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NAJA 2024 Auto Awards: Mitsubishi, JAC, Maxus challenge Toyota Hilux in pickup contest
NAJA 2024 Auto Awards: Mitsubishi, JAC, Maxus challenge Toyota Hilux in pickup contest

Will Mitsubishi L200 upstage Toyota Hilux as Nigeria’s Pickup of the year at the NAJA (Nigerian Auto Journalists Association) 2024 Auto Awards?
JAC T8 and Maxus’s T60 are two other strong contenders nominated along Mitsubishi L200 and Toyota Hilux for the coveted pickup of the year award this year.
This event, slated for December 11, 2024, is expected to highlight innovative designs, advanced technology, and the evolving preferences of Nigerian consumers in the utility vehicle segment.
Toyota’s Hilux, a household name synonymous with durability and performance in Nigeria, has historically held a strong grip on the pickup category.
However, competitors like Mitsubishi’s L200, JAC’s T8, and Maxus’s T60 are aiming to disrupt the market with offerings that promise superior value, innovative features, and competitive pricing.
The Mitsubishi L200 is entering the competition with a bold redesign, a robust turbo-diesel engine, and a reputation for reliability. The model boasts a sleek exterior, reinforced chassis, and cutting-edge safety features tailored for both urban and off-road environments.
Mitsubishi is also emphasizing fuel efficiency and a spacious interior to attract a broader consumer base, from businesses to adventure seekers.
Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi L200 have consistently challenged the Hilux.
But with innovations and strategic market moves, JAC and Maxus are positioning their pickup models as serious contenders in this competitive space.
JAC and Maxus are introducing alternatives that are generating buzz at the 2024 NAJA Auto Awards, which celebrate outstanding achievements in the Nigerian automobile industry.
JAC’s T8 pickup and Maxus’s T60 are being touted as key challengers to Toyota’s stronghold. Both brands have focused on blending modern technology, durability, and affordability to appeal to Nigerian consumers, particularly small business owners, fleet operators, and those seeking a vehicle that balances performance with cost-effectiveness.
The JAC T8, known for its sleek design and robust performance, has attracted attention with its impressive features and value proposition.
Experts believe that its combination of power, modern aesthetics, and an affordable price point could give the Toyota Hilux a run for its money.
Maxus, a subsidiary of the Chinese automotive giant SAIC Motor, has also emerged as a formidable player in the Nigerian pickup truck segment with the T60.
Maxus’s T60 offers a spacious cabin, impressive towing capacity, and a solid build designed for the Nigerian terrain.
The brand’s marketing strategy focuses on durability, fuel efficiency, and cutting-edge technology—attributes that could redefine the expectations for pickup trucks in the country.
While the nominees for the flagship “Car of the Year” category are still under wraps, other category contenders have been unveiled. These nominations highlight the industry’s best in manufacturing, innovation, and service delivery.
In the Heavy-Duty Truck of the Year category, JAC, FAW, and Howo Sinotruk are set for a fierce contest.
The Assembly Plant of the Year for cars sees local players Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, GAC Motors, and Mikano Motors competing for the top spot.
Similarly, Lanre Shittu Motors (LSM), Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Ltd, and Perfection Motors are vying for supremacy in the Truck Plant of the Year category.
Chisco Transport, GUO Transport Company and Okeyson Transport have been shortlisted for the transport company of the year award.
The Mini-Bus Assembly Plant of the Year includes nominees such as Jet Systems, Innoson, and Nord, while the Product Launch of the Year features entries like the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Toyota Rumion, Toyota Belta, and the Suzuki Vitara.
Luxury enthusiasts will see Mercedes Benz S-Class as a strong contender for Luxury Brand of the Year, while Mercedes Benz GLE, BMW X7, and Range Rover Autobiography are competing in the Luxury SUV of the Year category.
In the Compact SUV of the Year, nominees include the Kia Sonett, Changan CS35, and Hyundai Venue, while the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Chery Tiggo Pro 2, and Nord A9 are vying for the Outstanding Entrant of the Year.
Theodore Opara, Chairman of the awards committee, explains the growing significance of these awards, saying, “Winning a NAJA Award is not just about prestige; it’s about solidifying a brand’s position in an increasingly competitive and challenging market.”
According to Mike Ochonma, NAJA Chairman, “Brands that were previously not dominant in the market are now making bold moves through customer engagement and leveraging digital platforms to enhance the purchasing experience.”
Auto
CFAO Mobility Open Day to offer special deals on new vehicles, parts, diagnostics
CFAO Mobility Open Day to offer special deals on new vehicles, parts, diagnostics

CFAO Mobility has announced plans to host the 2026 edition of its flagship CFAO Mobility Open Day, aimed at showcasing a wide range of innovative mobility solutions.
In a statement, the company said the event would take place on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, from 9am to 6pm.
The Open Day is expected to bring together leading global automotive and equipment brands in a dynamic exhibition tailored to meet diverse mobility needs.
Participating brands are Toyota, BYD, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Fuso, JCB, Howo, Sino Equipment, King Long, TechKing Tyres, Yamaha, Winpart and Auto Fast.
According to CFAO Mobility, attendees will experience an extensive display of products and services, ranging from brand-new vehicles and motorcycles to outboard engines, fleet management solutions, spare parts and aftermarket services.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will also feature test drives, professional vehicle diagnostics and exclusive spare-parts deals, offering participants a hands-on and engaging experience.
The company urged car enthusiasts, business owners and prospective buyers to take advantage of the Open Day to explore mobility solutions tailored to their personal and business needs.
With over 120 years of presence in Nigeria, CFAO Mobility remains a key player in the mobility and healthcare sectors.
