Africa Automotive July-August digital issue 2023

Africa Automotive 

July-August 2023 Volume 5 issue no. 28 

Bus tyre inflation 

Importance of proper inflation and its impact on the vehicle performance 

In this issue...... 

How can I tell if the Insurance 

Company is treating me fairly 

after a car accident?... 

Smart Manufacturing Is 

the Future of Automotive 

Manufacturing... 

Automakers chart path for 

electric vehicles adoption, 

development... 

Pg 27 Pg 18 

Pg 32

July-August issue l 2023 

Current Issue 

In this issue, we look 

at the importance of 

proper inflation and its 

impact on the vehicle 

performance & much 

more...enjoy the issue! 

Contents 

Contents 

REGULARS 

News Briefs 4 

Events 10 

Innovation 12 

Opinion 18 

Safety Tips 36 

20 

16 

18 

Director 

Augustine M. Rang’ondi 

Senior Editor & 

Marketing Lead 

Dorcas Kang’ereha 

Writers 

Harriet Mkhaye 

Irene Joseph 

Innocent Momanyi 

Sales Executives 

East Africa 

Lydia Kamonya 

Caiser Momanyi 

Vincent Murono 

Sheila Ing’ayitsa 

South Africa 

Paul Nyakeri 

Sean Masangwanyi 

Lisa Brown 

Thembisa Ndlovu 

Nigeria 

Emelda Njomboro 

Uche Maxwel 

COVER STORY 

Tyre inflation: The importance of proper inflation and its 

impact on the vehicle performance 

Features 

Automotive Refinish 4CR: Offering holistic refinishing 

solutions that empower to achieve exceptional results 

Manufacturing: How Kenya can fast-track its automotive 

manufacturing growth 

Car accident personal injuries: How can I tell if the Insurance 

Company is treating me fairly after a car accident? 

Electric vehicle: Automakers chart path for electric vehicles 

adoption, development 

Maintenance tips: The Benefits of Regular Bus Maintenance 

26 

10 

Designed and 

Published by: 

Josem Trust Place, 

3rd Floor, Bunyala Road, 

Upper Hill. 

P.O. Box 52248-00100, 

Nairobi, Kenya. 

ADVERTISER'S INDEX 

Eumatch.....................................................................................IFC 

Thomas Hardie Commercials Ltd.........................................IBC 

Speedy.......................................................................................OBC 

Ceramic i3..................................................................................pg 10 

Africa Automotive....................................................................pg 11 

4CR-car refinish.......................................................................pg 16 

AJ Automotive..........................................................................pg 24 

Mars Exim...................................................................................pg 25 

Henkel......................... ................................................................pg 29 

Birla Tyres....................................................................................pg 30 

Everchen Filters..........................................................................pg30 

Africa Automotive......................................................................pg 30 

34 

Contact us 

Tel: +254 113 194 740 

Emaii: info@africaautomotivenews.com 

Web: https://africaautomotivenews.com 

The Editor accepts letter and manuscripts for publication from readers all over the world. Include your name and address as a sign of good faith although you may 

request your name to be withheld from publication. We can reserve the right to edit any material submitted. Send your letters to: info@africaautomotivenews.com 

Disclaimer: 

Nailex Africa Publishing Ltd makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the contents of its publications, but no warranty is made to such accuracy 

and no responsibility will be borne by the publisher for the consequences of actions based on information so published. Further, opinions expressed 

on interviews are not necessarily shared by Nailex Africa Publishing Ltd. 

Africa Automotive News l 2023 3

News 


Tanzania plans subsidy for Compressed Natural Gas vehicles 

The government of Tanzania 

is considering a possible 

subsidy for Compressed 

Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles 

to encourage uptake of the 

alternative to fuel consumption, this 

is according to Works and Transport 

minister, Prof. Makame Mbarawa. 

“The public authority is thinking 

about acquainting a subsidy program 

program with draw in additional 

individuals to change their vehicles 

over completely to CNG,” said the 

minister during an occasion to 

celebrate 50 years of Scania in 

Tanzania held in Dar es Salaam. 

The auto organization which starts 

from Sweden, bargains in the 

creation of transport vehicles. Prof. 

Mbarawa said the collaboration 

among Tanzania and Sweden has 

empowered advancement and 

critical improvement for a long time. 

Image: tpdctz 

“I salute Scania for their 

extraordinary work in reinforcing the 

relations between our nations. I’m 

especially intrigued by these natural 

gas-powered vehicles, which will 

decrease working expenses and air 

contamination,” he said. 

The Swedish Envoy to Tanzania, 

Charlotta Ozaki Macias, said it was 

extraordinary for an organization 

to keep going for 50 years in the 

Tanzanian market. 

“I accept that Scania plays a 

significant part in guaranteeing that 

Tanzania moves towards a green 

economy,” she said. 

Overseeing Head of Scania Tanzania, 

Lars Eklund, focused on that they 

keep on searching for venture open 

doors in the country to advance 

Tanzania’s turn of events. 

VON Automobile and Ashok Leyland assembler lauds Nigeria’s 

investment mission in India 

Dr. Harpreet Singh, the 

Managing Director of VON 

Automobile Nigeria, has 

commended Bola Tinubu’s 

efforts, highlighting the prospective 

investment in Nigeria’s automotive 

industry that resulted from his 

visit to India. The company which 

is a subsidiary of Stallion Group 

and maker of Ashok Leyland buses 

is currently modifying its locally 

assembled mass transit buses to run 

on compressed natural gas (CNG) 

and electric power. 

The President ‘s meeting with Mr. 

Gopichand Hinduja, Chairman 

and CEO of the Hinduja Group of 

Companies, led to the signing of 

a Memorandum of Understanding 

(MOU) for further investment in 

Nigeria’s automobile industry. Mr. 

Hinduja pledged a multi-billion 

dollar investment and expressed his 

commitment to bus and automobile 

manufacturing in Nigeria. 

Dr. Singh welcomed the 

news, expressing confidence 

that President Tinubu’s 

administration would prioritize 

the nation’s automobile 

industry. He stated that VON 

Automobile, as a pioneer and 

leading automobile assembler 

since 2013, remains dedicated 

to supporting the government’s 

push for a clean and eco-friendly 

environment with mass transit 

buses running on clean and 

affordable energy sources. 

The locally assembled Ashok 

Leyland buses, including the 

Falcon and Hawk models, have 

been available in Nigeria since 

2014. These buses are specifically 

designed for the Nigerian 

environment, offering durability, 

power, safety, and a longer 

lifespan. 

President Bola Tinubu during the Nigeria-India Presidential 

Roundtable and Conference in New Delhi, India [PHOTO 

CREDIT: @NTANewsNow] 

Additionally, Dr. Singh emphasized 

that the CNG and electric-powered 

Falcon and Hawk buses will help 

reduce running costs for Nigerians, 

particularly in light of recent fuel 

subsidy removal measures. VON 

Automobile’s state-of-the-art service 

centers and certified technical 

specialists are also ready to provide 

world-class after-sales support to 

extend the lifespan of the buses. 

4 Africa Automotive News l 2023


Iran to set up motor vehicle assembly plant in Mombasa 

News 

The Iranian government is 

planning to set up a motor 

vehicle assembly plant 

in Mombasa to produce 

indigenous Iranian motor vehicles, 

this is according to President Dr. 

William Ruto after talks with his 

visiting Iran President Sayyid 

Ebrahim Raisi. President Ruto has 

expressed optimism about the 

project, dubbing it as ‘good news’ for 

stakeholders in Kenya’s mechanical 

and automotive sectors. 

"His Excellency Raisi conveyed to me 

information that will be good news 

for stakeholders in our mechanical 

and automotive sectors including 

dealers, engineers technicians and 

other workers. Iran's intention is to 

set up a motor vehicle assembly 

plant in Mombasa to manufacture 

an indigenous Iranian vehicle that 

has been given the Kiswahili name 

Kifaru. I am confident the project is 

President William Ruto when he hosted Iran President Sayyid Ebrahim Raisi at State House, Nairobi on July 12, 

2023. Image: courtesy 

unstoppable as this name suggests," 

said Ruto. 

He added that the partnership with 

Iran is an affirmation of the strong 

bond the people and government of 

Kenya share with the people and the 

government of Iran. 

"This highly productive visit has 

been an excellent opportunity for 

us to renew and reaffirm the strong 

bonds of friendship and solidarity 

between the governments and 

peoples of Kenya and Iran," affirm 

Ruto. 

Morocco to host Africa’s first electric car battery Gigafactory 

generate an estimated 25,000 job 

opportunities over a period of 10 

years, stimulating economic growth 

and prosperity in Morocco and the 

region. 

The signing ceremony of the MoU. Image: courtesy 

The Moroccan government 

and Chinese-European 

electric mobility company 

GOTION High-Tech have 

come to an agreement through 

signing of a Memorandum of 

Understanding (MoU) to establish a 

gigafactory which will be entitled 

with the production of electric 

car batteries and energy storage 

systems, the first of its kind in Africa. 

According to a release statement, 

the US$6.4 billion project aims to 

strengthen Morocco’s position as a 

leader in the automotive industry 

in Africa. The project will also 

Additionally, the state-of-the-art 

facility holds the potential to create 

a comprehensive battery production 

solution with a capacity of 100 

gigawatts per year. The statement 

indicated that GOTION High-Tech 

chose Morocco as an investment 

destination due to the country’s 

expertise in the sector, as well as 

its commitment to sustainable 

development. 

