STORY: Chinese manufacturers of new energy vehicle parts shine at Kenyan Expo
SHOOTING TIME: July 6, 2024
DATELINE: July 7, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:09
LOCATION: Nairobi
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Auto Expo Africa 2024
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): SUNKAR HU, Sales commercial director at Votol/Varchea
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ELIJAH ODUOR, Executive officer of Electric Mobility Association of Kenya
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): CELESTE VOGEL, Founder and chief executive officer of eWAKA

STORYLINE:

Frigid weather notwithstanding, visitors to the Auto Expo Africa 2024, that opened on Wednesday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital were attracted by the sleek electric two-wheelers displayed by Zhejiang Varchea E-mobility Co. Ltd.

Kevin Rui, the firm's chief executive officer meticulously engaged a battery of potential clients keen to learn about the process of importing and assembling components of the electrified motorcycles, bicycles and vehicles that have gained traction in Kenya.

Rui said Zhejiang Varchea E-mobility Co. Ltd has mainly focused on production of critical components like batteries, speedometers and chargers that are required to sustain green mobility globally, with a special focus on Africa.

During the Auto Expo that runs from July 3-6, Rui said he looked forward to forging partnerships with local distributors to raise the visibility of his company's flagship brands including electric scooters, vehicles and two-wheelers.

Running concurrently with the 11th Oil & Gas Africa 2024, the Auto Expo Africa, now in its 25th edition has attracted exhibitors from over 30 countries including China to showcase auto spare parts, tyres, batteries, lubricants and signage products.

Sunkar Hu, the sales commercial director at Votol/Varchea, an electric mobility components and vehicle manufacturer, said the four-day expo that was expected to attract over 4,000 visitors offers an opportunity to establish long-term partnership with local distributors and clients.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): SUNKAR HU, Sales commercial director at Votol/Varchea
"In this year, the business between China and Africa is growing a lot, especially Kenya is one of the leading markets in Africa. So this definitely will be a good start for us in Africa market and I think Kenya is also leading the electrical vehicle industry in Africa. That's why we're coming here to engage with business people here, with customers here to understand and present our products here."
   
Elijah Oduor, the executive officer of Electric Mobility Association of Kenya, an umbrella body for green mobility players, said the country has been able to navigate the shift to low carbon transportation, thanks to availability of high-performing two-wheelers and vehicles manufactured in China.
   
SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ELIJAH ODUOR, Executive officer of Electric Mobility Association of Kenya
"Chinese-manufactured electrical two-wheelers and three-wheelers in the market so far are the most reliable and the most sustainable. Those are the most popular in the market right now. And from experience, a lot of user experience I have had with them, they are actually very steady, they are very reliable. The sustainable energy when you look at how long it takes before you charge it, how long it takes before the next thing, it becomes very reliable for the market in Kenya at the moment."
   
Celeste Vogel, the founder and chief executive officer of eWAKA, a Nairobi-based electric mobility start-up said that for Africa's green mobility to thrive, a seamless connection with Chinese manufacturers of critical parts and other players in the supply chain is crucial.

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): CELESTE VOGEL, Founder and chief executive officer of eWAKA
"I'm a real believer that manufacturing needs to come to Africa. I believe in joint ventures. I believe in partnerships. Our business is very much based on partnerships and collaborations. So I look forward to getting into the manufacturing space as well, through partnerships with Chinese."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Nairobi.
(XHTV)