…Defeats Hyundai Tucson, GAC GS4
ROTIMI ASHER
Nigerian Automotive Journalists Association (NAJA) has crowned Toyota Corolla as 2019’s Nigerian car of the Year (COTY).
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he award was handed to the managing Director of Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL), Mr. Adekunle Ade-Ojo, at this year’s Annual NAJA Award held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos on Tuesday.
Also in contest for the COTY crown were Hyundai Tucson and GAC GS4, both of which were defeated by Corolla, which received the highest number of votes cast by Nigerian motoring journalist, which cut across print, electronic and online media.
Responding after the announcement, TNL boss, who expressed surprise, thanked NAJA for the honour and also congratulated other award recipients of the night.
Aside COTY, Toyota family also went home with Mini bus of the Year won by Toyota Hiace.
An innovation into the NAJA Annual event is Special Recognition Award won by TNL’s Public Relations Manager, Mrs Bukunola Ogunnusi and Mr Abiona Babarinde, General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Services, Coscharis Motors Limited.
In his keynote address at the occasion, the Chairman of NAJA, Mr. Mike Ochonma revealed that the special recognition award was set up to honour middle managers, who make things happen in the nation’s auto industry.
‘’These pioneer winners of the special recognition awards,’’ he explained, ‘’deserved the honour, because they are the ones that make things happen between their companies and auto journalists.’’
Also new in this year’s event was Motor Sports of the Year awarded to Ondo Motor Rally and Online Auto Marketer of the year won by CARS 45.
Moreover, Auto Workshop of the Year went to Mandilas Motors Limited, Pick-Up of the Years: Mitsubishi L200, Most Improved Brand of the Year: JAC, Luxury SUV of the Year: Range Rover Autobiography; Executive Car of the Year: Honda Accord; Luxury Car of the Year: Meredes-Benz S-Class, Auto Assembly Plant of the Year: Stallion VON and New Lubricant of the Year: MOTUL.
