Automotive content creator Kim JH came into the spotlight after his review of fuel quality at Kenyan fueling stations. His viral test across Nairobi petrol stations revealed that regular fuel from stations like Astrol often outperforms some premium options, sparking widespread discussions among drivers about the fuel they use.
Kim is the founder of Tanuki Garage, an online platform where he passionately shares his love for cars and car culture with the Nairobi, Kenya community.
He documents his daily experiences, such as car modifications and maintenance, car events, stunts like drifting as well as road trips on his social media especially on Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter).
Kim values his privacy and has not disclosed his nationality, but he has lived in Kenya for several years, during which he has cultivated a thriving community of car enthusiasts both online and in person.
His passion for cars has earned him a loyal following amassing over 20,000 subscibers on YouTube, over 47, 000 followers on Instagram and over 6000 followers on Tiktok.
Tanuki Garage, which began as a YouTube channel, has evolved into a popular hub for car enthusiasts. Offering a blend of entertaining and informative content, it covers everything from car reviews and discussions on car culture to its latest fuel tests.
Kim is known for his impressive collection of high-performance cars, including his Nissan R35 GT-R, which delivers over 1500 horsepower, featuring a twin-turbocharged V6 engine and exceptional handling.
The Nissan, his first official car featured on the channel, has become a symbol of Kim’s dedication to car performance. He regularly shares updates on his car projects, upgrades, and experiences on Instagram under the handle @gtrtanuki.
He also owns a BMW X3M Competition with a 503 horsepower. It also has a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine, M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, Adaptive M Suspension, and advanced tech features like the iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, delivering a thrilling and luxurious driving experience.
Kim’s impact goes beyond online platforms, as he plays an active role in Nairobi’s automotive community, organizing events that allow car enthusiasts to connect and share their love for cars.
Before his rise to fame with the widely shared fuel test, Kim had already begun inviting die-hard fans to join him on his drifting escapades, which garnered thousands of views online.
Viral Fuel Test and Aftermath
Kim went testing fuel from seven petrol stations across Nairobi, whose results revealed inconsistencies, suggesting that some consumers paying a premium for Shell V-Power may not be receiving the expected fuel quality benefits.
At Shell Limuru Road, for example, V-Power recorded 87 Performance Octane Number (PON), while the standard fuel at the same station had a higher rating of 91 PON.
Astrol, a second-tier petroleum company, surprisingly delivered exceptional results with a 91 PON, far exceeding the performance of the supposedly superior V-Power.
This has caused sales at the company’s fueling stations to skyrocket, as Kenyans seek out quality fuel for their prized motor vehicles.
Vivo Energy, the company that markets Shell products in Kenya, addressed the allegations with an official statement, emphasizing its commitment to adhering to recognized industry standards.
“Our fuel imports into Kenya adhere to strict quality standards, with two standard Research Octane Number (RON) categories: Unleaded (RON 93) and Shell V-Power (RON 95). Each shipment is certified at source and undergoes further rigorous testing upon arrival into the country,” the company stated.
This discovery has further boosted Kim’s popularity, solidifying his status as a trusted voice within the car community.
