Automotive aftermarket supplier Bosch has signed a pan-African agreement with Vivo Energy, distributor of Shell oil products in 16 countries across the continent, which is designed to grow their respective businesses on the market there. The companies will bring together their expertise in the areas of automotive spare parts and services, and retail distribution of oil products.
Vivo Energy operates more than 1,430 Shell branded service stations across Africa while Bosch provides 16,500 service partners and countless independent workshops in 150 countries with a complete range of diagnostic and repair shop equipment, as well as a wide range of spare parts.
The automotive aftermarket division of Bosch Middle East and Africa will distribute commodities, such as batteries, filters, wiper blades and spark plugs, and quick service test equipment including air conditioning and battery tester/chargers to selected Shell service stations operated by Vivo Energy. Bosch will also market its Bosch Car Service (BCS) or Express Car Service (ECS) concepts at selected Shell service stations.
“As part of our efforts to reach the maximum of car drivers in the region with our excellent services, we are expanding our operation channels via important strategic partnerships,” said Andreas Bodemer, vice president of Bosch Middle East and Africa said. “We are delighted to sign an agreement with such a professional partner as Vivo Energy which will allow us both to enjoy a wider presence in various fast growing markets.”
Through Bosch’s automotive aftermarket local distributors, the initiative will be rolled out, towards the end of this year at selected sites (where there is sufficient market demand) in all the countries where Vivo Energy operates a retail network.
“This is a great opportunity to create a deeper connection with our customers by taking enhanced care of their vehicles,” said David Mureithi, executive vice president, Supply and Marketing at Vivo Energy. “We are confident that, together with Bosch, we shall remain at the forefront and offer our customers world-class automotive services and spare parts at Shell service stations.”
