Auto Archives — Business Bells

Category: Auto

Auto Skills: Lanre Shittu Motors Trains Dropouts, Empowers Young Graduates

Lanre Shittu Motors says it has taken many dropouts and area boys out of the streets through its auto skill training and employment scheme for school leavers.

The auto firm has also extended similar but advanced training skills to young graduates interested in pursuing career in automotive industry. In total, the frontline auto industry player stated that over 450 of such Nigerians have benefitted from the schemes.

Taiwo Shittu, executive director of Lanre Shittu Motors, who disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Lagos, said part of the empowerment scheme of the auto company is to help beneficiaries secure decent jobs with good salaries.

He said, “The company has contributed a lot to the Nigerian economy especially when it comes to manpower, training and empowerment of young Nigerians. We have an empowerment scheme for school leavers who have passion for automotive development. They are trained for a period of four years and get paid even while on training.

“After the training, we send them to our customers across the country to service them. We ask them to be employed, accommodated and paid well. In some cases, they are given a car and placed on a good salary that we dictate. We are getting good testimonies from those we sent to Kano, Bauchi, Ondo and Cross River states, among others.

“These are people that would have been bus conductors, touts or motor boys, now heading a facility of 300 to 500 trucks.”

Lanre Shittu also said, “We have some people sending interested young graduates and school leavers to us for training. For instance, Desmond Elliot, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, sent 10 people from his Surulere constituency to us for the scheme.”

LSM Auto Workshop

He called on the Nigerian government at various levels to invest and utilize the abundant, but untapped local skills, especially among the youth to develop the automotive assembly industry.

According to him, Nigerians have the skills; they just need the support of the government; this is what will make the industry to develop.

He stressed the need for the current generation of leaders to invest and make sacrifice for the development of the next generation just like the Chinese did.

‘’In those days, many people looked down on the Chinese and derided them for looking haggard and wretched. What they did not know was that, they were making sacrifice for the current generation. Today, the China’s story has changed. Nigeria also needs to do the same,” the executive director said.

25 February 2022
CIG boss, Daina Chen Named Nigeria 2021 Auto CEO
- •As GAC GS8 clinches most fascinating SUV award
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Choice International Group (CIG), Chief Diana Chen, has been named as Nigeria’s Auto CEO of the Year.

This was announced during the 2021 edition of the annual Nigeria Auto Awards held in Lagos.

The Nigerian Auto Journalists Association gave the verdict at the ceremony, where Chief Ade-Ojo, founder of Elizade Nigeria Limited fondly called Mr Toyota, was honoured as Pillar of the nation’s auto industry.

Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, and Jelani Aliyu, Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, were also named as Road Safety Personality of the Decade and Auto Personality of the Year (Public Sector) respectively.

Jacky Hathiramani, who is the chief executive officer of Dana Group, emerged as Auto Personality of the Year (Private Sector).

The CIG boss, whose firm represents the GAC auto brand in Nigeria, was given the CEO of the year award as a result of her continuous efforts in pushing the brand among the enterprising young people, lawmakers and senior government officials, raising the standard and image of Chinese products in Nigeria, according to the organisers of the event.

She was also praised for sponsoring a number of sporting and socio-cultural events as well as encouraging celebrities including young artistes to drive and identify with her brand.

Chen, while responding to the award, said she was excited and felt challenged to do more in the coming years.

She urged other major players in the industry, especially the CEOs, to come together and forge a formidable force that could move the sector forward.

“It’s when we come together that we can brilliantly generate ideas on how to improve the industry,” she stated.

Chen, who invited all the CEOs present at the award night to the podium, stressed that the auto industry holds so much power in transforming the national economy if given the right impetus.

She commended the organisers of the award for giving the industry stakeholders a platform to interact every year and promised to sponsor the 2022 edition so that it could be bigger and enable all CEOs in the industry and policymakers to attend.

Meanwhile, one of the models of the GAC brand, GS8, has won the most fascinating SUV award. The vehicle is being sold by the CIG Motor, an arm of the CIG Group.

It was one of the product awards announced at the Nigerian auto industry event.

Chief Diana, who is also vice president of the China-Africa Business Council, is reputed to have successfully managed the CIG for 20 years.

Leveraging her extensive international trade experience and brand operations, she has been able to establish several subsidiaries and overseas branches.

The group’s product line covers many industries providing quality products and services to Nigeria and the African community at large.

Chen was in 2015 conferred with a chieftaincy title in Nigeria, making her the first Chinese female chief in Nigeria. She got two other titles in 2016 and 2021.

Through the China’s ‘One Belt & Road’ and ‘Going Global’ national strategies, she has been promoting cultural China-Africa cooperation & China-Nigeria economic, trade & exchanges.

She is credited to be promoting the industrialization of Africa, by establishing an auto assembly plant in Nigeria.
7 December 2021
PHOTOS: Innoson Bags Auto Manufacturing Company of the Year Award

Guest of honour and FRSC Corps Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, congratulates GM, Sales, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Ltd (IVM), Nnewi, Mr. Obum Osigwe, who received the award of Auto Manufacturing Company of the Year (Local Content) presented to the indigenous auto maker at the 2021 Nigerian Auto Journalists (NAJA) held at Eko Hotel &, Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos…on Saturday, December 1, 2021

3 December 2021
NAJA Awards: Glitz As Hyundai Creta Shines Again, Emerges Nigeria’s Car Of The Year [See List of Other Winners]
It is official. Hyundai Creta Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) has emerged 2021 Car-Of-The-Year (COTR) in Nigeria.

The sensational Hyundai Creta SUV was pronounced winner ahead of Toyota Corolla and Kia Rio at a colourful ceremony held on Wednesday night at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos,

The annual event put together by Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) had in attendance key stakeholders in the automobile and transport sector in Nigeria including the Corp Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, representative of the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Jelani Aliyu among others.

Hyundai Creta had in 2018 emerged winner of the coveted prize.

In 2019 Toyota Corolla won the award. The award ceremony did not hold in 2020 due to the ravaging effect of Covid-19 across the world.

Recently launched in the country, the 2021 Car of The Year, the Hyundai Creta, a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) is described as a car with a redesigned shape set to create unparalleled driving experiences for customers.

According to Hyundai, CRETA has been transformed into the ultimate sub-compact SUV for any terrain.

Building on the success of the previous model, the fresh-look CRETA is more spacious, boasts improved features and utilizes state-of-the-art technologies to meet the complete needs of working professionals, young peer group and families.

Mr. Gaurav Vashisht, Head, Sales and Marketing at Hyundai Motors Nigeria, said: “Developing high-quality vehicles are at the core of our vision and this is reflected with the all-new Hyundai CRETA model.

Corps Marshall Boboye Oyeyemi PhD, MFR Emerges Road Safety Personality Of The Decade

“Since the first model was launched, the CRETA has become one of the most popular vehicles and the latest version is set to be a game-changer in the sub-compact SUV segment. From top to bottom, we have crafted the car carefully, pushing the boundaries to ensure that it stands out on the road and is equipped with a wide range of improved features that will deliver even more fun-loving driving experiences.

“Ultimately, the new CRETA is no like no other vehicle. It’s a true urban crossover with loads of versatility that is modern, sensuous and sporty in design.”

Cross section of award winners at the 2021 NAJA Auto Awards
Earlier, in his welcome address, NAJA Chairman, Mike Ochonma, commended stakeholders for their contributions to the development of the sector.

Also, at the 2021 Auto Awards, Mercedes Benz S-class emerged Luxury Car of the year ahead of BMW 7-series.

