Mercedes maker opens Nairobi office

NAIROBI: German motor vehicle maker Daimler AG has opened a regional centre in Nairobi as it aims to cement its presence in 41 countries. Daimler Commercial Vehicles Africa (DCV Africa) will serve the Eastern, Central and West African markets.

Speaking during the opening of the centre, Wolfgang Bernhard, the member of the board of management at Daimler AG in charge of trucks and buses, said the centre would help to bring services closer to customers and boost after-sale services. “Our new regional centre will bring us even closer to our commercial vehicle customers and their needs,” said Mr Bernhard.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Last year, the firm sold about 5,900 commercial units of both Fuso Canter and Mercedes-Benz in the region. This year, it is projecting 4 per cent growth supported by increasing foreign direct investments in the region.

From its global markets, the firm posted a net profit of Sh1.02 trillion (8.9 billion euros). Rajaram Krishnamurthy, Daimler’s regional centre head (Africa), said being in Nairobi would afford them ample time to supply parts to customers as well as offer technical assistance in the region.

Daimler has appointed dealers in Kenya with DT Dobie selling Mercedes-Benz cars while the Simba Corporation sells Mitsubishi Fuso trucks.