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. Read the following passage and then answer the questions that follow.
The government of Kenya has banned the importation of second-hand trucks. The ban is a move to promote local vehicle assembly and create more jobs. It also aims to cut the number of old vehicles on the country's roads in the wake of the war against harmful emissions.
Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows that local motor vehicle assembly firms produced 6,535 buses, trucks, and prime movers in 2021. As the ban takes effect, the local assembly numbers are going to increase since more motor vehicle dealers will opt to invest in assembly plants in the country. With the COVID-19 pandemic challenges reducing, the motor industry appears to be back on the upswing. The demand for light commercial vehicles is expected to increase gradually as business logistics and e-commerce are growing fast. This is because the country is also witnessing a rise in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and entrepreneurs running online businesses require quick means of transport. Moreover, the rapid urbanisation that the country is undergoing has created new retail and e-commerce platforms that require efficient logistics, thus leading to growth of the light commercial vehicles market.
Light commercial trucks come in all manner of shapes and sizes with varying interior features. A truck is basically designed to transport cargo or freight. There is huge diversity in the types, mechanism, power and configuration of the trucks. Industry records show that trucks within the light commercial segment are the best sellers in Kenya's motor industry. This is mainly due to their large carrying capacity and ability to operate in tough terrain. This makes their demand high among retailers, wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers and sand harvesters among others.
Buying a brand new commercial truck is a significant investment for any business, big or small. These vehicles are not only a means to transport cargo, but also represent a brand on the road. Therefore, before buying a truck, there are certain factors to consider. For example, not all truck types are created equal or will fit business needs. Hence, finding one that fits specific needs is essential. One should also consider the company's needs. A truck may be needed to transport bread, avocados, newspapers, cabbages or even potatoes. Based on the need, one should engage motor salespeople to establish the light commercial vehicles best suiting the firm. The engagement entails asking all the essential questions to arrive at the right decision. In addition, one should consider the budget. Commercial trucks differ in price, so knowing the amount of money budgeted for them is critical before making the choice. One must decide how much money one is willing to spend on a single unit. One may also wish to consider fuel economy. Recently, the face of transport in Kenya has been changing as trucks with low fuel consumption dominate the market.
There is growing preference for locally assembled vehicles that allow owners to have the bodies customised. This is because trucks are valuable business tools that should meet the needs of a business. Besides, one should consider the fuel type the vehicle uses. Trucks use petrol or diesel, hence one should ask the dealers for advice on type of fuel. The final decision should be pegged on whether the business operations will be mainly in rural or urban areas.
A further factor to consider before making a purchase is the robustness of the commercial vehicle. This entails analysing how it copes with hauling cargo in rough terrain and how powerful the engine is. It is also worthwhile to consider how affordable it is to run and maintain the truck. This is because all businesses seek to keep expenses low.
With the right commercial truck, the business will run efficiently and be able to scale up. After all, the more efficient the business is, the more profits one is likely to make.
(a) State the meaning of each of the following words as used in the passage:
(i)harmful;
(ii)varying
(iii) essential.
b) Highlight, according to the passage, why the demand for light commercial vehicles is expected to increase.
c) In about 130 words, and according to the passage, write a summary on the factors that are considered before buying a commercial truck.
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