Category: Motoring

Toyota (Nigeria) Limited (TNL) was the cynosure of all eyes at annual Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) awards held at Eko Hotel in Lagos.

The auto firm carted away three awards on the night.

Its Chairman Chief Michael Ade.Ojo was also named Pillar of Nigeria Auto Industry, in recognition of his contribution to the industry, spanning over 50 years

Toyota Starlet, a new entrant in the company’s array of models, won the Most Transformed New Entrant of the Year award.

Toyota Hilux fondly nicknamed the workhorse, won the Pick-Up of the Year award while the Toyota Hiace won the Minibus of the Year award.

The new generation Starlet and Hilux had a few weeks ago been released for a comprehensive test drive at Ilara-Mokin Hill, a race track, located in the hometown of the Chief Ade.Ojo.

According to Mrs Bukonla Ogunnusi, Public Relations and Advert Manager at the TNL, the awards were dedicated to customers for their loyalty to the brand and continued patronage.

She described TNL as auto industry giant and leader of the various auto brands marketed in Nigeria.

“The NAJA Awards was instituted to reward and recognise vehicle models that performed outstandingly well and rose above their peers within the year. Toyota (Nigeria) Limited (TNL) models shone like a million stars at the event winning three of the NAJA prized awards,” Mrs Ogunnusi said.

She expressed joy at the performance of the brand, adding, “The awards were dedicated to customers for their loyalty to the brand and continued patronage.”

Coscharis Motors is entering the New Year with its brands making waves in the automobile markets.

The auto giant recently showcased its locally-assembled Renault variants – Logan and Duster – in the Federal Capital Territory.

This was to allow auto lovers in Abuja and by extension, the Northern Nigerian market, to have a feel of the vehicles.

Coscharis Group General Manager, Marketing and Communications, Abiona Babarinde said: “as at today, we are excited to say that Coscharis Motors has since been rolling out two name plates of the Renault Brand, namely Renault Logan and Renault Duster, from the assembly plant located at its group head office in Lagos and these brands come with finance scheme which enables buyers to own the vehicles with as low as 10 per cent down payment. As a company that is forward looking, we remain resolute to continue to deliver value for our numerous stakeholders in all ramifications of our auto business like the investment in our local assembly.”

Commenting on the locally-assembled vehicles, Director, Industrial Infrastructure Department of Nigeria Automotive Design and Development Council, (NADDC),  Dr. Noah Omisanya, hailed Coscharis Motors for the feat of investing in the local assembling of the Renault brand.

He reiterated the support of NADDC for future partnership towards continuing in the direction of locally assembled vehicles.

“I am excited to see that Coscharis Motors has assembled these vehicles in Nigeria. We are committed to ensuring that you continue to get the requisite support from NADDC as a government agency representative,” Omisanya said.

Coscharis Motors said its ‘Giveaway’ promotion for any purchase of the Renault Kwid and Renault Koleos that attracts a free Abro Generator, 5 per cent discount, free insurance, free vehicle registration and free vehicle service for the 1st two service,  was still ongoing. This is coupled with the ease of purchase through flexible finance schemes from Coscharis Mobility, Polaris Bank and other upcoming finance institutions that are finance partners to Coscharis Motors.

 

Duster

Customers can choose from 1.6-Litre to 2.0Litre engine but whichever engine, it is built with a robust off-roader looks. With the superb ground clearance, the Duster is a practical and durable vehicle for the Nigerian road.

The interior of the All-new Duster reflects its generous, adventure-seeking nature. The spacious cabin is bright and reassuring. The driver and passenger seats provide plenty of support to ensure your comfort wherever you go. The upholstery features a high-quality finish, as does the dashboard, where particular emphasis was placed on ergonomic design.

Simple and intuitive, the multimedia system Media Nav with touching screen allows you to navigate through all the different functionalities: navigation, phone, radio, Aux/USB ports and Bluetooth® connection to listen to your favourite music.

It also comes with hands free card to lock and unlock the doors from a distance as well as assist to start the air-conditioning before getting into the car.

 

Logan

New Renault Logan has an even more modern and dynamic design. With redesigned front and rear end panels featuring the new Renault brand light signature, New Renault Logan is a beauty to behold.

