Simba Corp Celebrates Its 50 Year Milestone
This year Simba Corp marks 50 years of being in the business of selling new cards. Simba Corp was established in 1948 as a car rental company and they also sold second-hand cars. They officially sold its first new car in 1968. From there, it has gone on to expand its business to hospitality, real estate and financial services
Achievements
The company sold the first Mitsubishi in Kenya and have then expanded its franchise to BMW, Renault, Mahindra, SAME Tractors, FUSO, Africa Fleet Managements Solutions, AVIs and AKSA. Simba Corp offers its customers a free serving plan for 2, 3 and 5 years with each purchased vehicle.
It took possession of Associated Vehicle Assemblers (AVAs), a Mombasa-based car assembly company, as an investment to align with the group’s future plans.
Simba Corp is also in partnership with Auto Express in order to offer all Mitsubishi customers unlimited access to its parts and services.
Simba Corp has branches in Mombasa and Kisumu which were opened in 1997 and 2011 respectively. It’s offices and dealers offices and dealers are located in Kisii, Nakuru, Nyeri, Nanyuki and Eldoret.
Recently, Simba Corp acquired 35% of Hemingway’s as part of its hospitality investment. It opened its first Acacia Premier in 2015 located in Kisumu. It also manages hospitality assets includes the Villa Rosa and Olare Mara Kempinski hotels.
Simba Corp also pioneered vehicle leasing in Kenya. It provides attractive vehicle leasing options to both corporate and fleet clients. Some of their multi-national clients include P&G, Eaton, L’Oreal and Coca-Cola.
Apart from expanding its business, Simba Corp established The Simba Foundation with an aim “to provide a platform for underprivileged youth by equipping them with technical and business skills” Its flagship project was a collaboration with two institutions, Eastland’s College of Technology and St. Kizito Vocational Training Institute, to begin training in automotive skills. The first group of 51 students had completed their training and the company was looking to enrol 75 more students who will begin training in September 2018.
Future plans
Simba Corporation was keen on establishing a local auto assembly plant. The company’s Executive Chairman, Adil Popat, remarked: ” We have dedicated ourselves to 50 years of product innovation and products efficiencies to provide our customer with the highest quality products and service.” A local assembly plant will ensure the continuity of quality products.
The group aims at aligning itself with motor technology. The Chairman cited that in some technologically advanced countries such as China, millions of electric vehicles are sold annually. He hoped that more policies will be put in place to encourage faster technological growth in the country.
Simba Corp is looking to venture into the hospitality industry more and created a substantial hospitality business platform with the intention to expand nationally and within the region. It is looking to establish more 3-star and 4-star Acacia Hotels.
It also intends to start a drinks and beverages business. It will supply high-end wines from Portugal.
The group has steadily grown since its establishment in 1948. It has managed to establish itself as one of Kenya’s leading car dealers and already making an impact in the hospitality industry. As it marks its 50 years, Simba Corp seems to have a clear strategy oforthe future.
