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Innoson begins delivery of CNG buses to FG, with 25 units

Published

2 days ago

September 25, 2024

Innoson begins delivery of CNG buses to FG, with 25 units

Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Ltd (IVM) has commenced the delivery of the Compressed Natural Gas buses ordered by the Federal Government.

This is part of the Presidential CNG Initiative (PiCNG) designed to ease the effects of the withdrawal of fuel subsidy on the masses.

The delivery is coming about two weeks after the Federal Government formally placed an order for the CNG-powered buses following the visit of the Chairman/CEO of Innoson Vehicle, Chief Dr. Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma, CON, to President Bola Tinubu.

President Bola Tinubu after the visit commissioned the first set of 30 Innoson CNG-powered city buses at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Speaking to journalists at the factory in Nnewi shortly before flagging off the 100-seater CNG buses on the long journey to Abuja, Chief Chukwuma said it was heart-warming to commence the delivery of the buses only a couple of weeks after receiving the order.

A statement by the company obtained on Wednesday said Innoson was starting the delivery with 25 per cent of the vehicles requested by President Tinubu, explaining that to him, manufacturing the CNG buses for the government for use by Nigerians is more of a patriotic duty than the execution of a business contract.

The Innoson chairman said, “Before the end of next month, we will be manufacturing and delivering another 25 per cent of the 100 President Tinubu ordered during my visit to Aso Rock Villa.

“We have a partnership with the Federal Government to produce CNG buses for mass transportation. And that is because President Tinubu and his team recognise the fact that we have the capacity.

“Nigeria has the capacity. We are manufacturing CNG vehicles here. So, there is no need to look outside for what is available in Nigeria.

“It is commendable that President Tinubu believes that made-in-Nigeria is the way to go, and that is why the government gave us a contract to produce these CNG buses.

“We are glad that within two weeks after we got the order, we have already produced 25 per cent of the vehicles which are departing Nnewi today for Abuja.

“The government has discovered that CNG is cheaper and results in very low maintenance cost when using it to fuel your vehicle.

“Therefore, let us support the government on this policy of looking inward for vehicles, especially those powered by CNG.

“On our part at Innoson, what we owe the government and the people of Nigeria is to continue manufacturing vehicles that meet their needs in terms of quality and affordability.”

Chief Chukwuma recalled that he had assured President Tinubu during his visit to Aso Rock Villa a few weeks earlier that Innoson would, in tandem with the presidential initiative on alternative energy for transportation, prioritise the manufacture and roll-out of IVM EVs and accelerate the production of full CNG vehicles in Nnewi.

“I had promised Mr. President that as the pioneer manufacturer of CNG vehicles in Nigeria, Innoson would contribute substantially to the success story of his Presidential Initiative on CNG, and that my factory would be delivering a good number of buses monthly to the Presidency,” the Innoson chairman stated.

He also recalled that he had at inception of the plant more than 13 years ago, assured Nigerians, and reiterated so many times subsequently, that the Nnewi plant would continue to manufacture vehicles based on the needs and requirements of the local market without compromising on quality standards.

The recent production of the first units of electric cars by Innoson Vehicles, according to him, is in keeping with this commitment.

The first batch of IVM CNG buses were officially delivered to the Presidency the following day in Abuja

“Let me use this opportunity to reassure the government and all vehicle buyers in Nigeria that at Innoson, we have the capacity to produce full CNG vehicles, hybrid vehicles (that run on CNG and diesel or petrol), and now EVs, in addition to vehicles that are powered by petrol or diesel alone,” Chief Chukwuma stated.

The statement by the company noted that the prompt commencement of the delivery of the CNG buses by Innoson contrasts sharply with the long delays by other auto companies who received similar orders since last year from the Presidential committee charged with driving the initiative, but commenced the delivery only recently.

A friend of the company who is based in Sierra Leone, Chief Christian Anaekwe, was quoted as disclosing that the IVM brand is also doing well in that country.

He hailed Chukwuma for living up to expectation with the prompt manufacture and delivery of the CNG buses to the Federal Government.

He commended President Tinubu for recognising the capacity of Innoson to truly manufacture the CNG buses locally even without the generous concession that other auto companies that got the contracts for supply of the buses since last year have been enjoying.

Chief Anaejwe said, “I am aware that some of the other companies have been granted a lot of concessions since 2023, yet there are those of them that have not delivered the CNG vehicles till today.

“But the company that received its own order only a few weeks ago without any kind of concession is already delivering the buses. So, why grant concessions to those who don’t have the capacity to deliver?”

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CNG: Motorists get N230/SCM, free conversion for Lagos vehicles

Published

2 weeks ago

September 13, 2024

Trends Admin

CNG: Motorists get N230/SCM, free conversion for Lagos vehicles

The Federal Government has announced a new programme offering free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion for vehicles at six designated sites across Lagos State.

On Thursday, Lagos State’s Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, shared the news via his official X account, highlighting that this initiative is part of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi).

According to him, the conversion would begin on Friday, September 13, from 3 pm to 6 pm, at six designated locations as part of Operation First Come, First Serve.

The first 50 vehicles that pass inspection at each of the six locations will be fitted with free CNG conversion kits, allowing owners to refuel at N230 per SCM of CNG at any NIPCO station, leading to significant savings compared to petrol.

Osiyemi encouraged residents to seize this opportunity to benefit from the initiative.

