The Journey of Mobius Motors: From Vision to Liquidation and Revival

Joel Jackson founded Mobius Motors in 2010 to address the lack of affordable, rugged vehicles in Kenya’s rural areas. Despite initial success with models like Mobius I and II, the company faced financial difficulties, leading to its liquidation in 2024. However, a takeover bid from a Middle Eastern firm has revived operations, with plans for a new model launch in December 2025.

Joel Jackson, a British entrepreneur, founded Mobius Motors in response to the challenges posed by poor road infrastructure in rural Kenya. His journey began in 2008 while he was working with a micro-forestry social enterprise. Jackson identified a gap in the market for affordable, locally designed vehicles suitable for the rough terrain encountered in Kenya, particularly as existing vehicles were either too costly or ill-equipped for such environments.

Despite lacking a background in automotive engineering, Jackson committed himself to researching low-cost vehicle design. In 2010, he established Mobius Motors Kenya Ltd in Nairobi, aiming to create a vehicle that was practical and affordable by stripping away unnecessary features such as air conditioning to enhance affordability.

The first prototype, Mobius I, featured a tubular steel frame and was designed to withstand rough terrains. This prototype attracted early investors, particularly from Britain, which facilitated the development of Mobius II, launched in 2014 at an accessible price of approximately Ksh1 million ($10,000), making it the most affordable new car in Kenya. A refined version of Mobius II included additional features geared toward a wider customer appeal.

Nevertheless, Mobius Motors faced significant challenges, including steep competition from second-hand imports and internal conflicts. The company’s financial performance deteriorated, resulting in substantial losses, leading to Jackson’s removal from his position as Chief Executive Officer. Mobius ultimately announced its voluntary liquidation in August 2024, marking a challenging end to over a decade of efforts in automotive development.

Despite this setback, Mobius received a lifeline with a successful takeover bid from a Middle Eastern firm in March 2025. Normal operations resumed with new leadership and a focus on the production of Mobius 3, a new 4×4 model expected to launch in December 2025. This transition aims to realign the company’s strategy with the original vision of its founder, although Jackson’s current professional undertakings are not publicly detailed.

In conclusion, Joel Jackson’s initiative to establish Mobius Motors emerged from his observations of rural transportation challenges in Kenya. Despite the promising start with innovative products, the company ultimately faced severe financial and operational hurdles that led to its liquidation. The recent acquisition by a Middle Eastern firm might provide a new opportunity for growth and innovation in the Kenyan automotive sector, continuing the legacy of Jackson’s vision.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke