One surprising consequence of Kenya’s economic downturn has been the rise of customized cars. Rising vehicle prices driven by a combination of factors including global trends and rising lifestyle trends have put new cars out of reach for many Kenyans and this is making new cars outdated rather than outdated there’s already a mirror, and it’s breathing new life into old cars. Let's explore!
1.Pricing
The Kenyan car market, especially new cars, has been in a severe downturn. The shadow of the epidemic still looms, and car prices have soared. A few years ago, a 2017 Mazda Demio could cost less than Sh1 million. The average price today is a staggering Sh1.4 million. Even luxury cars like the Toyota Land Cruiser V8 have become almost unavailable and now cost around Sh12.5 million.
Kenya Motor Trades Association secretary-general Charles Munyori says Kenyans struggling with the rising cost of living have contributed to the slowdown. The decline in car imports has been on the rise, as people prioritize basic needs over car upgrades.
Kenya Motor Trades Association secretary-general Charles Munyori says Kenyans struggling with the rising cost of living have contributed to the slowdown. The decline in car imports has been on the rise, as people prioritize basic needs over car upgrades.
2.Optimization errors
Faced with this new reality, many Kenyans are turning to custom cars as an alternative. This improves the performance, aesthetics, and sometimes even safety features of their existing vehicles. According to Jen Waraki, the customization industry is booming. "Right now the focus is on accessories or upgrading the front end of the car," he explains. "Even before the dollar started to rise, we saw an increase in inquiries for these businesses."
3.After the light:
A customized car goes beyond a simple paint job or fancy rims. Kenyans want more change, e.g.
•Performance improvements
Engine maintenance, suspension adjustments, and accessories can improve vehicle performance and handling.
•Cosmetic options
A new paint job, spoiler, alloy wheels and body kit can completely change the look of the car.
•Safety Features
Safety on the road can be greatly improved by adding features such as headlights, taillights, brake upgrades and parking detection
4.A useful trait
The rise of custom cars isn’t just a symptom of economic hardship; It offers several benefits:
•Cost effective
Updating an existing vehicle is significantly cheaper than buying a new one.
•Environmental
By extending the life of older vehicles, modifications reduce waste and reduce the impact of the transportation industry on the environment.
•Description
Customization allows car owners to customize their vehicles and display their unique car desires.
5.Challenges and Considerations
While vehicle customization offers solutions to Kenya’s economic woes, challenges to consider are:
•Quality control
With increasing demand, ensuring the quality and manufacture of raw materials will become increasingly important.
•Regulations
Development needs clear regulations to ensure compliance with safety standards.
•Long-term value
While customization can improve the look and feel of the car, it may not always translate into increased resale value.
The way forward: Conclusion
The economic situation in Kenya may affect the car market for some time. As long as car prices continue to rise, the tendency to turn cars around is expected to remain strong. These changes give automotive parts and manufacturing plants the opportunity to meet this growing demand, while ensuring that quality and safety remain paramount.