The agreement was signed on the 

sidelines of the first edition of 

GITEX Africa by Morocco’s Minister 

Delegate in charge of Investment, 

Convergence, and Evaluation of 

Public Policies, Mohcine Jazouli, and 

the President of GOTION High-Tech 

Li Zhen. 


News 


Antolin Unveils Plans to expand presence in Morocco 

With the aim of expanding 

its footprint in Morocco, 

Antolin, a Spanish 

automobile component 

manufacturer has announced plans 

to boost its investments where it 

already operates a factory in the city 

of Tangier. 

According to Antolin’s Vice President 

Maria Helena Antolin, Morocco 

is undoubtedly one of the most 

attractive countries in Africa and 

the Maghreb. She expressed her 

confidence in the North African 

country’s economic stability, robust 

infrastructure, “significant economic 

incentives for investment,” as well 

as favorable geopolitical positioning 

for trade between Europe and Africa. 

She also highlighted Morocco’s 

remarkable GDP growth. 

The company recognized Morocco’s 

“abundant and increasingly 

skilled workforce,” noting its cost- 

Image: Courtesy 

effectiveness compared to Spain and 

other European nations. Antolin sees 

great potential in utilizing Morocco 

as a production platform for both 

local manufacturers and customers 

from across the world. 

The company’s Vice President 

participated last month in a Spanish- 

Moroccan forum, during which 

she praised the existing free trade 

agreement between Spain and 

Morocco, which facilitates tariff-free 

commerce in components between 

the two countries. 

Motorcare is the new official distributor of Ford in Uganda 

Motorcare Uganda is the 

newly authorized official 

distributor and sole 

official importer-dealer 

for Ford and Caetano in Uganda; this 

appointment comes after the end of 

the prior contract with CMC Motors. 

Motorcare Uganda has a cumulative 

experience, strong market 

knowledge, and commitment to 

service excellence and will provide 

Ford customers in Uganda with the 

highest standards of Ford products, 

services, and support. 

“We are delighted to welcome 

Salvador Caetano Group to the Ford 

family again,” said Achraf El Boustani, 

Managing Director of Northern 

and Sub-Saharan Africa at Ford 

Motor Company. “We are confident 

that this new step with Salvador 

Caetano offers the Ford brand a vital 

opportunity to gain market share in 

Kenya and Uganda.” 


El Boustani further explains that 

“The Ford and Caetano partnership 

will continue to serve loyal 

customers through a range of 

products and services, offering both 

professionalism and satisfaction, as 

customer satisfaction is always our 

priority. We will stand close to our 

partners to face this exciting new 

opportunity. Our main objective is 

to give our Ugandan customers the 

best-in-class experience and service, 

meeting Ford’s standards.” 

Gabriel Almeida, COO of Salvador 

Caetano said the company was 

thrilled to be appointed as Ford’s 

new distributor-partner in Kenya 

and Uganda. “Salvador Caetano is 

looking forward to strengthening our 

long-term partnership with Ford on 

the African continent and remains 

committed to delivering some of the 

best vehicle ownership experiences 

to Ford customers,” he said. Adding 

that “Our appointment of Motorcare 

in Uganda, as our national dealerpartner, 

secures the customers and 

markets a professional and personal 

service in sales and after-sales.” 

Mads Kjaer, Chairman of Motorcare 

Uganda in his remarks said “It’s our 

priority to service all the existing 

Ford customers and welcome them 

to Motorcare as the new Ford dealer 

for Uganda.” 



Ethiopia suspends Chinese assembled Volkswagen 

EVs at firm’s request 

News 

The Ministry of Transport 

and Logistics has imposed 

a temporary suspension 

on imports of Chineseassembled 

Volkswagen cars after a 

request from the German automobile 

maker. 

The Ministry said the ban was 

placed after Volkswagen wrote to 

authorities through the German 

Embassy stating that the Chineseassembled 

vehicles were not legally 

authorized by Volkswagen. 

The Chinese-made electric 

Volkswagen models have been 

Volkswagen ID.3 electric automobilesPhotographer: Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg 

available in the local market for 

over a year, gaining market share 

in the automobile vehicle market 

dominated by Toyota. 

The popularity of the Chineseassembled 

EVs surged after the 

Ethiopian government exempted all 

electric cars from VAT, excise tax and 

surtax as part of efforts to promote 

electric mobility. Only the customs 

tax, which is below 15 percent, 

remains for imported electric 

vehicles. 

However, Volkswagen has now 

disowned the Chinese-made 

cars, claiming that they were not 

legally authorized by the company, 

according to the Ministry. The 

temporary suspension will remain 

in place until the matter is properly 

investigated and resolved. 

South Africa to produce BMW plug-in hybrid car 


German car manufacturer 

BMW to invest about 

US$218 million into its 

factory in South Africa where 

X3 models will be produced and 

exported to countries all over the 

world. The production will start next 

year at Plant Rosslyn, in Pretoria, and 

will make South Africa the second 

country in the world, after the United 

States, to produce and export its X3 

plug-in hybrid model. 

“We will manufacture the BMW X3 

as a plug-in hybrid for global export 

in South Africa,” Milan Nedeljkovic, 

board member for production, BMW 

said in a statement. 

South Africa began manufacturing 

the X3, the firm’s best-selling 

model, in 2018 and the country 

boasts a booming automotive 

industry which according to news 

site VOA contributed 4.3% of the 

gross domestic product in 2021 

according to the International Trade 

Administration. 

BMW said its Pretoria plant has 

produced over 1.6 million vehicles, 

exporting to more than 40 countries 

globally including 14 across the 

African continent. 


News 

Kenya Keen on Hosting More Automotive Players 

Kenya is committed to hosting 

more automotive players to 

increase local production of 

vehicles. 

President William Ruto said the 

National Automotive Policy has 

created a conducive environment for 

firms to set up in Kenya. 

He noted that the policy has tamed 

instability in the sector, especially 

regarding tax laws. 

“Our plan is for more assemblers to 

set up and operate at full capacity 

so that we can supply Africa with 

competitive units,” he noted. 

The President said this will 

create more jobs, enhance skills 

development and reliable mobility. 

He maintained that it was time for 

Kenya to claim its rightful place 

among Africa’s leading vehicle 

manufacturers. 

The Head of State spoke on 

Wednesday when he launched the 

first ever electro-deposition paint 

plant at the Isuzu East Africa 

It is expected that the KSh500 

Million will deepen the firm’s 

manufacturing, improve local 

production and make it globally 

competitive. 

Present were Isuzu East Africa 

Managing Director Rita Kavashe, 

Trade Principal Secretary Alfred 

K’Ombudo, Isuzu East Africa 

Chairman Hiroshi Hisatomi, Deputy 

Chief of Mission Counsellor in 

the Embassy of Japan Kitagawa 

Yasuhisha, among others. 

“With investments like Isuzu’s, we 

can propel Kenya back to its original 

vision of leading Africa’s automotive 

competitiveness.” 

The President urged investors to 

image: Courtesy 


advance their investment in Kenya 

by moving into Tier One component 

of manufacturing. 

He said Kenya intends to fully 

exploit the immense opportunities 

presented in the automotive 

industry’s untapped potential. 

Mr Yasuhisha noted that Isuzu’s 

investment will stimulate the 

transfer of technology, knowledge 

and expertise. 

Deezer launches new automotive app 

Music streaming platform 

Deezer has launched 

a new automotive app, 

now accessible in cars 

equipped with Google built-in and 

those featuring the automotive app 

store Faurecia Aptoide. 

Deezer, which boasts a catalogue 

of more than 120 million songs, 

says the decision was driven by the 

increasing demand for dedicated car 

apps that replicate the smartphone 

experience, and aligns with the 

company’s ambition to foster 

innovation and establish successful 

partnerships across various 

industries. 

“Music has the power to enhance 

any situation, and listening to your 

top songs in the car is essential 

to people all over the world. It’s 

our pleasure to introduce our new 

Image: courtesy 

automotive app, giving drivers 

seamless access to their favourite 

music on Deezer,” the company’s VP 

for product and engineering, Nicolas 

Pinoteau, said. “With this launch, 

we’re excited to get on the road 

with some of the world’s finest car 

manufacturers.” 

“We are thrilled that our customers 

can enjoy the popular music 

streaming application Deezer now,” 

Renault Group digital partnership 

head Jean-François Labal added. 



BENTELER expansion a boost for automotive 

manufacturing industry 

News 

Patel said this development reaffirms 

the nation's growth trajectory and 

its status as a hub for automotive 

production, notably in the Eastern 

Cape province. 

During the construction phase, this 

expansion generated employment 

opportunities for 236 individuals 

and provided business opportunities 

to 42 different companies. 

image: courtesy 

Trade, Industry and 

Competition Minister, 

Ebrahim Patel, says the 

expansion of the BENTELER 

South Africa plant in Gqeberha 

represents a significant milestone in 

South Africa's thriving automotive 

manufacturing industry. 

The Minister has welcomed the 

investment made by BENTELER, 

which has resulted in the expansion 

of the Gqeberha plant by over 9 

000m2, positioning it as the third 

hot forming plant in South Africa. 

The company started operating in 

Gqeberha in 2011. 

Furthermore, it is anticipated that 

an additional 50 skilled jobs will 

be created, increasing BENTELER's 

workforce from 697 to 743. 