New Renault Logan has five generous seats to comfortably accommodate all your passengers. Enjoy useful and smart new storage areas, including a phone pouch and a front passenger side net pouch. There’s a new 12 V output in the rear for charging your devices. There’s also a 1/3-2/3* split-fold rear bench seat and a spacious boot to transport everything you need in the way that suits you. Combine utility and pleasure for a journey you’re sure to love. *Depending on the version.

Logan’s ground clearance level (155-164mm) enhances its capacity to cope with extremely poor road surfaces (potholes, cobbles, uneven surfaces. The mechanics, bodywork (opening panels), air conditioning/ventilation system and passenger compartment all specially designed to cope with certain countries’ environments where dust is omnipresent. Logan has an excellent thermal comfort standard (the vehicle is designed to deal with “extremely hot” conditions.

Babarinde reassured on the company’s aftersales commitment stating that “Coscharis is fully equipped to handle all after-sales – services and repairs timeously with the original spare parts. We are continually confident to simply delight our customers with the Renault brand as the exclusive franchise owner in Nigeria”.

CFAO Equipment, a department of CFAO Motors in Nigeria, has promised to provide solid after-sales backup for the range of Toyota forklifts it now exclusively distributes in Nigeria.

General Manager of CFAO Equipment, Mr Laurent Friederich, who stated this recently, added that “As of 1st July, CFAO became the sole distributor of the Toyota Material Handling Equipment (MHE) in Nigeria. We have always aligned with top brands within the Material Handling Industry, and we are proud to see that Toyota Material Handling has ranked No. 1 globally for over the last 50 years.

“With the addition of Nigeria, the CFAO Group has enlarged its Toyota forklift distribution footprint in Africa.

He added that “Our customers will enjoy a tailored approach with the right forklift to suit their specific business needs coupled with superior after-sales support for every purchase from CFAO. We will give our customers top-class support for preventive and corrective maintenance. The next step is to launch Operating Lease options to our customers, using our new LOXEA business in Nigeria”.

The range of forklifts being distributed in Nigeria by CFAO Equipment are-Toyota Forklift range 1.5tons – 8tons Diesel-powered; Toyota Forklift range 1.5tons – 4tons LPG/CNG/Petrol; Toyota Forklift range 1.5tons – 3.5tons Electric.

Other models are Toyota Reach Trucks 1.4tons – 2tons Electric; Toyota Stackers 1.2tons – 1.6tons Electric; Toyota Powered pallet truck 1.2tons – 2tons Electric; Toyota Order Pickers; and Toyota manual Hand Pallet trucks.

Sales Manager, Toyota Forklift, CFAO Equipment Olugbenga Jetawo, said: “At CFAO Equipment, our after-sales department offers comprehensive diagnostic checks to ensure efficient service and repair of vehicles. Our quick response units are readily available for immediate deployment across our offices in all geo-political zones in Nigeria. We also offer the OEM genuine parts.”

The Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), the umbrella association of all automotive journalists in Nigeria, has named leading auto distributing company and sole distributor of Mitsubishi Motors in Nigeria, Massilia Motors, the Most Innovative Auto Company of the Year.

Massilia Motors Managing Director Mr. Patrice Porte, said Massilia Motors was delighted with the honour and will continue to provide high performance vehicles and top notch after-sales services.

Porte, who recently assumed that position, said “I have joined a dynamic team in Nigeria that is committed to the success of the company in providing effective mobility solutions to customers across the country.”

Massilia Motors General Manager Sales Tunji Itiola, said: “This year, our focus has been on enhancing customer satisfaction. We put in place measures to understand their expectations and to respond to their requests in a timely manner. We are also pleased to announce the launch of the all new Outlander and the latest version of the ASX and Eclipse Cross. We are confident these new models will enrich our customers driving experience by bringing more comfort, technology and reliable road performance.’’

The firm’s Head of Marketing and Communication, Funmi Abiola, was named the Marketing/Communication Manager of the year. The company has made headlines with innovative activities in the industry such as the Mitsubishi Heritage Week, the virtual Pajero Sport launch (first of its kind in Nigeria) and the launch of a 360 degree virtual showroom.

The Mitsubishi virtual showroom enables its customers and prospects to virtually tour the showroom and have a feel of the different Mitsubishi models from the comfort of their homes or offices.

SHACMAN truck has won the Truck of the Year at the Nigerian Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) Awards.

