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LCCI lists strategies to bring more women into auto industry

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Cross section of participants at the just concluded symposium organised by the LCCI collaborative groups in Lagos on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

LCCI lists strategies to bring more women into auto industry 

Key implementable strategies to get more women into the auto manufacturing formed the subject of discourse at a one-day symposium organised on Wednesday October 30 by the Automobile & Allied Sub-Sectoral Group in collaboration with the Women Group and LPG & Natural Gas Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
The programme was held under the theme “From Tokunbo to Manufacturing: The Role of Women Breaking Barriers and Driving Growth”.
Gabriel Idahosa, president and chairman of Council at LCCI in his opening address described the event as both timely and significant, highlighting the transformative journey of the automotive industry and the pivotal role women play in its evolution, particularly in the context of Nigeria’s economic landscape.
The LCCI boss said, to cultivate a more inclusive and dynamic automotive industry, several strategies should be implemented, such as deliberate establishment of mentorship programmes that could provide guidance and support for women navigating their careers in the automotive sector.
He said sponsorships could also be crucial in advancing women’s careers by providing opportunities for growth and exposure.
Idahosa said, “More importantly, companies should actively promote diversity and inclusion within their corporate culture.
“Creating an environment that acknowledges diverse perspectives can enhance innovation and employee satisfaction.”
He noted that encouraging young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields would expand the pipeline of female talent into the automotive industry.
According to him, initiatives such as the Red Bull STEMx programme are aimed at inspiring more women to enter motorsport engineering roles.
Acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of women in the automotive industry could inspire others and foster a culture of recognition, he said.
He cited the example of the Women in Supply Chain Award honouring female leaders whose accomplishments and mentorship set a foundation for ladies in the sector.
Globally, he noted that women had been instrumental in shaping the automotive industry, contributing to various facets from design and engineering to leadership and entrepreneurship.
“As of 2020, women comprise approximately 23.6% of the automotive manufacturing workforce in the United States. While this indicates progress, it also underscores the underrepresentation of women in the sector, especially in Nigeria,” Idahosa said.
Women such as Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, have demonstrated exceptional leadership, steering the company toward innovation and profitability.
Her tenure is said to exemplify the impact of female leadership in the automotive sector.
In Nigeria, women’s participation in the automotive industry has been acknowledged as growing.

Organizations such as the Women Automotive Network (WAN) are said to be active, providing professional growth and networking platforms, thereby fostering greater inclusion.
Despite the advancements, women in the automotive industry encounter several challenges, such as the automotive sector has been traditionally male-dominated.
Women are under represented in leadership roles within the industry.

The Nigerian automotive sector has reportedly undergone remarkable changes, transitioning from the dominance of used vehicle imports, commonly referred to as ‘Tokunbo,’ to a focus on local manufacturing.

This shift has been propelled by economic policies to foster industrialization and reduce import dependence.

In the LPG and downstream natural gas sector, women’s involvement is increasingly significant. Women are actively engaged in operations, from engineering to management.
Their contributions are vital to the efficiency and innovation within the sector.

The journey from ‘Tokunbo’ to local auto manufacturing in Nigeria’s automotive industry is said to signify substantial economic progress.

Women have been and continue to be instrumental in this transformation, breaking barriers and driving growth.
However, to fully realize the potential of women’s contributions, concerted efforts must be made to address existing challenges and promote inclusivity.
The automotive industry can become a more equitable and dynamic field by implementing strategic initiatives focused on mentorship, diversity, education, and recognition.

The success stories of women in automotive and allied sectors serve as inspiration and a call to action for continued advancement and support.

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Jetour Targets Abuja Market with X70 PHEV as Nationwide Expansion Gathers Pace

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Jetour Targets Abuja Market with X70 PHEV as Nationwide Expansion Gathers Pace

Jetour Nigeria is taking its hybrid SUV offensive to Abuja, with the X70 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) set to headline the three-day Jetour Experience from September 22 to 24 as the automaker accelerates its drive to expand its footprint and capture a larger share of Nigeria’s fast-evolving mobility market.

The Abuja showcase, coming on the heels of a strong Lagos edition that generated significant consumer interest, test drives and sales enquiries, is designed to bring Jetour’s latest technologies closer to customers in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states.

The event at Maha Event Centre, Area 8, will give prospective buyers and auto enthusiasts the opportunity to test-drive the X70 PHEV and other Jetour models while interacting with product specialists and experiencing their technology, safety features, performance and comfort firsthand.

According to the company, expanding the showcase to the Federal Capital Territory was a direct response to rising demand from residents in Abuja and neighbouring states.

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To bolster buyer confidence, Jetour Nigeria—the country’s sole authorised distributor—backs the X70 PHEV with a five-year or 150,000-kilometre warranty.

