Business
Globe motors, Coscharis, Toyota, Weststar shine at 2024 NAJA Auto Awards
The Nigerian Automotive Journalists Association (NAJA) Auto Awards, held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, celebrated the excellence and innovation of major players in Nigeria’s automotive industry.
Top winners included Globe Motors, Coscharis Motors, Toyota Nigeria, CFAO, Weststar Associates, and Lanre Shittu Motors (LSM), recognizing their outstanding contributions to the sector.
The prestigious Car of the Year award went to Mikano Motors’ Changan CS55, which triumphed over strong contenders like the Toyota Corolla and Kia Rio. The award highlights the growing influence of the Changan brand in Nigeria’s compact SUV market.
Globe Motors earned the title of Most Resilient Company of the Year, reflecting its enduring commitment to quality and customer service despite economic challenges.
Coscharis Motors, a longstanding industry leader, won Multi-Luxury Brand of the Year and secured the Luxury SUV of the Year with the Range Rover Autobiography, a favorite among premium vehicle enthusiasts.
Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL) was celebrated as Auto Company of the Decade, affirming its dominant market share and reliability in Nigeria. Meanwhile, Lanre Shittu Motors’ Managing Director, Taiwo Shittu, was named Auto Personality of the Year, honoring his contributions to Nigeria’s automotive growth. A posthumous award was also presented to his late father and founder of the company.
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CFAO stood out by winning multiple awards, including Outstanding After-Sales Service, Product Launch of the Year for the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Suzuki Vitara, and the Most Enterprising Auto Company title.
Weststar Associates’ Mercedes-Benz S-Class claimed the Luxury Car of the Year, reflecting Mercedes’ unwavering reputation for class-leading comfort and technology.
In recognition of its pioneering role in indigenous vehicle manufacturing, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing was celebrated for advancing Nigeria’s local production capabilities. Nord Motors also received recognition for its CNG-powered mini bus brand, aligning with the push for eco-friendly automotive solutions.
Carloha was named Most Innovative Company of the Year for its work with the Chery brand.
Dangote Sinotruk received the Heavy Duty Truck Manufacturer of the Year, while Lanre Shittu Motors’ JAC was awarded Heavy Duty Truck of the Year.
RT Briscoe earned the Workshop of the Year accolade for its superior vehicle servicing.
Dana Motors’ Kia Sonet secured the Best Compact SUV title, reflecting its strong market reception.
Jet Systems won Mini Bus Assembler of the Year, further spotlighting Nigeria’s growing local assembly initiatives.
Chief Chidi Anyaegbu, MFR, founder of Chisco Motors, was honored as the Transport Icon of the Year, while Karima Okunola of Mikano Motors earned the title of Auto Marketing Manager of the Year.
Speaking at the event, Mike Ochonma, Chairman of NAJA, praised both established leaders and emerging players, stating:
“This year’s NAJA Auto Awards highlight not just the achievements of the big names in the industry, but also the rising stars that are shaping the future of Nigeria’s automotive landscape.”