Online Reporter
Michael Tome
Business Reporter
TOYOTA Zimbabwe and CFAO Motors have integrated to become CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe, a new unified entity that will offer expanded automobile solutions in the Zimbabwean car industry.
The newly created entity will be composed of two divisions, the Toyota Business Unit and the MultiBrand Business Unit (MBU).
MBU is now the official Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) licenced distributor for prominent automotive brands, Volkswagen and Suzuki, while the Toyota Business Unit will represent the Toyota and Hino brands.
In general, CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe will house Toyota, Volkswagen, Suzuki and Hino.
CFAO Motors Zimbabwe is a subsidiary of CFAO Automotive, the largest automobile network in Africa and the French overseas territories. Before the integration, CFAO Motors Zimbabwe was the authorised distributor of Suzuki and Volkswagen.
CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe managing director, Mr Carl Varga, said the move was aimed at creating a leading multi-brand automotive company in Zimbabwe offering mobility solutions driven by a unified team focused on customer service excellence.
“We proudly represent several of the biggest brands in the world with Toyota, VW and Suzuki. Each has its own identity with a variety of different models in many segments.
“By representing all these brands, we can offer a much wider mobility solution to our customers while ensuring the customer has the security of knowing they will receive the highest level of service, in particular in after-sales, regardless of the brand they own,” said Mr Varga
CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe MBU general manager, Mr Lawrence Mawoni, said the integration provided a platform to introduce new brands and drive their growth and expansion in the local market.
He said this would enable the company to have an extensive network, expertise, and resources to increase brand visibility and reach new customers.
“The formation of CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe gives us a powerful platform to introduce and grow these brands. We are excited about what the future holds for Volkswagen and Suzuki in Zimbabwe and are committed to becoming a key partner in the country’s economic growth,” said Mr Mawoni.
Toyota Business Unit general manager, Mr Alexis Triniac, said the move is expected to strengthen the market presence of the brands housed under the company.
“This strategic move positions the company to capitalise on emerging opportunities and take our brands to the next level,” said Mr Triniac.
Toyota by CFAO’s presence in Zimbabwe dates back to 1961, when the Toyota Business Unit was established under the name Mobile Motors.
The company underwent a significant transformation in 1994, changing its name to Toyota Zimbabwe.
Further changes occurred in 2001 when Toyota Tsusho Corporation, a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, acquired 100 percent ownership of Toyota Zimbabwe, solidifying the company’s position in the country.
In 2024, Toyota achieved 11 million in global sales.
The company’s strong presence spread across the African market, where it sold 234 000 units.
CFAO Group played a significant role in driving these sales, accounting for 60,000 units in Africa.
In Zimbabwe, Toyota maintained a strong market position, selling 1 650 units and capturing a 28 percent market share.
This performance shows the brand’s popularity and the effectiveness of its distribution network in the country.