“The investment is also a testament 

to the efficacy of the Department of 

Trade, Industry and Competition's 

Automotive Production and 

Development Programme (APDP) 

and the Automotive Investment 

Scheme (AIS), operating within the 

framework of the South African 

Automotive Masterplan (SAAM). 

African mobility startup Moove secures $8m for Ghana expansion 

African mobility startup, 

Moove, renowned for 

providing revenue-based 

vehicle financing to mobility 

entrepreneurs and democratising 

vehicle ownership across Africa, has 

procured a funding of $8m from 

Absa Corporate and Investment 

Banking. 

This move is a stride towards 

expanding its vehicle fleet in Ghana, 

according to a report from Tekedia. 

The latest investment propels 

Moove’s total funding from Absa to 

$28m, marking a significant increase 

from the previous $20m raised in 

July 2022. 

Moove’s business model revolves 

around supporting mobility 

entrepreneurs by offering accessible 

vehicle ownership. This is achieved 

through revenue-based financing 

Image courtesy 

which breaks down the economic 

barriers to employment and 

encourages a rising class of mobility 

entrepreneurs. The startup also 

prides itself in offering fuel-efficient 

Suzuki vehicles which are assembled 

in Ghana. 

According to the company, it has 

recorded over 2.7 million trips 

through Moove-financed vehicles 

and covered more than 3,000 lives 

through its health and life insurance 

policies for its users and their 

dependents. 


10 Africa Automotive News l 2023 

July-August issue l 2023


Autoshow 

AAPEX 2023 

For three days this fall, Las Vegas 

is where aftermarket challenges 

meet solutions. AAPEX 2023 is back 

in town, bringing the automotive 

industry together at the Venetian Expo. 

Reconnect with a global community 

of auto parts & technology suppliers, 

distributors, and retailers. Advance your 

expertise through hands-on training. And 

take in live demos and product exhibits 

to stay up to date with the constantly 

changing technology in today’s vehicles. 

AAPEX isn’t some flashy Las Vegas car 

show. It’s where the aftermarket industry 

rolls up its sleeves to take on challenges, 

build relationships, and keep businesses 

running at full speed. 

AAPEX is dedicated to bringing the best 

talent to the automotive aftermarket 

industry, and as part of this initiative 

is offering two options for students to 

attend this year’s event, as well as, an 

opportunity for aftermarket companies to get involved in the program. 

The first option is, the Student Sponsorship Program that invites 

students to apply to attend AAPEX for first-hand industry experience 

and networking opportunities. Students selected for participation will 

receive two days of learning, including access to all AAPEX training and 

general education sessions, as well as hosted functions. Participants will 

receive complimentary AAPEX registration, reception tickets, a threenight 

hotel stay in Las Vegas, and a food and transportation stipend. 

Follow us on: 

@Autonews_Africa 

@Africa Automotive 

BE BOLD or Italic 

but NEVER regular 

LET US 

BOLD YOU 

IN AFRICA 

Africa Automotive prides itself to be the ONLY Africa’s leading and MOST 

authoritative magazine for the automotive industry in Africa with 

printed copies for the automotive industry decision makers in both 

government, NGO’s and private sector. The Bi-monthly magazine offers 

cost effective advertising services that get results and improves growth 

in the auto B2C and B2B sector, keeping an eye on latest technologies in 

Africa and across the world, the magazine predominately covers the 

developments in the Africa auto industry. 

Contact us on: 

+254 113 194 740 

info@africaautomotivenews.com 

africaautomotivenews.com 


New Model 

New Omoda C9 launches 

in South Africa 




New Model 

The new Omoda C9 model, a luxury wing of 

Chery launches in South Africa. The sleeker 

Omoda, derived from Oxygen and Moda 

(meaning modern), made a debut during the 

Festival of Motoring at Kyalami as the brand’s new 

flagship. 

The C9 raises the luxury flagship boasting coupeinspired 

styling and a luxurious interior of a floating 

bridge design dash, heated/cooled ventilation and 

massage-enabled front and rear seats with a diamondpattern 

leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof 

among other features. The front passenger seat has a 

fold-out leg rest of the kind you’d expect in a 7 Series 

or S-Class and as you’d expect from a modern Chinese 

offering, there is plenty of screen real estate and flashy 

mood lighting. 

Typical of Chinese brands, digital wizardry available in 

the model includes a curved screen, augmented-reality 

(AR) navigation, facial recognition, a 50W wireless 

ultra-fast charger and a nine-speaker Sony sound 

system. The safety includes an ABS brakes, stability 

control, airbags and a host of driving assistance systems 

including automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 

adaptive cruise control (ACC), forward-collision warning, 

emergency braking, blind spot detection (BSD), lane 

keeping and rear cross-traffic alert. 

The C9 is powered by a 2.0l petrol engine with outputs 

of 193kW and 400Nm, with all-wheel drive (AWD) via an 

eight-speed automatic transmission. Local buyers will 

also get to choose between front-wheel drive and allwheel 

drive variants. 

At this stage, not much information has been revealed 

that is indicative of pricing, however, Omoda SA confirms 

the C9 will be in local dealerships before the end of the 

year. 

Images courtesy 

Africa Automotive News l l 2023 13

Cover Story 


Bus tyre inflation 

The importance of proper inflation and 

its impact on the vehicle performance 

White Bus on the Road 

By Dorcas Kang'ereha 

Following manufacturer’s indication on tyre 

pressure levels is a very critical and vital task to 

keep up with. The air pressure in tyres supports 

the entire weight of the bus, and this calls for a 

regular monitoring of the vehicle’s tyre pressure levels. 

This will help in maintaining the correct 

tyre pressure that will help in keeping 

you, persons on board and other road 

users safe. Correct tyre inflation improves 

the vehicle performance; cuts fuel costs 

and ensures that you are receiving the 

most lifespan out of your bus tyres. 

consumption is greatly reduced. An incorrect inflation 

pressure level intensifies the fuel consumption, escalates 

the rolling resistance of tyres that could lead to an 

unfortunate incident. 

“Proper tyre inflation pressure is critically important for 

safe operation of buses. Just recently, a bus crash in the 

United States injured 12 people when a tire blew out. 

The driver lost control of the vehicle, and the bus landed 

on its side,” says Demis. “Thankfully, everyone survived 

“The air inside a tyre carries the load 

of the vehicle. Underinflation causes 

damage to the side-wall of the tyre, 

increases heat build-up, and eventually 

a tyre failure,” says Lee Demis, Vice 

President of Business Development at 

Doran Manufacturing. 

Proper bus tyre pressure has a significant 

and proven impact on the vehicle 

handling, passenger comfort and safety, 

enhanced braking conditions and fuel 

Tyre inflation. Image: courtesy 


July-August issue l l 2023 

Auto mechanic inspecting tyres and wheels. Image: courtesy 

Tyre Inflation Equipment 

Conferring to Paul Webber, the 

General Manager of Mavtech, under 

inflation becomes an especially 

serious problem when the inside 

tyre of a set of duals begins losing 

pressure. In some cases, both 

tyres fail with very dangerous 

consequences. Webber further 

elaborates on the importance of 

proper bus tyre inflation and its 

impact on the vehicle safety and 

handling performance. 

i. Better tyre mileage 

Improper inflation accounts for 80% 

of re-tread separations, cuts, bruises, 

flats and blowouts. Under inflation 

of only 5 PSI reduces tyre life by a 

shocking 25%. 

Demonstration of different types of tyre inflation. Image: for illustration purposes 

this incident,” he clarifies. 

Additionally, according to Andre Gerken, General 

Manager at Celerity DRS GmbH, the correct tyre inflation 

has a huge impact on the road safety and operating 

costs of a vehicle. “Consider that the tyres are the only 

connection between the vehicle and the road. Therefore, 

a wrong tyre pressure can directly influence the handling 

and the brake performance of the vehicle. With a low 

tyre pressure more of the tyre surface contacts the road, 

which increase the drag and the result is a higher tyre 

wear and fuel consumption,” articulates Gerken. 

The Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) 

Tyres are often overlooked by drivers, and the effect 

to this delicate negligence is a result to a fatal road 

accident, property damage and loss of lives. However, 

with the help of tyre pressure monitoring systems 

(TPMS), loss of vehicle, lives and property damages can 

be reduced to the lowest. 

“Tyre pressure monitoring systems can monitor 

both pressure and temperature, and alert drivers to 

underinflation and critical high temperatures before 

catastrophic tyre failures occur. Bus operators can 

improve the safety of their vehicles and improve the 

efficiency of their fleet by properly utilizing TPMS,” 

counsels Demis. 

“With the help of a tyre inflation system, the correct 

pressure can be always ensured, while stationary or in 

transit,” adds Gerken. 

ii. Less down time 

Tyre Pressure System virtually 

eliminates the need for costly road 

service calls and expensive down 

time. If a tyre has been punctured, Tyre Pressure systems 

will continue to inflate that tyre and, at the same time, 

let the driver know what is happening. He’s then aware 

of the situation and can continue on to his destination or 

plan to stop for service. 

iii. Better fuel economy 

For every PSI of under inflation, your vehicle consumes 

0.8% more fuel. Talk about giving your budget a boost! 

iv. Increased safety 

Under inflated tyres is a major cause of truck and bus 

accidents on highways. Proper inflation is the most 

important requirement for maximum tyre safety. Correct 

tyre pressure provides proper sidewall flexing and safe 

operating temperature of the tyres. 

