By Moses Akaigwe
Chinese automaker, Changan Automobile, reported a slight year-on-year growth in its May sales figures, according to the latest production and sales report released on June 7.
This is a piece of good news for the growing lovers of the Changan brand in Nigeria where the vehicles have been gaining more popularity following the take-over of the franchise last year by Mikano Motors.
In May 2024, Changan Automobile’s sales reached 206,792 units, marking a 3.29 percent rise compared to the same period last year.
From January to May, Changan’s sales totaled 1,109,038 units, reflecting a 12.03 percent year-on-year growth.
The company’s own-brand vehicles showed strong performance, with 932,436 units sold in the first five months of 2024, up 11.64 percent from the previous year. Among which, 173,885 units were sold in overseas markets, representing an 80.81 percent hike year-on-year.
Notably, new energy vehicles (NEVs) under Changan’s wholly-owned brands saw a significant surge, with May sales hitting 54,991 units, which soared 87.76 percent from a year ago.
In the first five months of this year, Changan sold 235,479 NEVs under its own brands, indicating a 72.74 percent leap year-over-year.
As to Changan Automobile’s joint ventures, Changan Ford’s May sales stood at 17,905 units, while Changan Mazda sold 5,963 units in May, which dipped 8.26 percent and 13.6 percent from that of the previous year, respectively.
In Nigeria, Mikano Motors has been drawing attention to the fact that in 2021, a JD Power study on New Vehicle Initial Quality (IQS), revealed Changan as the number one in New Vehicle quality across all Chinese brands.
The Changan line-up at Mikano Motors in includes the opulent and luxurious UNI series; a premium tier sub-brand that includes the flagship model from Changan; the UNI-K; a behemoth SUV with tasteful finishing, superior technology and design.
This is followed by the smaller, but no less impressive UNI- T which is also endowed with a vast array of modern features such as remote driving.
Lastly in the UNI series is the UNI-V sedan with a futuristic design and equally futuristic features.
One notable feature of Mikano Motors’ unique marketing efforts since last year is that all Changan vehicles it offers in Nigeria come with a best- in- continent six year/ 200,000km warranty.