By Frank Kintum
The year 2020 has come and gone with its challenges. That was a year that witnessed the real heat of the covid-19 which started a year earlier, and the EndSars protests. The auto industry took its share of bashing from these two scenarios, as sales figures plummeted and jobs were lost.
Nonetheless, in the midst of all these, some auto companies were able to weather the storm and made new launches and announcements, aside the full embrace of online technology to remain afloat.
Coscharis Motors, promoted by the indomitable Cosmas Maduka, was one of the few companies that made headlines during the year. The company finally activated its romance with French automaker, Renault.
Recall that Coscharis Motors is not a pushover in the auto business, as it holds the exclusive franchise for a number of auto brands such as BMW, Ford, Rolls Royce, Jaguar, Joy Long etc.
So, during the year, the company commenced the local assembling of some Renault models at its Awoyaya, Lagos facility.
According to the Group Managing Director, Coscharis Group, Josiah Samuel, “if you recall in July 2019 we formally announced our partnership with the Renault Group to represent their auto brands in Nigeria. This was done with fanfare when we equally showcased our ultra-modern Semi – Knocked Down Assembly Plant located at our group head office in Lagos. As at today, Coscharis Motors is set to commence Renault vehicle sales based on locally assembled models and fully built models for Nigeria roads.
“So far, we have secured all the requisite OEM’s ratings and approvals to commence assemblage of the Duster and Logan while we are presently bringing in fully – built Koleos, Kwid and Oroch (which is to be introduced at a later date)”. Coscharis Motors is offering customers the options of 1.0 to 2.5-litre engines across the models.
Another newsmaker during the year was Mikano Motors. Over the years, this company has made a name in the power industry, and according to the company’s officials, it has expanded business and the auto industry is one of the targets.
The company recently established an auto assembly line at Kamareh city, along the ever busy Lagos-Sagamu expressway for the assembly of Geely models. And only recently, it engaged some of the models on Test Drive, witnessed by auto journalists.
Addressing newsmen at the event, Mikano Motors’ Sales Manager, Everistus Eze described local assembly of Geely automobile brand as part of his company’s efforts towards boosting the nation’s economy via job creation.
He said: “Although Mikano has always been known as service provider in many aspects, including Power, Steel and Medical, our decision to invest in the automotive sector was motivated by our belief that Nigeria deserves a better transportation experience, rather than being a dumping area for second-hand cars with no history, no warranty and no spare parts.
“Therefore, we chose to assemble and ultimately manufacture a top-quality automotive brand to create jobs for the youths, help stimulate the nation’s economy and further support Nigerian families with most comfortable and affordable means of transportation.”
Another interesting development was the unveiling of the Nord brand at the Land Mark events centre in Lagos.
The event brought spontaneous excitement as the indigenous automaker, Nord Automobiles Limited, launched five models assembled in Nigeria, cutting across passenger and commercial vehicles. These models are Nord sedan A3; the Nord SUV A5; Nord Flit mini bus; Nord Max pick up; and Nord Tank pickup.
CEO of the company, Mr Oluwatobi Ajayi noted that Nord was born out of the need to check the importation of substandard vehicles into Nigeria, and to drastically reduce the huge amounts spent annually on automobile importation.
According to him, “we aim to exceed expectations by offering our customers world standard products at very competitive prices.
“The Nord vehicles are designed for the discerning customer, who craves daily satisfaction and full automobile experience. They are a perfect combination of style, performance and fuel efficiency.”
Then, the big fish, Stallion Motors caused quite a stir when it announced during the year that it has sealed a deal with Bajaj to distribute its 3-wheeler and 4-wheeler autos in Nigeria.
Stallion Motors, which has a solid pedigree in auto marketing in Nigeria, is already making impressive impact with the tricycles across the country.
The company, shortly after announcing the takeover of the Bajaj franchise, launched the RE 250 Super Keke in an elegant event held at Federal Palace hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The RE 250 was unveiled by superstar footballer Jay Jay Okocha in the presence of over 100 keke dealers, with the theme “Bigger Heart, Stronger Body.”
Commenting on the occasion, Mr Shaleen Nayak, Vice-President, West Africa, Bajaj Auto said, “Nigeria is one of the most important 3W markets in the world and we have specially designed this vehicle for Nigeria. For instance, we have always felt that a keke rider in Nigeria requires a bigger, more powerful engine because of the tough road conditions. The addition of front fork can greatly ease shoulder pain for the rider after a long hard day of work. We are delighted to launch the RE250 for our Nigerian keke riders and we believe the RE250 will help riders & fleet owners prosper in their life.”
Mr Manish Rohtagi, Group CEO, Stallion said,“ The RE250 Superkeke is a truly innovative and powerful product for the Nigerian roads. The company through its superior product and sharp service offerings and welfare initiatives will establish and forge long term partnership with the channel ecosystem and customers across Nigeria. Through these fulfilment partners, we envisage providing employment opportunity to 5 million Nigerians directly and indirectly over the next 5 years.”
