… As Coscharis Sets for Local Assembly of Logan, Duster
ROTIMI ASHER
With fanfare, Coscharis Motors, in partnership with the French automotive manufacturing giant, Groupe Renault, on Thursday, celebrated a return of Renault brand to Nigeria.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he event, which held at Coscharis Motors’ ultra-modern assembly plant in Awoyaya, Lekki, Lagos, was witnessed by French Ambassador in Nigeria, Mr. Jérôme Pasquier, Consular General of the United States, F. John Bray, representative of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Representatives of Comptroller General of Customs, among others.
Speaking at the event, the President of Coscharis Group, Dr Cosmas Maduka described the new partnership with Renault as a strategic opportunity to deliver capable, refined and cost-effective vehicle models to his company’s numerous loyal customers and prospects across Nigeria.
‘’ The partnership,” he explained, “is to showcase another initiative through our subsidiary, Coscharis Motors, to create value in the Nigeria automotive industry. We are indeed glad to celebrate the confidence Renault repose on us to represent them in Nigeria.
“Coscharis always strives to delight its customers and prospects by providing them with goods and services that deliver value for their money. This partnership is a further demonstration of that objective, especially towards providing them a bouquet of more options that continually delivers value for money.”
According to Mr. Maduka, Coscharis has concluded plans to locally assemble two Renault variants, namely: Logan and Duster in its plant as SKD (Semi – Knocked Down) and later add both the Renault Kwid and Renault Oroch.
“However,” he said, “we will not rest on our oars as we are sure to wax stronger into the future with the introduction of other great Renault variants into the assembly line. It is in an effort to achieve this that we have committed huge financial, technical and human resources to this partnership.”
Describing partnering with Renault as a further proof of the confidence and hope his company has for the future of the Nigerian automotive industry, Mr. Maduka called on the Nigerian government to support the nation’s toddling auto industry with necessary enabling environment and as well as assist auto buyers to purchase finished products from the Plants.
“Having demonstrated this level of faith in the future of our dear nation by the huge investment,” he pointed out, “we solemnly demand for governmental support in terms of enabling environment vis-à-vis basic infrastructures that are required to keep the manufacturing process on and more importantly the purchase patronage of the finished products from the Plant.”
Also speaking at the event, Fabrice Cambolive, Senior Vice President, Chairman of the Africa-Middle-East-India-Pacific (AMI-Pacific) region and a member of Groupe Renault Management Committee, said Renault’s decision to return to Nigeria was motivated by the automotive need of Nigerian population, which is said to be over 200 million.
He stated: “With a population of over 200 million, Nigeria is a strategic African country where Groupe Renault will extend its footprint. The Coscharis Group is a recognized player in car assembly and distribution. Thanks to their expertise and with our products adapted to the local needs, we will be able to answer immediately to the customers’ demand in Nigeria.
According to Cambolive, Renault is not looking mainly at the auto policy but the population and the need of customers.
“We are targeting people who want to enter into new car market with affordable price,” he said, adding, “In term of new market, Renault is the first in Africa with more than 200,000 cars per year which is almost 18-19 percent share of market in the continent. We are offering the Nigeria client unique original vehicles adjusted to the condition of the country.’’