Commercial vehicles, such as trailers, trucks, buses and 

coaches are faced with all kind manner of challenges 

due to the different work done by the vehicle and the 

different load change in a typical operating day. Tyres are 

a critical component for a smooth operation of a bus and 

clearly no tyre will work as expected if it is used with 

incorrect air pressure. Under or over inflated bus tyres 

are un-safe and increase costs to the operator. 

You could agree that, being a key component, bus tyres 

must be kept with the correct air pressure at all times, 

weather parked or on the move. This is to uphold the 

smooth operation of the vehicle, weather full or empty, 

heavy or light, from low speed to maximum speed and 

on different road conditions. Proper bus tyre inflation 

also promotes the safety of those onboard, pedestrians 

and other road users. Keep safe, maintain correct tyre 

pressure at all times! 


Interview 


4CR: A premier brand in the 

refinishing market 

Offering holistic refinishing solutions that 

empower to achieve exceptional results 

By Dorcas Kang'ereha 

4CR is a distinguished name in the automotive 

industry, serving as a strong system supplier for 

car refinish products. With a deep commitment 

to innovation, quality, and customer 

satisfaction, 4CR has established itself as a reliable 

partner for businesses involved in vehicle refinishing. 

Their comprehensive product range and unwavering 

dedication to excellence have positioned them as a 

preferred choice in the market. 

Africa Automotive News conducted an exclusive 

interview with Marc Drews, Key Account – Marketing 

Manager at 4CR and he reveals their unwavering 

commitment to manufacturing quality product solutions 

and their dedication to continuous improvement. 

Marc Drews, Key Account 

– Marketing Manager, 4CR - 

Germany 

‘ 

Africa's refinishing 

market holds immense 

potential. As economic 

and infrastructural 

developments continue, 

the need for efficient, 

cost-effective, and 

durable refinishing 

solutions becomes more 

pronounced. 

~ Marc Drews 

AA: What are your major product solutions? 

MD: At 4CR, we offer a complete suite of product 

solutions tailored to every step of the car refinish 

process. Our portfolio includes advanced sanding 

solutions, specialized putties, fillers and clearcoats, 

efficient application tools, and comprehensive support 

materials. From abrasives to polishing products and 

everything in between, we provide the tools necessary to 

achieve exceptional finishes while maximizing efficiency. 

AA: Recently, you participated in an auto exhibition in 

Kenya, was it your first exhibition in Africa? How was 

your experience in the Kenyan market? 

MD: Yes, our recent participation at the AutoExpo in 

Kenya marked our entry into the African market. The 

experience was incredibly positive, allowing us to 

engage with industry professionals, understand market 

dynamics, and showcase our product excellence. The 

response from the Kenyan market was enthusiastic, 

which reaffirmed our belief in the potential of the 

African automotive refinish market. 

4CR exhibiting at a recent autoexpo in Kenya. Image courtesy 4CR 

AA: How would you describe Africa’s refinishing market 

potential? 



Auto Refinishing 

our products remain at the forefront of innovation and 

performance. 

AA: How do you stay up-to-date with the latest 

advancements in auto refinishing technology? 

MD: We stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in 

auto refinishing technology through active engagement 

with industry research, attending global automotive 

expos, collaborating with research institutions, and 

maintaining a robust network of partnerships with other 

leaders in the field. 

AA: Are there market challenges that you face? If yes, 

what is your approach? 

4CR products display during a recent autoexpo exhibition in Kenya. Image 

courtesy 4CR 

MD: Africa's refinishing market holds immense potential. 

The continent's growing automotive industry, coupled 

with an increasing demand for high-quality vehicle 

finishes, presents numerous opportunities. As economic 

and infrastructural developments continue, the need for 

efficient, cost-effective, and durable refinishing solutions 

becomes more pronounced. 

AA: When working on a vehicle refinishing task, what is 

the most important thing to remember? 

MD: In vehicle refinishing, attention to detail is 

paramount. Each step, from surface preparation to 

the final clearcoat, must be executed meticulously. A 

thorough understanding of the specific requirements 

of each vehicle and the environment in which the 

refinishing is taking place is essential to achieve a 

flawless, long-lasting finish. 

AA: How do you ensure that you maintain a high quality 

refinishing products for your customers? 

MD: Maintaining high-quality refinishing products is 

central to our mission. We achieve this through rigorous 

quality control processes at every stage of production. 

Our research and development team continuously 

explores new materials and technologies, ensuring that 

MD: Market challenges are opportunities for growth. 

We approach challenges as chances to innovate and 

better serve our customers. By actively seeking feedback, 

adapting to changing market needs, and investing in 

research and development, we turn challenges into 

catalysts for progress. 

AA: What makes you the best manufacturer in the 

refinishing market? 

MD: What distinguishes 4CR as a premier brand in 

the refinishing market is our unwavering commitment 

to quality, our comprehensive range of products, 

our dedication to continuous improvement, and our 

personalized customer support. We offer not just 

products, but holistic solutions that empower our 

customers to achieve exceptional results. 

AA: What training programs do you have in place? 

MD: 4CR takes pride in supporting our partners beyond 

just product supply. We offer comprehensive training 

programs that cover the correct usage of our products, 

application techniques, safety protocols, and emerging 

trends in the automotive refinishing industry. These 

programs are designed to enhance the skills and 

knowledge of technicians and contribute to the overall 

success of our clients. 


Opinion 


Smart 

Manufacturing 

Is the Future 

of Automotive 

Manufacturing 

Author: Peter Loh, partner at Foley & Lardner LLP 

The latest phase of digitization in manufacturing 

or “smart manufacturing” has transformed the 

automotive industry. Through the growing use of 

artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and 

automation, auto manufacturers are now more than 

ever able to overcome operational difficulties and solve 

maintenance issues before they occur. Here are some of 

the key aspects and technologies auto manufacturers are 

using: 

1. Digital twins: A digital twin, also known as a surrogate 

model, is a virtual representation used to reflect a 

real-world product. This digital counterpart simulates 

the real product’s performance. An automobile’s digital 

twin is made up of the entire automobile: its software, 

mechanics, and behavior. The use of a digital twin allows 

automotive manufacturers to replicate the production 

process and identify potential complications or failures. 

Examples include: 

Product testing. A digital twin allows automotive 

manufacturers to experiment with different designs to 

optimize product performance. A digital twin of a car 

tire allows manufacturers to virtually simulate the tire 

performance in different weather conditions. 

Predictive maintenance. Predictive maintenance forecasts 

when automotive components will break down and to 

fix them preemptively. Digital twins allow automotive 



Opinion 

companies to identify potential issues and schedule 

maintenance before the problem occurs. 

Performance monitoring. Digital twins constantly collect 

and analyze data on the vehicles they replicate. Tesla, 

for example, creates a digital twin of all its vehicles. 

These virtual replicas are used to determine whether a 

car is working as intended. Tesla uses this information to 

update vehicle performance. 

North America accounted for around 38% of the digital 

twin market in 2021. The global digital twin market 

size is projected to reach US $155.83 billion by 2030, 

with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 37.5% 

in the next seven years. The automotive and transport 

sector is expected to account for the fastest growth rate 

percentage as developments in electric vehicles drive 

the adoption of digital twin technology. 

2. Internet of Things: Automotive Internet of Things 

(IoT) is a system of devices that exchange data through 

an internet connection. This allows automotive devices 

to share information with other vehicles connected 

to the internet. Vehicles manufactured with IoT 

collect performance data and share it with the cloud. 

Manufacturers can then process this data and assess 

potential risks and necessary steps for moving forward. 

IoT allows manufacturers to communicate maintenance 

system updates to consumers so manufacturers may 

address issues before a car breaks down. 

3. AI in supply chain: AI has made the transition from 

raw material to the manufacturing of the vehicle to 

customer delivery significantly easier. For years, one 

of the biggest challenges in the automotive industry 

has been the risk of a single, small mistake affecting 

the entire manufacturing process. A problem with one 

supplier tier, for example, can stop the entire vehicle 

manufacturing process. AI-powered supply chains can 

adapt and respond to any unforeseen issues in the 

manufacturing process. AI-based approaches have 

the potential to reduce forecasting errors by 30 to 50 

percent. “Smart factories” are becoming increasingly 

prevalent, as manufacturers are replacing the error risk 

of manual labor with self-improving systems. Several 

renowned automotive manufacturing companies 

are working towards fully automated AI systems 

that can make supply-chain management decisions 

autonomously. 

4. Machine learning: The use of machine learning and AI 

systems are powerful tools for precision manufacturing 

in the automotive industry. Machine learning systems 

assist manufacturers in detecting anomalies and 

improving designs. In the automotive industry, an 

appealing design can increase sales by over 30%. 

Machine learning can predict the popular aesthetic 

appeal and generate alluring and innovative designs. 

5. AI customer experiences: Automotive manufacturers 

have recently been relying on artificial intelligence 

to improve customer experiences. AI can provide 

customers with virtual sales assistants. AI learns from 

past purchases and customer interactions to provide 

tailored insight to each customer based on their needs. 

The increased adoption of AI among manufacturing 

companies allows companies to use data from prior 

interactions to predict market forecasts. 

