Peugeot 504 was a signature car along the country's highways, byways, dirt roads and mud flats.
The car formed part of late former Presidents Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel Moi's convoy due to its speed and efficiency. Tycoons and other civil servants also preferred Peugeot 504.
The model entered the Kenyan market in 1958 during Kenyatta's regime, where the French automaker assembled approximately 27,000 Peugeot 504 cars between 1968-2004.
During the 36-year period, it held up well compared to other car brands in the country.
The car stood out for its excellent features including a differential lock to help it extract itself from muddy ruts and a motorised winch for use when the diff lock was not enough.
Besides its excellent features, 504 spare parts were easily accessible in the Kenyan market. Mechanics at the time had also mastered the art of fixing the car.
However, the car was increasingly becoming prone to breakdown making it untrustworthy, especially for upcountry trips.
It was henceforth criticised for its lack of energy-absorbing crumple zones, traction control, stability control and seat belt pretensions.
Modern cars with advanced technologies and safety features, which were being manufactured in record numbers at the time, made Peugeot 504 lose its glory, and in 2004, its popularity dwindled.
Uhuru's Revival Bid
In 2019, former President Uhuru Kenyatta and French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled the Peugeot 3008 after the French vehicle manufacturer, PSA Groupe, locally assembled the new model.
The unveiling of the Peugeot 3008 was aimed at meeting users' tastes and preferences. The move was also aimed at keeping Peugeot 504's legacy alive.
Speaking during the car launch, Uhuru insisted that the move was geared towards boosting Kenya’s manufacturing sector.
At the same event, Uhuru announced a policy shift directing government agencies to buy and use locally assembled vehicles and spare parts.
"This policy directive is intended to promote our agenda on manufacturing, creating good jobs for our people, and enhancing technology transfer to our countries," Uhuru stated.
The sleek Peugeot 3008 combines technology with elegance to display strength and character.
It has a capacitive colour touchscreen which is combined with 3D navigation. The car also has voice control and multi-touch technology that brings greater functionality.
