The automotive industry plays a pivotal role in the economic activities of any given nation and it’s currently one of the world’s most important economic sectors. Companies and organizations whose activities include design, development, manufacturing, marketing, and selling of motor vehicles, make up the automotive industry. Most industrialized countries possess the ability to manufacture cars using indigenous technology using the available resources within their disposal. This capacity enabled them create jobs, which help to improve the life of the masses, thereby driving the economy forward.
Nigeria is not left out in the global pursuit of economic relevance and industrialization. Over the years, Nigeria has encouraged the setting up of local car manufacturing and assembly plants through the enactment of favorable laws and tax policies that enable industries thrive. One of such policies includes the new automotive policy introduced in October 2013, which was created to discourage the importation of wholly assembled automobile. No doubt, car manufacturing companies have taken advantage of government policies to roll-out locally built or assembled cars and some of these companies include:
1. IVM 6490 A
Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company is the first wholly indigenous car manufacturing company in Nigeria. The company unveiled, what it called, the first truly made-In-Nigeria car in the last quarter of 2014, most Nigerians may be wondering if IVM Company is the first indigenous car manufacturing company in Nigeria, and the reason isn’t farfetched. The ones they previously had knowledge about aren’t car manufacturing companies; they are basically car assembly companies that are controlled by multinational companies.
The IVM 6490 A is an SUV that packs state-of-art facilities and design. At a first glance you’d wondering if this SUV was actually produced by Nigerians in Nigeria, and it just shows how much Nigeria has evolved in the field of science and technology.
Maintenance Parameters
· Seat Number – 5 to 7
· Wheel Base – 3025
· Engine Model – JM491Q – ME
· Fuel – Gasoline
· Max Power (km/rpm) – 76/4200 ῀ 4600
· Max Torque (NU/rpm)
· Tank (70 ltrs)
Price Range: N1.4million to N3.5million
2. Kia Rio, Optima
KIA motors Nigeria has joined the bandwagon of car manufacturers in Nigeria with the launch of its Made-In-Nigeria vehicles at the auto fare show held in October 2014, at the Eagle’s square, Abuja. The KIA Rio Optima and Kia Rio Cerato were unveiled during the event, which is a testament to the present government’s commitment on improving the lives of the populace as well as transforming Nigeria into a fully developed economy. The KIA Optima’s offers a sleek, ultra modern design with its more dynamic sculpted Back end and an aggressive front fascia.
Important Specs
· Chrome front Grill
· Sculpted Front and Rear Valence
· Solar Control Glass
· Bluetooth Wireless Technology
· Horse Power: 192 horsepower @6300 rpm
· Fuel Tank Capacity – 70.03 ltrs
· Dual front Advanced Airbags
· Dual Front seat Side mounted Airbags
Price Range: N1.98million to N2.1million
3. Hyundai Grand i10
Stallion motors recently unveiled the Hyundai Grand i10 to Nigerians, and it must be noted that the Hyundai Grand i10 were made in Nigeria. This family Sedan is elegantly designed and it comes in two variants with a 4-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual transmission powered by Dual VTVT and 1.25 Kappa engine respectively.
Features and Specification
· Blue interior illumination
· Front and rear power windows
· Keyless entry
· Chrome package
· 1.1 Litre iRDE2 engine
· Manual transmission
Price Range – N1.5million to N1.9million
4. Peugeot 301
The launch of the Peugeot 301 Made-in-Nigeria has consolidated Nigeria’s position as one of the most industrialized economies in Africa. The federal government has put in place measures that will encourage the continuous development of the automotive sector of the economy. The launch took place at the Peugeot assembly plant at Kaduna, Nigeria. The Peugeot 301 is a small Sedan that optimizes the essentials of a family car – Space, Safety and Storage.
Features and Specifications
· Seats – 5
· Horse Power—115
· Fuel Tank – 50ltr
· Number of Cylinders – 4
· Torque – 150/4000
· ABS—Present
· Dual front Airbags
Average Price: N3million – N 3.5million
5. Nissan Almera
Nissan benefited from the federal government automotive policies, one of which is the maintenance of a viable environment for car manufacturers to thrive. Nissan said it would launch its first made in Nigeria car in April this year. The new Nissan Almera sedan comes with an ultra modern exterior styling and design that sets it apart from other cars in its class. The Nissan Almera will be fully launched into the Nigerian market by April 2015.
Features and Specifications
· 1.2 ltr petrol engine
· Dual SRS Airbags
· Four-speed automatic transmission
· Back Sensor
· ABS, EBD and BA
· Bluethooth Dialup connectivity
· Intelligent key, immobilizer and panic alarm
Average Price – N2million – N3.5million
Although most of these vehicles were made in Nigeria, many of them were basically assembled in auto plants in Nigeria, with the exception of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company. The surge of multinational and indigenous car manufacturers in recent times lends credence to the effectiveness of the recently updated automotive policy. This will result in the creation of jobs for the youths as well as serve a source of foreign exchange.
Information Source: Nigerian Bulletin – http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/threads/5-exotic-made-in-nigeria-cars-you-should-consider-buying.109279/
