Stallion Auto Keke Limited, the new and exclusive distributor of Bajaj Auto for Three-wheeler and Four-wheeler business in Nigeria, on Friday, in Lagos, made history with the flagging-off of the “First Keke Rally in Nigeria.’’
The Keke rally comprises a convoy of five tricycles, commonly known in Nigeria as Kekes, with their experienced riders, a branded truck for customer engagement and market activation and security agents, amongst others.
The rally kicked off at the Stallion Bajaj showroom at Ijesha, Lagos State and is expected to cover 5,000 kilometres driving through 28 cities in 16 states across the country.
According to the company, this rally will stand testimony to the fact that the New Baba Bajaj is a strong and durable Keke for the Nigerian roads. It will further add to the brand promise that the New Baba Bajaj, Runs Faster and Lasts Longer.
Starting from Lagos, it will cover Ogun, Oyo, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Rivers, Anambra, Delta, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun States.
The durable drive of 5000kms will spread the message of being responsible and maintain hygiene to stop the spread of Coronavirus.
The team is also scheduled to visit identified cultural sites in the states as a comprehensive exercise designed to celebrate Nigerian history and its deep-rooted indigenous culture.
Kekes journey to these sites and the background stories will connect the young Nigerians to their rich heritage, the company stated.
Speaking at an interactive session with the Motoring Editors at the Dealer Launch, Managing Director, Stallion Auto KeKe Limited, Manish Rohtagi said Bajaj is the pioneer Keke brand in Nigeria that is well known for its durability, speed and overall performance and is loved by millions.
The new distributorship is expected to bring immense value to the dealers, fleet owners, riders and consumers.
Stallion’s advantage lies in its decentralised operation and quicker decision making, which will help drive operating efficiency.
The business is expected to grow at a much faster rate as Stallion will actively push for the adoption of Keke by existing partners and the customer ecosystem.
It will bring differentiated customer service, and ease of spare part availability through its existing footprints in the auto industry.
He also explained that plans are underway to engage more dealers across the country and provide first-class after-sales support aiming at sharp service within four hours, rider training schools and Rider and Mechanic empowerment programs.
Stallion Bajaj boasts of sales and service outlets at 96 locations spread across Nigeria and will add 30 more Exclusive and MFS outlets by the end of 2020 taking the count to 126.
The areas of focus would be Illorin, Yola, Warri, Benin, Yenogoa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Lokoja and Bauchi.
Information made available indicates that the company has invested in state-of-the-art central auto parts and service centre in Lagos to support the distribution of genuine parts across the country.
Manish in his address to media mentioned that “The authorised service centres across the nation only deal in genuine spare parts provided by the company making durability its brand promise.
The Bajaj Keke are manufactured in a state-of-the-art assembly plant in VON, Gbagada, Lagos employing the best in class homegrown technicians’’.
Meanwhile, plans are underway to introduce Bajaj Qute and Maxima Cargo before the end of this year.
Regarded as low cost, last-mile transportation solution, Bajaj Qute is an eco-friendly and fuel-efficient means of transportation.
In an interview recently, Rohtagi spoke on what gave rise to the acquisition of the Bajaj franchise by the Stallion group.
He said“ For over 50 years, Stallion has successfully navigated the Nigerian terrain and has become a time-tested conglomerate that has its presence across the Nigerian economy.
Stallion Group’s vision is to adopt global best practices and localize it to develop a scalable, impactful and sustainable business that is committed to improving the socio-economic conditions of the communities.
Bajaj Auto, on the other hand, is a world leader in the intracity vehicle space.
“Loved in 70 countries, the brand stands for integrity, dedication, resourcefulness and determination to succeed and empower.
With similar brand ethos, we believe that this alliance will go a long way in empowering Nigerians to be self-reliant and improve the interests of the stakeholders be it employees, dealers, distributors, vendors, mechanics, unions, logistic operators or bankers.
“With years of experience in multiple countries including Nigeria, I foresee the opportunity that Bajaj has vast potentials for growth in the Nigerian market and to emerge as the undisputed market leader.
The right approach and service to the dealers and consumers to bring out the USPs of the product and essence of the brand will add strength for it to become the market leader.“
Speaking to the media, the Marketing Head for Stallion Group, Arpita Luthra highlighted that -Stallion Auto Keke Limited will invest significantly in improving stake holder’s interest, business and livelihood.
Be it landmark consumer connect campaigns like the Stallion Bajaj Keke Rally doing the durability drive of 5000 kilometres, touching 28 cities or rider training facilities or scholarship programs for the Keke riders and mechanics, the alliance of Stallion and Bajaj will enable progress, improve lives and dominate the market.
