Edward Selasini
13 September 2008
Arusha — Hughes Motors (Tanzania) Limited has returned to Tanzania with a bang after a 20- year hiatus.
This time around it is highly geared toward supporting the agricultural and transport sector in the country. It was earlier known as Cooper Motors Corporation (Tanzania)
Hughes Motors (T) Ltd General Manager Greg Forster said during the official launching of the Hughes Motors (T) Ltd and the Ford Franchise that after the return to Tanzania Hughes motors will continue to represent Ford , "only this time in Tanzania."
The branch is located at Usa River, a facility completed in 2006.
The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Industry, Trade and Marketing Dr. Ceril Chamy (MP) who was the guest of honor; Arusha's Regional Commissioner Isidore Leka Shirima; Mr. John Meckle , Sales Director of Ford Export Operations based at Ford's Head Office in Detroit, USA, and Mr. Louis Koen , Regional Manager for Ford sub-Saharan Africa and based in South Africa
Mr. Forster said the name Hughes was synonymous with their company in Kenya CMC Motors. John Hughes was the first importer and distributor for Ford Vehicles in Kenya in early 1900 and in 1978 CMC in Kenya bought Hughes.
"This new investment here, and more larger investment planned for Dar es Salaam, Mbeya and Mwanza will demonstrate fully our faith in the Government of the Republic of Tanzania whose support and encouragement we appreciate no end," said Forster.
He said his company has extended and would continue to extend financial support to farmers, transporters and vehicle owners in Tanzania in order for them to be able to spend "their money wisely on the good variety of high quality products that the company has to offer".
Meanwhile, the deputy minister for Ministry of Industry, Trade and Marketing, said it is like a determined child coming back home but with a new name Hughes Motors (Tanzania) Ltd and also witnessing the launch of the Ford Franchise a very important addition to the good and balanced product portfolio represented by Hughes Motors (T) Ltd.
He said history tells him that Cooper Motor Corporation was incorporated as a private limited company in July 1948 when Mr. Allen and Mr. Cooper came to East Africa to sell Land Rovers with a share capital of US$ 10, 000. It was converted from a private company to a public one, which provided vehicles sales, parts, and service and administered under one roof in 1956.
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