ROTIMI ASHER
Maxus Autos, in an exclusive partnership with Mikano International’s Motors Division, one of the fastest growing auto companies in Nigeria, has launched Maxus T60 pickup into the nation’s automotive market.
Held at the company’s Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island Showroom over the weekend, the event was immediately followed by a media test-drive at the shores of the prestigious Eko Atlantic City, a move the management hinted was aimed at giving the newsmen first hand sense of the truck’s strength and reliability.
Maxus Autos epitomizes the positive benefits of a British heritage, having been born in the United Kingdom in 1896 under ‘Leyland’ Marque with the production of commercial vehicles.
Subsequently, the company expanded its line-up to include passenger vehicles and wider array of commercial vehicles such as buses, delivery vans and others. Through mergers, the name eventually evolved to Leyland DafVans(LDV).
One of Europe’s most recognized and reliable brands for commercial vehicles, LDV-Maxus was acquired by China’s largest automaker, SAIC Motors in 2010. With global support from SAIC, the Maxus brand is a success story across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, Africa and many others.
Speaking during the launch, Mikano Motors’ General Manager, Ralph Haidar described Maxus Autos as a brand with great potential to become a market leader.
“With the launch,” he enthused, “Nigerians are set to enjoy a mid-size pickup with durability, reliability as well as Advanced Technology and an intelligent operating system all offered for their personal and business needs.”
According to Haidar, like the other brands under Mikano Motors, the Maxus T60 will be assembled locally at the company’s auto- assembly plant located at Karameh Industrial City, Ogun State.
‘’Interestingly,’’ Haidar said,‘’the Maxus T60 is the only Chinese pick- up vehicle permitted to be sold in European markets like Spain and Italy and also the first Chinese-manufactured utility pick-up truck to score 5 stars on the Australian ANCAP rating.’’
He extolled the tried and tested strength, durability and quality of the T60 and announced that they will be on sale for the yuletide season from 15.9million Naira, till DEC, 31ST 2022.
Also speaking, the Mikano Motors National Sales Manager, ChijiokeMbonu revealed that theT60 from Mikano Motors offers a 5-year/ 130,000km warranty- the highest for any pick-up brand in the Nigerian auto industry.
According to him, the exclusive warranty and the Maxus brand legacy has led to impressive pre- launch sales figures of over 150 units already sold to state governments and private sector fleet operators.
‘’The T-60 is the first of many remarkable vehicles to expect from the Maxus brand,” he pointed out, adding, ‘’the Maxus brand embodies technology, innovation and transformation. We will continually work towards providing top- of- the line auto products and mobility services.”
The T60 comes in 3 gasoline variations, Comfort, Elite and Luxury with Manual and Automatic options. The Mitsubishi powered engines are available in 2.4L or 2.0T, with a Borg-Warner 4WD system and other parts supplied by International Fortune 500 global companies
Following the official unveiling of Maxus T60 at the showroom, guests, including Nollywood stars, Jemima Osunde and AkahNnanni and car enthusiasts, LadiOkunola of SuperCars of Nigeria, AkpovireOkugbere of Car Continent and DionetteEzimorah of RideWithMiee as well asesteemed members of the press, were chauffeured to the site of the test drive There, on the sand dunes.
Following the test by all and sundry, T60 received an overwhelming thumb up, as it impressively proved its mettle with little or no effort, showcasing the strength of its McPherson suspension system and the Bosch electronic stability control system.
Auto Journalists Test-drive Verdit
Speaking on behalf of other journalists after the test-drive, the Motoring Editor, Vanguard Newspaper, Theodore Opara described the pickup as a performer.
He said: “The ground clearance is good and at home on a tough terrain. To be candid, only few pickups can deliver this performance.
“I think the truck is topnotch. It handles well. Even on top speed, you can maneuver. It is very agile. There is a place I thought it could have stocked, the way it rolled out was something else.’’
‘’ I have seen why most people prefer to own a pickup because it gives you the advantage of a sedan and a pickup. The comfort is there, the space, headroom and legroom; you can give it excellent mark.”
Experiencing the 4WD is not only for use as a dependable functional utility truck for heavy carrying and loading, but also a thrill seekers dream!
With its slogan, DRIVE TO THE MAX, Guaranteed Best Value for money, Under the Mikano Motors banner, the Maxus Autos has joined Geely and ZNA to offer the best warranty and world- class after- sales services as well as efficient and pocket- friendly alternative with better value and peace of mind to all customers.
