New 16-seater high roof Toyota matatu promises comfort for passengers

Nyeri County Tourism executive Stanley Miano (right) chats with Toyota Kenya Deputy Managing Director Arvinder Reel, General Manager for sales and marketing Takeyuki Kowada and Four NTE Sacco chairman Wilfred Kimotho during the launch of the Toyota Hiace New Shark at the White Rhino hotel on November 24, 2016. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

By  Nicholas Komu

What you need to know:

  • Until now, most Toyota van matatus have been 14-seaters.
  • With the new model, matatu owners can earn more money with fewer journeys, thanks to the additional seats.
  • The New Shark has additional safety installations like airbags and CCTV cameras.
  • Toyota Kenya has been looking to dominate the PSV sector and the new model is just an addition to its Hino buses.

Toyota Kenya has unveiled a new 16-seater model of the Hiace van as it seeks to expand its market share in the public transport industry.

During its launch in Nyeri, Deputy Managing Director Arvinder Reel said the new model, dubbed “New Shark”, will focus on financial efficiency for the owners and comfort for passengers.

The New Shark model’s longer and spacious body with a high roof ensures that the 16 seats give passengers a comfortable and luxurious travel.

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Until now, most Toyota van matatus have been 14-seaters.

The additional seats also factor in returns for owners, making the vehicle more profitable.

“This model will be friendlier to the owner by maximizing returns. We have also designed it to be more comfortable for the passengers, especially those travelling for long distances,” said Mr Reel.

With the new model, matatu owners can earn more money with fewer journeys, thanks to the additional seats.

The vehicle is equipped with fuel efficiency and a fleet management system, enabling owners to not only save on fuel but also monitor its fuel consumption.

FUEL EFFICIENCY

“Its fuel consumption is 12 kilometres per litre, which allows the owners to save more on fuel,” he added.

Besides comfort, Toyota has focused on the safety of passengers, with the New Shark having additional safety features like airbags and CCTV cameras.

Currently one unit of the new model is selling at Sh4.55 million, which, according to Mr Reel, is a plus for those in the transport industry or those seeking to join it.

Toyota Kenya has been looking to dominate the PSV sector and the new model is just an addition to its Hino buses that have already captured a significant share of the market.

The company has already sold 10 units of the New Shark model, which is assembled overseas.

However, Mr Reel said the company will soon begin assembling the vehicle locally.

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