Isuzu East Africa Ends Long-Standing Partnership with Associated Motors

Isuzu East Africa has announced the end of its nearly 50-year partnership with Associated Motors Limited (AML), a move that reshapes its dealer network in Kenya. Customers who previously relied on AML will now be served by the company’s existing dealerships to ensure uninterrupted service.

“For nearly five decades, Isuzu EA and Associated Motors have shared a valuable partnership dedicated to serving customers across the region. We acknowledge and appreciate the long-standing contribution they have made to the Isuzu EA network and for the many customers they have supported over the years,” Isuzu stated in an official notice.

AML began in 1964 as a small dealership handling used cars and spare parts. In 1966, it became Kenya’s sole distributor of Isuzu vehicles and the country’s first assembler of Japanese trucks, working closely with Japanese technicians. Over the decades, AML expanded with branches in Mombasa, Eldoret, Nakuru, Meru, and Kisumu. The company became a leading 3S dealership, offering sales, service, and spare parts, and played a key role in establishing Isuzu as a trusted brand in East Africa.

Isuzu East Africa reassured customers that the transition would be smooth. “Customers previously served by Associated Motors will be transitioned to our current dealer network to ensure uninterrupted support,” the company said. The network includes TMD Kenya, which operates multiple branches and provides the full range of Isuzu vehicles, parts, and after-sales services.

The move comes as part of broader strategic changes. Isuzu has invested heavily in Kenya, including a KSh 3.1 billion parts distribution hub and locally assembled vehicles like the MU-X SUV. These steps aim to cut costs, improve supply chains, and increase accessibility for customers. While specific reasons for ending the nearly 50-year partnership were not disclosed, the change signals a new phase in Isuzu East Africa’s operations, focusing on modernisation and strengthening its dealer network.

This development closes a historic chapter for AML but opens opportunities for Isuzu to consolidate its presence in Kenya and continue offering comprehensive vehicle solutions through a revamped, more integrated dealer system.