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Belta, Rumion unveiling thrills at Toyota Motor Show
Belta, Rumion unveiling thrills at Toyota Motor Show
Many days after Toyota Nigeria Limited held a three-day exclusive Toyota Motor Show in Nigeria, echos from the event are still reverberating as visitors to the fair and other stakeholders in the nation’s auto industry are still talking about it.
Two Toyota models officially launched at the event, the Belta and Rumion, are still a major talking point.
The products’ launch on Friday, which was the Day 2 of the three-day event, added colour to the solo Toyota Motor Show as it was witnessed by leaders of the corporate organisations, captains of industry and top-level government officials.
Managing Director of TNL, Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo, performed the unveiling assisted by Rear Admiral Yusuf who represented Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.
Apart from the launch, the motor show loaded with a number of activities delighted Toyota brand’s individual, corporate and government customers as well as prospective customers that visited with memorable vehicles display, special after-sale packages, test drives and and engaging interactions.
The three-day event (June 27-29) held at The Podium, Lekki, under a setting and ambience akin to international auto fairs in Europe and America, showed a novel way to gain customers confidence.
The cozy roomy space also accommodated the Body and Paint Section, the Spare Parts cubicle and the Service area.
Outside the hall but within the event centre fully decorated for the Toyota show was an international test-drive arena for customers willing to have a feel of any of the cars.
Apart from the TNL MD Ade-Ojo, other executives of TNL were on the ground giving details of each of the vehicles displayed as well as after-sales advisory.
Kunle Ade-Ojo personally took corporate customers including top government officials, influential leaders and chief executive officers of major companies on a tour of the different sections.
Speaking with journalists earlier, he said, “This show is for all Toyota customers and other Nigerians interested in buying Toyota vehicles.
“While we’re still participating in other shows, this solo Toyota Motor Show will enable us to concentrate on our customers’ needs, giving them a view of our range of vehicles and letting them to know other things we can do for them in terms of after-sale service, spare parts availability and body and paint as well as other value-adding services.”
The show, he said, afforded the TNL team an opportunity to “have one-on-one interaction with our customers without any distraction; free diagnosis on customers’ vehicles and a test drive, all taking place in a quiet and comfortable environment.”
Ade-Ojo who also had a parley with the CEOs expressed satisfaction with the attendance and the outcome of the event.
He said, “It was a wonderful outing. Everybody enjoyed the ability to come and have a one-on-one interaction with our team.
“The after-sale area is one sector that has been of major interest to customers who have been coming. The free diagnosis has been well received.”
Ade-Ojo also spoke on the TNL’s plans to unveil three new electric vehicles into the country in the next three years as part of its plans to support the government’s green deal initiative.
“By the end of this year, we’ll be introducing our first hybrid electric vehicle, the Cross. Next year, we’ll introduce the RAV4 hybrid. And late next year or early 2026, we would be bringing in the Land Cruiser Prado hybrid,” he stated.
He said TNL would be lending its big network of workshops to support the Federal Government’s campaign for the use of Compressed Natural Gas-powered vehicles through conversion.
“We are almost concluding arrangements with different partners to use our network of workshops for the vehicles conversion to CNG-powered,” he said.
The TNL MD recalled that Nigeria sold about 10,000 new vehicles last year, with Toyota recording about 1,500 units.
He said that about 15,000 new vehicles were projected to be sold in Nigeria this year, adding that Toyota was on course to double its last year’s performance.
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Jetour G700 PHEV Lands in Abuja for 3-Day Luxury Mobility Showcase
Jetour G700 PHEV Lands in Abuja for 3-Day Luxury Mobility Showcase
Jetour Nigeria is taking its premium mobility campaign to the Federal Capital Territory, with the flagship G700 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) set to headline a three-day luxury automotive showcase in Abuja from September 22 to 24, 2026.
The Abuja experience, coming on the heels of the brand’s major showcase in Lagos, is part of Jetour Nigeria’s aggressive drive to deepen its presence in the country’s premium automotive market while introducing consumers to a new generation of electrified mobility.
