Kenya’s homegrown automaker, Mobius Motors, has found a new driver in Silver Box, a Middle East-based investment firm known for steering businesses towards growth through cutting-edge technology and corporate expertise.

This acquisition marks a turning point for Mobius, a company that has spent over 14 years building rugged, locally assembled vehicles designed to conquer Kenya’s toughest terrains.

With an estimated Sh5 billion investment already embedded in its legacy, Mobius is now set for an overhaul under Silver Box’s stewardship.

The transition has kicked off with the reopening of the company’s service centre, ensuring existing Mobius owners can hit the road with confidence once again.

Production is expected to shift into high gear by July 2025, with the Mobius 3 model rolling off the assembly line, while an entirely new 4x4 SUV is set for launch by December 2025.

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At the helm of this new chapter is John Kavila, the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO), handpicked by transaction advisor Shabbir Jivanjee. Kavila, an industry veteran in manufacturing and customer service, is determined to put Mobius on the fast track to success.

"I am deeply honoured to lead Mobius Motors, a company renowned for its bold and innovative approach in creating a truly unique Kenyan brand," Kavila stated.

"Mobius Motors has built an exceptional foundation, and we are eager to build on this success by focusing on expanding our market share and increasing accessibility for Kenyan consumers."

Beyond just keeping the brand alive, Kavila assured Kenyans that the goal is to strengthen and expand its presence.

"We are inspired by the dedication and talent of the Mobius team on the ground and remain committed to working closely with them to bring more versatile, high-quality vehicles to Kenyan roads."

Nicolas Guibert, the outgoing CEO who played a key role in elevating Mobius over the past five years, voiced his confidence in the transition, noting that Silver Box presented the most suitable offer among three competing bids.

"Among the three bids, Silver Box's offer stood out as the best choice—not only for ensuring the continuity of Mobius but also for driving its growth and success in the next phase," Guibert said.

"I'm happy to hand over to John Kavila who will pursue the development of Mobius Motors, company founded by Joel Jackson fourteen years ago."

"John will get the visionary and financial support from Silver Box to successfully expand brand's market share, introduce newer models, develop a network of service stations, and make of Mobius Motors a major player on the African continent," he added.

The acquisition follows an earlier announcement in August 2024, when Mobius Motors confirmed it had accepted a 100 per cent buyout bid, leading to the postponement of a creditors' meeting initially planned for August 15, 2024

With Silver Box now in the driver’s seat, Mobius Motors is gearing up to reassert itself as a dominant force in Kenya’s automotive sector, with bigger plans on the horizon and a roadmap for growth firmly in place.