Other winners at the prestigious Auto Awards, included:
- Luxury SUV Of The Year –Range Rover Velar
- Pick Up Of The Year –Toyota Hilux
- Auto Plant Of The Year (Truck) –Lanre Shittu (JAC)
- Auto Workshop Of The Year –Mandilas Motors
- Truck Of The Year (Heavy Duty) –Shacman (TSS)
- Outstanding Comeback Of The Year –Suzuki (CFAO)
- Most Transformed New Entrant Of The Year –Toyota Starlet
- Electric Vehicle Of The Year –Hyundai Kona
- Most Resilient Auto Assembler –PAN Nigeria Ltd
- Nigeria Auto CEO Of The Year –Chief Diana Chen (Chairman/CEO, CIG Group)
- Auto Personality Of the Year (Public Sector) –Jelani Aliyu MFR (DG, NADDC)
- Auto Personality Of the Year (Corporate) –Jacky Hathiramani (MD, Dana Motors)
- Pillar of Nigeria Auto Industry –Chief Michael Ade-Ojo
- Electric Vehicle Promoter Of The Year –Jet Systems
- Gas Powered Auto Assembler Of The Year –OMAA
- Communication/Marketing Manager Of The Year –Beatrice Oyesile
- Communication/Marketing Manager Of The Year –Funmi Abiola
- Auto Manufacturer Of The Year (Local Content) –Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM)
- Most Innovative Auto Company of The Year –Massilia Motors
- Motor Rally Promoter Of The Year –Work & Play
- Outstanding New Pickup Of The Year –Nord Tank
- Compact SUV Of The Year (Outstanding Design/Technology) –Geely Coolray
- Most Fascinating SUV Of The Year –GAC GS8
- Executive Car Of The Year –Kia K5 (Optima)
- Road Safety Personality Of The Decade –Boboye Oyeyemi PhD, MFR
- Online Auto Company of the year –Autochek
- Mini Bus Of The Year –Toyota Hiace
2 December 2021
Innoson, Jet Systems, OMAA, Autochek, Geely Upbeat as NAJA Awards Holds December 1

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

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

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

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

Both buses are suitable for commercial operations as well as other applications. The two brands are coming at a time when Nigeria is focusing and encouraging the shift from fossil fuel to electric and gas respectively to prospective vehicle buyers.

Geely Coolray, marketed by Mikano International Limited is also in contention.

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 Company 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.

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

27 November 2021
Auto Brands Finalists Unveiled As Momentum Gathers For Motoring Journalists’ Awards Next Month

Automotive brands and their franchisees in the country are getting set for honours come December 1, as organisers of the 2021 Nigerian Auto Awards, Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) announced finalists in each of the awards categories.

Eventual winners in each of the categories are expected to be declared on December 1, 2021 at the glamorous Nigerian Auto Awards scheduled for Eko Hotels and Towers, Victoria Island, Lagos.

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

Weststar’s Associates Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and Coscharis Motors’ BMW 7-series will compete in the Luxury car of the year segment.

In the compact SUV segment, Toyota RAV4 is coming back again to compete with Hyundai Tuscan and Ford Escape for the coveted crown in this ever-growing sector of the Nigerian auto market.

In the Pickup of the year segment, Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi L200 and Nissan Hardbody NP300 are set for another showdown as the contenders are on solid ground in the Nigerian auto market.

Hilux has won the awards on several occasions in the past, likewise the Ford Ranger; but this time again, the die is cast as anything can happen within the competitors and those that are yet to win the award in the category for the first time.

Geely Coolray, being marketed by Mikano international limited, is going head to head with Jaguar F-Pace from the Coscharis Motors’ stable in the outstanding design and technology of the year category.

Elizade Nigeria Ltd will be competing in the auto workshop of the year with Dana Motors and Mandilas Enterprise (Motor Division). In the assembly plant of the year, Dana Motors, Stallion Motors’ VON assembly plant will slug it out in this category.

The Suzuki brand, which is being marketed by CFAO, is listed on the strongest comeback brand award, 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 assembler 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.

Also giving some insights into some special recognition award, Opara disclosed that the executive governor of Imo state, Hope Uzodinma will be honoured for his massive patronage of locally assembled vehicles from Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company.

“His gesture has immensely helped to develop the local auto industry and secure jobs for several thousands of Nigerians, and this he has been nominated for the Governor of the Year: Automotive Industry Support,” he added.

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

Speaking of the awards, Ochonma stated that one thing has remained true to the contest; it celebrates and rewards automotive excellence in the country.

“The NAJA awards which holds every year is part of our contribution towards the development of Nigeria’s automotive industry,” the NAJA chairman concluded.

