Mercedes-Benz, Changan, Suzuki and several other auto models were cynosure of all eyes at the recently concluded Nigerian Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) Auto Awards held in Lagos, Nigeria, carting homes awards in different categories.

Mercedes-Benz distributed in Nigeria by Weststar Associates won the Luxury Brand of the Year, Mikano Motors and Toyota Hilux clinched Most Innovative Auto Company and Pick Up of the Year 2023 respectively.

Nord was recognized as the Enterprising Indigenous car company of the Year 2023 while Auto Workshop of the Year went to RT Briscoe.

In addition, Toyota Land Cruiser won Large Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) Of the Year, just as Toyota Hiace clinched Minibus of the Year.

At the award night, Suzuki S-Presso won the Budget Car of the Year, Changan Uni-K won the Auto Design of the Year, JAC by Lanre Shittu Motors also won the Heavy Duty Truck of the Year, while Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing won the Assembly Plant of the Year awards.

READ ALSO: Mikano reveals expansion plans, solidifies relationship with Changa Autos

These categories of awards were presented to the companies at a colourful ceremony attended by key stakeholders including the Director General of National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr Joseph Osanipin and Managing Director of TNL, Kunle Adeojo amongst others.

At the event, Osanipin challenged key players in the Nigerian Automotive Industry to think more on automotive components development and integration in assembly operations.

“Today we are here to celebrate however we need to challenge ourselves with the future of the Nigeria automotive industry. We need to take the necessary steps to make these changes. It starts with us, we are the ones to determine where the automotive sector will be heading in Nigeria.”

Osanipin seized the opportunity to applaud NAJA for standing firm in promoting the local auto industry. He however challenged the awardees to consider components manufacturers in future NAJA awards projects.

Over 29 persons and companies who have distinguished themselves in the industry were specially recognized and honoured in different award categories.

The Honda HR-V was on Thursday night unveiled as the number one car on Nigerian roads at the well celebrated 2023 Nigeria Auto Journalists’ Association (NAJA) Auto Awards night at Oriental Hotel, Victoria island, Lagos.

Over 29 persons and companies who have distinguished themselves in the industry were specially recognised and honoured in different award categories.

NAJA auto awards annually celebrates the best players in the Nigerian auto industry, acknowledging the marketing achievements in both business-to-business and business-to-consumer markets of the auto industry in the country.

Each award is to keep encouraging excellence and celebrate the best and the brightest among the stakeholders, their products, and services in the country.

The Honda HR-V model which is being assembled in Nigeria by Honda Automobile Western Africa Ltd (HAWA), Sango Ota, Nigeria for the time clinched the coveted NAJA’s Car-of-the-Year award, defeating Suzuki Espresso and Changan Eado.

READ ALSO: Osanipin, Chukwuma, others to grace 2023 NAJA auto awards

The presentation of the laurel was done by the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Joseph Osanipin to Mr. Remi Adams, Head Sales, Marketing & Logistics and Akintola Jemmy, Area Manager, both of Honda Automobile West Africa at the award night.

The new HR-V represents the Third Generation of the Hi-Rider Revolutionary Vehicle, building on the successes of the First Generation (1999-2006); Second Generation (2006-2023) and the All New HR-V which is the third generation.

Commenting on the award, Adams commended NAJA for recognising the brand with the prestigious award.

He said it was a morale booster for HAWA in its determination to continue to churn out quality Made-in –Nigeria vehicles.

HAWA has a state-of-the-art plant in Idi-Iroko Ogun State where it assembles vehicles, motorcycles and their parts with an installed capacity of 1000.

Managing Director of Mikano Motors, Ralph Haidar, has announced the company’s plans to expand its operations beyond the borders of Nigeria to other West African countries.

He disclosed this on Thursday, December 7 at a gala night held at the the Royal Box by Cube 65, an exquisite event centre situated at Adeola Odeku m, Victoria Island, Lagos to commemorate the official partnership between Mikano Motors and Changan Autos.

Haider reiterated that Mikano is determined to providing Nigerians with high-quality, refined, and reliable vehicles as evidenced in its choice of partners which include some of the most innovative, well-established and globally trusted brands, for a full range of products covering most automotive segments.

Haidar stated, “One of the most notable traits of Nigerians is their affinity for quality. We translate our understanding of the unique Nigerian tastes and preferences to providing quality products and services for you”

Mikano Motors solidifies partnership with Changan Autos, unveils expansion plans

Earlier in his opening address, Chairman of Mikano International, Mofid Karameh, expressed immense gratitude to attendees, reiterating the commitment of the company to providing valuable products to the Nigerian marketplace, mentioning the partnership with Rolls Royce to improve power generation in Nigeria.

“This partnership solidified Changan Autos as Mikano Motors’ latest exclusive brand partner, fostering a union built on innovation, excellence, and a shared vision for the future.”

He also revealed that the factory of Afrimedical Manufacturing and Supplies Limited, a division of Mikano International Limited manufactures hypodermic syringes & other healthcare products is one of the biggest in West Africa with a manufacturing capacity of 1.5 billion hypodermic and auto disable immunization syringes a year using the latest E-beam sterilisation technology, 20 – 25% less plastics and medical-grade materials.

In her address, Tracy Huang, Changan’s Director of African Region, said Changan will, in collaboration with Mikano Motors, “‘continue to innovate and provide the best services in the ecosystem’’.

Lucas Xiang, Head of Middle East and Africa business, emphasized Changan’s dedication to innovation, adding that the auto brand invested 5% of its annual sales revenue in product research and development, driving trailblazing designs and performance.

Changan and Mikano Motors formed a strategic partnership in 2023, to bring Changan’s high-quality vehicles to the Nigerian market.

This partnership leverages Mikano Motors’ established presence and expertise in the Nigerian automotive industry and4 Changan’s cutting-edge technology and global reputation.

The partnership aims to provide Nigerian customers with a wider range of affordable and reliable vehicles, backed by excellent service and support.

Some of the models under Mikano’s badge include Alsvin V3; Hunter pickup; CS15; CS35 Plus; CS55; PlusCS 95; UNI- T and Uni- K its current flagship model.