CNG: Motorists get N230/SCM, free conversion for Lagos vehicles

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TCAN to host Nigeria Transport Sector Summit October 17

Published

3 weeks ago

September 9, 2024

Trends Admin

TCAN to host Nigeria Transport Sector Summit October 17

Forum to discuss intermodal transport challenges, prospects for Nigeria

Stakeholders are gearing up to attend a maiden edition of the Nigeria Transport Sector Summit, an annual forum for all industry major players, regulators and professionals to brainstorm on issues germane to the development of the transportation sector.

Organisers of the forum, the Transportation Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN), said the event would hold on Thursday October 17, 2024 at Radisson Hotel Ikeja, Lagos.

A statement on Monday, signed by Chairman of TCAN, Mr Yinka Aderibigbe, and the event’s Organising Committee Chairman, Mr Rasheed Bisiriyu, gave the theme of this year’s event as ‘Intermodal Transport: Prospects and Challenges’.

The forum is expected to be declared open by the Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, while former Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, would deliver the keynote address, the statement added.

The statement said, “The focus on intermodal transportation in the maiden edition of the annual summit is deliberate. It is aimed at bringing together relevant stakeholders across all subsectors of the transport industry with a view to forming a working synergy rather than working at cross-purposes.

“Such arrangement will engender seemly operation greater efficiency through lower costs, operational flexibility and reduced environmental impact that will ultimately benefit all.”

Already, TCAN said a team of speakers had been carefully selected to do justice to the issue under focus.

It said a panel of discussants featuring some relevant members of the intelligentsia, heads of prominent agencies/organisations would speak to the sub-themes of the summit around railway, road, inland waterways and aviation sub-sectors of the transportation industry.

An industry journal produced by TCAN would be formally unveiled as one of the highpoints of the event, the statement added.

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Carloha unbeatable discount on Chery Tiggo 2 excites new car buyers at Mega Plaza display

Published

3 weeks ago

September 4, 2024

Trends Admin

Carloha unbeatable discount on Chery Tiggo 2 excites new car buyers at Mega Plaza display

Carloha Nigeria’s spectacular three-day display event at Mega Plaza from August 30, 2024, to September 1, 2024 may have come and gone. But the experience at the event is still being discussed and reverberating among new car buyers in Lagos and beyond.
Of particular interest is the unbeatable discount offered by the company on the Chery Tiggo 2.
Visitors who attended the event were able to take advantage of special pricing of N25m promotion, making it the perfect time to consider a new vehicle purchase.
The limited-time offers created a buzz, leading to numerous inquiries, it was learnt.
A statement by the management of Carloha Nigeria said, “This exclusive offer for Tiggo 2 Pro at Mega Plaza is one of the many ways of making Chery vehicle ownership easy and affordable for all customers in Nigeria”
It was discovered that the exclusive offer for Tiggo 2 Pro during the Mega Plaza display was considerably the best price for a new car anywhere.
The company further stated that Carloha had raised the bar, by providing automotive solutions that would bring peace of mind to our numerous customers.
“The six-year free service along with six years warranty or 200,000-kilometer whichever comes first, is a great aftersale incentive to boost customers’ confidence in their purchase decision,” it stated.
Carloha has established adequate aftersales service network covering major cities in every state of Nigeria, ensuring that car owners can enjoy reliable services no matter their location.
According to the statement, Chery has a team of over 10 Chinese technical engineers and local technicians who offer on-site guidance to solve any car-related issues, ensuring a worry-free driving experience for owners.
The event was found to be a resounding success, drawing in automotive enthusiasts and potential car buyers, who seized the unique opportunity to experience the dynamic world of Chery firsthand and explore the remarkable features of the Chery Tiggo 2, one of the brand’s standout models.
The event showcased the Chery Tiggo 2, a compact SUV that has been turning heads with its stylish design, robust features, and unbeatable value.
Visitors had the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the Tiggo 2, learning about its features, performance, and what sets it apart from other vehicles in its class.
During the three-day display, Chery Tiggo 2 stood out as a favourite among visitors.
The Tiggo 2 boasts a modern and sleek design, with a bold front grille, sharp headlights, and dynamic lines that give it a sporty yet sophisticated appearance. It’s a car that turns heads wherever it goes.
Inside, the Tiggo 2 offers a spacious and well-designed cabin, equipped with comfortable seating for up to five passengers.
High-quality materials and thoughtful touches, such as adjustable seats and ample legroom, ensure a comfortable ride for all.
The Tiggo 2 comes loaded with technology features designed to enhance the driving experience.
It includes a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and a multifunction steering wheel, keeping drivers connected and entertained on the go.
Safety is a top priority with the Tiggo 2. It comes equipped with multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, a rearview camera, and parking sensors, providing peace of mind to both drivers and passengers.
Chery vehicles use more than 60 per cent high-strength steel, which provides effective protection for passengers in case of an accident, even in areas of the car that are not visible.
Powered by a 1.5L petrol engine, the Tiggo 2 strikes an excellent balance between performance and fuel efficiency. It offers smooth handling, responsive steering, and a comfortable ride, making it perfect for both city driving and weekend getaways.
The event was not only just about cars but also about creating memorable experiences for customers.
There were also live demonstrations by Chery experts who provided detailed insights into the vehicle’s features and capabilities.
Following the success of the Mega Plaza event, Carloha says it is excited to announce plans for future displays and events, where more exclusive deals and exciting activities will be unveiled. It added that those who missed the opportunity to attend the event would have new chances to experience Chery vehicles up close and personal.
“Carloha and Chery would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who visited the display at Mega Plaza.
“Your visit made the event a huge success,” it declared, and urged people interested in other Chery vehicles to visit https://www.chery.com.ng.
Carloha is the authorised importer and assembler of Chery vehicles in Nigeria.