Inspiration from Inefficiency: The Founding of Mobius Motors in Kenya

Joel Jackson founded Mobius Motors in Kenya in 2010 after observing the need for affordable, durable vehicles in rural areas. The first prototype, Mobius I, led to the launching of Mobius II, which became Kenya’s most affordable new car. Despite facing financial difficulties culminating in voluntary liquidation, Mobius was revived by a Middle Eastern investor, planning to launch a new model by the end of 2025.

Joel Jackson, a British entrepreneur, conceived the idea of establishing Mobius Motors during his time in rural Kenya in 2008, while working on economic development initiatives. He recognized the significant challenges faced by locals, particularly in rural regions, due to inadequate road conditions and the absence of affordable vehicles. The existing options were either prohibitively expensive or ill-suited for the harsh terrain, prompting Jackson to envision a locally designed vehicle that would be practical and economical for Kenyan roads.

Without prior automotive engineering experience, Jackson undertook extensive research on low-cost vehicle design and collaborated with engineers to create a prototype. This endeavor culminated in the establishment of Mobius Motors Kenya Ltd in Nairobi in 2010, with the goal of simplifying the vehicle design by eliminating non-essential features such as air conditioning and electric windows, to keep manufacturing costs low.

The first prototype, referred to as Mobius I, was structured as a basic vehicle capable of traversing rough terrains. This initial proof of concept attracted early investors through grants and private funding, ultimately paving the way for Mobius’s flagship vehicle, the Mobius II, which was launched in 2014. Priced at approximately Ksh1 million ($10,000), the Mobius II became the most affordable new car available in Kenya, and its production facilities were set up in Nairobi, utilizing both local and imported components.

Despite advancements in the vehicle models, including the refined Mobius II with added features such as power steering and a multimedia system, the company faced persistent financial challenges. Competing against second-hand imports and grappling with high tax rates resulted in substantial losses, culminating in over one hundred million shillings in losses by December 2024, paired with a mere Ksh500,000 in revenue. A series of internal conflicts further strained the organization, leading to Jackson’s removal as Chief Executive Officer as the company neared bankruptcy.

In August 2024, Mobius entered voluntary liquidation, marking the end of over a decade of automotive innovation. However, the company received a much-needed lifeline when it accepted a takeover proposal from a private buyer, later identified as a Middle Eastern firm committed to strategic business growth. An official statement confirmed the resumption of normal operations, with a renewed focus on developing the Mobius 3 model. The new leadership announced that production would commence by July 2025, with the launch of an upgraded 4×4 model planned for December 2025, while Jackson’s current professional endeavors remain undisclosed.

Joel Jackson’s journey illustrates the challenges and potential within the African automotive sector. Mobius Motors emerged with a vision to create durable and affordable vehicles tailored for Kenyan conditions. Though the company faced significant setbacks leading to voluntary liquidation, the recent takeover signifies a renewed hope for the brand’s future. With new leadership and a focus on innovative vehicle development, Mobius aims to continue its mission of providing accessible transportation solutions for the region.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke