Auto
French automakers return to Nigeria, team up with Dangote, Coscharis for 44,000-vehicle production
French automakers return to Nigeria, team up with Dangote, Coscharis for 44,000-vehicle production
French automobile manufacturers are mounting a fresh comeback in Nigeria’s automotive sector through strategic alliances with major local players, targeting the production and sale of about 44,000 vehicles annually as part of efforts to revive local assembly.
The renewed push involves two major partnerships: Peugeot’s collaboration with Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria (DPAN) and Renault’s alliance with Coscharis Group to produce vehicles for the Nigerian market.
The development was disclosed by Marc Fonbaustier, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, who said French carmakers are gradually rebuilding their presence in one of Africa’s largest automobile markets.
According to him, the partnership between Peugeot and Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria has already restarted operations with the Peugeot 301, while plans are underway to assemble additional models including the 308, 3008, 5008 and 508.
The ambassador noted that the relaunch is part of a broader strategy to scale up production capacity and increase local vehicle supply.
“The target of 44,000 vehicles annually is ambitious but achievable,” he said.
In a parallel move, Renault is partnering Coscharis Group to co-produce vehicles under the Logan brand for the Nigerian market.
French carmakers were once dominant in Nigeria’s automobile industry, largely through the activities of Peugeot Automobile Nigeria, which operated a major assembly plant in Kaduna.
Established in the 1970s, the plant assembled several Peugeot models locally and became a cornerstone of Nigeria’s auto industry. Vehicles such as the Peugeot 504 were widely used by government institutions, businesses and private motorists for decades.
However, economic downturns, policy changes and a surge in cheaper imported vehicles gradually weakened local assembly operations, causing production levels and market share for French brands to decline sharply.
The situation later prompted the Dangote Group to acquire a controlling stake in the company, leading to the creation of Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria, which has since modernised its assembly facilities and expanded production capacity.
Despite the revival efforts, the competitive landscape has changed significantly. Automakers from China and India have strengthened their foothold in Nigeria with more affordable models and growing local assembly operations.
Still, French investors remain optimistic about Nigeria’s long-term market potential. Fonbaustier said about 100 French companies currently operate in Nigeria, employing roughly 16,000 Nigerians.
He added that although rebuilding France’s automotive presence in Nigeria will take time, the new partnerships with Dangote and Coscharis mark an important step toward restoring local vehicle manufacturing in the country.

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Auto
Jetour Nigeria consolidates as sole authorised distributor, gets global market award
Jetour Nigeria consolidates as sole authorised distributor, gets global market award
Jetour Nigeria has consolidated its position as the exclusive representative of the Jetour brand in the country following its 2022 appointment by Jetour International.
The company said the move to clarify its exclusive status came after its successful hosting of the “Jetour Experience” in Lagos, where it unveiled its nationwide dealership structure and addressed lingering market ambiguity over distribution rights.
Since securing the mandate in 2022, Jetour Nigeria has led the importation, distribution, and provision of manufacturer-backed after-sales services for the brand’s full vehicle range in the country.
Its growing influence recently earned global recognition at the 2026 Jetour Global Conference, where the firm received the “Market Share Leadership Award 2025,” underscoring its dominance in the African market.
To strengthen nationwide service delivery, the company operates through a network of seven authorised dealers — Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era Autovehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, R.T. Briscoe Plc, TAB Autos Limited, and Mandilas Motors.
These partners, according to the company, are the only entities authorised to sell and service Jetour vehicles in Nigeria.
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At the four-day exhibition held at the Podium Events Centre, the dealers provided product information and customer engagement services, reinforcing what the company described as a unified and regulated distribution ecosystem.
“The ‘Jetour Experience’ was more than a celebration; it was a statement of clarity,” noted a representative of Jetour Nigeria. “By bringing our seven authorized dealers together under one roof, we have shown the public exactly where the Jetour brand lives.
“Since our 2022 appointment, we have invested heavily in a structure that guarantees customers genuine parts, expert technicians, and valid warranties—benefits, only available through our official channels.”
The company also received a boost from the visit of Anguo Yuan, Vice President of Jetour International, who commended the Nigerian team for its rapid expansion and infrastructure investment.
Industry recognition has followed the brand’s growth, with awards including the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association’s New Entrant of the Year, Fastest Growing Auto Brand, and Car of the Year for the Jetour Dashing.
Jetour Nigeria said its current lineup — including the rugged T2, plug-in hybrid models, and the flagship G700 — reflects its commitment to innovation and market leadership.
It advised customers to engage only its authorised dealer network to guarantee access to genuine parts, certified service, and full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Jetour Nigeria consolidates as sole authorised distributor, gets global market award
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Auto
Soueast Enters Nigeria with Robust SUV Portfolio, Sets Sights on Q3 Local Assembly
Soueast Enters Nigeria with Robust SUV Portfolio, Sets Sights on Q3 Local Assembly
Nigeria’s automotive landscape witnessed a significant shift on Wednesday as Soueast formally entered the Nigerian market, courtesy of the Kewalram Chanrai Group. The entry was marked by a media launch followed by a test drive of its full range of SUVs along the scenic Coastal Highway in Lagos, signalling a fresh wave of competition in the fast-evolving mobility space.
The high-profile event brought together dealerships, media, and auto enthusiasts, offering first-hand experience of the brand’s capabilities in real driving conditions.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Operating Officer, Mobility Division of Kewalram Chanrai Group, Mr. Anil Sahgal, described the move as a strategic response to changing consumer expectations in Nigeria.
“For over 165 years, Kewalram Chanrai Group’s reputation has been built on trust delivered through consistency,” he said. “Our decision to bring Soueast into Nigeria is deliberate. Today’s Nigerian customer is more informed and focused on long-term value. There is a growing demand for vehicles that combine modern design, safety, technology, durability, and affordability — and Soueast fits precisely into this space.”
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The COO emphasized that the company is not merely introducing a new brand but backing it with robust infrastructure, including a structured dealership network, strong after-sales systems, skilled technical teams, and a long-term investment approach.
He noted that the SUVs unveiled had been engineered with Nigerian realities in mind, addressing road conditions, fuel efficiency concerns, durability needs, and total cost of ownership.
“This is not just a product launch; it is the beginning of a long-term commitment to a market that demands resilience, value, and consistency,” he added. “Our vehicles are built on three pillars — product integrity, adaptability, and value sustainability.”
Sahgal also disclosed plans to commence local assembly of the vehicles by the third quarter of 2026, underscoring the group’s long-term commitment to the Nigerian market.
The highlight of the event was the test drive session along the Coastal Road, where participants assessed the performance, comfort, and handling of the Soueast range under real traffic and road conditions — a move widely seen as a confidence-building step by the company.
Soueast Enters Nigeria with Robust SUV Portfolio, Sets Sights on Q3 Local Assembly
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Auto
CFAO Mobility Open Day to offer special deals on new vehicles, parts, diagnostics
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.
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