ROTIMI ASHER
After few months of anticipation, Mikano Motors, a division of Mikano International Limited, has officially launched its partnership with Changan in Nigeria with fanfare.
The company, during the grand event, which held recently at its Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island office, revealed that, aside kick-starting rolling out of gas-powered commercial vehicles into the nation’s market, it has concluded a plan to set up a CKD plant for Changan car manufacturing in Nigeria.
In his address, the Chairman, Mikano International Limited, Mr. Mofid Karameh described the celebration of the partnership as one of the best things that had happened to Mikano in recent years.
He said: “This year completes 22 years that Mikano International has been in operations in Nigeria. As you know, we were the first to start assembling generators in Nigeria. Today, I can say we have more than 25,000 people working for Mikano in the country just for generator assembly alone. Having been selling generator for more than 20 years, we found out we could give more to the business and the country.
‘’We shifted into cars. I went in search of the right brand in China. After long study, we found the best brand and we were able to bring it. Proudly today, we are launching Changan in Nigeria. We can say that Changan has existed for over a century and is known all over the world. They understand African market and the challenges. That is why we are partnering with them.
“With Changan, we found credibility and a brand we can rely on and trust. They have more than fifteen passenger cars in their line-up and they are the only company that gives 6 years warranty of more than 200,000km. You cannot find such even in European countries.”
“Changan is known all over the world. The quality they deliver has made Changan one of the 20 best selling vehicles in the world. Since coming to Nigeria last year, we have been able to sell 8,000 Changan vehicles and we don’t have any problem.”
Mikano Chairman, who announced the ongoing sale of Changan CNG buses in Nigeria, attributed the development to his company’s resolve to compliment the Federal government’s efforts towards cushioning the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
“In response to Mr President’s CNG Mass transportation programme,” he stated, “our Changan partner has prepared the best CNG buses to cushion the effect of subsidy removal in the country. We had 500 buses last month for local transportation. In the next five months, you will find Changan buses on our roads.”
Also speaking, the company’s Managing Director, Ralph Haidar, who described the proposed CKD factory as a demonstration of his company’s commitment towards boosting the Nigerian economy and empowering the nation’s youths, hinged the Mikano-Changan partnership on the two organization’s culture of giving value to customers.
His words: “We are looked for a partner not only to give us a big line of vehicles and profit grant but value for money. Due to the quality that Changan parades, it has won JD Power International award for five consecutive years being the number one quality brand from China.
“Moreover, we are committed to protecting our reputation and quality in everything we do. Changan also have many years of good reputation and delivering quality. That is why we are aligning. This is what makes our success story.
“Talking about the present and the past, the most important part of my speech today is about the future of Mikano Motors and what we are doing. There is a project that we are working on with Mr. Lucas and Changan team regarding the first CKD factory for car business inside Nigeria for Changan because we believe in the economy of Nigeria. We are committed to boosting the economy and empowering the youth.
“The second part is the gift we want to share with you about Mikano Motors. Our slogan is Changan Drive Naija for better life.”
Held at the Royal Box by Cube 65, an exquisite event centre situated at Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos, the event was attended by celebrities, captains of Industries, CEO of Reputable Organizations, dignitaries as well as the members of motoring press.
Changan and Mikano Motors formed a strategic partnership in 2023, towards launching high quality vehicles into the Nigerian market. The partnership aims to provide Nigerian customers with a wider range of affordable and reliable vehicles, backed by excellent service and support.
With Mikano Motors, the vehicles come with a 6 years/200,000km warranty and are supported by a network of Mikano Motors dealerships and service centers nationwide.
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