CFAO Mobility: Driving a New Era in the Automotive...

CFAO Mobility: Driving a New Era in the Automotive Industry

Oscar J Jeke-?Zim Now Reporter

When Carl Varga, Managing Director of CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe, stood before industry players at the company’s Harare offices, he was not simply introducing another rebrand.

He was ushering in what he called a “new single unified powerhouse in the Zimbabwe automotive industry.”

The announcement marked the official merger of Toyota Zimbabwe and CFAO Motors into CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe, creating one of the most formidable players in the local market. Under this unified brand, global automotive giants Toyota, Suzuki, Volkswagen, and Hino now fall under a single umbrella, backed by a heritage of innovation, service, and trust.

Although the CFAO name may be unfamiliar to many Zimbabweans, the company’s legacy runs deep across Africa. Founded in 1852, CFAO has long been a driving force in automotive distribution.

Since being acquired by Toyota Tsusho Corporation in 2012, it has grown into Africa’s largest vehicle distributor, spanning 45 countries, operating more than 140 sites, and generating annual revenues in excess of €8 billion.

In Zimbabwe, the merger establishes a robust operation with over 200 employees, four owned sites, and an extensive dealer network.

In 2024 alone, CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe sold nearly 2,000 vehicles, serviced 15,000 cars, and managed over 5,000 spare parts lines—capturing 32 percent of the local market.

Varga envisions the rebrand as more than a name change.

“Our mission is to be the leading multibrand automotive company in Zimbabwe, offering mobility solutions driven by a unified team, focused on customer service excellence,” he said.

The company will carry a unified identity through the tag “By CFAO”—Toyota by CFAO, VW by CFAO, Suzuki by CFAO—ensuring that every brand under its umbrella is sold, serviced, and supported with the same standard of excellence.

At the heart of CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe is Toyota, the country’s most dominant car brand. In 2024, Toyota sold 1,650 vehicles locally, securing a 28 percent market share with popular models such as the Hilux, Land Cruiser, and Fortuner.

Alexis Triniac, head of the Toyota Business Unit, emphasised the brand’s legacy.

“Toyota is the first automotive brand in the world… Toyota is the first automotive brand in Zimbabwe,” he said.

Tracing its local journey, Triniac noted: “The Toyota Business Unit was established under the name Mobile Motors in 1961. The name was changed to Toyota Zimbabwe in 1994. In 2001, Toyota Tsusho Corporation acquired full ownership, and in January 2025, Toyota Zimbabwe officially rebranded to CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe.”

Beyond sales, Toyota’s aftersales strength remains unmatched. In 2024, Toyota by CFAO maintained and repaired 13,000 vehicles locally, with an additional 22,000 serviced through its official dealer network.

The company employs over 90 technicians and apprentices trained under Toyota’s international programs. Looking ahead, the introduction of hybrid models like the Corolla Cross HEV and the anticipated launch of the next-generation Hilux in 2026 highlight Toyota’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.

While Toyota commands the lion’s share of the market, CFAO Mobility’s multibrand division is gaining traction with Volkswagen and Suzuki.

For Volkswagen, the company aims to build on its legacy of engineering excellence and innovation. Meanwhile, Suzuki has emerged as a surprising disruptor. Since entering Zimbabwe, the brand has already captured a 6 percent market share.

“Suzuki provides an answer to the needs of a growing, price-sensitive market,” explained Lawrence Mawoni, head of the Multibrand Business Unit. “It offers affordable, reliable, and fuel-efficient vehicles that resonate strongly with Zimbabwean customers.”

Mawoni emphasized that CFAO’s promise goes beyond the showroom. “Our mission is to ensure a predictable, professional, and trustworthy ownership experience. That means manufacturer-approved spare parts, OEM-trained technicians, and a strong focus on aftersales service.”

Looking to the future, CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe plans to refurbish existing premises, open new multi-brand facilities where customers can explore multiple brands under one roof, and expand its dealer network to underserved towns and cities.

This local growth aligns with CFAO’s broader “Acacia Project,” a pan-African initiative to unify operations across the continent. Zimbabwe’s integration into this strategy ensures access to global standards, resources, and expertise, positioning CFAO as more than just a car distributor but a mobility solutions provider.

For Zimbabwe’s automotive industry, the formation of CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe represents a turning point.

By combining trusted global brands with a strong local presence and world-class aftersales support, the company is redefining what customers can expect—choice, reliability, and excellence, all under one roof.

As Varga summed it up: “Each brand has its identity, but it will be ‘By CFAO.’ That is our assurance that Zimbabweans will not just buy cars, but enjoy lasting ownership experiences with the CFAO touch.”