14 November 2021
Ade-Ojo, Jelani, Oyeyemi, Hathiramani for Honours At 2021 Nigerian Auto Awards

Founder of Elizade Nigeria Limited, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, is set to be honoured as Pillar of Auto Industry at the 2021 edition of the annual Nigeria Auto Journalists Awards.

Other prominent personalities in the Nigerian automotive industry to be honoured by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) at the event slated for Wednesday, December 1, 2021 are the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Jelani Aliyu; Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Boboye Oyeyemi; and Managing Director of Dana Motors, Jacky Hathiramani.

According to NAJA, the organisers, the event, to be held at Eko Hotel and Suites on Victoria Island, Lagos, will also be used to announce the Nigeria’s Car of the Year, among other industry awards.

NAJA in a statement said Chief Ade-Ojo is being honoured as Pillar of the Nigeria Auto Industry for his outstanding contributions to the development of Nigeria’s auto industry over the decades.

Chief Ade-Ojo has marketed and sold various auto brands like Peugeot and Volkswagen before finally settling for Toyota, a product he turned to a household name in the country.

Elizade Nigeria Limited, which was incorporated in 1973, and started business in 1971 with just one supporting employee, has become a conglomerate with several subsidiaries, and a reference point in Nigeria’s auto industry.

In a similar vein, the NADDC DG as well as the Dana Motors MD are to recognised as Auto Personalities of the Year.

While Jelani has been very consistent in pushing the narrative for alternative greener automotive fuel, Hathiramani has been able to make the Kia brand a successful name in Nigeria.

Commenting on the honours, Chairman of NAJA, Mike Ochonma, noted that it was important to hounor and recognize people who had contributed immensely to the development of the sector while alive, not when dead.

“We like to recognise people while they are still alive, which is very important so that they can also reap some rewards from their service and serve as encouragement for younger people to serve, knowing full well that when you serve, there is always recognition,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the 2021 NAJA Awards Committee, Theodore Opara, has said nominations are still coming in for the various categories of the Nigerian Auto Awards.

He said apart from the Car-of-the-Year category, there are over 15 other categories that are being contested for in this year’s edition of the prestigious awards.

3 November 2021
Toyota Excites Auto World With New RAV-Sized EV Crossover, BZ4X

The attention of all automakers, dealers and fans of sensational new vehicles is focused on the forthcoming SEMA, the biggest aftermarket show in the world holding November 2-5, 2021 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, United States.

Ahead of the event, Toyota has revealed the new BZ4X, a RAV4-sized electric crossover, which is the first of seven vehicles that will be added to Toyota’s BZ sub-brand for electric vehicles by 2025.

The new vehicle was revealed on Friday is a small crossover similar in size to the top-selling RAV4, and it is due in the showrooms around mid-2022 as a 2023 model.

According to Motor Authority, the crossover was previewed in April by the BZ4X concept and carries that name into production. A Subaru twin to be called the Solterra, is also coming.

The BZ4X rides on a newly developed platform, dubbed e-TNGA. It’s the first dedicated-EV platform for Toyota, and expected to come in multiple models from Toyota (and Lexus) in the coming years.

Toyota says it plans to have 15 zero-emission vehicles in its lineup by 2025, of which seven would be from the BZ sub-brand.

The BZ4X unveiled is the version for the Japanese market but similar specifications for the version are expected in the US and possibly other markets.

There’s a single battery with a capacity of 71.4 kilowatt-hours and buyers can choose from a front-wheel-drive powertrain with 201hp or an all-wheel-drive setup with 214hp.

A top speed wasn’t mentioned but 0-62 mph acceleration takes 8.4 seconds with FWD and 7.7 seconds with AWD.

In both cases, Motor Authority note that it will be close to 300 miles based on the WLTP test cycle used overseas. This figure will likely be lower when measured using the tougher EPA cycle.

Charging at up to 150 kilowatts is said to be possible, which will enable an 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes. A roof-mounted solar panel will also be available in some markets.

Toyota says it focuses on delivering reliable performance throughout the life of the vehicle. For example, the BZ4X’s range should remain consistent even in cold winters, and the battery should also retain about 90 per cent of its capacity after 10 years (based on a usage rate of 15,000 miles per year).

