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UNILAG to mass-produce solar-powered vehicles, gets FG’s second charging station
Nigeria is on the verge of mass-producing solar-powered vehicles through the University of Lagos, following the inauguration on Tuesday of the Federal Government’s second solar-powered vehicle charging station on the campus.
Minister of Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Director General of the National Automobile Design and Development Council, Jelani Aliyu, and UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Prof Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, gave the hint on Tuesday at the unveiling of the charging station built by NADDC with deep cycle batteries of up to 95Kwh storage capacity.
It was the second solar-powered vehicle charging station to be constructed in the country by the NADDC. The first was launched about three months ago at the Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto.
The minister, who unveiled the charging station along with the NADDC electric vehicle pilot programme at UNILAG, said, “very soon we will launch and mass-produce renewable energy-powered vehicles of which innovative Nigerian youth are an integral part of their conceptualisation, design and development.”
He expressed delight at being part of the historic event that would launch the nation into the world of advanced automobile technology, knowledge transfer and continues youth empowerment.
He said, “This programme is another of the Federal Government’s initiatives (under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR), designed to promote advanced technology transfer and the development of sophisticated human capital.
“For my ministry (the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment), programmes such as this are the lifeblood of everything we are trying to achieve. It is, after all, a proven fact among advanced nations, that the key to successful industrialization is strategic human capital and capacity development in state-of-the-art technologies.
“So, what does this mean for you? It means giving you the tools to build a future that is uniquely yours; to inspire in you the light of innovation and creativity that will enable you to write a new chapter.”
He added, “This charging station has been developed by the NADDC in its efforts to promote applicable local solutions for vehicle electrification in Nigeria. It will offer students firsthand experience with the latest innovations in mobility and renewable power technology. It is strategized to be an effective platform for focused Research and Development into even more applicable vehicle electrification solutions for Nigeria and Africa.”
The minister pledged the continued support of the FG through his ministry for the project to ensure its success and sustainability.
“The Federal Government, through its agencies such as the National Automotive Design & Development Council, will continue to support you, your dreams and ambitions for the good and prosperity of this great nation.”
Also speaking on the issue, the NADDC DG, Aliyu, said the solar-powered EV charging station would provide UNILAG an effective platform for advanced innovation in the EVs and related renewable energy solutions.
He also spoke on how to ensure sustainability and quality of the extensive project expected to be undertaken at the university.
“The monitoring and evaluation team shall consist of experts from NADDC, University, Hyundai and relevant stakeholders,”Aliyu said.
According to him, the development of the solar-powered EV charging stations has included Nigeria among “the league of nations actively committed to the protection of the environment through zero emissions vehicles.”
He noted, “The world is in a race on the backs of eagles, and Nigeria cannot afford to be in that race on the backs of anything less, neither a falcon nor a hawk, but on the backs of eagles.”
He described the push towards greener energy as important, stressing, “the world can no longer afford to continue polluting the environment through the use of fossil fuel and its attendant emission of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and methane.”
Aliyu also said, “This EV charging station to be commissioned today is 100 per cent solar-powered. The installation consists of 60 PV monocrystalline solar arrays (panels), which have a capacity of 86.4 kilowatts per hour, there are three online-offline 5KVA Hybrid inverters synchronized together to give 15KVA/48 watts, and we have 36 units of deep cycle gel batteries with an output of 48 volts/19 and 0.
“The power bank consists of 36 units of dry cell, deep cycle batteries of up to 95Kwh storage capacity. The system provides ordinary 13A and 15A sockets that can support all types normal chargers. The station also provides a 7.4kw CCS fast charger and can support up to 11kw types.
He attributed the success of the project thus far to the support received from the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, promoting the adoption, development, manufacturing and usage of advanced technology in the Nigerian automotive sector.
He recalled that “early this year, on the 5th of February, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment unveiled the first Nigerian assembled Electric Vehicle, the Hyundai Kona EV, and today he is commissioning the NADDC.