The G700 PHEV, positioned as Jetour’s flagship luxury SUV, combines executive-class comfort with advanced hybrid technology and serious off-road capability.
The model’s arrival in Abuja also comes at a time the brand is gaining increasing recognition in Nigeria’s automotive industry. Jetour Nigeria was recently honoured by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) as the Fastest Growing Auto Brand of the Year, underscoring its expanding market presence.
At the heart of the G700 is Jetour’s Kunpeng Super Hybrid system, paired with dual electric motors. The powertrain delivers a claimed combined driving range of up to 1,400 kilometres, offering a response to one of the major concerns surrounding electrified vehicles—range anxiety.
The flagship SUV also comes equipped with adaptive suspension, triple differential locks and up to 970mm wading capability, giving it the muscle to handle demanding terrain while retaining the refinement expected of a luxury vehicle.
Inside, the six-seat G700 delivers a premium cabin experience, featuring Nappa leather upholstery, massage seats, a 35.4-inch 3K panoramic display, an 18-speaker Lexicon sound system and an onboard refrigerator.
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The Abuja showcase is expected to attract government officials, corporate executives, fleet managers, motoring enthusiasts and members of the media. Participants will have the opportunity to experience the G700 through an exclusive vehicle reveal, hands-on demonstrations and VIP test drives.
Jetour Nigeria promises ownership support
Beyond the vehicle itself, Jetour Nigeria is highlighting its after-sales support as a key component of the ownership proposition.
Customers purchasing through its authorised network will benefit from a five-year or 150,000-kilometre manufacturer warranty, access to genuine spare parts, software upgrades and certified technical support.
The company currently operates through seven accredited dealerships, including Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Tab Autos, R.T. Briscoe Motors and Mandilas Motors.
Jetour Nigeria is inviting prospective customers and automotive stakeholders to register for the Abuja experience and secure VIP test-drive slots.
Registration, vehicle specifications and event updates are available through www.jetournigeria.com, Instagram @jetour_nigeria and @Jetourngofficial, or via info@jetournigeria.com.
Jetour G700 PHEV Lands in Abuja for 3-Day Luxury Mobility Showcase
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Uber exits Nigeria after 12 years
Uber exits Nigeria after 12 years
By Rasheed Bisiriyu
Global ride-hailing giant, Uber, has pulled out of Nigeria, ending its 12-year operation in the country and bringing to a close a major chapter in the evolution of app-based transportation in Africa’s most populous nation
The company announced the decision on Wednesday, saying it would wind down its Nigerian operations effective September 2, 2026.
Uber said the decision followed a “thorough review” of its business in the country.
“We are writing to share some difficult news. After a thorough review of our business, we have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Nigeria, effective 2 September 2026,” the company said in a message to its customers.
The development marks the end of Uber’s 12-year presence in Nigeria, which began with its launch in Lagos in 2014.
Its arrival transformed the urban transportation landscape, particularly in Lagos, by popularising app-based ride-hailing and providing commuters with an alternative to conventional taxis and other forms of commercial transportation.
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Through its platform, passengers could request rides using their mobile phones and connect with independent drivers, while vehicle owners and drivers gained access to a new source of income.
Over the years, Uber became a familiar part of the daily commuting experience of many Nigerians, particularly in major urban centres.
The company, while announcing its exit, thanked Nigerians for allowing it to become part of their daily lives.
“Since we first launched in Lagos in 2014, it has been an absolute privilege to be a part of your daily life connecting you with independent transportation providers,” Uber said.
“Whether it was a morning commute, a ride to see loved ones, or exploring the city, thank you for trusting the platform to connect you to a driver to get you there safely.”
Uber also apologised to customers for the disruption its departure might cause.
“We know this may cause disruption to your routine, and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience,” it said.
The company’s exit comes as Nigeria’s ride-hailing market has become increasingly competitive, with several local and international platforms offering app-based transportation services to commuters.
