CFAO Mobility Targets Growth, Innovation at 2026 Open Day in Lagos

…As Company Gives Out Brand-New BYD Seagull to Lucky Guest

The Managing Director of CFAO Mobility Nigeria, Mr Denis Martin, has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to growth, innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction amid evolving market conditions.

He made this known during the 2026 CFAO Mobility Open Day held at Harbour Point Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Open Day, which was attended by auto enthusiasts and industry stakeholders, featured the various brands distributed by CFAO Mobility in Nigeria, comprising Toyota, BYD, Mitsubishi Motors, Suzuki, Yamaha, Fuso, JCB, Howo, King Long, Toyota Material Handling, TechKing Tyres, Winpart, and Auto Fast.

CFAO Mobility also used the event to give away a brand-new BYD Seagull during its VIP evening cocktail for key customers.

Speaking at the event, Martin noted that the Open Day, now in its second edition, reflects the company’s steady progress and continuous improvement.

“We held the first edition a year ago, and now we’re hosting the second. It’s clear we’ve made significant improvements, which is very encouraging,” he said.

He acknowledged the volatility in the global economic and mobility landscape, emphasizing the need for adaptability.

According to him, CFAO Mobility’s diverse portfolio of 14 brands positions the company to respond effectively to shifting market trends, regulatory changes, and evolving customer preferences in Nigeria.

Despite ongoing challenges, he expressed optimism about the sector’s prospects. “There is a lot of volatility, but there are also opportunities to grow and innovate,” he stated.

Highlighting why customers should choose CFAO Mobility, Martin stressed the company’s strong customer-centric philosophy, explaining that every decision and service offering is designed to deliver value, with particular emphasis on after-sales support.

“It’s not only about selling a car. What is important is keeping it running throughout its lifespan,” he said.

The managing director also pointed out that the company’s extensive portfolio is known for reliability and high performance.

Backed by a presence in 38 African countries and ownership by Toyota Tsusho Corporation, CFAO Mobility boasts one of the continent’s largest distribution networks.

Looking ahead, Martin disclosed plans to introduce new models across its brand lineup.

Beyond expansion, he emphasized the importance of sustainability, highlighting efforts to introduce fuel-efficient engine technologies and reduce carbon emissions. He noted that Japanese brands continue to lead in low-consumption engines.

He added that CFAO Mobility is investing in solar energy solutions across its facilities and has expanded into cleaner alternatives such as electric vehicles and compressed natural gas (CNG) options for trucks and buses.

Mr. Martin also underscored the importance of an enabling environment, including considerations around duty to support the adoption of hybrid vehicles, noting that hybrids remain among the most effective technologies for reducing carbon emissions globally.

He concluded by reiterating CFAO Mobility’s mission to deliver safer and greener mobility solutions while maintaining sustainable growth in Nigeria’s dynamic automotive sector.

With over 120 years of presence in Nigeria, CFAO remains a key player across the mobility and healthcare sectors.

Managing Director, Toyota by CFAO, Mr. Boye Ajayi (right), in a discussion with a participant at the 2026 CFAO Mobility Open Day held in Lagos Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Jetour X70 Plus storms Nigerian market with luxury features, advanced tech

The Jetour X70 Plus that distinguishes itself as a feature-packed SUV designed to deliver enhanced safety, comfort and performance for both drivers and passengers is now in the Nigerian market.

Built as an upgrade to the regular X70, the model combines advanced technology with premium convenience features that place it among the most well-equipped SUVs in its class.

To support ownership experience, Jetour Nigeria has accredited dealers across the country, including Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Tab Autos Limited, R. T. Briscoe Motors and Mandilas Autos.

Safety is a major highlight of the X70 Plus. The SUV comes fitted with an extensive airbag system, including driver, passenger, seat and curtain airbags, providing comprehensive occupant protection.

Electronic safety technologies such as the Vehicle Stability Control System help maintain balance on different road conditions, while Hill-Start and Hill-Descent Assist Control improve confidence on inclines.

The Electronic Parking Brake and Auto Hold system further enhance ease of use, especially in traffic.

Parking and maneuvering are made easier through a 360-degree panoramic camera system with 2D and 3D views, supported by front and rear parking sensors.

Security is reinforced with features such as an auto lockout system and automatic door locking. The SUV’s 20-inch alloy wheels not only contribute to its bold stance but also improve ground grip and clearance across varying terrains.

The X70 Plus is equipped with advanced driving and convenience systems, including an electronic gear shifting system, smart entry and push-start ignition.

