[dropcap]U[/dropcap]yo, Capital of Cross River State of Nigeria, is set to host an International Motor Show , from 24th June to 2nd July, 2016, courtesy of Southfield Technology in partnership with Le’ Meridien Ibom Hotel and the government of Cross Rivers State.
The Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Southfield Technology(the organizing company), Mr. Charles Essien, who unveiled the event to journalists during a press conference held at The Lagos Sheraton Hotels and Towers on Sunday, said about 500,000 visitors and 400 exhibited models are expected at the Motor show.
“Uyo International Motor Show shall be different from similar events from the sub-region as a result of the synergy we have with the various stakeholders,” said Mr. Essien. “The venue itself is the Le’ Meridien Park, where customers would have the opportunity to witness a true motor show, as various brands shall be unveiled to the Sub-Sahara Motoring Society in an exhibit-by-enterprise policy, meaning that both passenger cars and commercial vehicles are exhibited at individual stands.”
With the new Motor Show, what Nigeria and the rest of West Africa sub-region, are about to witness is what Mr. Essien described as a rear opportunity for true brand marketing, whereby each marquee will present its model to the motoring public
He explained: “Uyo International Motor Show, will feature a display of proto-types; and offer the opportunity for customers in the West African Sub-region to make input into products that would be sold in the sub-region after manufacturer would have reached production level/stage.
“The coming show will remind and keep the consideration that the Media has a key role to play in the construction of the Automotive Architecture of the Sub-region and that a Motor Show is 100% a Media event, as they owe the Society a duty, reporting and presenting a balanced and true information, regarding each brand, as purchases usually take a huge whack off customers’ pockets.”
The CEO of Southfield Technology also stressed that his company would ensure that automobile brands and models showcased at the event are those built with climatic aspects/considerations for the tropical region.
“More than that,” he pointed out, “with the Uyo International Motor Show, we intend to ultimately integrate West African Sub-region into the world/international Automobile Calendar, notwithstanding the market share it represents.”
Also, to fully identify with those brands used commonly in the West African Sub-region, organisers have as a key feature, the ‘Oscars’ of the car industry, a glamorous West Africa Car Of The Year (COTY) Awards, to be decided on the closing day of the show.
There shall be awards based on ten categories with the presentation of the Most Outstanding Brand given the winner of the West Africa Car of the Year (COTY) Awards.
“Presentation of the West African Car of the Year Awards,” assured Mr. Essien, “Shall be witnessed by representatives of the ECOWAS Commission and top Government Functionaries in the adjoining states of the Nigerian federation.
“This event shall be televised to millions of homes live and the winner car shall be displayed within the Le’ Meridien lobby for a period of one year, until the next winner emerges to take its place.”
