Auto

Mikano unveils four Changan models with six-year warranty, promises 11 more

Published

2 years ago

February 18, 2023

Mikano Motors has unveiled four models of its new brand, Changan, coming with a six-year warranty, an unprecedented offer in the Nigeria’s new automobile market.

It said 15 models of the top Chinese brand would be coming to Nigeria as Mikano took charge of the Chagan Auto products giving everyone a car to suit their different tastes.
This was revealed at a press briefing held at the Mikano Motors head office, VI, Lagos.

General Manager, Mikano Motors, Ralph Haidar, told journalists at the event, “Mikano Motors’ partnership with Changan Auto is a powerful alliance that will further change the landscape of automobile ownership in Nigeria, in the wake of the success of the Geely brand.”

He further stated that “We are expecting around 15 models from this brand, which will be complementary to our line-up from Geely Auto, Maxus and ZNA”.
The four new Changan models revealed at the forum are the Eado DT sedan, CS35 Plus, CS85 Luxury Coupe SUV and the Executive CS95 large SUV.
Haidar declared that in a bold and unprecedented move, Mikano Motors-Changan would be offering a six-year/ 200,000km (whichever comes first) warranty to all its new customers while offering up to a five-year warranty to existing Changan owners.

Haidar said, “This is the first of its kind in all of Africa” and one of the reasons why the Changan brand is performing well in some West African countries, especially Ivory Coast.
This is also true for many Gulf countries like Qatar, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia where they offer even higher warranties.

Prior to the reveal, Mikano Motors had teased Nigerians for a month, with endorsements from celebrities and social media influencers such as Celebrity barman – Pascal Chibuike aka Cubana Chief Priest, Jemima Osunde, Akah Nnanni, Sydney Talker and auto enthusiasts who were also in attendance for the Thursday’s event.
Also in attendance were a few customers who had already purchased from the Changan line-up by pre-order, amongst them were the first owners of the Changan CS85 Coupe, who also picked up their cars on the same day.

National Sales Manager, Mikano Motors, Chijioke Mbonu, gave guests an insight into the sales performance of the Changan brand since its arrival at Mikano Motors, revealing that “the trust that clients have for the Mikano name had played a huge part in ensuring that sales of over 500 made to government parastatals, corporate organisations and individuals within the past three months under the pre-sale terms.
Operations Manager for Mikano Motors, Syam Abdulkadir, disclosed that the company is prepared to handle customers from all the brands under Mikano Motors, with a 3S model ensuring that from the point of sale and throughout their auto journey, they would have peace of mind and the assurance of the all the benefits of the Mikano Motors value proposition.
He also made it clear that the brand had already put measures in place for expansion of facilities as needed.

Before closing the event, Haidar publicly declared the presales/pre- order offer for Changan models.
The offer includes, but not limited to all prices VAT deducted (as a form of discount), free registration and up to three years free service, depending on the model purchased.
With the addition of Changan (formerly distributed by another Nigerian dealer), Mikano Motors becomes the sole distributor of brands from three of China’s “Big Four” auto giants; Saic Motors (Maxus), Dongfeng Motor Corporation (ZNA), and now Changan Automobile Group.
Changan Auto, established in 1862, is China’s oldest automaker and one of the pioneers of the automotive industry. A press kit provided by Mikano says Changan’s sojourn into building and retailing passenger vehicles started 32 years ago.
It stated, “Since then, the brand has continued to gain immense popularity worldwide for its value offerings across all segments of the automotive industry with sales in the region of 8,500 units sold daily worldwide, under its brands, including Changan, Oshan, and Kaicene, and also its joint ventures with foreign brands like Lincoln, Ford and Mazda known as Changan Ford and Changan Mazda respectively, since 2012.
“With consistent focus on evolution and innovation, Changan Auto has set its sights on a fully electric line-up by 2025.
As a leading global provider of quality automobile sales and services, with a clear understanding of producing quality vehicles and considering the disposable income of auto buyers declines as a result of the global economic recession and other domestic factors, we understand that businesses and individuals need cars that combine durability, affordability, as well as luxury and technology which is what Changan and Mikano Motors are known to provide to its customers.”

Auto

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

Published

2 days ago

March 23, 2025

Trends Admin

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

Published

3 days ago

March 22, 2025

Trends Admin

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

Published

4 days ago

March 21, 2025

Trends Admin

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.