build core capabilities to develop and sell motor vehicle components in Africa and beyond.
Kiira EV is said to be the first electric vehicle manufactured in Africa in 2011. It is powered by a rechargeable battery and also has an internal combustion engine-based generator that charges the battery. The vehicle can travel up to 80 kilometers on a single charge. Kiira Motors has developed other models like the Kayoola EVS, a fully electric low-floor bus that can travel up to 300 kilometers on a full charge.
For long-distance transportation, they have the Kayoola Diesel Coach, a premium intercity bus equipped with an onboard toilet and refrigerator to maximize comfort in long-distance transportation.
Wallyscar
Located in the city of Tunis, Wallyscar is the only African brand car that is exported to Europe. The Tunisian car manufacturing company was established by the Guiga brothers in 2016. Since its inception, Wallys has produced more than 2,200 cars and employed over 120 people. All vehicles are hand-crafted with much attention to detail, making them the cars with the most reliable, economical, and compact engines on the market.
The company has two models, the IRIS, a convertible SUV with 3 cylinders, 82 horsepower, and a maximum speed of 159 km/h. Its low center of gravity, rigid body structure and large crumple zones provide unmatched protection. Customers also have multiple color options to pick from.
The second model is the Wallys 216 Pick-Up. The model is ideal in town and on the slopes and is capable of offering exceptional performance. The 216 is capable of carrying heavy loads while moving with ease thanks to its suspension, gearbox, improved clutch, and engine. It has 4 cylinders, and steel bodywork and can travel up to 157 km/h.
Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company
Innoson Motors is a car manufacturing company founded by a Nigerian-born entrepreneur, Innocent Chukwuma. The Nigerian auto brand, nicknamed the Pride of Africa Road is focused on producing affordable and durable vehicles for Africans to prevent the importation of used cars into Africa. The company has a wide range of production and 70% of the car parts are produced locally, and the rest is sourced from abroad.
The company produces various types of vehicles including Salon cars, SUVs, Buses, Minivans, pickups, and many others. The fuel consumption is economical with low chances of overheating and reinforced shock absorbers to withstand the rugged nature of some of the roads in Africa.
Because they’re tailor-made to serve the economic needs of Africans, the cost of maintenance is relatively low with spare parts readily available. The company is committed to reducing the importation of used foreign cars into Nigeria and Africa.
Nord Automobile
We also have Nord Automobile, another Nigerian automotive manufacturer that designs and assembles premium vehicles at a relatively competitive cost. This is done through designing, sourcing, developing, distributing, marketing, and servicing high-quality automobiles for customers. They have an impressive array of brands including the Nord Tank, Nord Max, Nord Tusk, Nord Flit, Nord A3 Sedan, Nord A5 SUV, Nord A7 SUV, Nord Yarn, Nord Tripper, and many more.
Kantanka Automobile
Kantanka automobile is a Ghanaian Car Company founded by Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka. The company specializes in the manufacturing of on-road and off-road vehicles that ably tackle challenging terrain. The company researches, designs, and develops cars that institutions, government agencies, and individuals will need by analyzing market trends, consumer behavior, and surveys. The objective of the company is to manufacture and assemble cars that give value for money to medium and lower-income earners in Ghana, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the rest of Africa.
Over the years Kantanka automobile has designed and built many models including the Kantanka Mensah, Kantaka Onantefo, Kantaka Omama, Kantanka Amoanimaa, and the K71. The company recently previewed its new electric car set to hit the market in 2023.
As the importation of used vehicles continues to soar higher in the sub-region, it is refreshing to see African entrepreneurs designing and developing vehicles specifically geared for the local market. If you enjoyed this video, give it a thumbs up, subscribe and share.
