They're giving tough competition to brands from Japan, Korea, Europe, and the USA. This article will talk about the top Chinese car brands that are making a big impact in Nigeria's automotive industry.
GAC is an abbreviation for Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. GAC Motors is a big Chinese car company based in Guangzhou, Guangdong. It started back in 1954 and is now one of the biggest car makers in China. In Nigeria, GAC Motors is quite popular, especially after the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, invited them to set up a plant in Ojota, Lagos. They plan to build a fully automated manufacturing plant in the Lekki Free Trade Zone and introduce their cars to the Nigerian market. Represented by CIG Motors Co. Nigeria, Ltd., GAC Motors sells its cars in Nigeria under the Trumpchi brand. They have three main models known in Nigeria: GAC GS4, GAC GS8, and GAC GA3S.
The GAC GS8 is a large SUV that can comfortably fit seven people. It's known for its luxury and comfort, blending Chinese design with European reliability. It's a strong competitor to other big SUVs like the Honda Pilot or Toyota RAV4 in Nigeria.
On the other hand, the GAC GA3S is a smaller car ideal for small families, with good fuel efficiency and value. While not the cheapest option, it's reliable and practical.
The GAC GS4 is a compact SUV, available in traditional, hybrid, and electric versions. It's perfect for Nigeria's busy cities like Lagos, being tough, affordable, and easy to manoeuvre in traffic.
Geely Auto Group is another top Chinese car brand in Nigeria. It is located in Hangzhou, China, and has been crafting cars since 1997 under the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. The Geely Cars specialises in SUVs, Crossovers, Sedans, and MPVs. Notably, they own Volvo Car Group and hold a significant stake in Daimler AG. Geely is dedicated to producing top-notch vehicles with very good technology, evident in their five global R&D centres spanning Hangzhou, Ningbo, Gothenburg, Coventry, and Frankfurt. In Nigeria, Mikano International Limited has an exclusive partnership with Geely Automobile International Corporation, making it the sole strategic partner of Geely Automobile in the region.
One standout model in Nigeria from Geely Motors is the Coolray, a premium SUV that combines a sleek, sporty exterior with a plush, tech-filled interior. The Sport Plus trim boasts features like a fully automatic parking assistant and a 10.25-inch full HD touchscreen for seamless connectivity and control.
Alongside the Coolray, Geely offers other popular models in Nigeria, such as the Emgrand X7. This model comes with either a 1.5-litre engine generating 107 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque or an optional 1.8-litre engine producing 131 horsepower and 125 pounds of torque, both paired with manual transmissions.
Another sought-after Geely vehicle in Nigeria is the Emgrand X7 Sport, available with either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission and a choice of petrol engines ranging from 1.8 to 2.0 litres. Standard features include front airbags, electrically adjustable mirrors, power windows, heated seats, air conditioning, and electronic stability control.
Chery Nigeria, formed through a partnership between PAN Nigeria Ltd. and Chery Automobile Co. Ltd. China, is a Nigerian car company. They've been selling sedans and SUVs in Nigeria for over 20 years. Among their popular models is the Arrizo, a sedan with a 1.5-litre engine and a fuel-efficient CVT gearbox. The Tiggo 4, a crossover SUV, comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine known for its low emissions and good fuel economy. And there's the Tiggo 8, a seven-seater SUV equipped with a highly efficient Honeywell turbocharger and BorgWarner DVVT engine.
Chery made history as the first Chinese car brand to sell cars overseas, and now they're also found in Nigeria, offering their full range of vehicles to interested buyers.
Maxus is a Chinese vehicle brand. It's fully owned by SAIC Motor, a major Chinese automaker. Maxus specializes in manufacturing both commercial and passenger vehicles. Maxus Autos has partnered with Mikano Motors, a leading automotive company in Nigeria. Maxus was a British brand dating back to 1896, known for its commercial and passenger vehicles. It was acquired by SAIC Motors in 2010, a big Chinese automaker. Now, Maxus is entering the Nigerian market with its mid-size pickup truck called the T60.The T60 offers advanced technology and comes in three gasoline variations with manual and automatic options. It's powered by Mitsubishi engines and boasts a Borg-Warner 4WD system. Mikano Motors will assemble the T60 locally in Nigeria.
Overall, Maxus Autos' partnership with Mikano Motors aims to provide Nigerian customers with reliable vehicles and top-notch after-sales services.
Conclusion
Chinese car brands like GAC Motors, Geely Cars, Chery Nigeria, and Maxus Cars are becoming increasingly popular in Nigeria's automotive market. These brands offer a range of vehicles from SUVs to sedans, providing options for different needs and preferences. With their advanced technology, good fuel efficiency, and competitive pricing, they are making a significant impact in the Nigerian automobile industry.
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