Toyota Kenya Inks Distribution Deal With Suzuki

Leading motor vehicle distributor in Kenya, Toyota Kenya, today announced a business partnership with Suzuki Motor Corporation to distribute Suzuki models, making the firm the second Suzuki distributor in the country.

An initial seven Suzuki models will be sold under the Suzuki by Toyota Kenya distributorship, offering consumers a choice of quality vehicles that cater for various needs at different price points. Going by the tagline of ‘Compact Confidence’, Suzuki by Toyota Kenya will offer the following models ranging between Ksh 800,000 to Ksh3.8 million; Alto 800CC, Swift 1200CC, Ciaz 1500CC, Jimny 1500C and the Vitara 1600CC.

Speaking at the unveiling of the new distributorship, Toyota Kenya Managing Director Arvinder Reel said Suzuki by Toyota Kenya will revolutionise the Suzuki brand in the market.

“We have continually developed a large network across the country by increasing the number of our showrooms and getting new partners as well. This will ensure that Kenyans from every corner of the country will get an opportunity to own a brand new Suzuki model.

Through this network, our Suzuki customers should rest easy knowing that spare parts and our expert after sales service team will be within reach.”

The introduction of these models by Toyota Kenya comes at a time the government of Kenya has proposed a reduction of the age limit of second hand vehicles over 1500CC being imported in the country from eight years to five years starting July this year.

Mr. Reel added that launch of the Suzuki models, with prices starting from Ksh 800,000 for the Alto 800CC, will be an opportunity to educate Kenyans on the advantages of owning a new car as opposed to a second hand import. “Ours being a price sensitive market, the Suzuki models are priced to be affordable, offering a choice of models in different versions in regards to specification. Customers are able to select their model of choice that suits their budget and needs.”

The Suzuki by Toyota Kenya distributorship will play a key role in further growing the company’s market share. “We have expanded the Toyota Kenya portfolio where we can accommodate consumers with varying tastes and preferences. We now have a wider choice of quality vehicles ranging from an 800CC to 4500CC,” added Mr. Reel.

To assist consumers in acquiring the vehicles, the company has entered into a partnership with NIC Bank to offer easy payment terms with pocket friendly monthly instalments and financing of upto 90% of the cost of the vehicle.

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NIC Bank’s Executive Director Mr. Alan Dodd echoed the sentiments and guaranteed the bank’s support in ensuring quick processing of the requests within 1.5 days which is by far the highest turnaround time in the market.

Initially, the Suzuki models will be available in the Nairobi showroom, as roll out to the other branch happens after the launch. Suzuki by Toyota Kenya will also introduce an additional model, the Ertiga 1500CC, mid this year.

The Swift 1200CC comes with The HEARTECT new-generation platform features a high-rigidity frame, which contributes to crash safety. The frame’s continuous and smoothly curving shape with fewer joints effectively disperses impact energy in the case of a collision. The 1.2 DUALJET engine features dual injectors for each cylinder, which results in greatly increased thermal efficiency.

The Ciaz 1500CC is a 4-door sedan that features a refined K14B engine, aerodynamic and lightweight body for an ideal blend of dynamism and efficiency to deliver driving pleasure. The CAE technologies and effective use of high-tensile steel make the body light yet stronger.

The Jimny 1500CC has been loved by customers around the world since the birth of its first model in 1970. The new Jimny carries on the heritage of a small, lightweight authentic off-roader and is a masterpiece of Suzuki 4WD technology. It is equipped with a 1.5 litre engine, a robust ladder frame, 3-link rigid axle suspensions with coil springs and 4WD with a low-range transfer gear.

The Vitara 1600CC is equipped with a unique ALLGRIP 4-wheel drive system and fuelled by the authentic Suzuki SUV-genes. It features Suzuki’s advanced forward detection system which uses the combination of a monocular camera and a laser attached to the windscreen. Combining a monocular camera, which excels at mid-to-long distance detection and recognition of such traffic elements as pedestrians and lane markers, and a laser sensor, which excels at short-distance and night-time detection, can achieve superb safety.