” The automobile industry is an engine of growth and stimulus to other economic activities like creation of employment opportunities; growth of other satellite industries; enhancement of technology; as well as transfer of skills acquisition”–
The words of an erstwhile Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment of the federal republic of Nigeria while canvassing the need for the country to step things up in the area of local automobile manufacturing. Placing this side by side the vision of the National Automotive Design and Development Council of Nigeria, which bothers on the transformation of Nigeria into a modern industrialised nation through the design and implementation of policies, programmes and strategies for an effective, competitive and diversified private sector, the latest trends in the automotive industry in Nigeria would seem to be in order.
A momentary journey down the annals of our national history would reveal that Automobile in the country can be traced to periods before independence in 1960. Although, not so much activity was recorded in this arena until the oil boom of the 1970s which then saw the Nigerian Government, in a string of strategic partnerships with certain high-riding western nations, establish six Automobile assembly plants across different regions of the country. These plants included Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Limited (PAN) Kaduna in 1975, Volkswagen of Nigeria Limited (VWON) Lagos 1978, Anambra Motor Manufacturing Limited (ANAMMCO) Emene – Enugu (1980); Steyr Nigeria Limited Bauchi, National Truck manufacturers (NTM) Kano Fiat Production and LeyLand Nigeria Limited (LNL) Ibadan, This development catalyzed the country’s economic growth, in no small measures.
The plants, which, as must be stated, were not into outright manufacturing of vehicles, thrived for a couple of decades, and more, until periods around the year 2000, when they began to experience a decline in the production. As of today, most are no longer in usual operation, owing to certain economic factors. Which is why vast a number of those remaining ( up to 75% ) deal only in car sales, the compounding effects of what has seen about 80% of Automobile used in the country today being fairly used cars popularly known as Tokunbo.
The years that followed 2000 saw a series of repositioning and realignment, aimed at returning the country to the days when manufacturing was one of the mainstays of her economy. In effect, hope began to rise when, in February 2007, Innocent Chukwuma embarked on what was then seen as a herculean task, having chartered INNOSON Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited (IVM), to produce diverse commercial automobiles, utility vehicles and passenger cars, in conjunction with a consortium of Chinese auto manufacturers.
Just recently, the automotive industry scored a huge point when the government of Sierra Leone made a purchase of a fleet of cars from Nigeria’s Innoson Motors. The business deal which saw Sierra Leone’s Defence Minister, Hon Soloku lead other delegates from the country’s ministry of finance to the company’s headquarters in Nnewi, Anambra state, definitely heralded a novel era in this very important segment of the nation’s economy. Setting the tone for even more to come. Interestingly, Nigerians would not have to wait another decade for this ”more”, as there appears to be another kid on the block, Nord Automobiles
For quite a while, clamours have gone on for Nigeria, and Africa by extension, to be deliberate about making fit-for-purpose vehicles. Automotive brands that would factor the peculiarities of the African terrain into the core of their manufacturing objectives. Well, it might just be safe to say the wait is now over, as there is a new sheriff in town! An automotive brand, Nord Automobiles, with a vision to be Nigeria branded global automotive company that designs and assembles premium vehicles at a relatively competitive cost while offering easy access to full ownership.
In essence, this automotive manufacturer, with headquarters in Lagos, which was born out of the need for a remarkable made-in-Nigeria automobile brand, aims to design and align vehicles in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa to fit the local climate. On the back of this, they will offer affordable and durable vehicles, as well as ease of access to best-in-class after-sales quality service.
Nord Automobile was founded by Ajayi Joshua Oluwatobi, who is a widely creative and astute entrepreneur, having co-founded Jetvan Automobiles Limited, an authorized dealer of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Their mantra is to provide the Nigerian market with best-in-class automobile vehicles, their operations focus on delivering quality expertise in the value chain – which includes the design, sourcing, development, assembling, distribution, marketing, provision of sales and after-sales service of their unique Nigerian branded automobiles. And in what would seem like an interesting negation to the quote popularized by the author of the popular book, The Seven Habits, Steven R Covey, one of their core values of Integral collaboration says the sum of all the parts makes up the whole(Steven R Covey believes the whole is bigger than the sum of its parts). And as a brand, they are committed to the impact of their collaboration on the Nigerian market.
The GNB News believes if Nigeria Automotive industry is to witness an unprecedented change in fortune, the likes of Nord Automobile Nigeria, the present toast of the industry, must receive unflinching support from the government and every Nigerian at large.
Nord Vehicles Profile (All pictures and descriptions obtained from the Nord vehicle website)
Their fleet of Nigerian branded vehicles includes the Nord Max, Flit bus, Aso truck, Lasgi big bus, Q3 sedan, Q5 SUV, Nord Yarn, Ben SUV, Urban sedan and more.
Nord Flit
Strong, reliable and safe. Nord Flit is the best choice for a comfortable ride. Quality, reliability and durability ensure you get the best on the road and in your Garage. Nord Flit offers safety and dependability.
Model: Nord Flit
Manufacturer: Nord Automobile
Year: 2019-10-31
Horsepower: 174
NORD MAX
About Car
‘Power & Agility’
Strong and built to own the road. Armed with the confidence you need to take on any task. With its high-quality interior and space, it is guaranteed to run on the toughest terrain.
Model: Nord Max
Manufacturer: Nord Automobile
Year: 2019-10-31
Horsepower: 174
NORD A3
About Car
The best in its class
The Nord A3 offers the best in safety, style and technology to a midsize sedan.
The Nord A3 offers you an impressive interior and exterior with quality engines and transmission for safety, cost-effectiveness, comfort, class, elegance, and reliability.
Model: Nord A3
Manufacturer: Nord Automobile
Year: 2019-10-31
Horsepower: 174
NORD A5
About Car
Stylish and reliable. You can always trust the Q5 for its performance, safety and reliability. Carefully crafted with style, great interior and high-quality parts.
A5 provides you with the safety, comfort and driving experience no other car in its class offers.
Model: Nord A5
Manufacturer: Nord Automobile
Year: 2019-10-31
Horsepower: 174
NORD TANK
About Car
Powerful. Rugged. Strong. Magnificent.
The Nord Tank offers you the complete package, it is strong, powerful, tough for bad roads, all-wheel drive with significant higher ground clearance. It is a beautiful performer.
Model: Nord Tank
Manufacturer: Nord Automobile
Year: 2019-10-31
Horsepower: 174
NORD LASGI
Nord lasgi has been designed to meet your needs in intercity and long-distance trips. The high-quality materials and parts make the Lasgi a highly durable, safe and comfortable bus which provides a superior level of comfort, enjoyable drive and ride experience to the driver and passengers. The uses of the Lasgi are numerous and its versatility is legendary.
Model: Nord Lasgi
Manufacturer: Nord Automobile
Year: 2019-10-31
Horsepower: 174
