Auto
Innoson: Nnewi plant is active, we’re committed to producing top quality vehicles
Innoson: Nnewi plant is active, we’re committed to producing top quality vehicles
Nigeria’s first indigenous auto plant, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Ltd (IVM), based in Nnewi, Anambra State, has restated its commitment to continuous investment in the production of top quality vehicles for the Nigerian market and other African countries.
The company also said that rather than soft-pedal on this vision, it had in the past few years upscaled its production technology, in addition to embarking on a plant expansion and establishment of a new production facility in Nsukka, and CNG conversion factory in Owerri.
The Innoson management was reacting to a recent publication in a national daily which claimed that all the auto assembly plants in Nigeria are in ruins, and that about N500 billion investment made since the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) took effect in 2014 had not made any impact on the industry.
A press statement by the Head of Communications at Innoson Vehicles, Mr. Cornel Osigwe, said, ”Since our plant commenced vehicle manufacturing more than 13 years ago with a pledge to keep providing affordable vehicles to Nigerians without compromising on quality, we have gone beyond the initial mini buses and pick-ups, to add different models of sedans, SUVs, family vehicles, fire trucks, as well as city and inter-city buses of various sizes.
“We are always busy manufacturing these vehicles based on the demands from the government and the private sector.
“We also feel the pulse of users of our vehicles as well as the market generally, and the feedback so obtained helps us to enhance the quality of our products. It also helps us to determine what the market needs.
“About two years ago, we made history by becoming the first, and so far the only manufacturer of CNG/LNG-powered vehicles in Nigeria, for which we have earned many recognitions, including awards from The Sun Publishing, Silverbird and the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), all in 2023.
“Moreover, the presentation of Quality Management Certificate and the MANCAP Certificate by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to Innoson in 2023 is a confirmation of our adherence to high international quality standards in the manufacture of our range of vehicles.
“So, with all these production activities and sustained investments, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Co, Nnewi, cannot be described as an assembly plant in ruins.”
The firm further disclosed that it upgraded its factory operations from manual production to semi-automation, and then to standard automation, resulting in the production capacity, increasing from 10,000 vehicles to 60,000 vehicles per annum.
“In line with the foresight of its Chairman, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, CON, Innoson Vehicles has embarked on an ambitious multi-billion naira plant expansion project at Umuezena part of Umudim, Nnewi, which when completed in the next couple of months, will be dedicated to the manufacture of a wide range of the CNG/LNG-powered vehicles and heavy duty trucks.
“Innoson is also investing in the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) where it is partnering with the institution to establish a plant that will be manufacturing units of 20HP Agricultural Tractor with the brand name Lion IVM,” it stated.
It also said, “Apart from the Umuezena and UNN projects, Innoson Vehicles is currently setting up an IVM CNG conversion centre at Naze, Owerri, Imo State.
“The state-of-the-art facility is for the conversion and retrofitting of fuel/diesel powered vehicles to CNG/LNG powered vehicles.”
The statement also gave insight into the company’s partnership with the Military, saying, “Innoson Vehicles has been collaborating with the Nigerian Air Force for the development and promotion of joint activities to sustain the maintenance of the Nigerian Air Force Air Asset and other associated Aerospace Ground Equipment, AGE.
“We are equally in partnership with the Nigerian Army for the modification of some of its equipment, local production of armoured fighting and utility vehicles.
“Recall that the Nnewi auto plant has in the past few years exported IVM vehicles to some African countries, including Sierra Leone, Niger, Congo, Ghana, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso.
“This has culminated in the company concluding plans with the government of Sierra Leone to establish an assembly plant in Freetown.
“Innoson Vehicles is on a mission to be a giant vehicle manufacturing company in Africa in order to serve Africa vehicle needs by its current expansion efforts.
“The range of products from the stable of IVM are affordable and within the reach of the Nigerian investing public who are in the transportation business, corporate organisations, government and its agencies at various levels, as well as individuals who desire the products, satisfactory service and exciting driving experience.”
The company, however, disclosed that there had been challenges in the industry which the founder, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, was hopeful the Federal Government would earnestly address through the new Automotive Policy.
Part of the statement also read, “The Innoson Group founder has since applauded the recent efforts by the Minister of Industry Trade & Investments Minister, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, and the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Joseph Osanipin, towards effective implementation of the new Automotive Policy (NAIDP 2023).
“The recent inauguration of the NAIDP 2023 implementation committee in Abuja is a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to making the new policy work.
“We are hopeful the new policy will be well implemented, and we support the efforts being made by the government and the NADDC in that direction.”

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Auto
FG Deepens CNG Expansion with 1,100-Vehicle Capacity Gas Station in Abuja
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
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Auto
Jetour T2 Earns Top Global Safety Rating, Intensifies SUV Battle in Nigeria
Jetour T2 Earns Top Global Safety Rating, Intensifies SUV Battle in Nigeria
Jetour has thrown down the gauntlet in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive SUV market after its rugged T2 model secured the coveted NCAP 5-Star safety rating — a global benchmark regarded as the highest standard in crash protection and accident avoidance technology.