As the automotive industry continues to expand, 

manufacturers should be aware of the increasing use 

of AI, machine learning, and automation leaders in the 

automotive industry are using. “Smart” manufacturing is 

prevalent throughout the manufacturing lifecycle, from 

supply chain to customer services. Manufacturers looking 

to remain competitive should remain up to date on the 

rapidly progressing uses of digitization and AI in the 

sector. 


Opinion 


How Kenya can fast-track its 

automotive manufacturing 

growth 

Aurthor: JOHN YATOR - the National Chairman - of the Kenya Auto Bazaar Association. 

Vehicle manufacturing in Kenya faces numerous challenges that have 

significant implications for its growth and long-term viability. By 

addressing these challenges, which span various facets of the industry, 

and their interplay, Kenya can pave the way for a more robust and 

sustainable automotive manufacturing. 

Infrastructure 

The infrastructure challenges are diverse and multifaceted. First, the distances 

between manufacturing centres and assembly points are considerably posing 

logistical challenges. These distances not only lead to increased transportation 

costs but also result in delays in the supply chain due to longer transit times. 

Secondly, the sector faces location challenges due to the lack of a manufacturer 

database. This is a significant hurdle that arises from the absence of a 

comprehensive database for manufacturers in the country. 

Assemblers lack access to crucial information about who is producing what and 

at what capacity. This complication further muddles the process for potential 

investors who need to estimate the local capacity in relation to tax incentives 

and to assess suitable assembly points. The absence of accurate and up-to-date 

information creates obstacles in efficient decision-making and optimal site 

selection. 

Supply chain 

The challenges within the supply chain of the vehicle manufacturing industry 

in Kenya are substantial and complex. Dependence on imported raw materials 

and components exposes the industry to an array of vulnerabilities, which can 

result in significant supply chain disruptions. 

These disruptions may arise from fluctuations in currency exchange rates, 

customs delays, and global shocks, such as geopolitical conflicts or trade 

disputes. 

Furthermore, the high transportation costs associated with importing these 

materials contribute significantly to the overall manufacturing expenses. 

A potential solution involves the development and utilisation of local raw 

materials for the production of parts and components. By shifting toward a 

strategy of sourcing materials domestically or regionally, the industry can 

insulate itself from the risks associated with international currency fluctuations 

and customs delays. 

This transition would not only decrease the industry's reliance on imported 

materials but also promote the use of local manpower, creating a positive 

impact on employment opportunities. 



Automotive Industry 

An automobile manufacturer's assembly line. PHOTO | SHUTTERSTOCK 

Economic factors 

Currency instability and fluctuations significantly impact 

the cost of imported materials, leading to unpredictable 

manufacturing costs. High inflation rates further 

strain production costs, making it difficult to maintain 

competitive pricing. 

Moreover, the economic landscape is complicated by the 

dynamic preferences of the main franchise holders in 

Kenya. These entities often favour importing components 

manufactured by their source suppliers, arguing that 

locally produced parts do not meet their stringent 

standards. 

This situation emphasises the need for more 

comprehensive solutions such as advocating for Kenya's 

accession to the UN 1958 Agreement which promotes 

standardisation and harmonisation in the industry. Kenya 

should additionally become a contracting party. 

Such changes can potentially enhance the 

competitiveness of locally manufactured vehicle parts 

and components and in turn, support the in-use fleet 

and enable the surplus to be exported to the region and 

globally to other manufacturers, thereby contributing to 

economic growth and self-reliance. 

Simultaneously, this approach would help reduce the 

industry's reliance on imported parts and foster a more 

sustainable and resilient vehicle manufacturing sector. 

This shift toward local content not only bolsters the 

industry but also contributes to the overall economic 

well-being of the nation. 

Regulatory challenges 

Navigating the regulatory landscape within Kenya's 

vehicle manufacturing sector presents various 

challenges. The presence of a complex regulatory 

environment characterised by bureaucratic hurdles 

and ambiguous policies poses significant obstacles for 

potential investors looking to enter the sector. 

The lack of clear guidelines and predictable procedures 

can deter investment and hinder the growth of the 

industry. Ensuring compliance with safety and emission 

standards further exacerbates these challenges, 

especially in the absence of robust enforcement 

mechanisms. 

Further, the absence of a streamlined approach to 

standards enforcement can lead to lapses in vehicle 

safety and emissions controls. In some instances, the 

development of policies may favour specific players 

within the motor industry, potentially creating an uneven 

playing field that is not conducive to the overall well- 


Opinion 


being of the nation's transportation ecosystem. 

To address these challenges and promote a more 

efficient and effective regulatory framework, the 

establishment of a central regulatory authority is crucial. 

This entity would oversee, maintain records, and regulate 

the entire spectrum of the motor industry, spanning 

from parts and equipment manufacturing, vehicle 

assembly to vehicle imports, sales, all aspects of training, 

roadworthiness assessments, accident investigation, and 

finally, prosecution. 

The current fragmentation among multiple agencies, 

such as the Kenya Bureau of Standards, the National 

Environmental Authority, the National Transport and 

Safety Authority, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, and 

the Kenya Police Service, contributes to a disjointed 

approach to managing a vehicle's lifecycle. This 

complicates efforts to enhance road safety and overall 

industry quality. 

The accession of the UN 1958 agreement, 1978 

agreement, and the creation of a unified authority 

would streamline and consolidate the various laws and 

regulations into a coherent framework. 

This approach not only reduces redundancy and 

inefficiency but also enables a more focused effort 

to mitigate road accidents, environmental pollution, 

consumer safety, and ensure the industry's sustainable 

growth. 

Skilled labour and training 

The shortage of skilled labour, engineers, technicians, 

and artisans proficient in vehicle manufacturing and 

technology remains a pressing challenge that impacts 

the growth trajectory of Kenya's vehicle manufacturing 

sector. 

The industry's progress is impeded by the scarcity of 

individuals possessing the necessary skills and expertise 

in vehicle manufacturing and cutting-edge technology. 

The absence of a sufficient number of skilled 

professionals hampers production efficiency and stifles 

innovation. Compounding this challenge is the lack of 

comprehensive training programmes that can address 

the industry's specific needs. 

The absence of structured training opportunities 

limits the potential for cultivating a highly skilled 

workforce that can effectively drive the sector forward. 

Encouragingly, the current shift in the government's 

education system to emphasise skill training and the 

increased allocation of slots in the Competence-Based 

Curriculum system represent significant steps toward 

enhancing the skills of students at tertiary colleges and 

polytechnics. 

This transition equips students with practical skills 

that align with the demands of various industries, 

including vehicle manufacturing. However, to fully 

capitalise on these initiatives, it's essential to establish 

clear and well-defined industrial attachment periods. 

Providing students with ample opportunities for handson 

experience within industrial settings is crucial 

for fostering an understanding of how machines are 

integrated with human skills. 

This practical exposure bridges the gap between 

theoretical knowledge and real-world applications, 

thereby producing graduates who are better prepared 

to contribute effectively to the vehicle manufacturing 

industry. 

Furthermore, while the presence of skilled labour is 

a vital component, it's important to note that merely 

having a profusion of skilled labour might not be 

sufficient to sustain industrial growth. Equipping 

these skilled individuals with modern tooling, project 

layouts, and estimated cost structures can significantly 

enhance their capabilities and understanding of the 

manufacturing process. 

This practical exposure allows engineers to gain handson 

experience and a tangible feel for the intricacies 

of the production process. To further support skill 

development and industry growth, the promotion of 

cottage industries could be a valuable strategy. 

By fostering collaboration between established 

industries and the informal jua kali sector, Kenya can 

tap into the creativity and innovation that these smaller 

enterprises offer. 

This collaboration would not only enhance local 

content and expertise but also empower small-scale 

manufacturers to contribute effectively to the broader 

industry ecosystem. 

By integrating comprehensive training programmes with 

practical exposure to modern tools and processes, and 

by fostering synergies between established industries 

and smaller players, Kenya can effectively address the 

challenge of skilled labour scarcity and cultivate a 

workforce that propels the vehicle manufacturing sector 

toward sustainable growth. 

Developing local supply chains and fostering domestic 

manufacturing of parts and components contribute to 

economic growth and self-reliance. 

Energy supply 

Inconsistent and unreliable power supply disrupts 

manufacturing processes and increases operational 

costs, potentially requiring the utilisation of alternative 



Automotive Industry 

energy sources. 

Remarkably, Kenya's energy mix is composed of 

approximately 90 percent green energy sources. 

This green energy dominance presents a promising 

opportunity for manufacturers seeking to align their 

production processes with sustainable practices. 

Kenya's potential to emerge as an ideal destination for 

producing vehicles with minimal carbon footprints is 

substantial. 

The prospect of manufacturing zero-emission vehicles 

utilising green energy sources becomes attainable, 

provided that challenges related to power tariffs and 

energy supply stability are fully addressed. 

This dominance can be attributed to their affordability 

and availability, which often overshadow locally 

assembled units. At present, the local assembly line's 

annual production capacity stands at 14,000 units. 

However, this pales in comparison to the annual 

consumption rate of 120,000 units. 

To address this imbalance, a systematic approach 

to capacity building is essential. Starting with parts 

manufacturing to enhance local content, there should 

be a strategic plan to incrementally shift the focus to 

assembling, thereby gradually reducing the dependence 

on fully built imported new and used units. 

Market size, competition, and demand 

The size of the domestic market might not be large 

enough to support sustained vehicle manufacturing 

operations, leading to issues with economies of scale. 

