A Proton Saga in Nairobi? As unlikely as that sounds, it will soon be reality, as the Malaysian carmaker has just shipped its first batch of cars to Kenya. The 30 units of Sagas got on a ship in knocked down CKD form, and will be assembled in the African nation by Simba Corporation, a conglomerate with a history in car sales and assembly.
Proton said that its decision to export the Saga in CKD form was made following close consultation with its Kenyan partner. Aside from attracting lower taxes by being locally assembled, CKD assembly will help spur development in Kenya’s auto manufacturing industry.
“While strengthening Proton’s domestic position is critical to truly be acknowledged as an international car maker, we need to see our products in places as diverse as Bangkok, Islamabad, Cairo and now, Nairobi,” said Datuk Radzaif Mohamed, Proton’s deputy CEO.
“On a national level, this will also increase the value of trade between Malaysia and Kenya and help to contribute to the creation of jobs in Kenya’s automotive industry,” he added.
The guest of honour for the ceremonial flag-off ceremony earlier this week was the Kenyan high commissioner for Malaysia, Francis N. Muhoro. In his address, Muhoro explained how his country has a Look East policy and his wish was for more Malaysian companies like Proton to discover the investment opportunities in Kenya.
“Malaysia and Kenya share many similarities, from a colonial past to our efforts in developing our nations. Proton’s entry in to the country is not just as an entry in to a market of 51 million people but it is also a gateway to a potential market of 1.3 billion inhabiting the African continent. Therefore, I am hopeful this will be just the start of more trade between our two nations,” the envoy said.
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Although pickup trucks, all-terrain SUVs, vans and other CVs are most preferred in many African markets, there’s always a place for small passenger cars.
I believe the Saga is a good fit for the Kenyan market ; it can go up against the India-made Honda Amaze and Hyundai i10 Sedan there. Local assembly should give the Saga an edge in pricing and Simba more leverage with the local government.
On another note, Proton has previously exported to Kenya sometime during the early 1990s. Coincidentally, the first batch then was also 30 units. Proton has tried their luck in many different African markets over the decades, but only South Africa, Egypt and Mauritius had been encouraging.
Good luck to Proton and Simba Corporation. Maybe this will be the start of something big ? Time will tell.
Simba the Lion working partners with Proton Rimau the Tiger. *Thumbsup*
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Also thank u Proton for coming out with homegrown Saga, Persona & Gen2 that is still loved by all around the world!
Good move … good move… We like it
30?? Ex Honda man, Datuk Roslan : Mehhh
1st batch. More to come.
Exora should be next as it is suitable to be their airport taxis
So the next round of my Grand Tour in Africa, I can use this Saga as part of my show. Jolly well done.
They forgot to change the new Rimau Badge
The old badge still applies whut.
P1 growing the economy of their partners. P2 only growing Japan profits. Tahniah P1!
To the basher: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
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Which is why you remained 3rd world mentality while the country is rushing towards 1st world level. What a pity.
Japan and Germany were “3rd world countries” not too long ago…
Congratulation Geely. Still remember Egyptians’ response on Gen2 and Persona. It is a cult there.
Yeah, Proton specifically brought Gen2 and Persona back into production due to hot demand there. I wished we could buy new ones here, the car design is still handsome compared to more modern cars today.
Well done Geeky!!!
What happen to Turkey business?
Kenya is a tall people country. How can small saga attact them?
Not every African is a Usain Bolt. If you see Kenyan runners here, most are average height like you and me.
Really, whats the ‘tall’ figure?
Aoa.sir when Proton is available in Pakistan
Ask Alhaj Automotive Pakistan, the official distributor for Proton in Pakistan.
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A huge congrate to Geeley & Proton
Go to Australia, Iceland for road testing, bukan main ATAS. Tapi jual kat Kenya.
Do you know how much challenging is African country roads. You think all of them are super flat roads like in Wakanda ke? Pls come back to reality.
Tau tak pe. Then you should do testing on African roads instead of Australian?
Who told you they didn’t do testing in Africa?
Proton to Nairobi? Wrong maket segment i think…small size car with huge body size driver… what a funny story…. stop lah this nonse…
Congratulations Proton! Export Persona too ASAP!