The UNILAG VC agreed that locating the facility at the university would facilitate further research on the concept of electric and solar-powered vehicles as well as greener energy sources.
Ogundipe, who lamented that the varsity paid over N1bn as electricity bill between January 2020 and May this year, said it was deliberate that the solar-powered station was sited near the Energy Centre to complement each other in the area of alternative energy sources.
He said the university authorities had accepted the project with “both hands” and promised to make maximum use of it.
The event was attended by dignitaries such as the board chairman of the NADDC, Senator Osita Izunaso, board members and directors of NADDC, Senate members of the university, and managing directors of Stallion group and Briscoe Motors Plc, Anant Badjatya and Seyi Onajide, respectively.
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Carloha hits N’Assembly with Chery’s flagship SUV, others as Abuja Motor Fair begins Monday
Carloha hits N’Assembly with Chery’s flagship SUV, others as Abuja Motor Fair begins Monday
Carloha Nigeria has concluded all arrangements to storm the 2024 Abuja Motor Fair holding at the National Assembly Complex with the best of Chery vehicles, the brand’s cutting-edge technologies and eco-friendly innovations.
This year’s event is scheduled to take place from November 25 to 29, 2024.
The authorised dealer and assembler of Chery vehicles in Nigeria says it is excited to participate as the exhibition will provide it a remarkable platform to highlight Chery’s cutting-edge vehicles, including the premium Tiggo 8 Pro, the versatile Tiggo 4 Pro, the compact Tiggo 2 Pro, and the eco-friendly Arrizo 5.
It notes that as a brand committed to redefining mobility and enriching lifestyles, Chery’s presence at the fair will underscore its unwavering dedication to providing Nigerian consumers with vehicles that combine style, performance and advanced technology.
It promises visitors to the Chery stand an immersive experience as they explore the features and innovations embedded in each model.
Leading the line up of vehicles from the brand is the Tiggo 8 Pro, Chery’s flagship SUV, said to epitomise luxury and performance.
Designed with modern families in mind, the Tiggo 8 Pro boasts a spacious interior, intelligent connectivity, and advanced safety features.
It is found ideal for discerning customers seeking comfort, sophistication, and reliability.
The Tiggo 4 Pro is tailored for urban adventurers, combining a sleek design with robust performance.
This dynamic SUV offers the perfect blend of style, technology, and versatility, making it a favorite among young professionals and growing families.
The Tiggo 2 Pro stands out with its vibrant design, agile handling, and impressive fuel efficiency for those seeking a stylish yet compact option.
It is the ultimate choice for individuals looking to easily navigate cityscapes while making a bold statement.
Adding to the lineup is the Arrizo 5, a sedan that represents Chery’s innovative approach to green energy. Equipped with a dual-fuel (petrol and CNG) system, the Arrizo 5 caters to environmentally conscious consumers, providing both sustainability and cost efficiency without compromising performance.
Apart from the vehicles on display, Carloha says the Abuja Motor Fair will also serve as an opportunity for the firm to showcase Chery’s cutting-edge technologies, including intelligent driving systems, advanced safety features, and eco-friendly innovations. It adds that engaging demonstrations and one-on-one consultations will be available to visitors, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of what makes Chery a leader in the automotive industry.
“Participating in the Abuja Motor Fair underscores our commitment to delivering premium vehicles that meet the evolving needs of our customers in Nigeria,” said Mathew Enuoma Aje, Marketing Manager at Carloha Nigeria. “We are thrilled to present Chery’s diverse line-up, each designed to enhance driving experiences and offer unmatched value,” he adds.
The Carloha’s Sales Director, Mr. Joseph Omokhapue, is also quoted as affirming the company’s commitment to making Chery ownership easy, accessible, and affordable.
He highlighted Carloha’s exclusive offers, including a 6-year free service plan, a 6-year/200,000 km warranty, and flexible auto financing options.
“These benefits reflect Carloha’s unwavering commitment to our customers.
“With competitive pricing and 24/7 nationwide parts and service support, we ensure our customers enjoy their Chery vehicles with absolute peace of mind.”
