Nigeria’s auto journalists chairman named among 2022 Paris event jury

Chairman of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) and multiple award winner, Mike Ochonma, has been selected  among a group of international motoring journalists that will be voting at this year’s EQUIP AUTO global event in Paris, France, in October.

Ochonma, the publisher of Transportworld online as well as the motoring editor of Business A.M, one of Nigeria’s leading financial and business newspapers and would be joining his colleagues from the global specialist media, French regional titles and French general interest and business media in the global voting process, a statement said.

It stated, “EQUIP AUTO Paris, the reference trade event for innovation in automotive aftersales and services for connected mobility, will take place from October 18 to 22, 2022, at Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles, Paris. Like every other edition, this year’s event includes the organisation of the international grands prix for automotive innovation.

“A jury made up of French and international journalists will distinguish the most innovative products and services in each of seven categories.”

It listed the categories as bodywork and paintwork lubricants, vehicle care products, washing, roadside services original equipment and tyres parts, equipment and components for after-sales, garage tooling and equipment, digital solutions, IT, connectivity and mobility, sustainable development and circular economy.

According to the organisers, each judge can choose to vote in the category (or categories) in which they feel they have specific expertise. Voting would take place online on a special platform dedicated to the International Grands Prix for Automotive Innovation, it added.

The grand prix judges would be expected to vote online from August 30 to September 5 to shortlist innovations in the global automotive industry.

“On September 22, exhibitors will present their shortlisted innovations online, and this will be followed by an online voting by the judges from September 27 to October 5. While the official announcement of winners is slated for October 10, the awards ceremony at a Gala dinner will hold on October 19, 2002 in Paris, it said.