Kenyan automaker Mobius Motors has resumed operations after being acquired by Middle Eastern company, Silver Box. This was announced in a press statement on March 11, 2025 where Silver Box is described as “… a company that specializes in driving businesses forward through intelligent investment, expert corporate management and advanced technology…”
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Mobius is up and running
Mobius has since reopened its service center and has resumed services of Mobius vehicles. Production and manufacturing of the Mobius 3 is projected to be fully operational by July 2025. The company is also cooking up a new model slated for release in December 2025.
A way forward
This news comes following Mobius’ decision to go into voluntary liquidation in August 2024. The company had been in a dire financial situation as its financial statements showed that it had a debt of Ksh 649.2 million and a shareholder’s deficit of Ksh 389.1 million as of August 2020.
This was on top of a tax demand from the Kenya Revenue Authority of Ksh 85.74 million based on capital received from Mobius’s parent company. Mobius appealed but lost the case at the Tax Appeals tribunal.
The liquidation process was suspended to allow for the buyout and the acquisition deal was first publicized in August 2024. This marked a way forward for the struggling automaker, although details of the purchaser were not disclosed at the time.
From ambition to restructuring
Mobius Motors was founded in 2011 by Joel Jackson with the aim to make affordable, rugged SUVs that could navigate the rough terrain on some Kenyan roads.
After releasing the prototype Mobius 1 which helped attract investors, Mobius released its first production model, the Mobius 2, in 2014. It retailed at about Ksh 1 million and was stripped of many luxuries found in common cars (AC, lockable doors, glass windows, power steering).
Such missing features were addressed in the subsequent release of an updated Mobius 2 in 2019.
The company then switched to assembling the BJ40 from Chinese company, BAIC Motor Corporation, rebadged as the Mobius 3 in 2021.
This acquisition presents a new dawn for the automaker who now no longer has to shut its doors. As of now, it is not clear how much of Mobius’ debt Silver Box will be undertaking but this gives Mobius room to grow and recoup.
Leadership change
In this transition, Mr. John Kavila was appointed as COO of Mobius Motors. He brings experience in customer service, operations and manufacturing and is positioned to drive Mobius’ strategic growth.
“I am deeply honored to lead Mobius Motors, a company renowned for its bold and innovative approach to creating a truly unique Kenyan brand,” said Mr. Kavila. “Mobius Motors has built an exceptional foundation, and we are eager to build on this success by focusing on expanding our market share and increasing accessibility for Kenyan consumers.”
Outgoing C.E.O Nicolas Guibert expressed his faith in the future of Mobius Motors under Mr. Kavila’s leadership and Silver Box’s patronage.
“Among the three bids, Silver Box’s offer stood out as the best choice not only for ensuring the continuity of Mobius but also for driving its growth and success in the next phase,” said the outgoing C.E.O Nicolas Guibert. “I’m happy to hand over to John Kavila who will pursue the development of Mobius Motors… John will get the visionary and financial support from Silver Box to successfully expand the brand’s market share, introduce newer models, develop a network of Service stations, and make of Mobius Motors a major player on the African continent.”
Under new ownership and management, it will be interesting to see how Mobius Motors will drive innovation and expand Kenya’s automotive sector.
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