Zimbabwe’s automotive landscape is set for a major shake-up following the official launch of CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe, a new entity formed through the merger of Toyota Zimbabwe and CFAO Motors.

The company, which represents global giants Toyota, Suzuki, Volkswagen, and Hino, is positioning itself as a multi-brand leader in the local market.

Announced at a press briefing in Harare, the unveiling marks the Zimbabwean chapter of CFAO’s continental “Acacia Project”, a strategy to unify operations across Africa under single “Mobility” entities.

CFAO already has a footprint in 45 African countries, making it the largest automotive distribution company on the continent.

“This is not just a merger. It’s the creation of a unified team with one vision — to deliver world-class automotive solutions to Zimbabwe,” said Carl Varga, Managing Director of CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe.

“We believe in Zimbabwe and we are investing in its future. Our goal is to be the leading multi-brand automotive company in the country.”

CFAO, founded in 1852, was acquired by Toyota Tsusho Corporation in 2012 and now oversees the sale of over 111,000 new vehicles annually across Africa. With revenues surpassing €8.3 billion, its scale offers CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe a significant advantage.

Locally, the newly unified company already commands more than 32% of the market, selling close to 2,000 vehicles in 2024 while servicing over 15,000 cars.

With more than 200 employees, four company-owned sites, and an extensive dealer network, CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe believes it has both the infrastructure and expertise to expand further.

“The merger allows us to harness the strengths of each brand,” Varga explained. “Whether a customer drives a Toyota, VW, Suzuki, or Hino, they can expect the same high standards in sales, servicing, and support. Our promise is simple: customer service, by CFAO.”

The company will operate through two distinct divisions: Toyota Business Unit (TBU): Led by Alexis Triniac, covering Toyota and Hino as well as Multibrand Business Unit (MBU): Managed by Lawrence Mawoni, representing Suzuki and Volkswagen.

Each brand will continue to maintain its identity but will be marketed under the umbrella slogan “By CFAO”  a mark of unified service standards across all touchpoints.

Looking ahead, CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe is pursuing an ambitious expansion strategy. Plans are in motion to refurbish existing facilities, open new multi-brand showrooms, and extend the dealer network to underserved regions.

“Our vision is to create spaces where customers can walk into one branch and have access to a wide choice of vehicles, supported by consistent service excellence regardless of the brand,” Varga said. “We want to grow beyond sales  to make Zimbabwe more mobile.”

Beyond customer-facing initiatives, the company also aims to enhance opportunities for its workforce.

As part of a global network of 23,000 employees, CFAO staff in Zimbabwe will now have access to international training and career development pathways.

“Our people are our most important asset,” Varga emphasised. “By combining operations, we can offer broader opportunities for staff while raising the standard of service for customers. It’s a win-win.”

With Zimbabwe’s automotive sector facing challenges ranging from import restrictions to fluctuating consumer purchasing power, CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe is betting that brand diversity, strong aftersales support, and global backing will set it apart.

“The automotive industry is evolving, and so must we,” Varga noted. “Our unified structure gives us the flexibility to adapt, the scale to compete, and the customer focus to lead.”