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Ford to unveil new budget truck, Maverick, next week
Ford Motor Company says it will introduce a compact pickup truck, a low-cost vehicle called Maverick, next week, augmenting its entry-level vehicle offerings more than three years after it said it would largely abandon the US sedan market.
While Ford said it would provide more details about the truck on June 8, executives have talked about the “white-space” vehicle expected to move the US automaker into a new segment, and people familiar with the plans said the Maverick’s starting price could be below $20,000.
Ford Maverick, the upcoming light pickup will be the smallest in the range – yes, even smaller than the Ranger – and could share its underpinnings with one of Ford’s unibody crossovers, says motor1.com.
The four-door small pickup will be built, starting in July, at the company’s Hermosillo, Mexico, plant with plans to eventually build more than 120,000 annually, according to AutoForecast Solutions.
Ford declined to comment on pricing or other details about the vehicle ahead of next week’s reveal.
In an industry where the average new vehicle now sells for almost $41,000, according to Kelley Blue Book, and the number of vehicles sold for less than $20,000 is rapidly shrinking, Ford hopes Maverick helps attract buyers turned off by its April 2018 announcement that it would stop selling the Fiesta, Focus, Taurus and Fusion sedans, the last of which was discontinued last year.
Ford’s current entry-level vehicle is the EcoSport SUV, which starts at just under $20,000.
Dealers say they are excited they will have a low-cost vehicle to draw buyers into the Ford brand.
“When they decided to get rid of the sedans, they made it very, very difficult for us to compete in that entry-level market,” said Rhett Ricart, owner of Ricart Ford in Columbus, Ohio. “Ford’s timing on this thing’s perfect. It’s going to put us back in the game.”
In 2012, 54 per cent of all US new vehicles sold for less than $30,000, but that share slid to 20 per cent last year as consumers shifted to more expensive trucks and SUVs, according to Cox Automotive.
As of April, only six car models sold for less than $20,000.
Today’s low-cost buyers focus instead on saving money, analysts said.
“Cars have become so reliable, entry-level sales have moved to off-lease and used cars,” said Sam Fiorani, vice president of global vehicle forecasting at AutoForecast Solutions.
He added, “When you have the average transaction price of $40,000, under $30,000 is quote unquote affordable.”
Ford is not alone in eyeing this end of the truck market either, as Hyundai Motor Company will this summer introduce the Santa Cruz compact pickup, which it has dubbed a “sport adventure vehicle.”
“It’s going to take us into an entirely new territory for the Hyundai brand and it’s going to attract a new buyer that probably wouldn’t have considered purchasing a Hyundai in the first place,” Hyundai North American sales chief Randy Parker said in an interview.
The Santa Cruz price tag will start around $25,000, he said. AutoForecast Solutions expects Hyundai to build fewer than 35,000 a year at its Alabama plant.
The Maverick also is an example of leveraging existing platforms to save money and speed vehicles to market.
It will be built on the same vehicle architecture used for the Bronco Sport, Lincoln Corsair and Ford Escape SUVs, saving the company 68 per cent off the original investment made for the Focus, Ford disclosed last December.
Auto
Soueast Enters Nigeria with Robust SUV Portfolio, Sets Sights on Q3 Local Assembly
Soueast Enters Nigeria with Robust SUV Portfolio, Sets Sights on Q3 Local Assembly
Nigeria’s automotive landscape witnessed a significant shift on Wednesday as Soueast formally entered the Nigerian market, courtesy of the Kewalram Chanrai Group. The entry was marked by a media launch followed by a test drive of its full range of SUVs along the scenic Coastal Highway in Lagos, signalling a fresh wave of competition in the fast-evolving mobility space.
The high-profile event brought together dealerships, media, and auto enthusiasts, offering first-hand experience of the brand’s capabilities in real driving conditions.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Operating Officer, Mobility Division of Kewalram Chanrai Group, Mr. Anil Sahgal, described the move as a strategic response to changing consumer expectations in Nigeria.
“For over 165 years, Kewalram Chanrai Group’s reputation has been built on trust delivered through consistency,” he said. “Our decision to bring Soueast into Nigeria is deliberate. Today’s Nigerian customer is more informed and focused on long-term value. There is a growing demand for vehicles that combine modern design, safety, technology, durability, and affordability — and Soueast fits precisely into this space.”
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The COO emphasized that the company is not merely introducing a new brand but backing it with robust infrastructure, including a structured dealership network, strong after-sales systems, skilled technical teams, and a long-term investment approach.
He noted that the SUVs unveiled had been engineered with Nigerian realities in mind, addressing road conditions, fuel efficiency concerns, durability needs, and total cost of ownership.
