Actros out in Africa

When Kenyan businessman Michael Njai needed a truck to transport commodities such as cooking oil, metal roofing sheets, nails, detergents and crates, he looked no further than the three-pointed star for reliability, efficiency and a full export service.

Choosing reliability.

Michael Njai is a small businessowner who operates a small fleet of trucks used to transport commodity products from Kenya, through Uganda to the border with Congo, some 1,350 kilometres away. The trucks are also utilised on the return journey back, typically transporting timber or similar construction materials. Such is the terrain throughout Africa and the high demands placed on the truck, Michael needs a reliable workhorse and has come to trust the Actros for its durability and efficiency.

“Like most long-haul operators here in Kenya, I choose only Mercedes-Benz trucks for their strength and reliability, and the parts availability,” he explains. “I like to buy trucks that have been on a Mercedes-Benz contract in the UK because we know they will have been maintained to a very high standard within the manufacturer’s Dealer network.

“I’ve been doing this [importing trucks] for 12 years and know of some truly horrific cases where people have paid big money for trucks that have let them down. Whoever they bought it from is then nowhere to be seen. I like the peace of mind I get from knowing my new Actros came from the most established and reputable of suppliers – Mercedes-Benz itself.”

A complete service from the experts in export.

The latest addition to Michael’s fleet, is a 2014 Actros 2545 tractor unit that had previously been on contract hire with a high-profile food company in the UK, and fully maintained within the Mercedes-Benz Dealer network. Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK has been exporting high quality used trucks for decades and is one of the largest exporters to Kenya in the industry.

Export customers benefit from a complete service, encompassing vehicle preparation, shipping and delivery with a dedicated team handling all paperwork and liaising with the customer directly. This often involves carrying out engine downgrading, since African regulations demand that trucks meet Euro 3 specifications.

Reassurance from Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

Michael explains why this was so important: “The engine downgrade was essential, and it was reassuring to know this had been carried out by Mercedes-Benz. One of the big concerns over here relates to downgrades that have not been done properly. Some people have previously cut corners, and this has caused engine overheating and other problems.”

Meeting regulations is one critical aspect of choosing the right truck for export, but there are other considerations too. Personal preference, the condition of the vehicle and budget all play a part. This is another area where Michael was able to lean on the export team for support.

He explains: “My purchasing experience was very good. I originally ordered an older vehicle, but because of a change on the financing side, I was able to change tack and go for a newer 2014 unit instead. Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK Export Sales Manager, Chris Shaw, took it all in his stride. He managed the process very smoothly and communication was excellent throughout – there were telephone calls and emails, but most of our communication was through WhatsApp. My bank was also in touch with Mercedes-Benz at times to make sure all was well.”

Michael Njai

The right truck at the right price.

As a major of exporter of trucks across East Africa and other regions, Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK always has quality used stock available at its Wentworth Park complex in South Yorkshire. All trucks are official contract returns with complete paperwork. This means Mercedes-Benz is in a unique position to maintain its own stock levels, and is largely unaffected by materials shortages caused by supply chain shocks, which can slow down new vehicle production and create a shortage of used vehicles due to increased demand.  UK exports are increasingly popular for business owners in Africa, due to their premium quality, international reputation, and value for money.

Michael continues: “My latest Actros was fantastic value for money. When you import as an individual in Kenya, as I do, you are exempt from the sales tax that large importers have to pay. This enabled me to ship from the UK to Mombasa. Duties paid, cleared and on the road, the Actros cost me around 37,000 dollars. The cheapest I could have bought the same truck for locally right now would have been around 48,000 dollars. That’s a big saving!

“The truck was right, the price was right, and Chris made everything very easy for me. I could not have asked for more.”