Toyota By CFAO Launches 2026 RAV4 in Nigeria, Ends Long Wait for Latest Global Model

Toyota-by-CFAO Nigeria has unveiled the all-new 2026 Toyota RAV4, bringing the latest generation of the globally acclaimed SUV to the Nigerian market in a move that signals a new era for local vehicle buyers.

For the first time, Nigerian customers will have access to the same-generation RAV4 available in leading international markets, eliminating the years-long delay that has traditionally separated local buyers from global launches.

The new SUV is backed by a three-year manufacturer’s warranty, Toyota-certified after-sales support and nationwide access to genuine spare parts, with customer deliveries already underway.

Speaking at the unveiling, Managing Director of Toyota-by-CFAO Nigeria, Boye Ajayi, said the company was raising the benchmark for vehicle ownership in the country.

“The 2026 RAV4 is here. Nigerian customers are no longer waiting years behind global markets or settling for older specifications. They are receiving the same vehicle available internationally, at the same time, with full manufacturer support,” Ajayi said.

Available in three variants — Active (2.0L 2WD), Comfort (2.0L 4WD) and Limited (2.0L 4WD) — the SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre DOHC petrol engine producing 172 horsepower and features Sport, Normal and Eco driving modes.

Designed to balance comfort, performance and practicality, the RAV4 offers a 481-litre cargo space, 201mm ground clearance and a 55-litre fuel tank suited for both city commuting and long-distance travel.

Standard features across the range include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, dual-zone climate control, LED headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, SmartKey keyless entry, push-button start and a rear-view camera.

Toyota also equipped the SUV with an extensive safety package, including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), hill-start assist and multiple airbags.

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While the entry-level Active variant targets urban motorists seeking reliability and efficiency, the Comfort model adds all-wheel-drive capability, heated front seats, roof rails and additional convenience features for customers who frequently travel outside city limits.

The flagship Limited variant comes with a larger 12.8-inch infotainment screen, panoramic sunroof, premium leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats and seat heating, offering a more luxurious driving experience.

Ajayi described the new RAV4 as more than a routine upgrade, noting that the improvements are both visible and practical.

“This is not a minor refresh. The upgrades are evident in the technology, interior refinement, driving experience and overall convenience offered to customers,” he said.

To strengthen ownership confidence, Toyota-by-CFAO Nigeria said the vehicle is supported by a robust after-sales ecosystem comprising trained technicians, genuine parts inventory and service centres in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. The company plans to expand its authorised service network to 75 locations nationwide by March 2027.

The launch has already generated strong market interest, with several customers placing confirmed orders ahead of the official unveiling.

According to Ajayi, the early demand reflects a growing shift among Nigerian buyers towards brand-new vehicles backed by manufacturer warranties and structured after-sales support, rather than used imports with uncertain histories.

Managing Director of CFAO Mobility, Denis Martin, said Nigeria’s inclusion in the global launch schedule demonstrates the progress made by Toyota-by-CFAO Nigeria in building world-class sales and service infrastructure.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is now available at Toyota-by-CFAO showrooms in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, with financing options offered through partner institutions. A public launch event featuring test drives and on-site vehicle orders is scheduled for June 11 at the company’s Victoria Island showroom in Lagos.

Toyota By CFAO Launches 2026 RAV4 in Nigeria, Ends Long Wait for Latest Global Model

Carloha Rides High, Plans New EV for Nigeria After Winning Global Honours 

Carloha Nigeria, the authorised dealer of Chery vehicles in Nigeria, is strengthening its position in the country’s automotive industry after clinching two prestigious global awards as it unveils plans to introduce another electric vehicle (EV) into the market.

iCAUR (iCAR) is a global youth-oriented electric vehicle brand under the Chery Group, which was developed in partnership with SmartMi Tech. The brand is focused on stylish designs and smart mobility and it is currently expanding across international markets.

Carloha Nigeria received the New Star Award and Brand Leap Contribution Award at the 2026 Chery Global Summit and Beijing International Automotive Exhibition in China. This is in recognition of its rapid market growth, brand development efforts and customer engagement initiatives.

The international recognition comes as Carloha intensifies its push into Nigeria’s growing EV space, buoyed by the positive reception of the iCAUR brand among motorists, technology enthusiasts and environmentally conscious consumers.

Managing Director, Sola Adigun, said the awards validate the company’s commitment to delivering world-class automotive solutions, while the growing acceptance of iCAUR reflects increasing consumer interest in innovative and sustainable mobility options.

