Automotive

CFAO Mobility Kenya hosts Mercedes-Benz 140-year expedition stop and unveils new S-Class

CFAO Mobility Kenya hosts Mercedes-Benz 140-year expedition stop and unveils new S-Class

4 min read

CFAO Mobility Kenya on 17 August 2026 hosted Mercedes-Benz customers and partners in Nairobi to mark 140 years since the company traces the origins of the modern motor car, alongside the local unveiling of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class at Muthaiga Golf & Country Club.

According to CFAO Mobility Kenya, the event drew His Excellency Ambassador Sebastian Groth, Germany’s ambassador to Kenya, alongside business leaders, partners and automotive enthusiasts. The company said the anniversary milestone links back to 1886, when Carl Benz patented the Motorwagen.

The Nairobi event also served as Kenya’s stop on Mercedes-Benz’s global “140 Years. 140 Places” campaign, which the company said is taking three S-Class vehicles on a route spanning six continents. In the statement, CFAO Mobility Kenya said the vehicles are expected to travel more than 60,000 kilometres and visit 140 locations before the expedition returns to Stuttgart, Germany, in October 2026.

CFAO Mobility Kenya said the expedition had already visited more than 70 destinations, including European stops in Stuttgart, Brussels and Paris, routes through the Americas such as Buenos Aires, the Andes, New York and Miami, and multiple cities in China including Beijing, Jinan, Lianyungang, Suzhou and Shanghai. The company also listed additional stops across Asia and Southeast Asia, including Seoul, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and Bhutan, as well as India.

For Kenya’s business landscape, the event underscores the continued focus by global automotive brands and their local distributors on the premium end of the market, as well as the importance of after-sales networks and customer service in sustaining demand. The stop also reflects the role of Nairobi as a regional hub for multinational brand activity and high-value consumer segments.

Arvinder Reel, Managing Director of CFAO Mobility Kenya, told attendees the anniversary was intended to highlight the brand’s history and ongoing evolution. “Tonight is not simply about celebrating a number, it is about celebrating legacy. A legacy that began in 1886, when Carl Benz patented the Motorwagen and fundamentally changed the way the world moves,” Reel said, according to the press release. He added that Mercedes-Benz’s 140-year journey demonstrated the importance of continually challenging what is possible in mobility.

Idrissa Diagne, General Manager for Mercedes Benz at CFAO Mobility Kenya, said the distributor would continue bringing new models and technologies to the market. “Together with our customers, enthusiasts, and communities, we are celebrating a historic milestone that honors the brand's enduring legacy of innovation, engineering excellence, and pioneering spirit,” Diagne said. “As the authorised Mercedes-Benz distributor in Kenya, we remain committed to bringing our customers the latest advancements in safety, performance, connectivity, and luxury,” he added.

CFAO Mobility Kenya linked the event to its corporate history in Kenya, noting that its predecessor DT Dobie has represented Mercedes-Benz in the country since 1949. The company added that after the 2023 integration of CFAO Motors (formerly Toyota Kenya) and DT Dobie, the businesses now operate under CFAO Mobility Kenya Limited.

The company said the local product highlight was the unveiling of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class. While CFAO Mobility Kenya did not disclose pricing or specifications for the Kenyan market in the statement, it positioned the model as Mercedes-Benz’s flagship platform for introducing innovations that later influence the wider automotive industry.

CFAO Mobility Kenya said its current Mercedes-Benz line-up in Kenya includes the C-Class, E-Class and S-Class saloons; GLC, GLE, GLS and G-Class SUVs; and Vito, V-Class and Sprinter vans.

Looking ahead, the next milestone for the wider campaign is the expedition’s return to Stuttgart in October 2026, after completing the remaining locations on its 140-stop route. Locally, the launch signals CFAO Mobility Kenya’s continued effort to refresh its premium portfolio while leaning on its after-sales footprint as a differentiator in Kenya’s competitive vehicle distribution market.

CFAO Mobility Kenya has hosted a Mercedes-Benz brand event in Nairobi to mark 140 years since the invention of the motor car and to unveil the latest S-Class sedan. The event formed part of the global “140 Years. 140 Places” expedition that is touring six continents before returning to Stuttgart in October 2026.

Vivo Energy Kenya names George King’ara Shell V-Power influencer for Budapest games

Vivo Energy Kenya names George King’ara Shell V-Power influencer for Budapest games

3 min read

Vivo Energy Kenya has selected Kenyan automotive content creator George King’ara as the country’s Shell V-Power influencer and representative at the Shell V-Power Games in Budapest, Hungary, according to a company press release dated July 22, 2026.

The company said the global event will bring together more than 60 creators who will take part in “physical, mental, team and driving challenges.” Vivo Energy Kenya also noted that the programme is positioned around Shell V-Power’s association with Scuderia Ferrari and will run alongside the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.

The announcement adds to a growing trend of consumer brands in Kenya using creator-led marketing and experiential events to build audience engagement, particularly in automotive and motorsport-adjacent communities. For local businesses, such partnerships increasingly sit alongside traditional advertising as companies compete for attention across social media platforms.

King’ara said the selection marks a new milestone for his content career. “I am incredibly honoured to represent Kenya at the Shell V-Power Games in Budapest. What started as a passion for creating automotive content has opened doors to an amazing global opportunity,” George King’ara said in the press release. He added: “This is a proud moment for me as I partner with a strong brand such as Shell V-Power to tell its story. I'm excited to fly the Kenyan flag high, connect with creators from around the world and watch my heroes battle it out for position one at the F1 Hungary GP.”

Peter Murungi, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Kenya, said the initiative is intended to communicate the Shell V-Power narrative through creator participation. “We are delighted to have George King’ara represent Kenya at the Shell V-Power Games. Seeing a Kenyan creator stand alongside over 60 other international creators reflects the growing influence of our creative industry and Vivo Energy’s commitment to providing opportunities that inspire,” Murungi said. “Through Shell V-Power's partnership with Scuderia Ferrari, this initiative allows us to bring Shell’s performance story to life in a way that resonates with our customers and inspires the next generation.”

In its statement, Vivo Energy Kenya said the event will feature creators from multiple countries, citing South Africa’s actress and media personality Nomzamo Mbatha and Morocco’s television presenter Hicham Masrar among participants.

The company said Shell V-Power is “engineered in collaboration with Scuderia Ferrari” and described Shell and Ferrari as having a long-standing motorsport partnership. It also claimed that Shell V-Power is “the only fuel used, trusted and recommended by Ferrari,” a statement attributed to the press release.

For Kenya’s fuel retail and mobility sectors, the campaign highlights how global brand assets—such as Formula 1 partnerships—are increasingly localised through market-specific activations. Industry observers note that such initiatives can influence brand preference among higher-frequency motorists and urban consumers, while also elevating local digital creators into international campaigns.

Vivo Energy Kenya said King’ara has built a following through vehicle reviews, driving experiences and industry insights, which the company said has contributed to the visibility of Kenya’s digital automotive culture.

The company said audiences can follow updates through Shell Kenya’s social media channels and Shell Motorsport’s global pages, with “challenge announcements, voting information, and leaderboard updates” shared online.

Vivo Energy Kenya’s communications office said media queries can be directed to press-ke@vivoenergy.com or +254 715 828 427.

Vivo Energy Kenya has selected automotive content creator George King’ara to represent Kenya at the Shell V-Power Games in Budapest, Hungary. The company says the event will bring together more than 60 creators for a series of physical, mental, team and driving challenges tied to Shell V-Power’s motorsport-linked branding.

CFAO Mobility Kenya unveils three new Suzuki models targeting cost-conscious buyers

CFAO Mobility Kenya unveils three new Suzuki models targeting cost-conscious buyers

4 min read

CFAO Mobility Kenya has unveiled three new Suzuki models—Super Carry, Eeco and Across—in Kenya as it targets buyers it says are increasingly cost-conscious and focused on running costs, reliability and practicality.

The company said in a press statement dated June 25, 2026 that the models are intended to expand mobility options for individuals and small businesses, including last-mile logistics and passenger transport operators. The unveiling was attended by National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Director General Nashon Kondiwa, according to the photo captions shared with the statement.

The launch comes as Kenya’s automotive market continues to tilt towards value pricing and operational efficiency, driven by high fuel costs and tighter household budgets. Light commercial vehicles and multi-purpose vans have also gained relevance as micro, small and medium-sized enterprises seek lower-cost ways to move goods and people in congested urban areas.

“Kenya’s automotive market is increasingly value-driven, with buyers being cost-conscious and seeking vehicles that offer better value, are reliable, practical, and cost-efficient over time,” said Arvinder Reel, Managing Director of CFAO Mobility Kenya, during the unveiling ceremony. He added that the new Suzuki line-up is aimed at making car ownership “more attainable” for first-time buyers.

Reel also linked the product strategy to broader mobility priorities. “By prioritizing safety, reliability, and accessibility, Suzuki by CFAO Mobility Kenya continues to promote inclusive mobility solutions that address the diverse transportation needs of Kenyans,” he said.

According to CFAO Mobility Kenya, the Suzuki Super Carry is a light-duty pickup designed for small businesses and last-mile logistics. The company said the vehicle has a 30-litre fuel tank and a payload capacity of up to 730 kilograms, and is designed to operate in tight urban environments. It is configured as a two-seat, single-cab pickup and uses a high-strength steel chassis, CFAO Mobility Kenya said.

The second model, the Suzuki Eeco, is a multi-purpose van aimed at both family and business use. CFAO Mobility Kenya said it can carry up to seven passengers and has a payload capacity of 615 kilograms. The company added that the Eeco has a 32-litre fuel tank and is intended for urban use, including passenger transport and deliveries.