Drivers can choose between Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes, while cruise control adds comfort during long journeys.

Inside the cabin, technology and comfort are brought together through a 10.23-inch LCD touchscreen with phone mirroring, Bluetooth connectivity and a wireless charger.

A panoramic roof enhances cabin openness, while the digital touchscreen air-conditioning system with automatic rear vents and air purification ensures a pleasant environment.

An eight-speaker audio system delivers improved in-car entertainment. Additional comfort features include power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, as well as electrically adjustable, foldable and heated outside mirrors for improved visibility in adverse weather.

LED headlamps and fog lamps enhance safety during night driving and in poor visibility conditions.

The seven-seater SUV is powered by either a 1.5-litre or 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, delivering up to 145kW of power and 290Nm of torque, paired with a dual-clutch automatic transmission.

With its generous dimensions and automatic rear trunk opening, the Jetour X70 Plus combines practicality with premium features, supported by comprehensive after-sales service, genuine spare parts and dedicated technical support from Jetour Nigeria.

Nord Rolls Out Single-Digit Car Loans to Shift Nigerians from Tokunbo into Brand-New Vehicles

Nord Automobiles is targeting a major shift in Nigeria’s auto market with the rollout of a single-digit interest vehicle financing scheme, offering loans from as low as nine per cent to make brand-new cars more accessible to individuals and businesses.

The indigenous automaker said the initiative was designed to unlock demand for new vehicles and reduce the dominance of imported used cars, popularly known as Tokunbo.

The indigenous automaker unveiled the initiative, tagged Nord Finance, in Lagos on Tuesday, saying the plan would make vehicle ownership easier for individuals and businesses through flexible repayment options.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nord Automobiles, Mr Oluwatobi Ajayi, said the company was determined to change the long-standing culture of relying on used vehicles, which he described as costly to maintain, unreliable, and often unsafe.

“Our goal is to make more Nigerians drive brand-new vehicles,” Ajayi said.

“For too long, Nigerians have been used to Tokunbo cars. While tokunbo cars have played a role in improving access to mobility, there are growing concerns around their long term reliability, safety standards, and overall cost of ownership.

As we look to the future, it is important to gradually transition towards more structured, reliable, and locally supported vehicle solutions that can better serve Nigerians and strengthen our economy.”

He said the financing package offers interest rates starting from 9%, and repayment tenures of up to 48 months.

According to him, the arrangement allows buyers to spread the cost of a new vehicle over several years rather than paying huge lump sums upfront.

“This means that instead of looking for N10m or N15m at once to buy a vehicle, you can pay a smaller amount monthly and drive a reliable brand-new car,” he said.

“You do not have to worry about frequent breakdowns or visiting mechanics regularly, like many Tokunbo owners do.”

Ajayi explained that the scheme is being executed through Nord Finance Limited, a subsidiary of Nord Automobiles, in partnership with a commercial bank.

He noted that prospective buyers can access financing for any of Nord’s 11 passenger and commercial vehicle models, as well as four models under its electric vehicle brand, Tavet.

Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest automobile markets, with annual demand estimated at about 500,000 vehicles. However, only a small percentage of that figure represents brand-new purchases, while the majority are imported used vehicles.

Ajayi said the company hoped the financing package would help convert a portion of the used-car market into demand for new, locally assembled vehicles.

“Nigeria is a very big market of over 200 million people, with demand for about 500,000 vehicles yearly. Unfortunately, only around 14,000 to 20,000 of those are brand-new vehicles, depending on the data source,” he said.

“We believe that with Nord Finance, even if we move just five per cent of the Tokunbo market into the new-car segment, it will be a major shift.”

He also said Nord vehicles are specifically designed to meet Nigerian driving conditions, unlike many imported models originally built for foreign markets.

The Nord CEO said, “We have seen that many vehicles brought into Nigeria were not designed for our roads, our fuel quality, or our weather.

“Our vehicles are robust; they have high ground clearance, cooling systems that can withstand Nigeria’s heat, and engines tuned to perform well with the fuel available here.”

Ajayi said Nord has the production capacity to meet rising demand, adding that the company assembles its vehicles in Epe and at the University of Lagos.

“When you buy a Nord, you are buying a vehicle built for you. It is durable, dependable, and gives peace of mind,” he added.

Founded in 2018, Nord Automobiles focuses on designing, assembling, and distributing locally made vehicles from its Lagos base, with a growing portfolio that includes passenger, commercial and electric models.