Silver Box, a company based in the Middle East specializing in tech investments, has recently acquired Mobius Motors Kenya, a struggling automaker that had announced plans to shut down. The acquisition comes after months of financial challenges, including unpaid debts and supplier disputes.
Following the acquisition, John Kavila has been appointed as the new COO, while CEO Nicolas Guibert, who supported the sale, will be stepping down from his position at the automaker.
Kavila expressed his excitement about leading Mobius Motors, emphasizing the company’s innovative approach in establishing a unique Kenyan brand. The focus moving forward will be on expanding market share and enhancing accessibility for Kenyan consumers.
Silver Box’s plans for Mobius Motors include expanding its market presence, introducing new models, and strengthening its service network. However, the brand still faces obstacles such as competition from second-hand imports and financial instability.
Established in 2009 by British entrepreneur Joel Jackson, Mobius Motors aimed to produce affordable, rugged SUVs suitable for African roads. Despite raising significant funding from various investors, the company struggled to compete with imported vehicles.
After entering voluntary liquidation in August 2024, Mobius Motors was acquired by Silver Box. The new owners aim to revive the brand by resuming production and introducing new models while leveraging Mobius’ existing facilities.
Under the new ownership, Mobius Motors has reopened its service center and plans to resume production of the Mobius III by July 2025. Additionally, a new off-road SUV model is expected to be launched by December 2025. The focus will be on utilizing Mobius’ Nairobi plant for production and further refining the brand’s offerings.