5 African Car Brands You Didn’t Know About
Africa is known for its rich cultural heritage, great athletes, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. When it comes to automotive engineering, it’s often looked at as a consumer rather than a producer. But the African continent has a growing automobile industry with innovative and exciting brands building cars that are tailored to the continent’s unique… View Article
Africa is known for its rich cultural heritage, great athletes, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. When it comes to automotive engineering, it’s often looked at as a consumer rather than a producer. But the African continent has a growing automobile industry with innovative and exciting brands building cars that are tailored to the continent’s unique needs. Here are 5 African car brands that might surprise you:
1. Mobius Motors (Kenya)
Let’s start closer home. Mobius Motors, based in Nairobi, Kenya, goal is to “build vehicles in Africa, for Africa.” It released its first car, the Mobius 2, in 2015 and has since released the second SUV in their lineup- the Mobius 3.
According to the company website, Mobius builds SUVs that have the durability to handle rural roads at the price of a used sedan. Mobius has won multiple recognitions and awards, including the 2021 Motor Pressing Agency awards for car of the year and best exterior design.
2. Kiira Motors (Uganda)
Kiira Motors is a state-supported corporation founded in 2011 as a Makerere University project. The automaker has produced a number of hybrid personal use and public service vehicles (PSVs). Its lineup includes the Kiira SMACK (pictured above), Kiira EV, Kayoola Solar Bus, and Kayoola Diesel Coach.
Kiira vehicles indicated a new dawn for the Ugandan automotive industry and Africa in general.
3. Innoson Motors (Nigeria)
Innoson Motors was founded by Innocent Chukwuma, producing over 500 units since its inception. Its client base includes the Nigerian government. The company’s vehicle lineup includes SUVs, pickup trucks, multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), and buses.
The Innoson Carrier pickup truck is similar to the Toyota Hilux double cab.
4. Wallyscar (Tunisia)
The Guiga brothers and René Boesch, a former automotive engineer at Jeep, founded Wallyscar in 2006. Their first car, the Wallys IZIS, heavily inspired by the Jeep Cherokee, went into production in 2009. The company builds affordable, reliable, and powerful 4X4s. But it has also manufactured a sedan, the Wallys 719. Wallyscar prides itself on producing vehicles that blend style, functionality, and affordability.
According to the Tunisian automaker, it has sold over 2,000 units since inception. The market for its cars extends beyond North Africa into the Middle East and some parts of Europe.
5. JET Motors (Nigeria)
Founded in 2018, JET Motors is a Nigerian automaker focusing on building electric vans. The vehicles range from passenger to utilitarian vehicles – ambulances, military vehicles, or delivery vans. Its lineup includes the JET Executive, JET Cargo, and JET Passenger. According to its website, it plans to launch a pickup truck too.
JET Motors founder, Chidi Ajaere, says the company focuses on multi-purpose vans because a greater percentage of the African population depends on commercial vehicles.
African Car Brands Reshaping the Automotive Landscape
Other notable African car brands include Laraki (Morocco), Kantanka Cars (Ghana), and Birkin Cars (South Africa).
While these African car brands may not yet enjoy the same level of global recognition as their counterparts from other regions, they are making significant strides in shaping the continent’s automotive landscape. These automakers are proving that Africa has the talent, ingenuity, and ambition to compete on the world stage. With a focus on addressing local needs and challenges, these brands are not only driving economic growth but also reshaping perceptions of Africa’s capabilities in the global automotive industry.
Which African car brand would you like to drive? Let us know!