Auto
Kia CEO named Nigeria’s auto personality of the year

Chief Executive Officer of Kia Nigeria, Mr Jacky Hathiramani, has been crowned as the Auto Personality of the Year at the 2021 edition of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association [NAJA] Awards.
The event was held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos.
The Auto Personality of the Year Award is the main individual award of NAJA’s annual ceremony, which takes place at the end of the year.
The award, according to the organisers, NAJA, was based on the winner’s contributions to the development of the auto industry in Nigeria that year.
A statement by the Marketing Manager at Kia Nigeria, Olawale Jimoh, said having been singled out and publicly recognized for his outstanding contributions to the development of the industry and his unalloyed commitment to the industrialization of the economy, undoubtedly, Jacky had remained an industrialist who continuously advanced the nation’s economy.
He also stated that the NAJA annual award, a keenly anticipated award ceremony in the auto industry, had continued “to be the auto industry’s barometer to measure the contributions of companies and individuals to the development of the sector.
“This year’s edition is a special one as it’s a combination of last year’s award which couldn’t hold owing to the COVID-19 pandemic with this year.
“Deservingly, Jacky towered above other nominees to win this highly coveted award. This is largely due to his resilience and innovative strides towards the growth of the auto industry. Highly respected amongst his contemporaries for his rare ingenuity, there’s no gainsaying that this award is befitting for his contributions.”
According to him, Jacky has been outstanding in leading the Kia brand to consistently roll out innovative products and services to the delight of the customers and industry stakeholders in the country.
He said the contributions of the Kia CEO had continued to make waves in the industry and further the nation’s economic diversification through car assembling and the localization of auto manufacturing.
“The distinctive contributions he has made in the auto industry set the benchmark for innovative and pragmatic approaches to delivering value, providing gainful employment, and above all developing the nation’s economy.”
In his response, Jacky was quoted as saying, “This award is a testament of our resilience and commitment to nation building and the economic development of Nigeria through the auto industry.
“In order to excel and to be an integral part of the nation’s economy, a company like ours has to through the years continue to innovate, improve, find our strength, our niche, and to really dedicate ourselves to the development of the auto industry and the delivering of top-of-the-segments models in the industry aimed at developing the economy. This award is a validation of the company’s philosophy and our commitment to service”
Chairman of the planning committee of the 2021 NAJA Awards, Theodore Opara, explained that this year’s awards covered 2020 and 2021 because the event did not hold last year due to covid-19 restrictions.
In the same vein, the Chairman of NAJA, Mike Ochonma stated that the awards remained a credible means to review and reward players in the automotive industry in both the public and private sectors.
L-R: Dr Oscar Odibo, Automobile marketing specialist and a Senior lecturer, Covenant University; Gautam Hathiramani, Deputy Managing Director, Kia Nigeria; and Mike Ochonma, Chairman, Nigeria Auto Journalists Association, during the award presentation at Eko Hotels, Lagos.
Auto
FCT traffic service confirms sale of number plates by touts

FCT traffic service confirms sale of number plates by touts
The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), yesterday advised residents not to patronise touts in registering their vehicles.
A statement by the Director, DRTS, Abdulateef Bello said: “ The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), wishes to inform the general public that the current scarcity of vehicle number plates in the FCT is due to irregular and insufficient supply from the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) Plant and efforts are ongoing to remedy the situation.
“We also wish to draw the attention of the motoring public to the activities of fraudsters impersonating DRTS officials in the attempt to take advantage of the situation to exploit vehicle owners.
READ ALSO:
- $2.3bn Siemens power project idle before Tinubu came – Minister
- Filling stations yet to reduce petrol price after Dangote slashes rate
- Yahaya Bello petitions IGP over alleged defamation by Natasha
“The DRTS firmly disassociates itself from these illegal activities and strongly caution members of the public against dealing with any individual either staff or agent who claim to be in position of number plates outside what is uploaded in the DRTS self-service portal (https://selfservice.fctevreg.com).
“Moreover, in order to ensure transparency, the approved costs of number plates and related services are readily available on our official communication platforms, and particularly our website.
