Stallion Auto Keke Limited, Nigeria’s new and exclusive distributor of Bajaj Auto for three-wheeler & four-wheeler business, has set in motion the nation’s first ever tricycle rally.
Tagged Stallion Bajaj Keke Rally, the event, which was flagged off on Friday at the company’s showrom located along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Ijesha, Lagos, is scheduled to cover 5,000 kilometres through 28 cities in 17 States across Nigeria.
The rally comprises a convoy of five Bajaj RE tricycles with their experienced riders, a branded truck for customer engagement and market activation and security agents, amongst others.
The 5000 kilometer durable drive is covering Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Abiya, Rivers, Anambra, Delta, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun States, spreading a message of being responsible and maintain hygiene to stop the spread of Corona Virus.
Addressing motoring journalists during the dealer launch, Managing Director of Stallion Auto Keke Limited, Manish Rohtagi, revealed that the rally team will visit identified cultural sites in the states as a comprehensive exercise designed to celebrate the Nigerian history and its deep rooted indegenous culture.
“Kekes‘ journey to these sites and the background stories,“ Rohtagi stressed,“will connect the young Nigerians to their rich heritage,“ adding, “the rally will stand a testimony to the fact that the New Baba Bajaj is a strong and durable Keke for the Nigerian roads and further add to the brand‘s promise that the new Baba Bajaj, Runs Faster and Lasts Longer.“
“Bajaj,” he further explained, ”is the pioneer Keke brand in Nigeria that is well known for its durability, speed and overall performance and is loved by millions. The new distributorship will bring immense value to the dealers, fleet owners, riders & consumers.
“Stallion’s advantage lies in its de-centalised operation and quicker decision making, which will help drive operating efficiency. “
Fielding questions from the journalists, Rohtagi described Stallion Group’s recent acquisition of Bajaj’s franchise as a further demonstration of its commitment to improving the socio-economic conditions of Nigerians at the grassroots.
He stated: “Stallion Group’s vision is to adopt global best practices and localize it to develop scalable, impactful and sustainable business that is committed to improving the socio-economic conditions of the communities. Bajaj Auto on the other hand is a world leader in the intra city vehicle space.
“Loved in 70 countries, the brand stands for integrity, dedication, resourcefulness and determination to succeed and empower. And for over 50 years, Stallion has successfully navigated the Nigerian terrain and has become a time-tested conglomerate that has its presence across the Nigerian economy.
“With similar brand ethos, therefore, we believe that this alliance will go a long way in empowering Nigerians to be self-reliant and improve the interests of the stakeholders, be it employees, dealers, distributors, vendors, mechanics, unions, logistic operators or bankers.“
Stallion Auto Keke Limited’s boss, therefore, expressed optimism that the business will grow at a much faster rate, because his company will actively push for the adoption of Keke by existing partners and the customer ecosystem.
“It will bring differentiated customer service, and ease of spare part availability through its existing footprints in the auto industry,“ he added.
Rohtagi also threw light on his company’s plan to engage more dealers across the country and provide first class after sales supports, aiming at quick services within four hours as well as establishment of rider training schools and Rider and Mechanic empowerment programs.
Stallion Bajaj, which boasts of sales and service outlets at 96 locations spread across Nigeria, plans to add 30 more Exclusive and Mobile Financial Services(MFS) outlets by the end of 2020, taking the count to 126. The areas of focus would be Illorin, Yola, Warri, Benin, Yenogoa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Lokoja and Bauchi.
Information made available indicates that the company has invested in a state-of-the-art central auto parts and sevice centre in Lagos to support the distribution of genuine parts across the country.
Rohtagi, in his media address, also stressed that his company’s authorised service centers across the nation only deals in genuine spare parts provided by the company making durability its brand promise.
“The Bajaj Keke,“ he said, “are manufactured in a state-of-the-art assembly plant in VON, Gbagada, Lagos employing the best in class home grown technicians’’.
Meahwhile, plans are underway to introduce Bajaj Qute & Maxima Cargo before the end of this year. Regarded as low cost, last mile transportation solution, Bajaj Qute is an eco friendly and fuel efficient means of transportation.
Also addressing the media, the Marketing Head for Stallion Group, Arpita Luthra highlighted that Stallion Auto Keke Limited will invest significantly in improving stakeholder’s interest, business and livelihood.
She said: “Be it landmark consumer connect campaigns like the Stallion Bajaj Keke Rally doing the durability drive of 5000 kms, touching 28 cities or rider training facilities or scholarship programs for the Keke riders and mechanics, the alliance of Stallion and Bajaj will enable progress, improve lives and dominate the market.“
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