Mikano, Autochek Target Financing Gap in New Push for Vehicle Ownership, launch virtual showroom 

Mikano Motors has said its new partnership with Autochek Africa is aimed at delivering a more complete vehicle ownership experience by combining premium mobility with smarter financing solutions for Nigerian customers.

Speaking on the collaboration in Lagos on Friday at the launch of a Mikano Motors virtual showroom on Autochek’s platform, Joelle Haykal, Group Executive Director of Mikano Motors, described the deal as an extension of the company’s long-standing ownership philosophy.

She said, “Our focus has always been on delivering not just new vehicles, but a complete ownership experience. That includes up to six years’ warranty or up to 200,000 kilometres, nationwide aftersales support, and the confidence that comes from a 33-year legacy of trust.”

According to her, Mikano’s vehicles are specifically engineered for Nigerian roads, with durability and performance at the core of their design, ensuring customers drive with peace of mind.

She noted that the partnership with Autochek Africa would allow the company to go beyond vehicle sales by integrating premium products with flexible, structured financing options.

“This partnership allows us to combine premium mobility with smart financing solutions, giving customers greater flexibility, confidence and control over how they own a vehicle,” Haykal added.

On its part, Autochek Africa said the collaboration is focused on addressing what it described as the real barrier to vehicle ownership in Nigeria — limited access to financing.

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“The demand for vehicles in Nigeria has never been the issue; access to financing has,” said Etop Ikpe, Chief Executive Officer of Autochek Africa.

He explained that by integrating Mikano’s vehicle portfolio with Autochek’s embedded financing technology, customers will gain access to multiple banking partners, faster credit approvals and loan structures tailored to their needs.

“Our partnership with Mikano Motors is designed to close that gap. By combining Mikano’s premium vehicle portfolio with our embedded financing technology, we are unlocking access to multiple banking partners with fast approvals so that anyone can find an offer that suits them, allowing more Nigerians to own brand-new cars with confidence,” Ikpe said.

The partnership, which includes the launch of a dedicated Mikano Motors Virtual Showroom on the Autochek platform, is expected to enable customers to compare models, apply for structured automotive loans, explore flexible payment plans and complete key stages of the purchase process online.

Both companies say the deal signals a broader shift in Nigeria’s automotive landscape, where digital platforms and embedded finance are increasingly shaping how vehicles are discovered, financed and owned.

Mikano Motors is a division of Mikano International, representing globally recognised automotive brands in Nigeria, including Changan, Deepal, Maxus and others.

The division is committed to delivering quality vehicles, reliable after-sales support and innovative mobility solutions tailored to the Nigerian market.

Autochek Africa is a leading pan-African automotive technology company transforming how vehicles are bought, sold and financed across the continent.

Through its marketplace and embedded financing solutions, Autochek provides individuals and businesses with improved access to quality vehicles while powering automotive commerce at scale.

Its infrastructure combines data, technology and strategic partnerships to make vehicle ownership more transparent, affordable and accessible throughout Africa.

Mikano, Autochek Target Financing Gap in New Push for Vehicle Ownership, launch virtual showroom

Carloha shakes up pickup market with launch of heavy-duty Chery Himla

Carloha Nigeria has officially unveiled the Chery Himla pickup in Nigeria, marking the brand’s entry into the country’s highly competitive pickup segment with a bold focus on productivity, durability and business efficiency.

The launch, held at Orange Island, Lekki, Lagos on February 19, 2026, positions the Himla not merely as a utility vehicle but as a high-performance mobile business asset tailored for commerce, agriculture, logistics, security operations and regional trade.

Speaking at the event, Managing Director of Carloha Nigeria, Mr. Sola Adigun, described the unveiling as a significant milestone for the company and Nigerian entrepreneurs.

“Today’s launch represents a key milestone, with Himla engineered to enhance efficiency and productivity for security outfits, farmers, logistics operators, entrepreneurs and others,” he said.

Built for Bigger Load, Fewer Tripsĺ

At the heart of the Himla’s appeal is its class-leading 1,276-litre cargo bed (1,530 mm × 1,620 mm × 515 mm), designed to accommodate standard industrial pallets and enable what the company describes as “one-trip loading.”