The award was received by its representative in Nigeria Transit Support Services Limited (TSS) Chief Operating Officer Stanley Mbanu.

Mbanu said: “I’m delighted to accept this award on behalf of the organisation, this recognition is a true indication that the SHACMAN brand has done an excellent job. Our goal is to always meet our customers’ expectations and needs and the Nigerian Auto Journalists Association Awards motivation is a clear confirmation that we have also followed the right approach in satisfying our customers by providing exactly what the market demands.”

SHACMAN has delivered trucks that represent a real “state-of-the-art” offering in the heavy and medium duty segment, capable of satisfying transport needs.

“Our trucks have proven to be outstanding, not least in fuel economy, thereby boosting both hauler economy. The trucks are locally assembled at the TSS plant at Emene, Enugu, equipped with comprehensive after sales services,” he said.

Coscharis Motors has unveiled the new BMW 3 series Sedan at its Adeola Odeku, Lagos office.

Coscharis Motors Assistant General Manager BMW Sales, Joseph Omokhapue, described the new BMW 3 series as a market leader in its segment especially given the new configurations and updates included in this current model.

Barely on the road, Omokhapue said, the BMW 3 Series Sedan, was already leaving everything behind it, including conventions and expectations.

“As an ultimate sports sedan, its pioneering design language stands for the dawning of a new era in its segments. With a simple “Hey BMW” the all-new BMW 3 Series recognises your voice and heeds your every word,” he said.

According to him, the latest model marks the seventh generation of the 3 series and also marks the start of a new chapter in the BMW design language – clear shapes and poetic surfaces enrich the “innate” dynamics with a modern presence.

Omokhapue said: “The BMW 3 Series has always been a market leader in its segment. Through the new design language, the sports saloon is connecting the successful history with the future. An appearance that meets the wish for sheer driving pleasure with every detail.”

Group General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Abiona Babarinde, said the company’s target was to position the car for corporate and retails sales directed at young hard working executives in their late 20s and mid-40s.

Babarinde said: “Thanks to new connectivity technologies, you can now communicate with your BMW 3 Series. Together with the technology package BMW ConnectedDrive, services such as Connected Music or Remote Software Upgrade, you always remain linked with your BMW and the world.

“In matters of comfort, too, the BMW 3 Series appears even more generously proportioned and practical. Be it access to the vehicle via smartphone, acoustic glazing or the intelligent through-loading system – every detail makes life easier and offers a high level of ride comfort.

“It is important to emphasise that at the core of the new BMW 3 Series is the availability of four years /200,000 km Repair Inclusive and three Years / 40,000km Service inclusive packages, whichever comes first. This means that “our customers can relax with the knowledge that all agreed service/repair work and the required original BMW parts are already covered by the selected package”.

Nigeria’s auto industry recorded a boost in the third quarter of 2021 as MG Motor appointed Stallion Group as the nation’s exclusive distributor for its iconic automobile brand of British origin.

Nigeria’s General Manager for the brand Anurag Shah, at a briefing in Victoria Island, Lagos, said plans were already on top gear to assemble, distribute, sell and service certain MG models in the country.

He said: “Stallion’s push for the MG Motor franchise was motivated by the company’s 25 years’ experience as the nation’s leading quality automobile sales and service provider, with clear understanding of Nigerian’s taste for quality vehicles.

“Moreover, as the disposable income of auto buyers dwindle due to the COVID-induced global economic recession, we understand that businesses and individuals require automobiles that combine durability with affordability, which is what MG and Stallion are reputed for.”

Shah stated that MG models already lined up for launch into the Nigerian market include: MG ZS, MG RX8, MG HS and MG T60 pick-up.

MG RX8, an extremely well-equipped 7-seater large-sized SUV, is reputed for offering huge amount of space without breaking the bank. Built on a strong truck chassis frame, RX8 comes with capability to handle some of the toughest off-road terrains in Nigeria.

One of the safest SUVs money can buy, the MG RX8, is equipped with front, side and curtain airbags, front and rear sensors with 360-degree camera, Active Rollover Protection and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

MG HS is a full-sized SUV, which has created a new definition of affordable sports-luxury for new car buyers in the United Kingdom and Middle East & Levant.

