Kenya’s Leading motor vehicle distributor, Toyota Kenya and Pride Drive, a local corporate car hire company have cemented their long partnership by handing over HINO Kenya Buses to cater to the increasing demand of Car hire services after the Government’s directives on the reduced capacity of public transport in line with COVID-19 protocals.
All modes of transport were affected due to limited operability during this time; however, car rental services could be set for a post-coronavirus boom, with industry players anticipating increased demand as commuters turn away from public transport.
“The response by Government over prevention of the COVID-19 pandemic by enacting domestic measures such as social distancing has impacted on our business, as such we have seen more than 35 percent increase in staff transportation interests by major Kenyan corporates especially the buses and vans,” said Hasnain Noorani, Pride Drive Managing Director.
“The Interest in corporate transport has risen sharply as corporates have been looking for alternatives for their staff following the increased reorganized working schedules and fear of the coronavirus spread,” said Mr. Noorani.
While making his remarks, Toyota Kenya Managing Director, Arvinder Reel reiterated that the motor vehicle dealer would continue looking for more avenues to be logistics enablers to corporate clients across the country at a time many industries are facing COVID-19 related challenges.
“One thing that we have all learnt from the pandemic is that consumption of locally manufactured products is a sure way of supporting corresponding sectors and generally grow a country’s economy. With Pride Drive adding on to their fleet of Hino buses, we are in a position to support other industries such as the local content category.”
Mr. Arvinder added that in addition to the 18 HINO buses, the partnership between Toyota Kenya and Pride Drive will see the corporate car hire company acquire 100 buses by 2025.