He urged all Chery enthusiasts and potential buyers to visit the Chery booth to explore the range of vehicles on display, participate in interactive activities, and take advantage of exclusive offers during the fair.
Auto
Excitement as Geely relaunches in Nigeria, names Coscharis Motors new partner
Excitement as Geely relaunches in Nigeria, names Coscharis Motors new partner
- Reps, NADDC teams visit Lagos assembly plant
- Coscharis set to roll out new models
For lovers of sleek Geely vehicles, it is exciting time again as Geely Auto International Corporation has officially announced Coscharis Motors as its new partner in Nigeria.
Coscharis Motors, which has thus become the exclusive franchise representative of the Geely brand in Nigeria, says it is ready to roll out the latest Geely models into the Nigerian market very soon as well as grant opportunity for owners of old Geely cars to trade them in for brand new models.
Speaking on behalf of Geely in Lagos, Head of Geely Auto International Middle East/Africa Business Unit, Scofield Wu, said, “We have carefully re-selected our representative in Nigeria, because we are looking for a partner with strong pedigree in the automotive sector in Nigeria that can deliver our brand promise, this we got in Coscharis Motors.
“Coscharis Motors shares our belief that the Geely models are the perfect fits to mitigate customers’ budget constraint especially those who require automobiles that are durable, reliable, technologically driven and have best aftersales offerings.
“This shared passion, along with their excellent reputation in the automotive industry, makes it the perfect partnership for Geely Auto International in Nigeria.”
Commenting on this partnership, the President/CEO of Coscharis Group, Dr. Cosmas Maduka, said, “We are excited to celebrate the confidence that Geely Auto International has reposed in us to represent them in Nigeria. Geely Auto is in sync with Coscharis Motors towards ensuring our corporate brand promise to continue to create value for all our stakeholders.
“This milestone marks another step in the evolution of the company towards remaining timeless in its relevance.
“We are committed to broadening our dealership’s scope to the public, and believe the Geely Auto brand provides a capable, refined and reliable vehicle option to our customers, especially in this economically challenging times.”
He also said, “With our pedigree and experience of the Nigerian market, it is clear to us that the Geely Auto brand is what is needed today to bridge the gap between luxury and budget auto brands available in market.
“The models, especially the All New Starry and GX3 Pro are game-changers in their respective segments. These vehicles have what it takes to meet customers’ expectations satisfactorily, especially government and companies who are looking at their middle management team and fleet vis-à-vis their bottom-line.
“At Coscharis Motors, we are excited to re-launch the new Geely Coolray and Emgrand in addition to bringing the very newest models to Nigeria. We look forward to those existing and new customers because these models are definitely going to stir things up.”
The official announcement of Coscharis franchise came with the visit of members of the House of Representatives Committee on Industry who, as part of their oversight functions, had a facility tour of the Coscharis Assembly Plant located at the group head office in Lagos where the new Geely variants are being assembled.
Chairman of the Committee who led the delegation, Rt. Dr Enitan Badru, said, “Our visit to Coscharis Assembly Plant is to have an on-the-spot assessment of the plant for us to be able to know in specific terms where they need our interventions in terms of enacting relevant laws to protect such investment.
“This surely will help us legislate on every support required to encourage such local organisations to further invest in our Country towards achieving the best intentions of the government of the day.”
Similarly, the Director-General of National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) Joseph Osanipin, who was represented by the Director, Research and Development, Fidelis Achiv, who equally led his team to visit the Coscharis Assembly Plant, commended Coscharis on the assembly plant that has rolled out different brands and now delivering the Geely brand.
The agency promised to give all the necessary support to succeed in delivering the expected value for the country.
Group Managing Director of Coscharis Group, Mr. Josiah Samuel, who conducted the guests around the state-of-the-art assembly plant and the other facilities in the organization, declared that the plant could be compared to any global similar plant in the world.
