The race for Nigeria’s luxury SUV supremacy intensifies as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Range Rover go head-to-head for the prestigious “Luxury SUV of the Year” title at the 2024 Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) Awards.
Scheduled for December 11 at the Oriental Hotels in Victoria Island, Lagos, the awards spotlight the country’s growing appetite for high-end vehicles and celebrate excellence in the automotive industry.
Mercedes-Benz enters the fray with its GLS SUV, a model revered for its lavish interior and state-of-the-art driver-assistance technology. BMW counters with the X7, which embodies sporty sophistication and precision engineering.
Meanwhile, Range Rover brings its latest Autobiography, a masterful blend of British craftsmanship and rugged luxury, to the competition.
“These flagship models not only highlight cutting-edge design and advanced technology but also reflect a growing demand for premium vehicles among Nigeria’s affluent buyers,” remarked Theodore Opara, Chairman of the NAJA Awards Committee.
Beyond luxury SUVs, the 2024 NAJA Awards feature a wide array of categories showcasing innovation and performance in the automotive sector:
Heavy-Duty Truck of the Year: JAC, FAW, and Howo Sinotruk battle it out. Assembly Plant of the Year (Cars): Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, GAC Motors, and Mikano Motors vie for top honors.
READ ALSO: Innoson, Mikano, GAC compete for Assembly Plant of the Year at NAJA Awards
Truck Plant of the Year: Lanre Shittu Motors, Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Ltd, and Perfection Motors are in the spotlight.
Transport Company of the Year: Chisco Transport, GUO Transport Company, and Okeyson Transport compete for recognition.
Other key nominations include the Mini-Bus Assembly Plant of the Year, featuring Jet Systems, Innoson, and Nord, and the Product Launch of the Year, with entries such as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Suzuki Vitara.
The Compact SUV of the Year category sees the Kia Sonett, Changan CS35, and Hyundai Venue in contention, while the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Chery Tiggo Pro 2, and Nord A9 compete for Outstanding Entrant of the Year.
The NAJA Awards are seen as a barometer of excellence in Nigeria’s automotive sector.
Theodore Opara, Chairman of the awards committee, explains the growing significance of these awards, saying, “Winning a NAJA Award is not just about prestige; it’s about solidifying a brand’s position in an increasingly competitive and challenging market.”
Mike Ochonma, Chairman of NAJA, highlighted how brands are adapting to an increasingly competitive market.
“Brands that were previously not dominant in the market are now making bold moves through customer engagement and leveraging digital platforms to enhance the purchasing experience,” he noted.
With the stage set, the automotive industry—and its enthusiasts—are keenly watching to see which brand will drive away with the crown.