The distributor operates through an accredited nationwide dealer network, including: Elizade Nigeria Limited,
New Era Auto Vehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Tab Autos Limited, R.T. Briscoe Motors, and Mandilas Autos.

The X70 PHEV pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with a 19.43kWh battery and a dedicated hybrid transmission. Designed to balance performance with fuel efficiency, the vehicle supports fast, slow, engine, and regenerative braking charging options—reducing reliance on external charging infrastructure.

Jetour’s rapid growth in the Nigerian market has earned both private and corporate patronage, driven by competitive pricing, high specification levels, and an expanding service footprint. The brand was named “Fastest Growing Auto Brand of the Year” at the 2024 Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) Awards.

With the X70 PHEV leading the Abuja showcase, Jetour aims to deepen customer engagement and consolidate its position in the local automotive market.

 

Jetour Targets Abuja Market with X70 PHEV as Nationwide Expansion Gathers Pace

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X90 Plus Leads Jetour’s Abuja Drive for Bigger SUV Market Share

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X90 Plus Leads Jetour’s Abuja Drive for Bigger SUV Market Share

 

Jetour Nigeria is taking its premium SUV battle to Abuja, with the seven-seater X90 Plus set to headline the Jetour Experience Abuja from September 22 to 24, as the automaker moves to capture a larger share of Nigeria’s fast-growing high-end family SUV market.

The three-day motoring showcase will give prospective buyers, families and auto enthusiasts in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states an opportunity to experience the X90 Plus and other models in the Jetour range through test drives and hands-on demonstrations.

The Abuja showcase follows the success of the brand’s earlier Jetour Experience in Lagos, where strong customer interest, inquiries and sales momentum reportedly encouraged the company to take the initiative to the Federal Capital Territory.

Jetour Nigeria said growing demand from customers in Abuja and neighbouring states was a major factor behind the decision to expand the experience to the northern market.

Positioned as a full-sized family SUV, the X90 Plus is designed for executives and families seeking a combination of space, technology, performance and comfort without the price tag associated with some luxury SUVs.

The model is offered with 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged engines paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The powertrain produces up to 254 horsepower and 390Nm of torque.

Inside the cabin, the X90 Plus features a 12.3-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, Sony premium audio system and wireless charging.

Its safety and driver-assistance features include a 360-degree panoramic camera, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and electronic stability systems.

Jetour’s growing profile in Nigeria has also earned the brand recognition from the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), which named it Fastest Growing Auto Brand, while it was also recognised as Auto Brand of the Year at the Nigeria Transport Lecture.

To support its expanding customer base, Jetour Nigeria, the sole authorised distributor, operates through seven accredited dealer partners across the country: Elizade Nigeria Limited, Mandilas Autos, R.T. Briscoe Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Kojo Motors, Tab Autos Limited and New Era Auto Vehicle Services Limited.

The Abuja Experience is expected to provide Jetour with another platform to engage potential customers and reinforce its position in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive SUV market.

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Jetour Takes Award-Winning Dashing, Other SUVs to Abuja

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Jetour Takes Award-Winning Dashing, Other SUVs to Abuja

Motorists in Abuja are set for a close encounter with Jetour’s award-winning Dashing and other models as Jetour Nigeria moves to deepen its foothold in the nation’s capital with the Jetour Experience Abuja, beginning September 22.

The three-day motoring event, which runs until September 24, is expected to draw prospective buyers and automobile enthusiasts to a hands-on experience featuring test drives, product demonstrations and direct engagement with Jetour’s seven authorised dealers and product specialists.

The participating dealer network comprises Elizade Nigeria Limited, Kojo Motors, Mandilas Autos, Germaine Auto Centre, R.T. Briscoe, Tab Autos and New Era Auto Vehicle Services Limited.

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The Abuja Experience follows the success of the Lagos edition, which attracted thousands of visitors for test drives and direct engagement with product specialists. According to the organisers, strong demand and inquiries from motorists in Abuja and neighbouring states prompted the expansion of the event to the Federal Capital Territory.

The Dashing has gained attention in Nigeria’s competitive compact SUV segment for its combination of modern styling, technology, performance and competitive pricing.

The SUV is available with 1.5-litre and 1.6-litre turbocharged engines, producing up to 145kW of power and 290Nm of torque, paired with six- or seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions.

Its features include a 15.6-inch central touchscreen infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, wireless charging and smartphone integration.

For safety, the vehicle comes with a 360-degree surround-view camera, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection and multiple airbags.

Beyond vehicle sales, the authorised dealers provide warranty, genuine spare parts and after-sales support to Jetour customers across their respective locations.

The Abuja Experience is expected to strengthen customer engagement and give motorists in the FCT a closer look at Jetour’s growing range of vehicles, while further expanding the brand’s footprint in the northern market.

 

Jetour Takes Award-Winning Dashing, Other SUVs to Abuja

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