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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.”
Auto
Nigeria’s firm, Weststar Associates, shines in Dubai, wins Daimler Truck EliteClass award

Nigeria’s firm, Weststar Associates, shines in Dubai, wins Daimler Truck EliteClass award
Weststar Associates Limited, Authorised General Distributor of Daimler Truck in Nigeria, has brought honour home all the way from United Arab Emirates specifically at the EliteClass 2024 Season Awards.
Daimler Truck Middle East Africa the Weststar team with the Silver Award in the Elite CSP (Customer Service and Parts) Performance category.
This is contained in a statement issued in Lagos, which added that the EliteClass 2024 Awards ceremony brought together 40 Daimler Truck Business Partners for a night of recognition and celebration.
Held at the One & Only Royal Mirage in Dubai, the prestigious black-tie event honoured top-performing general distributors that have demonstrated exceptional performance, dedication, and commitment to excellence in 2024.
The EliteClass 2024 Awards C
ceremony was the culmination of a year-long EliteClass programme for the Middle East and Africa measuring 24 categories across the entire business spectrum for Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Daimler Buses, and Fuso Trucks & Bus.
The awards highlighted the dedication and resilience of partners who have achieved outstanding performance and a remarkable commitment to excellence and contributed significantly to Daimler Truck’s success in the MEA regions.
President & CEO of Daimler Truck Middle East Africa, Mr. Michael Dietz, emphasized the importance of collaboration and performance-driven success during his opening address. “EliteClass 2024 is more than just an awards ceremony—it is a testament to the hard work, commitment, and shared vision of our partners.
“Their achievements continue to drive our brand forward, setting new benchmarks in customer experience and operational excellence across the region,” he said.
Weststar’s General Manager, Sales, Mr. Christopher Irumudomon, was present at the EliteClass 2024 Season Awards ceremony to accept the Silver Award in the Elite CSP (Customer Service and Parts) Performance category.
While presenting this award, the Daimler Trucks MEA leadership made the following statement: “Congratulations on your achievement in the EliteClass Central Africa 2024 Season. We are pleased to recognize your individual category achievement.”
The EliteClass 2024 Awards reaffirms Daimler Truck’s commitment to excellence, continuous growth, and the recognition of partners who drive success in an evolving industry landscape.
According to the statement, Weststar Associates Limited continues to fly the flag of the “brand with the star” high in Nigeria.
It said the company had remained the go-to home for all Mercedes-Benz needs in this region.
“With a dealership network that expands to the major regions of the country, along with highly trained and experienced sales and after-sales staff. Nigerians can rest assured that they will always have ‘the best or nothing’ at their disposal,” it stated.
Auto
KIA, Access Bank launch special finance scheme for vehicle ownership

KIA, Access Bank launch special finance scheme for vehicle ownership
KIA Motors Nigeria in partnership with Access Bank Plc has unveiled a new finance scheme designed to increase vehicle ownership and affordability in the country.
The deal, according to a statement by the auto firm, offers flexible and affordable financing alternatives, enabling individuals, women, and businesses to own cars with ease.
The scheme features the all-new Kia Rio 2023, with repayment plans spanning five to seven years.
Marketing Manager, KIA Motors Nigeria, Omolade Akinyode, said, ”Dana Motors has been at the forefront of Nigeria’s automotive industry since 2002, providing exceptional automotive solutions and presently leading the charge for luxury electric cars, CNG cars and buses.
“Our partnership with Access Bank reinforces our commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic growth, individuals, and women.”
She also said, ”Our core competitive edge in the auto industry is the offering of best in class vehicles at affordable prices and this retail financing scheme is a significant step towards promoting vehicle ownership in Nigeria.
”With a flexible repayment option of up to 48 months, equity contribution as low as 10% and over N6m discount and we are proud to be at the forefront of this initiative to make owning the all-new Kia Rio 2023 a dream come through for our Nigerian Customers.”
KIA stated that the car in the package, Rio 2023, is an award winning five-seater sedan, a fun car with a reputation for durability, reliability, comfort and fuel efficiency.
With safety features which include stability control, traction control, and multiple airbags, the all new KIA Rio 2023 is an excellent choice for customers who prioritize dependability in vehicle options,” it stated.
Auto
NADDC DG hails Kojo Motors for establishing CNG conversion centre in Owerri