Its optimised chassis and suspension design minimise wheel arch intrusions, creating a flatter and more practical loading surface.

Integrated side and rear steps simplify loading and unloading, helping businesses improve turnaround time in demanding work environments.

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Built on a high-strength ladder frame with reinforced rear-spring suspension, the Himla offers a rated payload exceeding 1,000 kg while maintaining stability under heavy loads.

It also boasts a 3-ton towing capacity, positioning it as a strong contender for hauling equipment, refrigerated containers and other heavy-duty applications across logistics, construction and agriculture.

Engineered for Nigerian Terrain

Designed with Nigeria’s diverse road conditions in mind, the Himla features advanced 4×4 capability and 265 mm ground clearance to tackle rough job sites and rural terrain with confidence.

Carloha says the pickup is engineered for durability in high temperatures and humid environments, incorporating wear-resistant and anti-corrosion materials, galvanised steel components and high-strength body panels. Multiple heavy-duty anchoring points ensure cargo stability even on uneven surfaces.

The vehicle is available in ICE variants and comes equipped with premium leather seats, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, a 9.2-inch digital dashboard display and enhanced rear-seat comfort. Higher-end models feature advanced driver assistance systems.

Real-World Test Drive

Motoring journalists, customers and automobile enthusiasts at the launch event had the opportunity to test-drive the Himla across simulated terrains.

The demonstration highlighted its 4×4 capability, hill approach and descent angles, towing strength, load stability, water-wading ability, in-cabin quietness and overall ride comfort.

General Manager, Marketing at Carloha Nigeria, Mr. Felix Mahan, described the Himla as a cornerstone of Chery’s global pickup strategy.

He said the model combines “class-leading cargo capacity, hardcore load capability, advanced technology and climate-adapted engineering” to serve Nigerian entrepreneurs as a reliable business partner.

Backed by a class-leading six-year warranty, the Himla enters the Nigerian market with a strong value proposition.

With its unveiling, Carloha is betting that Nigeria’s evolving economy will increasingly demand pickups that do more than transport goods — vehicles designed to power productivity, cut operational costs and drive enterprise growth.

Carloha shakes up pickup market with launch of heavy-duty Chery Himla

ABC Transport reaffirms commitment to safety as Driver Training Academy graduates 137

The Driver Training Academy (DTA), a subsidiary of ABC Transport, held its graduation ceremony recently during which no fewer than 137 driver trainees received the institute’s highly regarded certificates.

A statement by the company quoted the Group Managing Director of ABC Transport, Mr Jude Nneji, as emphasizing the importance of professionalism, discipline, and continuous learning in the transport industry.

He stated this while delivering the keynote address, reiterating the organisation’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards and investing in structured driver development.

Representatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps and NABTEB also delivered goodwill messages, commending the academy for its dedication to quality training and road safety excellence.

Tge graduation held on February 10, 2026, at the academy’s premises in Owerri, was a well-attended and colourful event that celebrated excellence, discipline, and professional development within the transport industry.

The ceremony attracted several distinguished guests who graced the occasion in support of the academy and its graduating students.

Among the dignitaries present were HRH Eze Sir Boniface Ariri, Eze Udo IV of Obibi Uratta, Owerri North LGA, Imo State; Christiana Okey–Egwuumba, National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) State Coordinator; and Onuegbu Vincent Onyekachi, a NABTEB personnel.
Also present were CRC A.C. Njemanze, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Command Representative; ARC Q.C. Nwokon, FRSC Sector Command Representative; and ASP R.O. Abang, Representative of the DPO, Toronto, Uratta.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of DTA and NABTEB certificates to the graduating students by the Group Managing Director, assisted by representatives from FRSC, NABTEB, and the Deputy Managing Director.

The successful graduation ceremony reinforces the Driver Training Academy’s unwavering commitment to producing competent, safety-conscious, and professionally trained drivers, further strengthening ABC Transport’s culture of excellence and road safety.