ROTIMI ASHER
After weeks of suspense and teasers, which led to its endorsement by celebrity influencers in the country, Mikano Motors has finally unveiled Changan Auto as its latest brand addition.
The official unveiling, held at Mikano Motors’ Head Office in Victoria Island, Lagos, had in attendance Celebrity influencers and few customers, who had already placed orders for the Changan line-up
Among them were the first owners of the Changan CS85 Coupe, who also picked up their cars on the same day.
Speaking during the event,the General Manager, Mikano Motors, Ralph Haidar described Mikano Motors’ partnership with Changan Auto as a powerful alliance that will further change the landscape of automobile ownership in Nigeria, in the wake of the success of the Geely brand.
He revealed: “We are expecting around 15 models from this brand, which will be complementary to our line-up from Geely Auto, Maxus and ZNA.”
According to Haidar, in a bold and unprecedented move, Mikano Motors’ Changan will be offering a 6 year/ 200,000km (whichever comes first) warranty to all its new customers, while offering up to a 5 year warranty to existing Changan owners.
With 15 models, Mikano Motors promises that there will be a car to suit everyone’s needs.
“This is the first of its kind in all of Africa and one of the reasons why the Changan brand is performing well in some West African countries, especially of note, Ivory Coast,” he pointed out, adding, “This is also true for many Gulf countries like Qatar, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia where they offer even higher warranties.
‘’ As a leading global provider of quality automobile sales and services, with a clear understanding of producing quality vehicles and considering the disposable income of auto buyers declines as a result of the global economic recession and other domestic factors, we understand that businesses and individuals need cars that combine durability, affordability, as well as luxury and technology, which is what Changan and Mikano Motors are known to provide to its customers.”
Speaking about the performance of Changan brand since its arrival, the National Sales Manager, Chijioke Mbonu said “the trust clients have for the Mikano name has played a huge part in ensuring that sales of over 500 units have been made to government parastatals, corporate organizations and individuals within the past 3 months under the pre-sale terms.”
Before closing the event, Mr Haidar publicly declared the pre-sales/ pre- order offer for Changan models to include but is not limited to all prices VAT deducted (as a form of discount), free registration and up to three years free service, depending on the model purchased.”
The event was brought to a close with a walk around 4 of the 15 anticipated models; the Eado DT sedan, CS35Plus, CS85 Luxury Coupe SUV and the Executive CS95 large SUV.
With the addition of Changan (formerly distributed by another Nigerian dealer), Mikano Motors becomes the sole distributor of brands from 3 of Chinas “Big Four” auto giants; Saic Motors (Maxus), Dongfeng Motor Corporation (ZNA), and now Changan Automobile Group.
Established in 1862, Changan Auto is China’s oldest automaker and one of the pioneers of the automotive industry. Their sojourn into building and retailing passenger vehicles, however, started 32 years ago. Since then, the brand has continued to gain immense popularity worldwide for its value offerings across all segments of the automotive industry with sales in the region of 8,500 units sold daily worldwide.
©Copyright MOTORING WORLD INTERNATIONAL. All rights reserved. Materials, photographs, illustrations and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior written permission from Motoring World International
Contact: [email protected]