Consumer preferences and demand for vehicles can be 

unpredictable, affecting production planning. 

Competition from imported vehicles can pose a threat to 

the local manufacturing industry, especially if tariffs and 

regulations are not conducive to protecting domestic 

producers. Imported second-hand vehicles have a 

significant market share, accounting for approximately 

85 percent of the market. 




Feature 


Car Accident 

Personal injuries 

How can I tell if the Insurance Company is 

treating me fairly after a car accident? 

By Donna Hicks and Dorcas Kang'ereha 

Car accidents can be traumatic experiences, and 

dealing with insurance companies afterward 

can add to the stress. The insurance company’s 

main goal is to minimize its financial liability, 

which may not always align with your best interests 

as the policyholder. “Car accident victims require 

empathy besides compensation. In most cases, victims 

are left with devastating injuries and loss that may 

alter their lives permanently. A little kindness to 

such a person might make so much a big difference 

besides the compensation, which in most cases are 

not commensurate to the injury/loss suffered,” says Mr. 

Sospeter Opondo Aming’a, the Managing Partner at 

SOKLAW Advocates. As such, it’s essential to understand 

your rights and responsibilities as a policyholder 

and know how to tell if the insurance company is 

treating you fairly. Here’s what you need to know about 

determining whether your insurance company is acting 

fairly toward you and your claim. 

Understanding your insurance coverage after 

an accident 

Automobile insurance is mandatory in most countries 

and is designed to provide coverage for damages and 

cars involved in a Fatal accident 



Personal injury claim form 

injuries resulting from car accidents. “In a world filled 

with unpredictable twists and turns, the necessity of 

insurance cannot be overstated,” remarks Ms. Lauretta 

Oyile, a Lawyer at Simba & Simba Advocates. 

“In the context of a car accident, it may only qualify 

for settlement under an insurance policy if three 

prerequisites are satisfied. One, the insurance policy 

should be valid and active. Two, the accident must have 

been an event contemplated under the policy. Three, the 

accident must not fall within an exception or have arisen 

due to the negligence, carelessness or recklessness of 

the insured,” she clarifies. 

She further explicates the prerequisites, notwithstanding, 

the insured is also required to give notice of the accident 

to the insured, furnish particulars in sufficient detail 

using the prescribed format and within reasonable 

timelines, and substantiate the claim. The law imposes a 

duty upon a party who seeks reliance of their statements 

as true to give evidence of their truth. Different 

insurance companies have formulated claim forms to 

enable them reconcile and settle claims. The insured, 

is expected to give full particulars of their claim using 

those forms. The claim should equally be made within 

set timelines provided under the policy or customarily 

within twenty-four (24) hours. 

"Once the insurer has been supplied with the requisite 

information, they may opt to settle the claim out 

of court. In the event they do not, the claim may be 

subjected to legal proceeding before a court or tribunal 

for the determination of their liability. Once liability is 

proven, the insurer has an obligation to pay the insured, 

the assignees of the insured or Third Party. It is only 

upon such payment that the insurer is deemed to have 

discharged their obligation and the claim settled," she 

compliments. 

Your insurance policy will outline the types of coverage 

you have, including liability, collision, and comprehensive 

coverage. Your insurance policy will also specify your 

financial responsibility in the event of an accident, 

including your deductible and policy limits. Your 

deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before 

Car Accident Injuries 

your insurance kicks in. Policy limits are the maximum 

amount that your insurance company will pay out 

for a claim. It’s also important to note that insurance 

companies are businesses and their primary goal is to 

make a profit. This means that they may try to minimize 

payouts or deny claims altogether if they believe it will 

benefit their bottom line. If you feel like your insurance 

company is not treating you fairly after an accident, there 

are steps you can take to protect yourself. “Insurance 

policies create certain rights and obligations for the 

parties involved. Key among the obligations include the 

duty of the insured to disclose all material facts within 

their actual and perceived knowledge to the insurer. 

Material information is any circumstance that would 

influence the judgment of a prudent insurer in fixing the 

premium or determining whether they would take up the 

risk,” elaborates Ms. Oyile. 

Insurance companies are working for their 

interests 

During the investigation process, it is important to 

remember that insurance company partners such 

as adjusters and investigators are working for their 

interests rather than yours. While they may seem 

friendly and helpful on the surface, their ultimate goal 

is to minimize payouts on claims. “A fair insurer will 

guide an accident victim on the documentation they 

require and the process they have to undergo in order 

to have their claim settled. A shorter claim settlement 

turn- around time will also account for fairness. Many 

insurers take accident victims in circles with the excuse 

of investigations, even where the facts are straight. Last 

but not least, the amount of settlement should also be 

reasonable and commensurate with the injuries suffered. 

An insurer should not take advantage of the victim’s 

desperation to meagerly compensate them,” highlights 

Mr. Aming’a. This means that they may use tactics such 

as downplaying injuries or damages sustained in an 

accident in order to reduce payouts. “The perception is 

that insurance companies do not usually want to pay 

out their claims. They are believed to utilize loopholes 

to latch onto evade liability,” adds Ms. Oyile. They may 

also try to pressure you into accepting a settlement 

offer that does not fully compensate you for your losses. 

Accusations of bad faith can arise when an insurance 

company fails to act fairly and honestly toward its 

policyholders. Some examples of bad faith accusations 

include: 

• – Failing to investigate a claim properly. 

• – Refusing to pay a valid claim without justification. 

• – Delaying payment on a valid claim without 

justification. 

• – Offering an unreasonably low settlement amount. 

• – Misrepresenting policy provisions or coverage 

limits. 

Recognizing when an insurance settlement 

offer is too low 


Car Accident Injuries 


Lauretta Oyile, Lawyer at Simba & Simba 

Advocates 

Gillian Ombogo, Legal Practitioner at Ombogo and 

Company Advocates 

Sospeter Opondo Aming’a, Managing Partner at 

SOKLAW Advocates 

When you’re involved in a car accident, one of the most 

important things to consider is whether or not the 

insurance company is offering you a fair settlement. 

But how do you know what a fair settlement offer 

looks like? According to Gillian Ombogo, a legal 

practitioner at Ombogo and Company Advocates, the 

relationship between an insurance company (insurer) 

and the policy holder (insured) is in form of a legally 

binding contractual agreement, which is the insurance 

policy document. Before signing, you ought to read and 

understand the fine print of the document and seek 

clarification from the insurer on any terms, conditions, 

restrictions or limitations that may seem unclear. “This 

may sound simple, but is a very important step that 

could prevent anguish and loss, in the unfortunate event 

of an accident. Having said this, the best way to detect 

unprofessionalism from either party to the contract is 

when they fail to act in utmost good faith and contrary 

to the terms of the policy document,” affirmed Ms. 

Ombogo. 

Every case is different and there are many factors that 

can impact the amount of money you receive. However, 

there are some general guidelines that can help you 

determine if an offer is too low. Firstly, consider the 

extent of your injuries, lost wages, and other damages. 

If your needs aren’t met by the settlement offered, 

you may need to seek a better offer. It’s important not 

to rush into accepting a settlement offer without first 

reviewing all the details and ensuring it covers all your 

losses. Insurance companies may try to pressure you 

into accepting an offer quickly before you have had time 

to fully assess your damages and expenses. Insurance 

companies are businesses, which means they’re always 

looking for ways to save money. One way they do this is 

by offering low settlements in hopes that policyholders 

will accept them without question. 

Seek out a car accident attorney for your case 

In conclusion, being involved in a car accident can 

be a traumatic experience that can leave you feeling 

vulnerable and helpless. It is important to understand 

your rights as a policyholder and to know how to 

determine if the insurance company is treating you 

fairly after an accident. “Even with precautions taken, 

there may still be instances where an insurance 

settlement offer is too low or unfair. This is where 

hiring an experienced car accident attorney becomes 

crucial. In this case, you will have the options to seek 

out compensation even if the insurance company is 

unwilling to settle with you fairly. 

Medic applying bandage on the head of victim with serious damages sitting on the driver seat after the 

road accident. Providing emergency medical assistance 

Woman on a wheelchair with body injuries 



Buses 


BasiGo has commenced 

Manufacturing High-Capacity 

Electric Buses 

BasiGo bus. PHOTO: COURTESY 

E-mobility company BasiGo has announced 

the introduction of the E9 Kubwa, a 36-seater 

electric bus designed for the Kenyan market, 

with plans to have the models manufactured in 

Kenya starting later this year. The first two E9 Kubwa 

buses have begun pilot testing with existing BasiGo 

customers, who include Super Metro, OMA Services, 

Embassava, Citi Hoppa, Metro Trans and East Shuttle 

plying the Dandora route. 

The E9 Kubwa seats 36 passengers with the option of 

18 standing passengers. BasiGo has designed the E9 for 

urban bus operations where buses typically hold 33 to 

41 passengers. The bus can be recharged in two hours 

at BasiGo’s DC fast charging depots and can drive up to 

400km per day with a mid-day charge. 

Like the K6 Electric Bus introduced by BasiGo last 

year, the E9 Kubwa features an upgraded passenger 

experience with leather seats, WiFi, CCTV cameras, and 

USB phone charging at every seat. 

“We are proud to deliver the E9 Kubwa, an electric bus 

designed specifically for Nairobi’s PSV sector,” said Mr 

Jit Bhattacharya, BasiGo CEO. “This is a state-of-the-art 

electric bus that is cleaner for Nairobi, safer and more 

comfortable for passengers, and better value for PSV 

Operators.” 