The achievement is expected to boost the brand’s appeal among Nigerian motorists seeking tough, family-oriented SUVs that combine advanced safety, luxury and off-road capability for the country’s challenging road conditions.
Jetour Nigeria discloses this in a statement, stressing that it is backing the T2 with a growing nationwide dealership and after-sales support network, including trained technicians, genuine spare parts, structured maintenance plans and warranty coverage aimed at boosting long-term ownership confidence.
Positioned as a bold “super SUV,” the Jetour T2 was designed specifically with Nigerian driving conditions in mind, according to the automaker.
In a country where motorists often encounter congested urban roads, long-distance highways and rough rural terrain within the same trip, the T2 is engineered to adapt seamlessly to changing environments.
Safety is seen as one of the vehicle’s strongest selling points. The SUV comes equipped with a comprehensive airbag system, SRS airbags, parking sensors, rear camera and surround-view monitor.
It also features advanced driver-assistance technologies such as Anti-lock Braking System, Emergency Braking Assist and Auto-Brake Assist, which help detect potential collisions and automatically apply braking when necessary.
Beyond safety, the T2 projects a muscular and commanding presence aimed at drivers looking for both ruggedness and refinement.
Jetour says the SUV was built to offer confidence for daily commuting while remaining capable enough for off-road adventures.
Inside, the cabin combines premium comfort with practical space. Measuring 4,785mm in length, 2,006mm in width and 1,880mm in height, the SUV offers generous legroom and headroom for occupants, making it suitable for long-distance travel and family use.
Under the hood, the T2 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine delivering 187kW (254hp) and 390Nm of torque.
Paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the setup provides strong acceleration, smooth overtaking capability and enough power to tackle steep inclines and demanding terrains.
A major highlight of the SUV is its advanced multi-terrain capability. The T2 features a BorgWarner sixth-generation four-wheel-drive system and XWD automatic intelligent drivetrain.
Multiple drive modes — including Sport, Eco, Normal, Mud, Rock and X Smart — allow the vehicle to adjust to varying road conditions ranging from muddy rural tracks to sandy and rocky surfaces.
Technology and convenience also feature prominently in the package. A 15.6-inch LCD touchscreen serves as the hub for infotainment, vehicle diagnostics and off-road information.
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, intelligent voice commands, cruise control and crawl control are integrated to enhance the driving experience.
Additional features such as remote start, push-button ignition, lane departure warning and blind-spot detection further improve convenience and safety for drivers.
With the T2, Jetour is seeking to position itself as a brand that understands the realities of Nigerian roads and the increasing appetite among motorists for SUVs that combine adventure, luxury and safety without compromise.
Jetour Nigeria specifically lists its accredited dealers spread across the country as Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Tab Autos Limited, R. T. Briscoe Motors and Mandilas Autos.
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Auto
Forland, TSS Motors strengthen technical capacity with specialised truck training
Forland, TSS Motors strengthen technical capacity with specialised truck training
Forland Motors, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of light commercial trucks, has strengthened its partnership with local assembler and distributor, Transit Support Services Ltd (TSS), through a specialised three-day technical training programme aimed at boosting the competence of technicians handling the brand’s vehicles in Nigeria.
The programme was organised to equip the TSS technical team, comprising assembly and after-sales technicians, with in-depth knowledge of Forland light trucks, which are assembled and distributed in Nigeria by the company. The training covered assembly, installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance, with the goal of ensuring high service standards in both vehicle assembly and after-sales support.
The training, held at the TSS Motors Training Centre on Ikorodu Road in the Anthony area of Lagos, was facilitated by Forland instructors who arrived from China, alongside TSS technical personnel drawn from Lagos, Enugu, and Abuja.
Also in attendance were technical personnel from Yuchai, the major supplier of engines to Forland trucks. Yuchai is one of China’s largest manufacturers of powertrain solutions.

Forland training at TSS office in Lagos
Providing further insight into the programme, the Head of After-Sales Services at TSS, Mrs. Phebian Iwalokun, said the training focused on general maintenance, engine servicing, and preventive maintenance programmes.
According to her, the initiative was designed to ensure that TSS technicians are fully equipped to manage the growing number of Forland vehicles operating in Nigeria.
She added that continuous skill enhancement had become necessary as TSS prepares for an expansion in production capacity amid increasing demand for Forland trucks across the country.
“Forland trucks are currently gaining ground in Nigeria, with over 1,000 units already in operation, mainly among fast-moving consumer goods companies, logistics firms, and last-mile distribution operators,” Iwalokun stated.
A subsidiary of ABC Transport Plc, Transit Support Services assembles Forland trucks at its plant in Enugu and provides technical and after-sales support to customers nationwide.
Forland has continued to build a strong reputation globally as a successful commercial vehicle and light-truck brand, with its products performing strongly in several international markets.
ABC Transport Group founder, Mr. Frank Nneji (right), presented certificates to the participants
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