Suzuki S-Presso, Geely Coolray, GAC GS4 in race for Nigeria’s car of the year

Three automakers, Suzuki, Geely and GAC, are in contest for Nigeria’s car of the year as their products have been shortlisted for this.

The Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) has announced Suzuki S-Presso, Geely Coolray and GAC GS4 as finalists for the 2022 Nigeria’s car-of-the-year battle.

The winner will be named at an event holding on January 25, 2023 in Lagos (Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island) along with other auto products and personalities found to be outstanding in the 2022 business year in Nigeria.

According to the latest statement by Nigeria Auto Journalists Association, organisers of the annual NAJA Auto Awards, the event celebrates auto brands across the industry in Nigeria.

The group also announced finalists in a number of other categories.

It stated that in the truck category, the battle is involves Sino truck Dangote, Shacman – TSS and JAC from Lanre Shittu.

Part of the statement read, “Innoson, Mikano and GAC will slug it out for the Assembly Plant-of-the-Year category.

“In the luxury car segment, Porsche, Mercedes and BMW models are the front runners.

“Elizade Autoland (JAC), Stallion Hyundai and CFAO will battle for the outstanding auto workshop honour.

“In the SUV category (compact), Kia Selto, Geely Coolray and GAC GS4 have been nominated.

“For Large SUV, Toyota Land Cruiser will lock horns with GAC GS8, BMW X7 and Range Rover (Autobiography).

“Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi L200 and Ford Ranger will battle for the Pickup-Truck-of–the-Year award.

“Lanre Shittu (JAC truck), TSS (Shacman) and Dangote Sinotruck will also battle again for the truck plant of the year award.”

Chairman of the 2022 Award Committee, Rasheed Bisiriyu, said all vehicles nominated in the various categories represented exceptional value and designs.

“We are using our respected, trusted platform to recognise and acknowledge best-performing brands in different segments and categories across the entire auto value chain,” he said.

According to him, the award event, which has now become a major industry show, celebrates and rewards automotive excellence.

He also revealed that Founder/CEO of ABC Transport, Frank Nneji, and Deputy Managing Director of CFAO Motors, Mr. Kunle Jaiyesimi would be honoured with the Auto Personality of the year in recognition of their immense contributions to the development of Nigeria’s auto industry.

Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Mr. Aliyu Jelani, would also be honoured as Promoter of Local Content in auto assembling in Nigeria, NAJA said.

Late Chairman of Globe Motors, William Anumudu, and Charity Maduka, the late wife of Coscharis Group president, Cosmas Maduka, have been pencilled down for posthumous awards at the event.

In his own comment, Chairman of NAJA, Mike Ochonma, said the auto journalist body has always believed in bringing together all the stakeholders in the automotive sector to build a stronger community and strengthen consumers’ confidence and trust in the industry and their brands.

“I would like to congratulate all the nominees for the 2022 edition and look forward to their presence at the grand ceremony holding in Lagos on January 25,” he added.