CIG boss, Diana Chen, named Nigeria 2021 Auto CEO - Newstrends
Connect with us

Auto

CIG boss, Diana Chen, named Nigeria 2021 Auto CEO

Published

on

  • GAC GS8 clinches most fascinating SUV

Chief Diana Chen, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Choice International Group (CIG), Chief Diana Chen, has emerged as Nigeria’s Auto CEO of the Year.

This was announced during the 2021 edition of the annual Nigeria Auto Awards held in Lagos.

The Nigerian Auto Journalists Association gave the verdict at the ceremony, where Chief Ade.Ojo, founder of Elizade Nigeria Limited fondly called Mr Toyota, was honoured as Pillar of the nation’s auto industry.

Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, and Jelani Aliyu, Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, were also named as Road Safety Personality of the Decade and Auto Personality of the Year (Public Sector) respectively.

Jacky Hathiramani, who is the chief executive officer of Dana Group, emerged as Auto Personality of the Year (Private Sector).

The CIG boss, whose firm represents the GAC auto brand in Nigeria, was given the CEO of the year award as a result of her continuous efforts in pushing the brand among the enterprising young people, lawmakers and senior government officials, raising the standard and image of Chinese products in Nigeria, according to the organisers of the event.

She was also praised for sponsoring a number of sporting and socio-cultural events as well as encouraging celebrities including young artistes to drive and identify with her brand.

Chen, while responding to the award, said she was excited and felt challenged to do more in the coming years.

She urged other major players in the industry, especially the CEOs, to come together and forge a formidable force that could move the sector forward.

“It’s when we come together that we can brilliantly generate ideas on how to improve the industry,” she stated.

Chen, who invited all the CEOs present at the award night to the podium, stressed that the auto industry holds so much power in transforming the national economy if given the right impetus.

She commended the organisers of the award for giving the industry stakeholders a platform to interact every year and promised to sponsor the 2022 edition so that it could be bigger and enable all CEOs in the industry and policymakers to attend.

Chief Diana, who is also vice president of the China-Africa Business Council, is reputed to have successfully managed the CIG for 20 years.

Leveraging her extensive international trade experience and brand operations, she has established several subsidiaries and overseas branches of the company.

The group’s product line covers many industries providing quality products and services to Nigeria and the African community at large.

Chen was in 2015 conferred with a chieftaincy title in Nigeria, making her the first Chinese female chief in Nigeria. She got two other titles in 2016 and 2021.

Through the China’s ‘One Belt & Road’ and ‘Going  Global’ national strategies, she has been promoting China-Africa cooperation & China-Nigeria economic, trade & cultural exchanges.

She is credited to be promoting the industrialization of Africa, by establishing an auto assembly plant in Nigeria.

 

GAC GS8 gets most fascinating SUV award

Meanwhile, one of the models of the GAC brand, GS8, has won the most fascinating SUV award in Nigeria.

The vehicle being sold by the CIG Motor, an arm of the CIG Group, is one of the product awards announced at the auto industry event.

The second generation GS8 unveiled in July 2021 came with a 2.0 litre turbo engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with a maximum output of 185kW and a maximum torque of 400Nm.

Auto

CFAO Mobility Open Day to offer special deals on new vehicles, parts, diagnostics

Published

on

CFAO Mobility Open Day to offer special deals on new vehicles, parts, diagnostics

 

CFAO Mobility has announced plans to host the 2026 edition of its flagship CFAO Mobility Open Day, aimed at showcasing a wide range of innovative mobility solutions.

In a statement, the company said the event would take place on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, from 9am to 6pm.

The Open Day is expected to bring together leading global automotive and equipment brands in a dynamic exhibition tailored to meet diverse mobility needs.

Participating brands are Toyota, BYD, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Fuso, JCB, Howo, Sino Equipment, King Long, TechKing Tyres, Yamaha, Winpart and Auto Fast.

According to CFAO Mobility, attendees will experience an extensive display of products and services, ranging from brand-new vehicles and motorcycles to outboard engines, fleet management solutions, spare parts and aftermarket services.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will also feature test drives, professional vehicle diagnostics and exclusive spare-parts deals, offering participants a hands-on and engaging experience.

The company urged car enthusiasts, business owners and prospective buyers to take advantage of the Open Day to explore mobility solutions tailored to their personal and business needs.

With over 120 years of presence in Nigeria, CFAO Mobility remains a key player in the mobility and healthcare sectors.

It added that the Open Day reflects its continued commitment to delivering innovative, customer-focused mobility solutions.

Continue Reading

Auto

Jetour set to ignite Lagos with four-day automotive experience

Published

on

Jetour set to ignite Lagos with four-day automotive experience

 

Lovers of sophisticated and elegant SUVs in Lagos are about to witness a combination of automotive engineering and urban lifestyle as Jetour Nigeria announces the hosting of a flagship event, “The Jetour Experience,” a four-day immersive festival designed to redefine how Nigerians interact with the road.

​From April 16 to 19, 2026, The Podium in Lekki, Lagos, will be transformed into a high-energy hub where sleek design meets high-octane entertainment. This is not just a standard car show; it’s a curated lifestyle destination, says the organisers in a statement.

