Dealer dispels myths over European vehicles

Dar es Salaam. CFAO Mobility Tanzania is tackling long-standing misconceptions that have kept majority of Tanzanians from embracing European car brands, such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and Fuso.

The vehicles have often been perceived as expensive to maintain and ill-suited to local roads and weather conditions, discouraging potential buyers from opting for them.

However, CFAO Mobility which is the authorised dealer for such brands, argues that such concerns are largely unfounded.

“When you buy a brand-new car, it comes with the manufacturer’s warranty, which provides extended periods of trouble-free use before any major servicing is required. This reduces maintenance costs significantly over the long term,” said the company’s sales and marketing director, Ms Tharaia Ahmed.

The company aims to dismantle the notion that maintaining European cars is prohibitively expensive. The company offers genuine spare parts and certified technicians trained to service the specific brands.

“There’s a misconception that maintaining European cars is difficult and expensive, but with CFAO Mobility’s service centres across the country, we ensure that repairs and maintenance are accessible, reliable, and affordable,” Ms Ahmed explained.

Concerns about the ability of European vehicles to handle Tanzania’s roads and climate are also addressed by the company by ensuring that the models sold locally are adapted to meet the country’s environmental challenges.

Fuso trucks, for example, are built to carry heavy loads over rough terrain, making them particularly well-suited for the Tanzanian road network. Ms Ahmed further advised against purchasing used vehicles from foreign markets, noting that the secondhand cars are often not built for Tanzanian conditions.

“This applies not just to European brands but to vehicles from other regions as well. Buyers should opt for new vehicles that are tailored specifically for our market,” she said.

With access to high-quality service, genuine parts, and expert support, CFAO Mobility is making premium European brands a practical option for Tanzanian drivers.

“We are committed to breaking the stigma surrounding European cars by demonstrating that they are not only reliable and safe but also affordable to maintain when properly managed,” Ms Ahmed said.