Caetano Kenya, in partnership with a Chinese manufacturer in the commercial vehicle industry, Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC), has officially launched the JMC brand in Kenya.
The launch introduces the Vigus line of vehicles, which will be locally assembled and are designed to meet the demands of Kenyan professionals.
The strategic decision to locally assemble the JMC Vigus pickups underscores Caetano’s commitment to the Kenyan market, management said on Friday, a move that gels well with Kenya’s plan to revitalise the automotive industry with key government and private sector investment in assemblies.
This initiative is expected to create jobs, facilitate skill development and contribute to the growth of the local automotive industry while also enhancing market competitiveness and supporting the country’s economic development.
The newly launched Vigus lineup includes the VIGUS Pro Single Cab (a light commercial vehicle), the VIGUS Pro Double Cab (a passenger vehicle) and the Carrying Plus Truck (a light commercial vehicle).
"Today, we are laying the foundation for a new era in Kenya’s commercial vehicle industry. Our goal is clear, to provide solutions that make a real difference, both in terms of performance and economic impact,” Caetano Kenya managing director, Aurélien Glay, said.
The Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits received from China will be assembled at KVM (Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers), adhering to all regulations regarding local directives.
The JMC models come with key technological innovations, such as the Ford Puma engine, which has been refined to address issues such as fuel consumption, turbo lag and emissions by adopting a smaller bore, moving from a 2.2L to a 2L engine.
Looking ahead, Caetano Kenya anticipates a strong interest in the JMC brand, with expected sales of at least 100 units in 2025, driven by the growth of local industries.
Salvador Caetano Group operates in 41 countries. In Kenya, it is the official distributor of Hyundai, Kia, Renault, Ford, and now JMC.
Founded in 1948, JMC now exports to more than 70 countries and produces up to 545,000 vehicles annually.
It has established itself as a strong brand in the automotive sector, which even led Ford to acquire a 32 per cent stake in the company.
