Davanti names Kenya tyre distributor
Davanti Tyres has established an exclusive distribution partnership in Kenya with Kingsway Tyres.
Davanti Tyres has established an exclusive distribution partnership in Kenya with Kingsway Tyres.
Pirelli engineers predict its soft compound Scorpion KX WRC are the optimal choice for World Rally Championship contenders in Kenya, as the WRC Safari Rally commences on 22 June. Rain and muddy conditions, as well as loose stones and rapidly changing road conditions greet competitors, who have chosen to load up on the soft version of the Scorpion KXs. 28 sets per car – the 24 assigned by regulation plus the additional four for the shakedown – allow drivers to fit four new tyres at each of the seven services over the course of the race weekend.
Transaid has secured an extension of its work funded by global road safety philanthropy the FIA Foundation, to lead the second phase of a project to establish a National Helmet Wearing Coalition in Kenya, using its extensive experience in motorcycle and motorised three-wheeler safety. Priorities for a new 13-month term are to secure the long-term future of the Coalition and cement Kenyan ownership of this initiative, whilst strengthening the implementation of the existing Kenyan Helmet Standard through improved enforcement capacity.
Tyre distributor Sameer Africa resolved to close down on 20 April 2020. 73 employees will be made redundant by the end of May as a result. Local news reports quote acting managing director Peter Gitonga as saying that several different efforts to keep the company afloat had failed.
The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has approved Michelin’s bid to form a tyre distribution joint venture with Toyota Kenya’s parent firm CFAO to sell tyres in Kenya and Uganda.
A new joint venture has been set up between Michelin and industrial products distributor CFAO for importing and distributing premium and quality segment tyres into Kenya and Uganda. CFAO holds a 51 per cent share in the new entity and Michelin the remaining 49 per cent. The joint venture’s governance is equally divided between CFAO and Michelin.
On Wednesday 8 June, Sameer Africa CEO Allan Walmsley told local newspapers that the firm, which makes Yana brand tyres, would earn higher margins contracting-manufacturing with tyre producers in China and India. No names were overtly mentioned, but an unnamed Indian firm that bid unsuccessfully Sameer during the last year is thought to be a key suitor. No date for the closure of production and transition to contract manufacturing has been given, but judging by the nature of speculation surrounding Sameer’s ownership and business in general it is likely to be an ongoing process.
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