The Rise, Fall, and Revival of Mobius Motors: A Kenyan Automotive Journey
British entrepreneur Joel Jackson founded Mobius Motors in Kenya to address poor road conditions and the lack of affordable vehicles. Despite initial success with its Mobius II model, the company faced significant financial losses and leadership challenges, leading to its voluntary liquidation in 2024. However, a subsequent takeover has revived the company, with plans for a new model, Mobius 3, set for launch in December 2025.
In 2008, Joel Jackson, a British national, arrived in rural Kenya for a micro-forestry project. His experience highlighted the challenges posed by poor road conditions and the absence of affordable vehicles for rural communities. This prompted him to conceptualize a company that would manufacture vehicles tailored to Kenya’s infrastructure, leading to the creation of Mobius Motors, the first Kenyan enterprise dedicated to building vehicles from the ground up.
Jackson recognized that existing vehicles were either prohibitively expensive or ill-suited for rough terrain. Motivated by the need for practical transportation solutions, he envisioned a robust, affordable vehicle for African roads. With no background in automotive engineering, Jackson researched low-cost vehicle design and collaborated with engineers to develop his first prototype. Mobius Motors was officially founded in 2010 in Nairobi, with a focus on simplicity and affordability by removing unnecessary luxury features.
The initial prototype, named Mobius I, was a basic vehicle with a durable steel frame, designed to withstand rugged conditions. This model attracted early investors and laid the groundwork for Mobius’s success. Following its positive reception, the company launched its first mass production model, Mobius II, in 2014, offering the most affordable new car in Kenya at approximately Ksh1 million ($10,000). The Nairobi facility utilized both local and imported components for assembly, and a subsequent version of Mobius II included added features to broaden its appeal.
Despite the positive initial reception, Mobius faced significant challenges, including competition from cheaper second-hand imports, high taxation, and low sales figures. By the end of 2024, the company reported over one hundred million shillings in losses and minimal revenue. Internal conflicts and leadership changes, including the removal of Jackson as Chief Executive Officer, heightened the turmoil, leading to voluntary liquidation in August 2024 after a decade of automotive development.
In a surprising turn of events, Mobius secured a takeover by a Middle Eastern firm in March 2025, which promised a new direction for the company. The new owners reported that operations resumed, focusing on developing the Mobius 3 model, with full-scale production expected by July 2025 and a launch scheduled for December of the same year. The firm has since appointed new leadership to align with Jackson’s vision for the company, although his current pursuits remain unclear.
Joel Jackson’s journey in establishing Mobius Motors illustrates the transformative potential of entrepreneurship in addressing local challenges, particularly in transportation. Despite facing substantial financial hurdles, the company has found new life through a strategic acquisition, offering hope for future innovations in the Kenyan automotive sector. As Mobius gears up to launch its new model, it stands as a testament to resilience and adaptability in business.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