“The Nigerian automotive market is evolving, and consumers are becoming increasingly receptive to innovation, sustainability and smart mobility solutions.

“The success of iCAUR has encouraged us to continue investing in the future of electric mobility in Nigeria,” he said.

Adigun disclosed that plans for the launch of a new EV are at an advanced stage, describing the move as part of a broader strategy to expand consumer choice and support Nigeria’s transition to cleaner transportation.

He added, “Winning these awards on the global stage is a strong endorsement of the work our team has done in building the Chery brand in Nigeria.

“It also demonstrates that Nigerian automotive businesses can compete successfully with the best across the world.”

According to him, Nigerian customers are increasingly demanding vehicles that combine intelligent safety technologies, premium comfort, fuel efficiency and modern design, noting that these qualities were prominently showcased by Chery at the Beijing exhibition.

“Beyond selling vehicles, our goal is to provide mobility solutions that meet the evolving needs of Nigerian families and businesses while aligning with global trends in sustainability, innovation and customer experience,” Adigun said.

At Auto China 2026, Chery also showcased its latest safety and intelligent mobility technologies, including the all-new TIGGO V and its AiMOGA robotics innovations, under its new global brand philosophy, “For Family.”
General Manager, Felix Mahan, said the awards underscore Carloha Nigeria’s commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, adding that the company’s CarlohaCare 6-6-7 package continues to offer customers industry-leading aftersales support through a six-year warranty, six years of free service and a seven-day repair promise.
“This recognition reflects growing international confidence in both the Nigerian market and our ability to deliver world-class customer experience. We remain committed to making vehicle ownership easier, more affordable and more rewarding for our customers,” Mahan said.
With fresh global recognition and an expanded EV strategy, Carloha is positioning itself as one of the key players driving the future of sustainable mobility in Nigeria.

FG Deepens CNG Expansion with 1,100-Vehicle Capacity Gas Station in Abuja

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to deepen the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Nigeria with the commissioning of a high-capacity refuelling station in Abuja capable of serving more than 1,100 vehicles daily.

The newly inaugurated facility, developed by Rolling Energy Limited in partnership with the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), is located in Jahi, Abuja, and is expected to significantly boost access to cleaner and more affordable transportation energy.

The project forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to expand Nigeria’s gas infrastructure, reduce reliance on petrol and diesel, and accelerate the transition to cleaner fuel alternatives under the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG).

The High Capacity CNG Daughter Booster Station has a sales capacity of 1,000 Standard Cubic Metres (SCM) per hour, supported by two CNG tube skids with a combined storage capacity of 17,000 SCM.

The station also features a Mass Conversion Centre staffed by trained technicians and equipped with conversion kits capable of converting up to 20 vehicles and 25 tricycles daily, providing practical support for motorists and commercial operators seeking to switch to gas-powered transportation.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Friday, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the project as a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive to deepen gas utilisation and strengthen access to affordable energy solutions.

Ekpo said the facility would play a strategic role in supporting the nationwide rollout of CNG adoption, particularly as the government continues efforts to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs following the removal of petrol subsidy.

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He said, “Facilities such as this are essential for building the backbone infrastructure required to support widespread CNG penetration in Nigeria.”

The minister commended Rolling Energy Limited and MDGIF for delivering the project, describing it as one of four strategic gas infrastructure projects currently being commissioned across the country.

According to him, similar projects by Ibile Oil and Gas, Portland Energy and Femadec are also being commissioned in Lagos and Owerri, signalling increased private sector confidence in the Federal Government’s gas commercialisation agenda.

Ekpo said the projects align with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas Initiative, launched to leverage Nigeria’s estimated 215 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves to drive industrialisation, transportation reform, economic diversification and long-term energy security.

The minister noted that expanding gas infrastructure remains central to President Bola Tinubu’s energy transition agenda, which aims to provide Nigerians with cleaner, cheaper and more sustainable alternatives to conventional fuels.

Stakeholders in the energy sector have welcomed the development, noting that improved CNG station availability is crucial to encouraging wider adoption among private motorists, commercial transport operators and industrial users.

Analysts also say the establishment of more conversion centres and refuelling stations will help address one of the biggest barriers to mass CNG adoption — inadequate infrastructure.

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting private-sector-led investments to ensure that CNG refuelling stations become accessible across major cities and transport corridors nationwide.

FG Deepens CNG Expansion with 1,100-Vehicle Capacity Gas Station in Abuja