At the 2019 ‘Dealer Meet’ organised by Somoco Ghana Limited at the Sun Lodge Hotel in Accra to interact with its clients, Girender Mohinani, the Business Head of the Somoco Group noted for 50 years that the Mohinani Group ventured into Ghana with its water storage offering branded as Polytank, the group has diversified its operation having stakes in the manufacturing, retail and electronic spheres offering solutions to problems.
Mohinani Group’s interest spans plastic & paper (Polytank, Poly Bottles, Poly Kraft), Quick service restaurant (KFC), Electronics (Electromart, Somotex, LG, Philips, Bruhm, Tamashi) Tyres (MRF, Cougar, Toyo), Battery (Index, Soelix) & Real Estate.
One of its new additions is Somoco Ghana Limited which distributes Bajaj Motorcycles and Tricycles which has already become a favourite of folks in the countryside which according to Mr. Girender Mohinani saves transport cost, creates job for the unemployed (okada business) and helps reach places even vehicles can’t go with the added advantage of having a cover when it rains with the tricycles.
He however mentioned the company conducts road awareness campaigns for responsible steering of the cycles while offering clients good customer service.
A senior manager with Somoco Ghana, Shankor Sharna told the dealers of Bajaj two-wheelers and three-wheelers that operations of the company had better been realigned such that there was now a service department, a spare parts wing and then the known sales point to better cater to the needs of clients.
Although there was initial hesitation to buy Bajaj products in 2014 when Somoco set base in Ghana because of relatively cheap motorcycles from China and that the tricycle use hadn’t caught on, he was pleased to note that consistent field demonstrations and media campaigns have convinced many to now buy only Bajaj products.
“We now operate in over 70 towns, have over 40,000 customers and 60 business partners” he submitted adding “some of the dealers here have been with us since we started indicating the trust they have in the product.”
We are mindful to keep the price margins low he also assured noting “the Bajaj bikes are smooth as there is no vibration when riding. It has a high pick-up also making it a favourite of the okada people.”
The Somoco executives assured the dealers that they were ready to brand their dealer stands with Bajaj brand wear so they can stand apart as the recognised dealer in their areas.
As part of familiarising the Ghana dealers with where the two-wheelers and three-wheelers come from, the Somoco executives facilitated their working visit to the Indian Bajaj factory to see how the bikes are built. That tour also took them to some Indian dealers to see how they run their operations.
Mr. Sharna revealed that although in the past, local dealers had issue with lack of spare parts, the company heeded their call and has heavily stocked to serve their needs.
The three-wheelers made their entry in 2014 becoming a favourite in Northern Ghana, catching on in the Western Region and given that 70 to 80 percent of the population is not wealthy, using the two or three wheelers is a cheaper means of transport.
“We have sold 7000 tricycles so far in Ghana making it the fastest moving cycles in the country,” Mr. Sharna submitted adding “in the Volta Region, 250 cycles were sold last year.”
It emerged while the cycles are in the key regional capitals of Koforidua, Kumasi, Accra, Takoradi, Tamale and Ho, areas such as Ablekuma and Kasoa are fertile grounds for their cycles.
To stimulate sales and reassure clients of the quality of the cycles, the company announced a one year warranty where any genuine report regarding the bikes within the stated period could lead to part replacement and servicing.
For those who purchase the Boxer x150 and BM 150 motorcycles, a promotion entitles the buyer to a GHc50 fuel coupon. For those who purchase 3 motorcycles, they also get to enjoy a GHc50.00 rebate.
Senior Business Manager of Bajaj; Ajesh Nambiar assured of new models being introduced to the Ghanaian market urging “now was the time to buy a Bajaj cycle and grow with the brand.”
The Mohinani Group is a leading 2nd generation family business group of Indian descent. The company can be located at Plot No. 2 Block 15 Dadeban Road-North Industrial Area.
BOXER X150
From the onset, the Boxer X150 is the ultimate off-road companion suitable for extreme conditions and the toughest of assignments. With its powerful 150 cc engine, strong suspension, specialized tires and mudguards, you can expect it to go where most other bikes won’t and still come out unscathed.
ExhausTEC
T.E.C in ExhausTEC stands for Torque Expansion Chamber – a tuned box or a resonator optimally and unobtrusively placed in the exhaust system of the vehicle to provide more torque in the low to mid-range RPMs of the engine. It enhances your ride while providing maximum fuel efficiency.
The Boxer X150 leads the road in economic power delivery. It sports a powerful 144.8 cc engine and a maximum net torque of 12.3 NM @ 5500 RPM. It goes on to provide a maximum power of 12PS @ 7500 RPM. This allows the X150 to carry heavy loads and still deliver the performance you expect from it.
COMFORT
SNS Rear Suspension
Longer & Wider Seats
Highest Ground Clearance
Bajaj Boxer BM 150 Bike
A bike that stays strong and takes the entire load with ease. The BM 150 is a great combination of power and fuel efficiency that makes it an ideal bike for city travellers well as for longer rides and across terrains. Its rugged and solid styling are meant for those commuters who seek better bike performance from 150cc bikes. A motorcycle that delivers power on all load and speed conditions. A bike meant to outlast the toughest of roads.
By Michael Eli Dokosi/goldstreetbusiness.com
