Simba Corp has signed a partnership with British automaker Morris Garage (MG) for the distribution of electric and diesel vehicles as it seeks to expand its market share in the country.
The firm has disclosed that it signed the deal early this month, allowing it to deliver 25 units of two models of EVs — MG4 and MG ZS — to Kenya Power as the first lot under this partnership. The prices of these models range between Sh5.4 million and Sh6.4 million.
MG is a British automotive brand owned by SAIC Motor — a Chinese state-owned carmaker based in Shanghai — and is known for classic sports cars, as well as for producing a modern range of hybrids and fully electric models.
Speaking to this publication on the side lines of Autopromotec Fair in Bologna in Italy, Simba Corp group managing director Naresh Leekha said the deal will allow the company to reach more customers, especially in the fast-growing EV market.
Simba Corp has been selling petrol and diesel-powered passenger cars and commercial vehicles and holds the local franchises for global automakers such as Mitsubishi, Mahindra, and Proton.
Passenger vehicles
Mr Leekha said Simba’s expansion will include bringing in a complete range of MG passenger vehicles in a move that will see Simba Corp-MG partnership deepen to a wider range of models.
“They [MG] have also promised that they will be introducing commercial vehicles, electric commercial vehicles through us under the MG brand. We have other brands available in our kitty, and we have a much wider range of products today available in terms of electric vehicles,” he stated.
The Autopromotec Fair, one of Europe’s major exhibitions for automotive equipment and aftermarket innovation, emphasised the future of mobility.
The event focused on sustainability, artificial intelligence and connectivity, offering a sneak peek into cutting-edge software, digital repair solutions and sensor applications, alongside traditional sectors like tyres, spare parts and lubricants.
Simba Corp early in the year completed the delivery of eight all-electric Mahindra XUV400 sports utility vehicles to Kenya Power, a move that supported the utility firm’s green transition.
Charging facility
Last year, Kenya Power committed to investing Sh258 million over three years in electric vehicle purchases and charging infrastructure, having already set up a charging facility at its Parklands headquarters. Simba had earlier supplied two similar units to Kenya Power at Sh9 million each.
Globally, the showroom prices of several electric models are now undercutting those of comparable petrol or diesel-powered cars, shifting the economic balance in favour of green alternatives.
Mr Leekha said the pricing and performance that determines the affordability of these EV is in the battery costs.
“In any electric vehicle, the highest cost is that of a battery and as time is progressing, the cost of battery production is coming down, which makes the prices of the EV vehicles to drop,” he said.
However, while the upfront EV prices are decreasing, they are still above similar models of fossil-powered vehicles making it a sticking point for Kenyan motorists.
Beyond the imports, Simba Corp is also banking on local vehicle assembly to drive costs further down and make EVs more accessible to a broader consumer base.
