The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Spear Motors has spent decades in Uganda’s new vehicle industry. What is your business strategy to maintaining relevance in the market?
The brands that we represent are known around the world. For instance, Mercedes Benz is the oldest car company in the world. And having associated and still associating with such a brand has kept us relevant in the market. And now with the Fiat, we are destined to command a bigger share of the market. Such strategies keep our business growing.
What other challenges are hampering the steady growth of the automotive industry in Uganda?
The biggest challenge comes with uncontrolled importation of used cars into the country, which tend to affect the growth sales of new vehicles. Many clients prefer buying second hand vehicles at a low price amidst the high taxes involved than investing in a new one that may look very expensive but cheaper in the long run in terms of maintenance costs.
You added Fiat pickup, FUSO and Mitsubishi Commercial Vehicles to your product portfolio. How has their reception been in the market?
Mitsubishi and Fuso were already big players in the market for many years, evidenced with their number of imports as second hand. With Fiat brands, clients recall it from the 1970-80’s and given that they are built on the same platform with Mitsubishi L200, there is a lot of sharing of common parts that makes servicing easy. That explains their good reception on the market.
What is your strategy to achieving commercial success for the new products?
We are using our existing customer base as well as enticing new customers. We contact customers and let them know about an expanded range of products that also includes pickups. Initially, we were not participating actively in dealing in pick-ups. However, currently there’s a large section of the market is for pickup and that should help us grow.
Where do you see Spear Motors in Uganda in the next few years?
Globally, the markets are adjusting with new technology coming in. I see Spear Motors still pushing forward with the core values and operating within the auto sector.
****
editor@independent.co.ug