“The Directorate therefore encourages the public to stick and insist on the stipulated prices.
‘‘In collaboration with the Security Agencies, the Directorate has intensified efforts to bring these impostors to justice.’’
“We urge the public to report suspicious individuals or illegal activities to the Management of the DRTS. The DRTS remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering transparent, efficient, and accountable services to the motoring public”.
FCT traffic service confirms sale of number plates by touts
Auto
Easter travels: ABC Transport injects 2025 Toyota Hiace buses into operations

Easter travels: ABC Transport injects 2025 Toyota Hiace buses into operations
Ahead of Easter, ABC Transport Plc has added a fleet of brand new, 2025 model Toyota Hiace buses to its operations.
This, it said in a statement, was a strategic move to enhance customer satisfaction and operational reliability.
It aligns with the company’s mission of providing safer, more reliable, and comfortable travel experiences, particularly during the busy Easter season.
The new vehicles, which are equipped with state-of-the-art GPS trackers and speed limiter devices, are part of ABC Transport’s historic culture of prioritising passenger safety.
These features, which are standard across the company’s entire fleet, allow for real-time monitoring and ensure adherence to safe driving practices.
Apart from the fleet upgrade, ABC Transport recently concluded its quarterly Pre-Peak Season Crew Seminar, aimed at reinforcing the company’s commitment to safety, maintenance, and customer service ethics.
It said the seminar provided a platform to engage all crew members, focusing on best practices in vehicle handling, passenger care, and emergency preparedness.
Speaking on the importance of these initiatives, Managing Director of ABC Transport Plc, Mr. Jude Nneji, said, “Safety and service excellence are at the heart of everything we do at ABC Transport.
“The addition of these modern vehicles, coupled with our crew’s enhanced training, ensures that passengers can travel with peace of mind and enjoy an exceptional travel experience, even during the high-demand Easter season.”
The 2025 Toyota Hiace buses, known for their durability and fuel efficiency, also feature air-conditioned interiors and spacious seating, making them ideal for long-distance travel.
Designed to handle Nigeria’s road conditions, these vehicles further solidify ABC Transport’s reputation as a leader in the intercity transport sector.
Industry analysts view this dual approach—upgrading fleet technology and investing in human capital—as a testament to ABC Transport’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve.
This is also in line with the trend of new fleet injections and investments that have been noticed at ABC Transport since late last year following the acquisition of over 50 heavy duty trucks in their Haulage and Logistics subsidiaries as well as wide adoption of CNG in its Haulage division.
ABC Transport Plc is Nigeria’s foremost provider of intercity and regional transport services, known for its focus on innovation, safety, and customer satisfaction.
It is also the most diversified and only publicly quoted transport company in Nigeria listed on the Nigerian Stock exchange.
Auto
Massilia Motors launches new Mitsubishi L200 with low fuel consumption, advanced engineering

Massilia Motors launches new Mitsubishi L200 with low fuel consumption, advanced engineering
L-R: CFAO Nigeria Country Delegate, Mr. Regis Tromeur; GMD/CEO, Kewalram Chanrai Group, Mr Siva Subramaniam; Deputy Managing Director, CFAO Mobility, Mr. Kunle Jaiyesimi; Managing Director of Massilia Motors, Olivier Lamoure; and General Manager, Sales, Massilia Motors, Mr. Tunji Itiola at the launching of the All-New Mitsubishi L 200 at Eko Atlantic, Lagos …on Friday, April 11, 2025
The all-new Mitsubishi L200 pickup, a 2025 edition, has been formally unveiled in Nigeria, courtesy of Massilia Motors.
Massilia Motors, the sole distributor of Mitsubishi brand of vehicles in the country and a joint venture with CFAO Mobility, says the new L200 pickup is coming with low fuel consumption, advanced engineering and ultra-tough characteristics, making it a versatile vehicle for various terrains and conditions.
The unveiling event took place at Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, Lagos, where guests had the opportunity to experience the new pickup firsthand.
