Nord subsidiary, Tavet, rolls out EV utility van, sedan, luxury car

In a bold step toward clean mobility, Nigerian automaker Nord Automobiles Limited has launched Tavet Motion, a new electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary, alongside the unveiling of three locally assembled models—Luto, Garent, and Vant—at a high-profile ceremony in Lagos.

Held Thursday evening at the Oriental Hotel on Victoria Island, the launch attracted top government officials, military chiefs and industry leaders, in what experts described as a watershed moment for Nigeria’s automotive industry and a decisive push toward sustainable transportation.

Nord’s Chief Executive Officer, Oluwatobi Ajayi, described Tavet as “the future of mobility,” saying the company was determined to make Africa an active participant—not a spectator—in the global EV revolution.

“Welcome to the future of mobility,” Ajayi declared. “Tavet is about innovation, sustainability, and progress. Nord gave birth to Tavet—and together, we’ll ensure Africa isn’t left behind in the electric revolution.”

The three models—Luto, a compact urban sedan; Garent, a luxury EV; and Vant, a logistics van—are all assembled in Nigeria and designed for African roads.

Ajayi said Tavet’s vision went beyond vehicle sales. “We’re not just selling cars,” he said. “We’re building an entire EV ecosystem—from charging stations to battery health programmes and renewable energy integration.”

Vant

According to the MD, the Vant model, with a range of 305 kilometres per charge, is positioned as a game-changer for logistics operators seeking a cheaper, cleaner alternative to diesel-powered vans.

It comes with a payload of up to 1440 kilograms, and a massive cargo volume of 2.8m length. It attains a 20% to 80% charging in just 45 minutes.

Luto

The Luto a smart, pragmatic EV that can deliver up to 200 kilometres per charge, comes with driver/passenger air bags, reversing camera, ABS, Hill Start Assist among others.

Its size makes gives it the advantage of being able to be parked even in tight corners and is perfect for city life.

Garent
The Garent, being the flagship of the lineup, is a luxury sedan with advanced systems such as Adoptive Cruise Control, Lane-keeping Assist, Automatic emergency braking and optional scissor doors among others.

With a coupe-inspired lift back design, the Garent delivers up to 1200 kilometres per charge and 15.6 inch centre display and a 8.8 inch instrument cluster etc.

With entry-level prices starting around ₦16 million and premium variants up to ₦32 million, Tavet aims to make electric mobility accessible to both individuals and businesses.

Industry watchers say the launch could redefine Nigeria’s auto sector, long hampered by fuel price instability and dependence on imports.

By assembling locally and exploring Nigeria’s emerging lithium reserves, Tavet is expected to create thousands of jobs in manufacturing, research, and renewable energy support services.

Ajayi also hinted at partnerships with renewable energy firms to deploy solar-powered fast chargers nationwide, aligning with Nigeria’s clean energy transition goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

“Tavet is proof that technology, when localized, can transform lives,” Ajayi said. “Nord is proudly Nigerian—and Tavet will redefine what it means to build world-class vehicles in Africa.”

Analysts project Tavet could capture up to 15 per cent of Nigeria’s emerging EV market within two years, positioning the country as West Africa’s leading hub for electric mobility.

Dangote Refinery cuts petrol price to ₦828 per litre despite rising crude cost

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, from ₦877 to ₦828 per litre, representing a 5.6 percent decrease.

The downward adjustment comes amid a rebound in global crude oil prices, which rose to an average of $64 per barrel on Thursday, up from $62 the previous day.

Newstrends.ng findings indicate that the price cut followed a reinforced naira-for-crude supply agreement between the Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd). The arrangement will see NNPC supply the 650,000-barrels-per-day refinery with five December-loading crude shipments, including Amenam, Bonny Light, Forcados, and Qua Iboe grades.

Industry sources confirmed that loading at the new price commenced early Friday at the refinery’s depot in Lagos, raising hopes of a corresponding reduction in pump prices nationwide in the coming days.

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According to Petroleumprice.ng, the development is expected to bring some relief to marketers and consumers who have faced weeks of elevated retail prices.

Despite the adjustment, Dangote’s gantry price remains below import parity, according to a report by S&P Global Commodity Insights presented at the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) conference in Lagos on Thursday.

The report stated that as of October 17, 2025, Dangote’s ex-depot price of ₦877 per litre was lower than both the average “into-tank” cost of imported fuel in Lagos and the ship-to-ship (STS) value recorded at Lomé, Togo. It added that the pricing gap underscores the refinery’s competitive cost advantage in Nigeria’s downstream market, despite global fluctuations driven by sanctions on Russian crude and soft demand.

The report further revealed that Nigeria’s fuel import volume has dropped to below 200,000 barrels per day, down from about 500,000 barrels per day in early 2023, reflecting the growing impact of domestic refining capacity.

However, S&P Global cautioned that strong regulatory oversight is essential to sustain market transparency, fair competition, and consumer protection under the current deregulated regime.

It also noted that while Nigeria’s downstream transition is being shaped by declining imports and increased refining capacity, operational and logistical challenges persist across existing refineries.

Dangote Refinery cuts petrol price to ₦828 per litre despite rising crude cost

Auto industry biggest night returns as NAJA holds 2025 Int’l Awards Dec 16 in Lagos

The Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) has announced that the 2025 edition of its International Auto Awards—Nigeria’s most prestigious celebration of excellence and innovation in the motoring industry—will take place on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, starting at 6:00 pm.

This annual event brings together top government officials, industry leaders, and media professionals to honour outstanding achievements that have shaped Nigeria’s automotive landscape.

According to Frank Kintum, Chairman of the Planning Committee, preparations are in top gear to ensure the 2025 edition sustains NAJA’s reputation as the most credible and unifying platform for recognizing excellence in the nation’s auto industry.

“The NAJA Awards have become the gold standard for honouring brands, organizations, and individuals who demonstrate innovation, integrity, and excellence in advancing Nigeria’s automotive ecosystem.

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“This year’s edition will spotlight progress in local manufacturing, green mobility, and industry policy development amongothers,” Kintum said.

Also speaking, Theodore Opara, Chairman of NAJA, highlighted the strategic importance of the awards to national development.

“As the automotive sector evolves, NAJA remains committed to supporting initiatives that align with the Federal Government’s vision for sustainable industrial growth.

“We are particularly delighted to have the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) as a central partner this year, given its pivotal role in policy formulation and innovation,” Opara stated.

Distinguished guests expected at the event include the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh; Director-General of NADDC, Chief Joseph Osanipin; Chairmen of the National Assembly Committees on Industry; the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria; and the Director of the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), among other top government officials and industry leaders.

Through strategic collaboration with partners and stakeholders, NAJA continues to champion excellence, transparency, and growth in Nigeria’s automotive sector.

Auto industry biggest night returns as NAJA holds 2025 Int’l Awards Dec 16 in Lagos