NADDC DG hails Kojo Motors for establishing CNG conversion centre in Owerri
Kojo Motors has partnered the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) in setting up the vehicle Compressed Natural Gas conversion centre in Owerri, lmo State.
Director-General of the NADDC, Joseph Osanipin, during an empowerment and awareness summit on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, commended the auto firm for the monumental project.
“Today, we are gathered here for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Empowerment and Awareness Summit 2025 with the theme ‘Building a youth-based nation through cleaner energy’,” he said.
Osanipin said that the the purpose of the summit was to create awareness and sensitize the public to safety, standards and regulation in the use of the CNG as a better alternative source of energy for mobility.
NADDC, he said, was equipping technicians with the knowledge, skills and competencies required to safely and efficiently convert vehicles to run on CNG.
“The Council is a parastatal of the Federal Government under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment,” he added.
“It has the regulatory oversight on the Nigerian Automotive Industry to initiate, recommend, supervise and regulate policies and programmes for locally manufactured vehicles and components in Nigeria.
The NADDC boss noted that the Council had worked tirelessly to ensure the survival and growth of this sector with a view to enhancing its contribution to the national economy.
As part of the CNG conversion programme, 60 technicians will be receiving hands-on training in converting vehicles to run on CNG which would run for five days from the March 17 to 21,2025.
Osanipin emphasized the importance of using certified conversion kits and specialized workshops to ensure safety during the process.
“The cylinders used in CNG vehicles are fortified, making them safer than traditional vehicle fuel tanks,” he said.
Also speaking during the event, Professor Anoka Njan, representative of the Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, praised the NADDC and Kojo Motors efforts, stating that the ministry fully supported the initiative as part of broader efforts to alleviate challenges in the auto industry and empower the youth.
Imo State Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Emeka Mandela Ukaegbu, who spoke at the summit on behalf of Governor Hope Uzodinma, emphasised the immense potential of the CNG in easing Nigeria’s transportation challenges and improving the economy.
“CNG offers a safer, cleaner, and cheaper alternative to the hardships many face in the country,” Dr. Madela said.
The administration is partnering with NADDC and automotive industry bodies to establish conversion workshops and CNG refilling stations across Imo State, ensuring that the state plays a key role in this important shift toward greener energy solutions.
The event marks a significant step in NADDC’s ongoing efforts to transform Nigeria’s automotive industry, making it more sustainable while creating new opportunities for skilled technicians and local communities.
Chinedu Oguegbu, Managing Director of OMAA, which is the vehicle brand promoting the petrol-powered to CNG conversion project, highlighted the economic benefits of running vehicles on CNG instead of petrol.
He listed the economic advantages to include savings up to 60 percent in the cost of fuel relative to dirtier options like diesel and petrol.
According to him, there is up to 90 percent reduction in knocks and carbon emission, and it is found to be healthier, cleaner and more environmentally friendly.
Besides savings in foreign exchange (FX) with abundance of gas locally, there is also massive resources in-country over 203 tcf of proven reserves that requires no refining and relatively lower investment for processing.
Nigeria has an estimated 15-20 million vehicles in operation that can be converted to dual-fuel or bi-fuel.
The OMAA boss reiterated the crucial need to provide an alternative to existing fuel system with the abundance of CNG as an option.
Delivering his goodwill message, Chino Ogwumike, the National Sales Manager at Kojo Motors, thanked the DG of NADDC for partnering with Kojo in this laudable project in Owerri, the heartland of the South-East of Nigeria and the government of Imo State for accepting to provide the land for building the CNG hub in the state capital.
Ogwumike stated that the flourishing automotive dealership with branches spread across the country under the visionary leadership of the founder and Executive Chairman, Ikenna Oguegbu, is strongly committed to contributing its quota towards the progress and development of Nigeria’s automotive sector and the economy.
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