The new L200, already recognized worldwide and well-known in Nigeria, has been completely redefined in this latest model.
It features advanced engineering and ultra-tough characteristics, making it a versatile vehicle for various terrains and conditions.
The L200 is equipped with an All-New Chassis frame for improved ride and handling; lessen noise and vibration; durability; anti-corrosion; crash safety; better body size and wider interior.
The chassis frame is built with high-tensile materials to withstand tough terrain and ensure reliable performance in any condition, complemented by a redesigned suspension system.
Inside, the L200 is designed for comfort, even during long trips, with advanced technology and a thoughtfully crafted living space, according to Massilia.
The new suspension fine tune has some unique features that include Front – Double wishbone that is optimized longer stroke by geometry; Rear – Leaf spring (3 layers) with less friction.
The vehicle, powered by a six-speed manual gearbox on a 2.4-litre petrol engine, features a distinctive grille and appearance, and has won several awards, including the 2024-2025 Japan Car of the Year Design Award.
Built on inherited Pajero DNA with 4WD performance for reliability and ruggedness, Mitsubishi’s Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution applies brake force while cornering to maintain vehicle stability and optimize traction, preventing torque loss.
The system adjusts engine output and applies brake force to spinning wheels as needed, always ensuring driver safety.
Mitsubishi has also focused on driver and passenger comfort with newly designed seats inspired by their rally heritage, providing excellent body support.
The upgraded air-conditioning system offers adjustable airflow for personalized comfort. Ample storage space and a bucket space of up to 2340mm x 1580mm makes it ideal for various tasks.
Other interior features include a 9-inch infotainment system and a new 7-inch multi-information display and outstanding cabin comfort because of better head and leg room for passengers.
The vehicle is designed to provide slip-resistant footing for safe and easy entry and exit, even in wet or slippery conditions.
The rear bumper corner allows for more foot space when the tailgate is open, featuring the largest step area in its segment.
Managing Director of Massilia Motors, Olivier Lamoure, highlighted the fact that the new L200 comes with lower fuel consumption aided by improved Aero Dynamics with roof and rear spoiler combination.
Another striking feature of the new vehicle is its enhanced cargo and payload capacity with improved turning radius of 6.2m from 5.9m, as well as higher ground clearance from 200mm to 212mm all to guarantee better driver manoeuvrability.
Lamoure added, “At Massilia Motors, it is important for us to give the keys to the customer so they can personally test the vehicle and share their impressions.
“Whether for personal use or for their business, performance and reliability are proven in the field, not in a showroom. This hands-on approach allows customers to truly experience the vehicle’s capabilities.”
Massilia Motors says it also offers prospective customers free test drive which can be booked via www.mitsubishi-motors.com.ng , where further information about the vehicle can also be obtained.
The L200 has a rich history, tracing its roots back to the Forte launched in 1978. Over the past 47 years, about 5.7 million units have been produced across five generations and sold in approximately 150 countries. The latest model continues this legacy with its high-rigidity RISE body, designed to absorb energy and minimize cabin deformation in the event of a crash.
The L200 has also received international accolades, including a five-star rating from Latin NCAP and recognition at the 2024 Arab Car of the Year awards, where it was named “Best Mid-size Pickup”.
Massilia names variants available for the Nigerian market as the Double Cab and Single Cab, adding that it offers genuine spare parts, after-sales services, and a warranty of three years or 100,000km.
-
metro2 days ago
Rivers: Tinubu meets with Fubara, may lift his suspension
-
metro2 days ago
Bring your children to compete with mine, MC Oluomo challenges those mocking his spoken English
-
News2 days ago
Tinubu returns to Nigeria after France, UK trip
-
metro1 day ago
I’m not in supremacy battle with Ooni, says new Alaafin
-
metro3 days ago
Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria elects new leaders, Tinubu praises educational contributions
-
Business2 days ago
Marketers count losses as NNPC slashes petrol price
-
metro3 days ago
Reno Omokri defends Tinubu’s appointments, blasts president’s critics
-
metro3 days ago
N10m raised to relocate boy who faced Peter Obi convoy — Lawyer