Mr Bhattacharya through BasiGo’s Pay-As-You-Drive 

financing model, they have made this bus accessible 

to all bus operators in the capital city. “And most 

importantly, every E9 Kubwa delivered by BasiGo will be 

manufactured here in Kenya starting later this year,” he 

added. 

Through its Pay-As-You-Drive financing model, BasiGo 

is offering the E9 Kubwa for a purchase price of Ksh7.5 

Million and a mileage-based subscription of Ksh40 per 

kilometre for charging and maintenance provided by 

BasiGo. 

BasiGo has also announced a new lease option, enabling 

owners to adopt the electric bus for a much lower 

upfront cost. Each E9 Kubwa electric bus is expected to 

help Kenya reduce diesel consumption by 20,000 litres 

per year while also reducing CO2 emissions by 50 tonnes 

per year. 



Buses 

Finnish firm unveils bus booking 

service in Kenya 

AfriKonekta , an online bus booking platform 

has unveiled its services in the Kenyan market, 

setting the stage for intensified competition 

with the local players, that includes Buupass 

and Quickbus. The Helsinki-based mobility platform 

targets long-distance bus operators in Nairobi by 

enabling travellers to reserve seats online. 

The platform has integrated parcel delivery services 

targeting small and medium enterprises, online 

merchants and individuals. 

“Our commitment is to deliver a revolutionary means of 

travel that makes long-distance travel in Africa a techpowered 

and attractive option. We have studied the best 

practices of global platforms, added our comprehensive 

expertise of the long-distance bus industry, and adapted 

the service to the African market needs,” said Tichaona 

Dande, chief executive at Afrikonekta. 

“We are looking to sign up more players and launch 

Image: AfriKonekta 

operations in Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Rwanda by 

early next year,” he said. 

During its six months pilot phase, in Kenya, the company 

sold 45,000 tickets as it sought to understand the 

specific needs of Kenyan operators as well as local 

passengers. The startup says the move aims to expand 

its presence in Africa and strengthen its inventory of 

partner operators. 

GABS plans to procure 60 electric 

buses per year for Cape Town 

The public transport operator Golden Arrow Bus 

Services (GABS) in the South African city of Cape 

Town is planning to gradually electrify its fleet of 

1,100 diesel buses. From 2024, it will replace 60 

buses per year with electric buses. 

The decision was preceded by tests with two electric 

buses from Chinese manufacturer BYD. Therefore, 

GABS is now planning to convert its entire bus fleet to 

electric vehicles. The bodies of the electric buses will 

be assembled locally on the basis of imported chassis. 

Whether the chassis will come from BYD is not explicitly 

mentioned, but it is likely. 

With an integration rate of 60 electric buses per year, the 

conversion of the fleet would take about 18 years. The 

aforementioned case study by Green Cape estimates the 

annual investment volume at about 324 million to 486 

million rand (about 15.4 to 23.2 million euros). 

GABS plans to fuel the buses with electricity from 

renewable sources – either locally produced or from the 


grid. Currently, the operator has installed grid-connected 

PV systems with an installed peak power of 1.7 MWp on 

six of its bus depots in Cape Town. However, if all 1,100 

buses were theoretically to be charged with solar power 

in the future, 80 to 100 MW would be required. 

According to media reports, the City of Cape Town, 

which wants to use GABS’ project for guidance, is also 

considering the procurement of electric buses for its 

MyCiti fleet, which consists of 374 buses. 


Electric Vehicle 


Automakers chart path for electric 

vehicles adoption, development 

By Benjamin Alade and Tobi Awodipe 

Stakeholders and local automakers are 

championing the adoption of Electric Vehicles 

(EVs) usage in Nigeria as an alternative to 

petrol-driven vehicles to cushion the effects 

of fuel subsidy removal on citizens as well as promote 

clean energy. They said that despite the challenges 

surrounding the operations of EVs in the country, 

Nigeria has the potential to tackle them if collaboration 

and long-term planning with relevant stakeholders is 

followed. 

Coming together to brainstorm at an EV Hackathon, 

organised by Microsoft Garage, several ideas were 

proffered by stakeholders on how to bring the idea to 

fruition and successfully transition from petrol-driven 

vehicles to EVs. 

At the event, U.S. Undersecretary of Commerce for 

International Trade, Marisa Lago said not only are they 

committed to combating the climate crisis and view EVs 

as critical technologies to facilitate the clean energy 

transition, she said more importantly, new jobs will be 

created. Revealing that U.S. companies are eager to find 

opportunities to expand business relationships with 

Nigerian counterparts, she added that transitioning 

to EVs present a tremendous opportunity to drive 

innovation in the automotive sector and provide 

good-paying jobs for Nigerians, while simultaneously 

addressing climate change and reducing dependence on 

fossil fuels. 

She went on to reveal that supportive infrastructure is 

crucial for widespread adoption of EVs. “The availability 

of charging stations is a fundamental aspect of the 

enabling environment for an EV industry to thrive. But, 

there is a chicken-and-egg conundrum since companies 

are not likely to invest in charging infrastructure until 

there’s a critical mass of EV drivers. Also, individuals 

will be reluctant to buy EVs until there is a reasonable 

recharging infrastructure.” 

Also pointing out that the cost of EVs, which is still 

relatively high compared to conventional vehicles, 

remains a barrier, and wondered if the costs could 

be reduced through local manufacturing, targeted 

investment in R&D or collaborations with industry 

leaders from around the world to achieve economies of 

scale. 

“Also, to attract both domestic and foreign players 

in the sector, it will be critical to have a supportive 

regulatory framework of consistent policies, standards 

and regulations that are aligned with international best 

practices that encourage investment and innovation. 

In addition to advancing EV technology, we must equip 

the workforce with the education and skills necessary to 

support the growth of the industry. A skilled workforce 

can fill the employment opportunities generated by the 

growth of the sector, positioning Nigeria as a regional 

hub for manufacturing, maintenance and technology 

development.” 

Principal Program Manager, Microsoft Garage, Soromfe 

Uzomah, said they are looking to drive innovation 

and there is no reason why EVs are not in Nigeria 

yet, adding that if the country wanted EVs as at five 

years ago, it would have happened. Head of Corporate 

Communications, Innoson Group, Cornel Osigwe, said 

they paused producing EVs because of the unavailability 

of batteries, which he said remain very expensive. 

He, however, said companies could come together to 

produce batteries locally since all the raw materials are 

available in Nigeria. Osigwe said the government needs 

to get involved in battery production and provide an 

enabling environment for the market to thrive. 

Scania Representative, Abimbola Adekoya, said a lot is 

happening in the various segments of the EV value chain 

in Nigeria. “We need to be deliberate in recognising and 

relying on strengths, collaborating and position as a 

block to strongly influence policy shaping in a manner 

that will positively impact the EV space in Nigeria. 

An attendee present stated that some people have 

argued that the country suffers from poor power but 

wondered how many times EV users need a high-power 

charge. “I have been using an EV for a decade and I’ve 

only had a high-power charge 12 times in that period. 

The solutions are there. A four-hour charge will take you 

over 300 km.” 

Senior Vice President of Corporate Services, Oando Clean 

Energy, Alero Balogun, said the cost of financing EVs 

would be a challenge but investor finance is available. 

Chairman, Codes and Standards Committee, Nigerian 

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMech), Seun 

Faluyi, said it is more practical to expect that mass 



Automotive Camera 

adoption of EVs will be more driven by cost avoidance 

rather than policies in Nigeria and lowering the cost 

of development and deployment of EV production and 

infrastructure will be a key success factor. He said the 

most likely starting point where impact and progress 

can be made will be the first mile-last mile segment of 

the transport industry in urban centres, which includes 

motorcycles, tricycles and mini-buses. 

Faluyi stated that acceptance and adoption of EV 

passenger cars will lag if the cost of transition to 

EVs is high and make it uncompetitive with Internal 

Combustion Engine (ICE) cars and standards for the 

manufacturing and production of EVs still need focused 

development. 

The EV market is at the intersection of the 

transportation, automobile and power industries. 

Standardisation for charging, regardless of geographical 

location or electricity distribution company connected, 

will need to be talked about in terms of rates, measuring 

and monitoring charging activity, among others. 

Chief Executive Officer/Founder, SWAP, Seyi Ògúntunde 

said though the major issue is cost, as drivers don’t have 

the capital to purchase brand new vehicles, possibilities 

abound and people have started embracing it. “We set 

up a mini charging station around Berger where we have 

most of the drivers. They pick up the charged batteries 

in the morning and return it at night. The adoption rate 

has increased, because it’s easier for them to drive and 

more cost-effective. Now, most of them are coming to us, 

asking to convert their vehicles because they’re saving 

money on fuel and maintenance.” 

Head Mobility, Renewable Energy and Mobility, Sterling 

Bank Plc, Akin Akingbogun, said EVs are driven by three 

separate sectors of the economy: automobile, road 

infrastructure and energy/power. He said they would 

focus on partnerships that would convert ICE vehicles 

to EVs and stressed the need for the availability of 

charging stations across the country. He added that 

a major concern with EVs is standards. “How do we 

ensure standards are met and kept across the board? 

Standardisation is very important because users should 

be able to move across the country and region and be 

able to charge anywhere.” 

