Tag: auto parts

National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM)  have embarked on a tour of auto parts manufacturers in the country.

This is in line with developmental programmes of 2023-Nigeria Automotive Industry Development Plan to enhance automotive components integration in the sector.

The facilities visited on first day of the tour in Lagos State includes Mikano Break Pads, Vita Parts Nigeria, Chanrai Nigeria, Vita Visco Nigeria Ltd.

The tour is aimed at strengthening relationships among auto part manufacturers, and collaborating with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in promoting growth and development.

Director General of NADDC, Oluwemimo Osanipin, said the visit focused on component parts manufacturers, adding without them, a vehicle cannot move. He recalled earlier discussions with components parts manufacturers and auto assemblers.

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Osanipin said: “The first leg of the visit, whose aim was to assess capacity of assembly plants,  is complete. The second phase focuses on enhancing capabilities of componentparts manufacturers.”

Accompanied by technical partners, Osanipin noted the vast aftermarket that abound in Nigeria for auto parts.

Dave Coffey, chief executive officer of AAAM, praised Mikano International’s machinery quality, highlighting its potential for high product capacity. He emphasised need for policy support to maximise production, aiming for five-day, three-shift operations.

Coffey identified an opportunity to localise production, reducing imports, particularly for aftermarket components.

He suggested collaborating with NADDC to adjust duty structures and target specific products, leveraging Nigeria’s massive market.

 Managing Director of VitaVisco Nigeria, Josrph Musa, spoke on the company’s struggles and aspirations. He said the company established to supply automotive foam, VitaVisco, faced low patronage, forcing them to explore alternative use for their equipment.

Musa emphasised the need for government support and collaboration with National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) to revitalise automotive foam sector. He noted importance of working with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to service the industry.

Musa hoped government addresses challenges to enable the firm serve the market well.

Yeni Fowotade, principal consultant at Africon GmbH, has noted importance of strategic alliances between foreign manufacturers and local distributors in Nigeria’s automotive spare parts market.

Speaking at Africa Autoparts Expo, Fowotade said exhibitors, mostly Chinese manufacturers, seek to understand market peculiarities and find reliable sales partners.

“Nigeria’s expanding vehicle population and need for reliable maintenance drive demand for quality, affordable automotive components.”

The consultant noted the country’s substantial market for  spare parts, with growing economy and urbanisation.

“International suppliers seeking a foothold in the market must position their products, leveraging competitive pricing, technological advancements, and a wide range of automotive components.

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Fowotade emphasized the significance of strategic alliances with local distributors, who possess extensive market knowledge and existing distribution channels.

Fowotade said with the partnerships, international suppliers can achieve better market penetration and distribution efficiency.

“Investing in training for importers, local distributors, mechanics, and others is crucial to ensure product familiarity, technical knowledge, and brand loyalty,” she said.