The four-day event is said to promise a fusion of horsepower, high fashion, and plenty of fun.

Tagged “The Jetour Experience,” the four-day extravaganza is not just about gleaming chrome and leather seats; it is a high-octane celebration aimed at blurring the lines between mobility and entertainment.

Specifically, it stated that the exhibition would feature test drives, virtual reality gaming, fitness sessions, and interactive activities with branded giveaways.

The statement added that the arena would buzz with entertainment, including contests and interactive games, giving guests the chance to win exclusive branded gifts and prizes.

​In a massive show of force, Jetour says it is partnering with its seven prestigious accredited dealers—Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era Autovehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, R.T. Briscoe, Tab Autos Limited, Mandilas Motors, and Germaine Auto Centre —to bring their full fleet to the public.

​Whether you are an eco-conscious commuter or an off-road adventurer, the lineup has something for everyone, according to a statement by the Jetour Nigeria.

​The Urban Explorers: X50 and X70

​The Sophisticates: X70 Plus and X90 Plus

​The Eco-Warriors: X70 PHEV and T2 PHEV (Plug-in Hybrids)

​The Icons: The rugged T2 and the razor-sharp Dashing

​Jetour is blurring the lines between mobility and entertainment. Running daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, the event promises a packed itinerary designed to keep the adrenaline pumping.

Visitors will also push limits during test drives, explore virtual reality (VR) gaming such as foosball, and take part in curated fitness sessions.

In a creative masterstroke, the grand finale will feature a car runway fashion show. Attendees can expect a visual feast where automotive engineering meets sartorial elegance, reinforcing the idea that a Jetour is not just a vehicle but a fashion statement.

The firm stated, “Beyond the glitz, the event maintains a strong focus on safety. A dedicated panel discussion featuring stakeholders and officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) will explore road safety, tech-driven security, and the future of motoring in Nigeria.

“With its blend of adrenaline, artistry, and advocacy, Jetour Nigeria isn’t just hosting an event; it is creating a destination.”

Continue Reading

Auto

Soaring Fuel Prices Drive Nigerians Toward Electric Vehicles

Published

on

Electric Vehicles

Soaring Fuel Prices Drive Nigerians Toward Electric Vehicles 

Rising fuel prices in Nigeria are accelerating interest in electric vehicles (EVs) as households, transport operators, and businesses seek cost-effective alternatives to petrol- and diesel-powered cars. Experts say the spike in petrol costs is no longer just an economic concern but a turning point, pushing electric mobility from a futuristic idea into a practical solution for everyday commuting and commercial use.

At the Abuja Compact on Electric Mobility Roundtable, stakeholders highlighted how increasing transport expenses are reshaping decisions, especially among commercial drivers and small business owners. Rising fuel costs are prompting many Nigerians to see EVs as a survival strategy rather than a luxury option.

Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV), Ismaeel Ahmed, explained that the removal of fuel subsidies has widened the cost gap between petrol-powered vehicles and EVs. Charging an EV for a 200-kilometre journey costs around ₦4,500, compared to roughly ₦22,500 for petrol vehicles — a difference that offers a “strong economic incentive” influencing consumer choices. Ahmed added that the federal government is pursuing a balanced transition strategy supporting both compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles to encourage sustainable energy alternatives.

Financial solutions are helping Nigerians overcome the high upfront costs of EVs. Mohammed Abdul, Divisional Head at Alternative Bank, noted that lease-to-own, pay-as-you-go, and partnership schemes are making EVs accessible to drivers in the informal transport sector. These financing models allow gradual adoption while easing financial burdens.

READ ALSO:

Industry leaders also see wider economic benefits from EV adoption. Yusuf Suleiman, CEO of Bankrol Camel EV and Blue Camel Energy Ltd, said EV investments could improve energy access, boost industrial growth, and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported fossil fuels. Ahmed Garba Ahmed, COO of Bankrol Camel EV, added that EVs can cut energy costs per kilometre by up to 60%, benefiting ride-hailing drivers, logistics companies, and fleet operators.

Dapo Adesina, President of the Electric Mobility Promoters Association of Nigeria (EMPAN), explained that EV adoption can strengthen Nigeria’s power sector. Solar-powered charging hubs can simultaneously power vehicles and supply electricity to nearby communities, particularly in underserved areas. Private sector initiatives are also supporting Nigeria’s EV transition. Companies like SolarCity Gas are deploying superfast EV charging stations across key urban hubs and petrol stations, expanding the country’s charging infrastructure to meet growing demand.

Despite growing adoption, electric mobility in Nigeria faces challenges such as limited electricity infrastructure and inconsistent power supply. Analysts warn that significant investments in charging networks and supportive policies are necessary for sustainable EV growth. Nevertheless, with fuel prices remaining high, EVs are increasingly viewed as economically smart and environmentally friendly alternatives, offering Nigerians a viable solution to rising transport costs.

Soaring Fuel Prices Drive Nigerians Toward Electric Vehicles

Continue Reading
HostArmada Affordable Cloud SSD Shared Hosting
HostArmada - Affordable Cloud SSD Web Hosting

Trending