UNILAG to mass-produce solar-powered vehicles, gets FG’s second charging station - Newstrends
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UNILAG to mass-produce solar-powered vehicles, gets FG’s second charging station

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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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Jetour Nigeria consolidates as sole authorised distributor, gets global market award

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Jetour Nigeria consolidates as sole authorised distributor, gets global market award

Jetour Nigeria has consolidated its position as the exclusive representative of the Jetour brand in the country following its 2022 appointment by Jetour International.

The company said the move to clarify its exclusive status came after its successful hosting of the “Jetour Experience” in Lagos, where it unveiled its nationwide dealership structure and addressed lingering market ambiguity over distribution rights.

Since securing the mandate in 2022, Jetour Nigeria has led the importation, distribution, and provision of manufacturer-backed after-sales services for the brand’s full vehicle range in the country.

Its growing influence recently earned global recognition at the 2026 Jetour Global Conference, where the firm received the “Market Share Leadership Award 2025,” underscoring its dominance in the African market.

To strengthen nationwide service delivery, the company operates through a network of seven authorised dealers — Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era Autovehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, R.T. Briscoe Plc, TAB Autos Limited, and Mandilas Motors.

These partners, according to the company, are the only entities authorised to sell and service Jetour vehicles in Nigeria.

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At the four-day exhibition held at the Podium Events Centre, the dealers provided product information and customer engagement services, reinforcing what the company described as a unified and regulated distribution ecosystem.

“The ‘Jetour Experience’ was more than a celebration; it was a statement of clarity,” noted a representative of Jetour Nigeria. “By bringing our seven authorized dealers together under one roof, we have shown the public exactly where the Jetour brand lives.

“Since our 2022 appointment, we have invested heavily in a structure that guarantees customers genuine parts, expert technicians, and valid warranties—benefits, only available through our official channels.”

The company also received a boost from the visit of Anguo Yuan, Vice President of Jetour International, who commended the Nigerian team for its rapid expansion and infrastructure investment.

Industry recognition has followed the brand’s growth, with awards including the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association’s New Entrant of the Year, Fastest Growing Auto Brand, and Car of the Year for the Jetour Dashing.

Jetour Nigeria said its current lineup — including the rugged T2, plug-in hybrid models, and the flagship G700 — reflects its commitment to innovation and market leadership.

It advised customers to engage only its authorised dealer network to guarantee access to genuine parts, certified service, and full manufacturer warranty coverage.

 

Jetour Nigeria consolidates as sole authorised distributor, gets global market award

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Soueast Enters Nigeria with Robust SUV Portfolio, Sets Sights on Q3 Local Assembly

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Soueast Enters Nigeria with Robust SUV Portfolio, Sets Sights on Q3 Local Assembly

Nigeria’s automotive landscape witnessed a significant shift on Wednesday as Soueast formally entered the Nigerian market, courtesy of the Kewalram Chanrai Group. The entry was marked by a media launch followed by a test drive of its full range of SUVs along the scenic Coastal Highway in Lagos, signalling a fresh wave of competition in the fast-evolving mobility space.

The high-profile event brought together dealerships, media, and auto enthusiasts, offering first-hand experience of the brand’s capabilities in real driving conditions.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Operating Officer, Mobility Division of Kewalram Chanrai Group, Mr. Anil Sahgal, described the move as a strategic response to changing consumer expectations in Nigeria.

“For over 165 years, Kewalram Chanrai Group’s reputation has been built on trust delivered through consistency,” he said. “Our decision to bring Soueast into Nigeria is deliberate. Today’s Nigerian customer is more informed and focused on long-term value. There is a growing demand for vehicles that combine modern design, safety, technology, durability, and affordability — and Soueast fits precisely into this space.”

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The COO emphasized that the company is not merely introducing a new brand but backing it with robust infrastructure, including a structured dealership network, strong after-sales systems, skilled technical teams, and a long-term investment approach.

He noted that the SUVs unveiled had been engineered with Nigerian realities in mind, addressing road conditions, fuel efficiency concerns, durability needs, and total cost of ownership.

“This is not just a product launch; it is the beginning of a long-term commitment to a market that demands resilience, value, and consistency,” he added. “Our vehicles are built on three pillars — product integrity, adaptability, and value sustainability.”

Sahgal also disclosed plans to commence local assembly of the vehicles by the third quarter of 2026, underscoring the group’s long-term commitment to the Nigerian market.

The highlight of the event was the test drive session along the Coastal Road, where participants assessed the performance, comfort, and handling of the Soueast range under real traffic and road conditions — a move widely seen as a confidence-building step by the company.

Soueast Enters Nigeria with Robust SUV Portfolio, Sets Sights on Q3 Local Assembly

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CFAO Mobility Open Day to offer special deals on new vehicles, parts, diagnostics

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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.

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