By: ENGR. AMINU JALAL (DG, NADDC)
[dropcap]M[/dropcap]odern cars have complex electro-mechanical systems with over 2,000 parts. Some of these will occasionally be found to have design and/or manufacturing faults.
To ensure Customer satisfaction and safety, Automotive Manufacturers have devised Manufacturer warranty, recall services and special service campaigns to replace/repair such identified faults. This is done through their authorized distributors.
In Nigeria’s case, only about half of new vehicles are bought from authorized distributors. These authorized distributors also provide maintenance services (genuine spare parts and trained manpower). Others, who buy the vehicles from authorized distributors in other countries, called grey imports, import the rest of the new vehicles.
These grey imports would have their warranty and recall services in their original country of purchase, not in Nigeria. The same applies to used vehicles.
Nigerians are hereby urged to buy their vehicles from local manufacturers and authorized distributors to ensure they enjoy warranty, recall services and special service campaigns if required. Last year, Toyota Nig. Ltd. launched a special campaign to recall some cars fitted with Takata air bags to replace the faulty parts.
Due to the low response, Toyota Nigeria Ltd. will be further advising customers again to bring in their vehicles to take care of the issue and to ensure their customer’s satisfaction and safety.