It added that the Open Day reflects its continued commitment to delivering innovative, customer-focused mobility solutions.
Auto
Jetour set to ignite Lagos with four-day automotive experience
Jetour set to ignite Lagos with four-day automotive experience
Lovers of sophisticated and elegant SUVs in Lagos are about to witness a combination of automotive engineering and urban lifestyle as Jetour Nigeria announces the hosting of a flagship event, “The Jetour Experience,” a four-day immersive festival designed to redefine how Nigerians interact with the road.
From April 16 to 19, 2026, The Podium in Lekki, Lagos, will be transformed into a high-energy hub where sleek design meets high-octane entertainment. This is not just a standard car show; it’s a curated lifestyle destination, says the organisers in a statement.
The four-day event is said to promise a fusion of horsepower, high fashion, and plenty of fun.
Tagged “The Jetour Experience,” the four-day extravaganza is not just about gleaming chrome and leather seats; it is a high-octane celebration aimed at blurring the lines between mobility and entertainment.
Specifically, it stated that the exhibition would feature test drives, virtual reality gaming, fitness sessions, and interactive activities with branded giveaways.
The statement added that the arena would buzz with entertainment, including contests and interactive games, giving guests the chance to win exclusive branded gifts and prizes.
In a massive show of force, Jetour says it is partnering with its seven prestigious accredited dealers—Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era Autovehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, R.T. Briscoe, Tab Autos Limited, Mandilas Motors, and Germaine Auto Centre —to bring their full fleet to the public.
Whether you are an eco-conscious commuter or an off-road adventurer, the lineup has something for everyone, according to a statement by the Jetour Nigeria.
The Urban Explorers: X50 and X70
The Sophisticates: X70 Plus and X90 Plus
The Eco-Warriors: X70 PHEV and T2 PHEV (Plug-in Hybrids)
The Icons: The rugged T2 and the razor-sharp Dashing
Jetour is blurring the lines between mobility and entertainment. Running daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, the event promises a packed itinerary designed to keep the adrenaline pumping.
Visitors will also push limits during test drives, explore virtual reality (VR) gaming such as foosball, and take part in curated fitness sessions.
In a creative masterstroke, the grand finale will feature a car runway fashion show. Attendees can expect a visual feast where automotive engineering meets sartorial elegance, reinforcing the idea that a Jetour is not just a vehicle but a fashion statement.
The firm stated, “Beyond the glitz, the event maintains a strong focus on safety. A dedicated panel discussion featuring stakeholders and officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) will explore road safety, tech-driven security, and the future of motoring in Nigeria.
“With its blend of adrenaline, artistry, and advocacy, Jetour Nigeria isn’t just hosting an event; it is creating a destination.”
Auto
Soaring Fuel Prices Drive Nigerians Toward Electric Vehicles
Soaring Fuel Prices Drive Nigerians Toward Electric Vehicles
Rising fuel prices in Nigeria are accelerating interest in electric vehicles (EVs) as households, transport operators, and businesses seek cost-effective alternatives to petrol- and diesel-powered cars. Experts say the spike in petrol costs is no longer just an economic concern but a turning point, pushing electric mobility from a futuristic idea into a practical solution for everyday commuting and commercial use.
At the Abuja Compact on Electric Mobility Roundtable, stakeholders highlighted how increasing transport expenses are reshaping decisions, especially among commercial drivers and small business owners. Rising fuel costs are prompting many Nigerians to see EVs as a survival strategy rather than a luxury option.
Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV), Ismaeel Ahmed, explained that the removal of fuel subsidies has widened the cost gap between petrol-powered vehicles and EVs. Charging an EV for a 200-kilometre journey costs around ₦4,500, compared to roughly ₦22,500 for petrol vehicles — a difference that offers a “strong economic incentive” influencing consumer choices. Ahmed added that the federal government is pursuing a balanced transition strategy supporting both compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles to encourage sustainable energy alternatives.
Financial solutions are helping Nigerians overcome the high upfront costs of EVs. Mohammed Abdul, Divisional Head at Alternative Bank, noted that lease-to-own, pay-as-you-go, and partnership schemes are making EVs accessible to drivers in the informal transport sector. These financing models allow gradual adoption while easing financial burdens.
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Industry leaders also see wider economic benefits from EV adoption. Yusuf Suleiman, CEO of Bankrol Camel EV and Blue Camel Energy Ltd, said EV investments could improve energy access, boost industrial growth, and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported fossil fuels. Ahmed Garba Ahmed, COO of Bankrol Camel EV, added that EVs can cut energy costs per kilometre by up to 60%, benefiting ride-hailing drivers, logistics companies, and fleet operators.
Dapo Adesina, President of the Electric Mobility Promoters Association of Nigeria (EMPAN), explained that EV adoption can strengthen Nigeria’s power sector. Solar-powered charging hubs can simultaneously power vehicles and supply electricity to nearby communities, particularly in underserved areas. Private sector initiatives are also supporting Nigeria’s EV transition. Companies like SolarCity Gas are deploying superfast EV charging stations across key urban hubs and petrol stations, expanding the country’s charging infrastructure to meet growing demand.
Despite growing adoption, electric mobility in Nigeria faces challenges such as limited electricity infrastructure and inconsistent power supply. Analysts warn that significant investments in charging networks and supportive policies are necessary for sustainable EV growth. Nevertheless, with fuel prices remaining high, EVs are increasingly viewed as economically smart and environmentally friendly alternatives, offering Nigerians a viable solution to rising transport costs.
Soaring Fuel Prices Drive Nigerians Toward Electric Vehicles
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