By Ignatius Ushie (Abuja)
Chairman of CIG Motors Company Limited, Chief Diana Chen, on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, said that lack of stable electricity supply, and insecurity are among the hurdles militating against effective operations of automobile assembly plants in Nigeria.
Chen spoke at the official opening of Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) Motor Abuja G-Style Showroom and the unveiling of all new GS8 premium SUV in the Federal Capital Territory FCT Abuja, urging the incoming administration to focus on developing the nations Auto policies and making it operational, hence it will improve the auto sector adding that if security is tackled, Nigeria will harness it’s potentials with respect to growth in the auto industry.
According to Chen,”Power stability is one challenge, without stable electricity supply, it is difficult to have manufacturing here, another one is security issue,” she said.
She urged the incoming government to tackle security issues with all sense of urgency, stressing that GAC Motor is willing and ready to work with governments at all levels to rebuild the capabilities of the youth population towards becoming well trained, skilled, and technical people especially in the area of automobile industry.
According to her, Nigeria boasts of great potentials both in the economic and auto market growth across Africa.
She said the GAC Motor expects to grab more market share with its assembly plant in Lagos.
Chen further urged the Federal Government to develop policies that encourage Nigerians to purchase brand new vehicles rather than the current reliance on imported fairly used ones, adding that such a policy would boost investment in assembling plants that would in turn create jobs and wealth for the country.
She disclosed that the company was already in partnership with four banks in the country that allows customers to purchase its cars while paying back in monthly installments.
“GAC Motor Nigeria is committed to building and developing the future of the automobile industry in Nigeria, and believes that collaboration with the Federal Government is key to achieving this goal”, she stated.
Chen also assured Nigerians of GAC commitment to supporting Nigeria’s football national teams and the creative sector.
Speaking at the event which was attended by some Super Eagles star players Ahmed Musa, Wilfred Ndidi, Kenneth Omeruo and Alex Iwobi, Super Eagles Coach, José Santos Peseiro, the President of the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, Ibrahim Gusau thanked the motor company for supporting Nigerian football teams.
Speaking on the brand new GS8 SUV, General Manager, Commercial, CIG Motors, Mr. Jubril Arogundade, said the vehicle was made for Nigerian roads.
According to him, “The brand new GS8 is a premium SUV that was created with the intent of meeting the high-luxury requirements of business leaders on a budget. With its luxurious cabin space covered in Alcantara and leather of the highest quality, geometric facet design, roaring Euro 6 engine power, and diversified luxury interior and exterior upgrade, the car is sure to take your breath away”, he said.
