Amid cheering, sounds of a car, enthusiastic audience; AKAGERA BUSINESS GROUP (ABG) on Friday the 13th unveiled a new model of a luxurious Mahindra XUV5OO, which can rightfully be considered a perfect gift for the new year from AKAGERA MOTORS.
Placed in the limelight of the gracious evening, which brought together car lovers from around Kigali city were two SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles), one black and the other silver. The evening kicked off with people flocking the Kimihurura area to be numbered among the very first few to set sight on the XUVs which are selling on the Rwandan market for the first time ever since their initial release by Mahindra & Mahindra. Mahindra XUV5OO W6 and W8, which are the two models that AKAGERA MOTORS unveiled, represent the best of automotive design, considering their cheetah inspired nature of great speed but environmentally friendly make-up. The Mahindra XUVs manufactured by India’s Mahindra & Mahindra bring to Rwanda and the world the latest technology making the otherwise fragile balance between the powerful machines they are and limiting greenhouse gas emissions. This balance according to ABG’s Johnny Murengenzi who is the Operation’s Manager for Mahindra & Mahindra at AKAGERA MOTORS, was ensured through the thoughtful design of the car’s diesel engine. “Unlike the usual equation suggesting that the stronger the car is the heavier it burns hydrocarbons and thus, the bigger the engine size, the Mahindra XUVs present a new era of technology that places strong emphasis on environmental conservation. The engines are smaller and the rate at which fuels are burnt is minimal, hence, ensuring that the environment is fully conserved,” Murengenzi said.
Peterson Mutabazi, the Principal Engineer in charge of Transport in Rwanda’s Ministry of Infrastructure concurred with Murengenzi as he praised the Mahindra XUVs for being the right vehicles to lead the country into greater, but greener development. “We have set out as a country to achieve development from all aspects of life.
However drawing from the experience of other nations, the path to economic liberation brings adverse consequences on the environment if not pursued consciously, which is why the development Rwanda envision is to be pursued on green terms.” Among such endeavors to mitigate the negative consequences of development on the environment is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, a cause to which the new Mahindra XUVs unveiled by ABG undoubtedly contribute significantly.
Great looks coupled with strong features
Besides the good looks of the Mahindra XUVs, the cars are equally built with greater ease to drive and less fuel consumption among other elements. The Mahindra vehicles feature an Electronic stability program (ESP) with rollover mitigation, Hill Hold and Hill Descent controls. The ESP for instance facilitates stability when driving in high traffic zones where constant balancing of the accelerator and the crutch is paramount.
While in such heavy traffic zones, the Mahindra XUV5OO is built to allow its driver three seconds of stillness while he/she accelerates before it can roll over. Besides making driving easy, the ESP feature also plays a vital role in sustaining the car in good shape. Comfort is yet another element that was emphasized in designing the Mahindra vehicles. The W8 for instance features six airbags, a great interior, and a touch screen all to the benefit of ensuring a comfortable drive. According to ABG, the XUVs plus all spare parts are now available at AKAGERA MOTORS.
Drive a brand new vehicle at competitive rates
In similar efforts by the government of Rwanda geared towards reducing the importation of old second-hand cars from European and Asian markets, the Ministry of Infrastructure following directives from the Prime Minister’s Office is currently drawing plans on how to counter such automobiles which are deadly to the environment.
According to Mutabazi, an Order of the Prime Minister proposes a ban on importing second hand cars, which have been on sale for more than ten years. In the efforts to counter the challenge, new cars like the introduced Mahindra’s present a better option considering their relatively fair prices compared to their European counterparts.
The order as Mutabazi explained was triggered by a high rate at which old second-hand cars not allowed to be used mostly on European markets are being imported into Rwanda. The cars are highly destructive to the environment due to the high rate of lethal gas emissions.
Mahindra XUV5OO W6 and W8 are priced at Rwf 23 Million and 25 Million respectively. The prices are subject to changes as a result of fiscal and inflationary factors.
AKAGERA MOTORS, a subsidiary of ABG, is the sole distributor of Mahindra & Mahindra, Ashok Leyland, Toyota and HINO, Indian and Japanese leading car brands respectively.