The interior is a modern place, featuring minimalist styling and a large central screen for infotainment. A smaller screen serves as the instrument gauge, with Toyota doing away with the traditional gauge hood to give a clearer view as well as give the cabin an open and airy feeling.

Toyota says most markets will have a traditional steering wheel; the Chinese market will feature a yoke-style steering wheel (shown below). Thanks to steer-by-wire technology, where the traditional mechanical connection between the steering wheel and tyres are replaced by electric systems, lock-to-lock with the yoke wheel is set at around 150 degrees, meaning just one hand is required for tight turns.

Toyota says this feature will be added to more models in the future, including those sold outside of China.

31 October 2021
Race for Nigeria’s 2021 Car-of-the-Year Begins, As NAJA Calls For Nominations

The Nigerian Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) has announced date for the 2021 edition of the NAJA Awards.

NAJA Awards celebrate and reward excellence in the Nigerian automotive industry in the outgoing year.

According to a statement by the Chairman, 2021 NAJA Awards Planning Committee, Theodore Opara, the 2021 edition is scheduled for December 11, 2021 at the Eko Hotels and Towers, Victoria Island, Lagos.

He said his committee comprising highly respected individuals in the motoring journalism, has drawn out all the categories in the awards, and presently compiling nominations in the various categories.

“Industry experts are expected to decide the nominees based through a scoring system that will test vehicles’ strength, weaknesses and popularity against other contenders in same category,” he said.

Mr Opara added that members of the committee would pay close attention to worldwide competition trends and take advice from industry experts in arriving at nominations and decoding eventual winners.

He said, “In this year’s edition, there’ll also be a special honour for Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, Chairman of Toyota Nigeria Ltd and some other industry giants for their immense contributions to the development of Nigeria’s auto industry.”

He also said that like previous editions, the highpoints of the 2021 awards ceremony would be the car-of-the-year category.

“Other segments of awards are luxury car of the year, heavy duty truck of the year, auto plant of the year, CEO of the year, auto personality of the year, CSR company of the year, pick-up of the year, showroom of the year and many others,” he added.

In his own reaction, Chairman of NAJA, Mike Ochonma, said the 2021 edition would provide an avenue to recognise corporate stakeholder organisations and other automotive products and ancillary products such as tyre brands and individuals that had made exceptional contributions to the country’s auto industry within the year.

According to him, NAJA uses its members’ combined influence to inform the automotive public of new products, market developments, and technology and road safety.

“We’re committed to remaining a valued, professional body for the motor content creators of today and the future of mobility multi-media tomorrow,” he stated.

11 October 2021
Toyota Nigeria Launches New Starlet Subcompact SUV

Toyota Nigeria Limited has launched the Toyota Starlet mini subcompact sport utility vehicle, SUV.

The Managing Director, TNL, Kunke Adeojo, said the vehicle launch was the brainchild of a partnership between Toyota and Suzuki in 2019.

Adeojo, who was represented by the General Manager, Corporate Services, Bunmi Onafowokan, at the launch in Lagos, said, “The Starlet is our response to the yearnings of our customers that have over the years demanded an entry vehicle.

“It’s an elegant vehicle imbued with the quality, durability, reliability and style that the Toyota brand stands for.

“The vehicle, in its own right, is a compact mini SUV and it comes with 150,000km or a five-year warranty, whichever comes first.”

According to him, there are three variants of the 1.4-litre engine to cater to the preferences and pockets of the target segment which are the entry grade, the middle grade and the high grade.

Adeojo said, “In a few months’ time, we will commission our world-class certified service centre at Isolo. This facility has a body and paint section, a workshop and a parts section among other services available.

“With all sense of responsibility, I wish to note that this centre is second to none in Nigeria when compared on the pedestal of equipment, highly trained manpower and exceptional service delivery.

“Toyota Limited will not only continue to invest in the Nigerian automobile industry, but also align with the aspirations of the Nigerian government to revolutionise the local industry.”

Adeojo expressed gratitude to customers who he said had sustained the company, promising them unrivalled service delivery and performance.

8 September 2021