He said, “With what you’ve seen here today, Coscharis has simply shown that if given the required support with the right conducive business environment, indigenous organizations like ours that have what it takes to compete in the global space will deliver world-standard vehicles going by our pedigree with globally respected automobile brands we represent in Nigeria.
“Coupled with the new Geely brand added to our robust portfolio, we believe our locally assembled Geely vehicles will do well in the Nigeria market.
“As an entity that believes in our country, Nigeria, we shall continue to do all in our space to sustain this local assembling of more brands from this plant as it also has the economic implications of creating more job opportunities both for skilled and unskilled labour that will definitely boost the country’s economy.”
The GMD of Coscharis said aside from delivering one of the unique selling propositions of buying a brand new Geely with a six-year warranty which is rare in the automotive sector, Coscharis Motors is set to embrace all the existing customers concerning their aftersales needs while offering them trade-in options, in order to facilitate easy ownership of the new or latest models.
According to Coscharis, in a statement by its Abiona Babarinde, Group General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, now that the agreement with Geely Auto International has been sealed and delivered, it “will focus on readying its dedicated Geely Auto showroom across Nigeria with the first bases in Victoria Island, Lagos and Central Business District, Abuja, while the service workshop is set at Ikeja, Lagos.
“The interesting news for our customers is that these vehicles are now available with us to delight the Nigerian market,” the statement added.
Auto
Soludo: Kojo assembly plant will make Anambra auto manufacturing hub
Soludo: Kojo assembly plant will make Anambra auto manufacturing hub
Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed optimism that the new Kojo automotive assembly plant at Umunya along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway will not only boost the economy of the state but also reposition it as an automotive manufacturing hub.
The assembly plant nearing completion is expected to roll out its first set of vehicles under the Soludo administration soon.
The governor spoke at the just concluded Anambra State Investment Summit (ANINVEST 2.0) with Kojo Motors as one of the official partners and sponsors.
This year’s ANINVEST held under the theme “Changing Gears: Accelerating Anambra’s Economic Transformation”
was organised by the state government as a pivotal event in advancing the collective vision for rapid development of the state’s economy.
Speaking on the sidelines of the summit, Managing Director of OMAA, Chinedu Oguegbu, reiterated the plan of the company to invite Governor Soludo to commission the plant and drive the first locally assembled vehicle out of the Kojo Assembly Plant by the first quarter of 2025.
He said, “His Excellency is very passionate about the Kojo Motors auto assembly plant. He is very eager to see its completion and commencement of assembly of vehicles come to reality.
“I can assure him and the state government that we are doing everything possible to ensure we meet with the governor’s wishes and aspirations.”
The event brought together stakeholders from the various sectors of the local and global economy including industry leaders, development partners, financial institutions and other relevant participants, all united in a commitment to accelerating the economic transformation of Anambra State.
Anambra, according to the state governor, is fast becoming a renewed investors’ destination for different types of money bags rushing to the state to capitalise on the pledged ease of doing business to set up businesses.
“This time around, one of such massive investments is being undertaken by John Ikenna Oguegbu, an indigene of the state and chairman, founder and CEO, Kojo Motors Limited,” Chinedu Oguegbu said.
Last year September, Governor Soludo performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kojo Motors auto assembly plant for the local assembly of the OMAA range of gas-powered mini passenger and commercial buses as well as Chinese range of Yutong passenger and commercial buses.
While congratulating John Ikenna Oguegbu, chairman and chief executive of Kojo Motors Limited for bringing his wealth to his home state to invest. Governor Soludo also commended the Yutong buses manufacturers from China for the smart move of coming to Anambra State to set up the auto assembly plant in collaboration with the local franchisee.
The governor stated that the decision to allow prospective investors to come and invest in the state was not out of philanthropy or charity, but rather a business decision model that would take Anambra State to the world and bring the outside world to the state.
Governor Soludo pledged the state government’s commitment and patronage of the vehicles rolling out of the Yutong Assembly plant.
He declared that the state government under his administration was on course for massive industrial development, employment generation and prosperity for all its citizens.
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