The sector has also faced challenges linked to rising vehicle operating costs, fuel prices, regulatory requirements and changing market conditions.
Uber said its Help Centre would remain available until September 23 to assist customers with final account-related enquiries.
“Thank you for welcoming us into your city,” the company said.
Uber’s departure brings to an end a significant chapter in Nigeria’s digital transportation story, following its role in changing how millions of commuters booked and paid for rides over the past decade.
Uber exits Nigeria after 12 years
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Auto
Who Drives Best? Naija Driver 2026 Opens Free National Search for Driving Champion
Who Drives Best? Naija Driver 2026 Opens Free National Search for Driving Champion
A new nationwide driving competition designed to combine driver education with practical skills testing is set to begin in September, with organisers targeting safer roads and a reduction in crashes linked to human error.
‘Dubbed Naija Driver 2026’, the inaugural Nigerian Drivers Challenge is being organised by Notch Captains Limited under the Approval in Principle and Safety Frameworks of the Automobile & Touring Club of Nigeria (ATCN), the country’s sole representative of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), in collaboration with the Lagos State Drivers Institute (LASDRI).
The organisers said the initiative, which will be conducted free of charge, is aimed at creating a new culture of responsible motoring by giving licensed Nigerian drivers access to structured road-safety education, testing and practical driving assessment.
Registration and safety screening for the competition will open on September 1, 2026, through its digital learning portal. The programme is open to licensed Nigerian residents aged between 18 and 65.
According to a statement signed by Ingram Osigwe, Director of Media, Communications, Marketing and Public Relations of the organising committee, participants will undergo online training covering defensive driving, road-use regulations, crash-scene management, emergency victim stabilisation during the critical “Golden Seconds” and preventive vehicle maintenance.
The training will lead to a Unified National Computer-Based Test in October, with candidates expected to sit for the examination simultaneously across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Project Director and Managing Director of Notch Captains Limited, Adrian Egonu, said the competition would use a decentralised verification system to ensure credible identity checks while eliminating the logistical difficulties associated with moving large numbers of candidates across the country.
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Under the arrangement, the three highest-scoring candidates from each state and the FCT will undergo document verification and practical screening in their respective locations in October.
The successful state and FCT champions will then converge on Lagos for the final live-action driving competition scheduled for November 7 to 10.
The final stage will test the contestants’ vehicle-handling agility, chassis control and emergency-braking precision, with the driving trials conducted before a live and televised audience.
Beyond the competition, the organisers plan to use the platform to promote emergency response awareness among motorists, particularly on what ordinary road users can safely do during the crucial first moments after a crash before professional responders arrive.
An Executive Road Safety Advocacy Gala Night will also be held ahead of the final driving trials, bringing together government representatives and senior executives of major Nigerian conglomerates to endorse a national highway safety advocacy pledge.
The initiative is also expected to deepen motorists’ understanding of vehicle insurance and risk protection through presentations by leading motor insurance institutions.
As part of its social-impact component, the organisers said official charity visits would be made to hospitals where road-crash victims are undergoing rehabilitation.
Gender inclusion is another major component of the competition, with organisers encouraging more women to enter and compete alongside their male counterparts.
The organisers have also partnered with Skinetics Med Spa on a “Glam n Drive” package, which will feature gifts and vouchers for participants throughout the tournament, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
Osigwe urged individual motorists, corporate fleet managers, transport unions and e-hailing operators to take advantage of the free training and testing opportunities when the official portal becomes operational.
He said the ultimate objective was to ensure that Naija Driver 2026 goes beyond crowning a champion to create a nationwide pool of better-trained, safety-conscious and responsible motorists.
With the competition slogan, “Drive. Compete. Lead,” the organisers said Naija Driver 2026 would seek to demonstrate that driving excellence is not merely about speed or vehicle control, but also about knowledge, discipline, emergency preparedness and respect for other road users.
Who Drives Best? Naija Driver 2026 Opens Free National Search for Driving Champion
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