The Suzuki Across, described by CFAO Mobility Kenya as an SUV, is positioned for drivers who need both city use and off-road capability. The company said the vehicle has all-wheel-drive, a five-seat cabin, a 45-litre fuel tank and a 1.5-litre engine. It also cited safety features including six airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), dual sensor brake support and hill assist.

CFAO Mobility Kenya said the new models will be supported through an aftersales and service footprint of “over 43 branches, dealerships, and authorised service centres” nationwide. The company did not disclose pricing for the three vehicles, or expected unit sales.

For Kenya’s market, the product mix signals continued competition in entry-level passenger vehicles and small commercial segments, where buyers weigh acquisition price against fuel consumption, maintenance costs and parts availability. The emphasis on aftersales reach also reflects the importance of service access for commercial operators, who typically prioritise uptime and repair turnaround times.

CFAO Mobility Kenya, a subsidiary of the CFAO Group, distributes and services multiple vehicle brands in Kenya, including Toyota, Volkswagen, Suzuki and Mercedes-Benz, among others, according to the statement. The company also operates value parts and quick service offerings and a certified pre-owned vehicle line.

CFAO Mobility Kenya did not provide timelines for dealer availability beyond stating the models are being introduced to the market, nor did it outline any financing partnerships. Market watchers will likely look to pricing and financing terms as the next key milestones that will determine adoption among small businesses and first-time buyers.

CFAO Mobility Kenya has unveiled three new Suzuki models—Super Carry, Eeco and Across—positioning them as affordable and fuel-efficient options for individuals and small businesses. The company says the vehicles will be supported by its aftersales network of more than 43 branches, dealerships and authorised service centres across Kenya.

CFAO Mobility Kenya unveils three new Suzuki models targeting cost-conscious buyers

CFAO Mobility Kenya unveils three new Suzuki models targeting cost-conscious buyers

3 min read

CFAO Mobility Kenya has unveiled three new Suzuki models in Kenya—Super Carry, Eeco and Across—targeting buyers seeking lower upfront and running costs, the company said in a press statement dated June 25, 2026.

The distributor said the new vehicles are intended to serve both individuals and small businesses, citing demand in a “value-driven” automotive market where buyers are increasingly cost-conscious. The launch was attended by, among others, National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Director General Nashon Kondiwa, according to photo captions shared with the statement.

The move comes as Kenyan motorists continue to weigh vehicle affordability against operating expenses such as fuel and maintenance, while small enterprises—particularly in delivery and transport—look for practical vehicles that can handle urban congestion and frequent use.

Arvinder Reel, Managing Director of CFAO Mobility Kenya, said the company is responding to shifting purchasing priorities. “Kenya’s automotive market is increasingly value-driven, with buyers being cost-conscious and seeking vehicles that offer better value, are reliable, practical, and cost-efficient over time,” Reel said. “The Suzuki models are designed to make car ownership more attainable with the models reflecting the brand’s strong commitment to cost-conscious consumers and first-time buyers.”

Reel added that the company is placing emphasis on broader access and safety. “By prioritizing safety, reliability, and accessibility, Suzuki by CFAO Mobility Kenya continues to promote inclusive mobility solutions that address the diverse transportation needs of Kenyans,” he said.

According to the press statement, the Suzuki Super Carry is positioned as a light-duty pickup for small businesses and last-mile logistics. CFAO Mobility Kenya said the model has a 30-litre fuel tank and a payload capacity of up to 730kg, with a two-seat single-cab layout aimed at commercial use.

The Suzuki Eeco, described as a multi-purpose van, is intended for both family and business applications. The company said it can carry up to seven passengers and has a payload capacity of 615kg, alongside a 32-litre fuel tank. CFAO Mobility Kenya said the model is designed for passenger transport and deliveries in urban settings.

For buyers seeking a higher-seating SUV, CFAO Mobility Kenya introduced the Suzuki Across, which it said comes with all-wheel-drive capability and a 45-litre fuel tank. The company said the SUV is powered by a 1.5-litre engine and includes safety features such as six airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), Dual Sensor Brake support and hill assist.

In the Kenyan market, new model introductions by formal distributors are often weighed against the country’s sizable second-hand import segment, where price remains a key determinant. CFAO Mobility Kenya’s strategy—centred on running costs, durability and aftersales coverage—signals a bid to compete not only on product features but also on ownership experience, a factor that can influence fleet and SME purchasing decisions.

CFAO Mobility Kenya said the new Suzuki models will be supported by its aftersales and service footprint, which it described as “over 43 branches, dealerships, and authorised service centres” nationwide.

Further details such as recommended retail prices, financing options and availability timelines were not included in the statement. Industry observers will watch whether the models gain traction among SMEs in delivery, transport and trade, where reliability, service access and cost of ownership can shape vehicle choice.

CFAO Mobility Kenya has introduced three new Suzuki models—Super Carry, Eeco and Across—in Kenya, positioning them around affordability and lower running costs. The company says the lineup is aimed at individuals and small businesses, supported by its aftersales footprint of more than 43 branches, dealerships and authorised service centres.