Like Never Seen: Car Maker, Innoson Motors Unveil First Cars Made In Nigeria

When Nigeria, on October 3, 2013, announced the introduction of a new automotive policy aimed at discouraging the importation of wholly assembled automobile and encourage local manufacturing, it seemed like a tall dream, but building on recent local assembly successes by Hyundai and Nissan was indigenous company Innoson’s unveiling of its new brand of cars last week.

Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited founded by Nigerian industrialist, Chief Innocent Chukwuma unveiled its new cars – IVM Umu, IVM Umu and IVM Uzo manufactured at the company’s Nnewi plant in Anambra State, South east Nigeria.

70 percent of the parts used in manufacturing the cars were locally sourced, heralding the emergence of a local car manufacturing industry that will in the nearest future serve the region. Already, the company has disclosed it plans to take its brand to neighbours in West Africa, with the Republic of Benin and Ghana on its radar. The company had earlier impressed with its trucks and buses.

The range of Innoson brands are already enjoying patronage locally, something lacking in the past, which has stifled the growth of several indigenous manufacturers. But across Africa, locally-made goods are beginning to earn respect and desired patronage through quality assurance and competitive pricing.

Former governor of Nigeria’s Anambra State where the Innoson plant is located, Dr Peter Obi had become a frequent buyer of the locally made vehicles by the time he left office. Founder of the car-making company, Chukwuma said Obi still patronizes his company.

Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) is expected to soon take delivery of Pickups made by Innoson.

The country’s minister of trade and investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga at the event held in Nnewi, commended Innoson Vehicles Company (IVC) for producing the first Nigeria-made vehicles. He said such an investment is necessary to expand the country’s manufacturing frontiers.

21 auto-companies have already signed commitments with technical partners to set up local assembly operations, according to Nigeria’s National Automotive Council (NAC).

Source: AIT