Bosch and Vivo Energy sign pan-African partnership agreement

Vivo Energy operates over 1430 Shell branded service stations across Africa and aims to be the most respected energy company in Africa. The automotive aftermarket division of Bosch provides 16,500 Bosch service partners and countless number of independent workshops in 150 countries with a complete range of diagnostic and repair shop equipment, and a wide range of spare parts.

Through this partnership, Vivo Energy and Bosch will bring together their respective expertise in the areas of automotive spare parts and services, and retail distribution of oil products. 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. In addition, the German automotive aftermarket supplier will market the Bosch Car Service (BCS) or Express Car Service (ECS) concepts at selected Shell service stations.

Progressively rolled out from the end of 2014

Through the Bosch automotive aftermarket local distributors, this initiative will be progressively rolled out, starting towards the end of 2014, at selected sites where there is sufficient market demand in all the countries where Vivo Energy operates a retail network.

David Mureithi, executive vice-president supply & marketing of Vivo Energy, stated that: "This partnership confirms Vivo Energy's objective to continuously bring innovative solutions to our growing number of customers. This is a great opportunity to create a deeper connection with our customers by taking enhanced care of their vehicles. 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."

Andreas Bodemer, vice-president of Bosch Middle East and Africa said: "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. 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."

Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Middle East and Africa is one of the largest suppliers of diagnostics equipment, car control units, diesel systems, spark plugs, batteries, rotating machines and wipers in the region and is expanding its product range rapidly into the braking business.