Jetour Dashing has been crowned Nigeria’s 2025 Car of the Year by the Nigeria Auto Journalists’ Association (NAJA), emerging tops after a fiercely contested evaluation of leading models in the market.
The car claimed the industry’s most prestigious honour at the 18th NAJA International Auto Awards, held on Tuesday at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, attended by leading auto industry stakeholders, enthusiasts and promoters.
According to NAJA, the Jetour Dashing edged out strong rivals the Changan CS55 and Chery Tiggo on the strength of its superior value proposition, combining advanced in-car technology, contemporary design, safety features, ride comfort and competitive pricing tailored to Nigerian road and ownership realities.
With the win, the Jetour Dashing joins an elite roll of past Car of the Year winners, including the Changan CS55, Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla and Kia Rio, reinforcing its rising relevance in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive automotive landscape.
Saglev Takes Centre Stage in Electric Mobility
In the fast-growing electric and alternative energy category, Saglev emerged as EV Brand of the Year, cementing its leadership in Nigeria’s evolving electric mobility ecosystem. NAJA noted that Saglev stood out for its early-mover advantage, growing EV portfolio, charging infrastructure advocacy and sustained engagement with policymakers and consumers, positioning the brand as a key driver of Nigeria’s transition to cleaner mobility.
The EV recognition underscores the expanding footprint of electric vehicles in the country and highlights Saglev’s role in shaping conversations around sustainability, energy transition and future mobility.
Broad Recognition Across the Auto Value Chain
Beyond the headline awards, the night celebrated excellence across the automotive value chain. Mikano emerged Auto Company of the Year, while Toyota Nigeria’s Isolo facility (TNL Workshop) won Workshop of the Year.
Other major honours included Dangote Sinotruk as Heavy-Duty Truck Brand of the Year; Iron Products Industries (IPI) Ltd as Truck Assembler/Body Builder of the Year; Lanre Shittu Motors(JAC) as Truck Plant of the Year; and Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) as Passenger Car Assembly Plant of the Year.
In alternative energy and innovation, Jet Automobiles Ltd was named CNG Vehicle Assembler of the Year, Massilia Motors (Mitsubishi) won Most Innovative Auto Company of the Year, while Suzuki by CFAO clinched Most Competitive Priced Brand of the Year.
Model, Corporate and Individual Awards
Model-specific awards saw the Mercedes-Benz S-Class named Luxury Car of the Year; Range Rover Autobiography (Coscharis Motors) as Luxury SUV of the Year; Kia Seltos as Compact SUV of the Year; Changan CS55 (Mikano Motors) as Midsize SUV of the Year; Toyota Hilux as Pick-Up of the Year; and Toyota Hiace as Minibus of the Year. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class also emerged Most Popular Luxury Model of the Year.
Corporate resilience was recognised with Stallion Motors, R.T. Briscoe Nigeria Plc and ANAMMCO Ltd named Resilient Auto Companies of the Year, while Coscharis Motors won Multiple Brand Auto Company of the Year, CFAO Mobility emerged Most Enterprising Auto Company of the Year, and GUO Transport Ltd was named Transport Company of the Year.
New Entrants of the Year included New Era Automobile Services, JIM–ISUZU Pick-Up (Cedric Autos Ltd), JEGO EV, NORD A9 and Jetour X50, with NORD Automobiles also named Fastest Growing Auto Brand of the Year.
In aftersales, Carloha won both Auto Aftersales Company of the Year and Pre-owned Company of the Year, while Winpart clinched Auto Aftersales Service Provider of the Year (Parts & Workshop).
Speaking at the ceremony, Otunba Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), praised NAJA for sustaining a credible platform that rewards excellence, innovation and professionalism. He noted that automotive journalists play a critical role in shaping public understanding, promoting accountability and spotlighting industry progress, adding that the awards align with NADDC’s mandate to reposition the sector as a catalyst for industrial growth, job creation and technological advancement.
Earlier, NAJA Chairman Theodore Opara described the awards as one of the most respected platforms in the industry, noting that the 18-year-old initiative has continued to evolve amid rapid changes in vehicle technology, alternative energy solutions, policy reforms and shifting consumer expectations.
The 2025 edition, he said, reflects an industry in transition from conventional mobility to cleaner, smarter and locally-relevant automotive solutions.
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