“This is not just a product launch; it is the beginning of a long-term commitment to a market that demands resilience, value, and consistency,” he added. “Our vehicles are built on three pillars — product integrity, adaptability, and value sustainability.”
Sahgal also disclosed plans to commence local assembly of the vehicles by the third quarter of 2026, underscoring the group’s long-term commitment to the Nigerian market.
The highlight of the event was the test drive session along the Coastal Road, where participants assessed the performance, comfort, and handling of the Soueast range under real traffic and road conditions — a move widely seen as a confidence-building step by the company.
Soueast Enters Nigeria with Robust SUV Portfolio, Sets Sights on Q3 Local Assembly
Auto
CFAO Mobility Open Day to offer special deals on new vehicles, parts, diagnostics
CFAO Mobility Open Day to offer special deals on new vehicles, parts, diagnostics
CFAO Mobility has announced plans to host the 2026 edition of its flagship CFAO Mobility Open Day, aimed at showcasing a wide range of innovative mobility solutions.
In a statement, the company said the event would take place on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, from 9am to 6pm.
The Open Day is expected to bring together leading global automotive and equipment brands in a dynamic exhibition tailored to meet diverse mobility needs.
Participating brands are Toyota, BYD, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Fuso, JCB, Howo, Sino Equipment, King Long, TechKing Tyres, Yamaha, Winpart and Auto Fast.
According to CFAO Mobility, attendees will experience an extensive display of products and services, ranging from brand-new vehicles and motorcycles to outboard engines, fleet management solutions, spare parts and aftermarket services.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will also feature test drives, professional vehicle diagnostics and exclusive spare-parts deals, offering participants a hands-on and engaging experience.
The company urged car enthusiasts, business owners and prospective buyers to take advantage of the Open Day to explore mobility solutions tailored to their personal and business needs.
With over 120 years of presence in Nigeria, CFAO Mobility remains a key player in the mobility and healthcare sectors.
It added that the Open Day reflects its continued commitment to delivering innovative, customer-focused mobility solutions.
Auto
Jetour set to ignite Lagos with four-day automotive experience
Jetour set to ignite Lagos with four-day automotive experience
Lovers of sophisticated and elegant SUVs in Lagos are about to witness a combination of automotive engineering and urban lifestyle as Jetour Nigeria announces the hosting of a flagship event, “The Jetour Experience,” a four-day immersive festival designed to redefine how Nigerians interact with the road.
From April 16 to 19, 2026, The Podium in Lekki, Lagos, will be transformed into a high-energy hub where sleek design meets high-octane entertainment. This is not just a standard car show; it’s a curated lifestyle destination, says the organisers in a statement.
The four-day event is said to promise a fusion of horsepower, high fashion, and plenty of fun.
Tagged “The Jetour Experience,” the four-day extravaganza is not just about gleaming chrome and leather seats; it is a high-octane celebration aimed at blurring the lines between mobility and entertainment.
Specifically, it stated that the exhibition would feature test drives, virtual reality gaming, fitness sessions, and interactive activities with branded giveaways.
The statement added that the arena would buzz with entertainment, including contests and interactive games, giving guests the chance to win exclusive branded gifts and prizes.
In a massive show of force, Jetour says it is partnering with its seven prestigious accredited dealers—Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era Autovehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, R.T. Briscoe, Tab Autos Limited, Mandilas Motors, and Germaine Auto Centre —to bring their full fleet to the public.
Whether you are an eco-conscious commuter or an off-road adventurer, the lineup has something for everyone, according to a statement by the Jetour Nigeria.
The Urban Explorers: X50 and X70
The Sophisticates: X70 Plus and X90 Plus
The Eco-Warriors: X70 PHEV and T2 PHEV (Plug-in Hybrids)
The Icons: The rugged T2 and the razor-sharp Dashing
Jetour is blurring the lines between mobility and entertainment. Running daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, the event promises a packed itinerary designed to keep the adrenaline pumping.
Visitors will also push limits during test drives, explore virtual reality (VR) gaming such as foosball, and take part in curated fitness sessions.
In a creative masterstroke, the grand finale will feature a car runway fashion show. Attendees can expect a visual feast where automotive engineering meets sartorial elegance, reinforcing the idea that a Jetour is not just a vehicle but a fashion statement.
The firm stated, “Beyond the glitz, the event maintains a strong focus on safety. A dedicated panel discussion featuring stakeholders and officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) will explore road safety, tech-driven security, and the future of motoring in Nigeria.
“With its blend of adrenaline, artistry, and advocacy, Jetour Nigeria isn’t just hosting an event; it is creating a destination.”
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