Kenyans sue leading car manufacturer over faulty buses

david nganga

June 2, 2017 11:49 AM

Kenyans have moved to court to stop the car manufacturer from selling vehicles.

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A leading car manufacturer may face legal action after a number of Kenyans moved to court to stop sales of its vehicles that they claimed are faulty.

Toyota Kenya now faces a major lawsuit over claims that the buses and trucks supplied by its local dealer, Nairobi Hino, developed serious mechanical problems a few months after purchase.

The joint lawsuit has been filed as a product liability claim by City Star Shuttle Co Ltd, Beauty Wholesale (K) Ltd, Chania Prestige Shuttle Ltd, and eight other Kenyans.

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In the court filing, the buyers argued that there it was impossible for brand new vehicles to develop a multiplicity of problems resulting in total grounding without a manufacturer’s defect.

For instance, one particular brand, the HINO FC500, is said to have developed engine and overheating problems, brake system failures and chassis cracking even before the expiry of their warranties.

A number of buses and trucks were taken back for repair, but in some cases, the buses are yet to be released as there are no replacement parts.

This notwithstanding the fact that Tsusho Capital Kenya Ltd., who are financing the purchase of the public service buses, still demand the settlement of the loans.

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The buyers have also sued Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) and Tsusho Capital Kenya. Their lawyer said that the debt under the asset financing facility agreement the buyers took with Tsusho Capital Kenya and other financiers for the purchase of the HINO FC500 model truck and PSV buses have piled up.

In which case, the debt ought to have been paid from regular income.

Toyotas is yet to respond to the case and the hearing is set for Firday June 2.

david nganga