Renault opens assembly plant in Thika

Auto dealer, Renault has opened a local assembly plant in Thika for its truck division as it seeks to expand Kenyan footprint.

The move follows the establishment of a long-term partnership with the local exclusive importer CMC Motors and unveiling of their new C and K ranges in Mombasa and Nairobi.

The plant, which was commissioned by Industrialization Principal Secretary Dr. Francis Owino in the presence of Renault Trucks President Bruno Blin and Al-Futtain Group Senior Managing Director Colin Cordry will see the company and CMC Motors create over 200 new jobs with additional opportunities set to be generated across the value chain.

In alignment with the 2030 Kenya industrialization vision, Renault Trucks vehicles count with a guaranteed French origin, but are assembled locally.

With the assembly of Renault Trucks, the objective is to strengthen its position as a key player of the automotive industry in East Africa, fully aligned with the country’s economic development agenda.

“We are more than pleased to be here and make this possible. We are still guaranteeing the best products and services offer, while contributing to employment and industrialization of the country,”said Bruno Blin, President Renault Trucks Africa.

“This comes in line with our arrival in the region, taking Kenya as our development Hub to achieve our long-term vision, alongside CMC Motors, our exclusive partner in the country”.

Industralisation PS Dr. Francis Owino said the Government is developing the National Automotive Policy which will serve to give direction and impetus for the development of a vibrant automotive industry. The main policy objective is to make Kenya an automotive manufacturing hub in the region.

“The local automotive industry in     Kenya is characterized   by dominance of used imported (second hand) vehicles, automotive assembling oriented towards passenger and commercial vehicles, lack of local full manufacture, and reliance on KD (Knocked Down) kits due to minimal local parts production. On this note, I urge this company to consider sourcing materials and parts for their assembly from local manufacturing entities such as the Numerical Machining Complex (NMC) and SMEs involved in the production of these parts,” said Dr   Owino.