Flaunting a sporty exterior and interior, MG HS is set to offer Nigerian SUV lovers with ample space and comfort, coupled with a raised driving position to sit head and shoulders above the rest. Yet in addition to other volume of safety features, the HS SUV is equipped with a 360-degree camera as well as front & rear parking sensors, heated mirrors, panoramic sunroof, 5-drive modes, multicolour ambient lighting, all-led headlights, Lane Departure Assist and Blind Spot Assist, resulting in an SUV that is as full of advanced features on the outside as it is on the inside.

In addition, MG ZS is the brand’s compact SUV, which, from all indications, is out to give existing Compact SUVs in the country a run for their money.

Loaded with technology, the MG ZS features a unique and striking exterior and interior. From the swept-back signature headlights through to the sleek lines plus Diamond cut alloy wheels, every inch of the ZS is crafted and considered.

MG T60 is the brand’s first ever pick-up truck known as a reliable and versatile partner in the lightweight pickup category. Designed to offer superior performance as a practical truck made for cargo as well as personal transportation needs, T6 is available with diesel and gasoline engine with 4X2 and 4X4 configurations.

 

A Pan-African autotech platform, Fixit45 said it has acquired Parkit, to simplify vehicle wash and care services.

Since its entry into the market in July 2021, Fixit45 has  focused on building a platform that provides a seamless, collaborative infrastructure for interactions across verticals that include auto repair and maintenance services, fleet management, auto parts sourcing and delivery, auto care, refurbishment and upgrades, repair financing and mechanic workshop software as well as pre-purchase inspections, underlying these with moderation for compliance and accountability.

While Fixit45 caters to the needs in the repair and maintenance segment, Parkit plays in the auto care vertical.

On the acquisition, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder Fixit45 Justus Obaoye, said, “Parkit was committed to building out and digitising the fragmented vertical in the autocare and car wash space. They provided business support, training and consumables to businesses and ensured that the experience was rewarding for fleet and car owners. We found synergies in what they were doing at the time and we approached them to join us in this journey to fix and build the aftermarket ecosystem which has culminated in the acquisition. Parkit has been fully integrated in the Fixit45 family and we look forward to providing market leadership.”

Vice President, Business Development, Fixit45 and Founder, Parkit, Gerald Okonkwo, said: “our business was founded in June 2018 to use technology in making the customer journey for car washes very seamless by automating payments, helping them acquire the right tools for the job and providing professional care services that were not available in-country. This journey has been a collaborative experience and we are blessed to have found the right team at Fixit45 with bold ambitions to create value for consumers in this space. The acquisition was finalised in September and we are looking to many more wins. When we started, we had to import most of our consumables and materials, but today, we are to provide quality car shampoo, upholstery, tire and engine wash, polish and air fresheners. This is just one of many success stories that this acquisition has berthed.”

Expectations are high as a good number of  established auto brands,  automotive firms and outstanding personalities in Nigeria’s automotive sector will be present at this year’s Auto Awards organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA).

The event will hold on Wednesday,December 1 at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. Eventual winners in each of the categories are expected to be declared on that date.

With Chief Micheal Ade-Ojo, Chairman/Founder of Elizade Gwroup and brain behind Toyota Nigeria Limited expected to be honoured as the ‘Pillar of Nigeria’ Auto industry’ due to his contributions in the country’s automotive industry in the past 50 years, special guests of the day are Director-General of the National Automotive Design & Devt Council (NADDC) Jelani Aliyu and Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Boboye Oyeyemi.

New entrants for this year’s all important awards are Jet Systems listed in the Electric bus promoter of the year category; OMAA  mentioned in the Gas-powered vehicle promoter of the year category.

The two brands are coming at a time when the country is focusing and encouraging the shift from fossil fuel to electric and gas.

Read Also: Toyota launches Corolla in Abuja

According to the organisers of the event headed by chairman of the award committee, Theodore Opara, Car-of-The-Year (COTY) will be contested by Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Creta and Kia Rio.

The Suzuki brand, which is being marketed by CFAO, is listed on the strongest comeback brand category, while PAN has been nominated for the most resilient auto company of the year.

Nigeria’s indigenous automaker, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Co is captured in auto manufacturer of the year ( local content)  because of its immense contribution in the development of the local auto industry and other ancillary allied automotive component makers.

Chairman of the Nigeria’s Auto Journalists Association, Mike Ochonma said all vehicles nominated in the various categories represent exceptional value and designs.