President of the Renewable Energy Association of 

Nigeria, Ayo Ademilua, said they intend to partner with 

stakeholders to roll out charging stations across the 

country, especially standalone charging stations. “We 

know affordability is a major issue so we are proposing 

pay-as-you-go platforms. We want the vehicles to be 

given out on leases while users pay monthly. 

It will also have an app that shows charging stations 

in real-time so that users know where next they can 

charge.” He revealed that many players are launching 

two and three wheelers later this year and need to 

partner. 

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, SAGLEV Inc., Dr Sam 

Faleye, said the gathering was critical in pushing the 

growth of EV adoption in Nigeria. 

Faleye, whose company does business in Nigeria as 

SAGLEV Electromobility Nigeria Limited, stated that they 

are accelerating the adoption of zero-emission vehicles 

from ICE Vehicles by collaborating with fleet, rideshares 

and personal vehicle operators leveraging its experience 

in the entire eMobility value chain. 

At the end, the ideas put forward for the hackathon 

include a pay-as-you-go platform for EV cars, charging 

station location apps, capacity building platform, battery 

design, fintech financing solution for the full purchase of 

EVs, database for the EV space, tech solution to manage 

driver behaviour and market education. 

Others include IOT on devices for ‘state of charge’, 

rideshare, charger stations, curriculum development for 

schools to support ecosystem, tracking energy assets, 

combining on-grid and off-grid solutions, a pricing 

model that works, leveraging already existing energy 

distribution networks as electricity charging stations and 

standard regulation framework development. 


Market report 


ELECTRIFYING THE 

TRANSIT – GROWTH IN THE 

ELECTRIC BUS MARKET 

The transport sector is one of the most significant 

contributors to GHG emissions globally, owing 

to which many countries worldwide are focusing 

on converting the existing fleet of commercial 

vehicles to zero-emission electric vehicles. Introducing 

electric buses is expected to change global mass transit 

in the coming years by improving air quality, reducing 

noise levels, and increasing fuel efficiency. However, 

the industry would face challenges such as high costs 

for developing charging infrastructures. Unlike many 

developed countries, the lack of charging infrastructure 

is one of the major challenges in developing countries’ 

electric bus market growth. Also, battery technology/ 

range and cost are the other restraining factors limiting 

the demand for electric buses. 

In 2022, the global bus market crossed 220,000 units, 

where electric buses share was slightly more than 

25%. The electric bus share in the global bus market 

was ~20% in 2019. The growth in electric bus demand 

is due to two reasons – growing support from the 

government in terms of incentives & tax exemptions 

and aggressive targets set by countries to achieve 100% 

fleet electrification. China’s contribution to the global 

electric bus market in 2022 was >80%. According to an 

analysis by MarketsandMarkets, the global bus market 

is projected to cross 260,000 units by 2030, to which 

electric buses will contribute more than 55%. 

China: The all-time leader 

The overall China bus market contributed to >40% of 

the global bus market, whereas China’s electric bus 

demand was >80% of the global electric buses in 

2022. The EV subsidies in China were set to expire in 

2022. However, in June 2023, the Chinese government 

announced a substantial tax incentive package of 520 

billion yuan (~USD 72 billion) over the next four years. 

Under this extended policy, New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) 

that are purchased in 2024 and 2025 will be eligible for 

a complete exemption from purchase tax (a maximum 

of 30,000 yuan (~USD 4,150) per vehicle). For 2026 & 

2027, this exemption will be reduced by half (5,000 yuan 

(~USD 2,000)). This extension is expected to not only 

boost the sale of electric vehicles but also expected to 

boost the Chinese economy after the pandemic. 

EUROPEAN ELECTRIC BUS MARKET – DRIVEN BY CO2 

EMISSION TARGETS 

Heavy-duty vehicles (lorries, buses, and trucks) contribute 

to >25% of GHG emissions from road transport and 



Electric Bus 

FIGURE 1 GLOBAL BUS MARKET SHARE BY PROPULSION (INCLUDING CHINA), 2019–2030. Source: Secondary Research, MarketsandMarkets 

Analysis 

more than 6% of total EU GHG emissions. Considering 

the same, European Commission proposed revising the 

Regulation on CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty 

vehicles. Previous targets were to reduce CO2 emissions 

to 15% by 2025 and 30% by 2030; however, with the new 

proposed targets, these are revised to a 45% reduction in 

CO2 emissions by 2030. These aggressive targets would 

help to achieve the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality target. 

To accelerate the faster deployment of zero-emission 

buses in cities, the EU also proposed to make all new city 

buses zero-emission as of 2030. 

The European bus market crossed 19,000 units sale 

in 2022, representing ~9% of the global bus market. 

Europe’s electric buses contributed to 22% of the total 

European bus market, which according to an analysis by 

MarketsandMarkets, is projected to cross 50% by 2026. 

The European region is expected to achieve a >90% 

electrification of buses by 2030. 

Both BEV and PHEV propulsions presently dominate the 

electrification in the European bus market. However, with 

time, the battery electric buses would have an edge in 

the European electric bus market. Also, the Transit and 

City buses largely dominate the European bus market, 

contributing to >65% of the total European bus market. 

Considering the new targets to replace all existing 

city buses with electric buses, this segment would 

achieve 100% electrification by 2030. Alternatively, the 

electrification in the other bus applications, such as 

coaches, & midi buses, would be comparatively lower. 

The current European bus requirement is in 3 types – 

9m (around 60 pax), 10-11m (75-85 pax), and 12m (100 

FIGURE 2 China Vs Global Electric Bus Market, 2022 

Source: Secondary Research, MarketsandMarkets Analysis 


Market report 



pax). Considering the electrification of the buses, the 

ideal customer requirement can be the same as current 

ICE buses. However, electric buses’ most significant 

challenge is increasing drive range without decreasing 

passenger capacity. For instance, Citaro Diesel has a 

passenger capacity of ~103 with a driving range of ~400 

km. But when replaced with NMC batteries (say 198kWh), 

the driving range decreases to 90% of the European electric 

bus market in 2022. Below is a quick overview of the key 

propulsion technologies available with these players. 

INDIAN ELECTRIC BUS MARKET – DRIVEN BY CO2 

EMISSION TARGETS 

The Indian bus market crossed the 70,000 units mark in 

2022, of which the electric buses were ~3%. The electric 

bus share in the total Indian bus market is expected to 

cross 20% by 2030. The Indian electric bus market is 

driven by central and state governments’ initiatives to 

promote electric commercial vehicles. In April 2019, the 

Government of India approved the Phase II of Faster 

Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric 

Vehicles in India (FAME) Scheme with an outlay of Rs. 

10,000 Crore for three years. This phase aims to generate 

demand by supporting 7,000 e-Buses, 500,000 e-3 

Wheelers, 55,000 e-Passenger Cars (including Strong 

Hybrid), and 1 million e-2 Wheelers. The scheme offers 

INR 20,000 subsidy per kWh for e-buses. 

Using this subsidy, the state governments have targeted 

to convert their existing fleets to electric. Below is 

the list of orders for electric buses from a few state 

governments: 

Most of these electric buses are transit/city buses, and a 

few are midi-buses. The only challenge with the Indian 

bus industry is that it heavily depends on China and 

foreign OEMs for battery technology. Also, the market 

is diversified with a few Indian OEMs like Tata Motors, 

Ashok Leyland (Switch Mobility), and PMI Electro 

Mobility. These three players contributed to ~40% of 

the electric bus market in India in 2022. BYD also has a 

TABLE 2 electric bus orders received by OEMs in india 




significant presence in India, with >25% market share in 

2022. Below are the future orders that these OEMs have 

bagged: 

The Indian electric bus market in the future will be 

driven by Smart City projects, overall improvements in 

the road infrastructure, and investments in charging 

infrastructures. However, challenges such as raw material 

sourcing (especially for batteries), technology, and supply 

chain disruptions will still haunt the Indian electric bus 

industry for the next few years. 

North America: 

North America’s bus market accounted for 10% of the 

global bus market in 2022. Bus electrification in the 

region is at a nascent stage, where the contribution of 

electric buses in the total North America bus sales was 

~4% in 2022. However, according to MarketsnandMarkets 

estimations, electric buses would contribute to >60% of 

the total bus sales by 2030. This growth is mainly due to 

government support in incentives and exemptions. 

For instance, On June 26, 2023, Federal Transit 

Administration (FTA) announced a funding of USD 1.69 

billion for Low- and No-Emission Grants for Buses and 

Bus Facilities project selections. This would support 130 

projects for people and communities in 46 states and 

territories. Also, EPA (Sept 2022) announced that it would 

Electric Bus 

double the funding awarded for clean school buses. 

The 2022 rebate program will fund ~2,500 school bus 

replacements. 

Transit/City Buses and then school buses dominate 

the North American market. These two applications 

would have the highest potential for electrification. The 

number of electric buses in operation is growing rapidly, 

and government incentives are helping to make them 

more affordable. As the market grows, more innovative 

technologies and government incentives to make electric 

buses more affordable and attractive to transit agencies 

can be seen. 

The future of electric buses is bright. With continued 

investment in research and development, the technology 

of electric buses will continue to improve. As the cost of 

electric buses comes down and charging infrastructure 

becomes more widespread, there will be more electric 

buses on the roads in the future. 

TABLE 2 electric bus orders received by OEMs in india 


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