By Moses Akaigwe
The annual Lagos Motor Fair and Auto Parts Expo opened on Wednesday, March 12, with an array of internationally renowned auto parts manufacturers and brand representatives showcasing wide ranges of product references.
But, apart from the auto parts brands, which came mainly from Asia, there was an appreciable level of participation from local auto companies that displayed compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, electric cars and tricycles.
Notable among the auto companies that displayed vehicles at the fair, which ended on Friday, were Weststar Associates West Africa Ltd, the authorised distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, and Kia Motors.
While Weststar displayed the new kid-on-the-block, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Kia attracted fair visitors with a green Rio that runs on CNG.
Inside the DAG Industries Nig. Ltd’s stand was a very unique product that got the attention of most fair visitors – the Bajaj Re tricycle powered by CNG, which was flanked by Bajaj two-wheelers, MRF brand of tyres and DAG lubricants.
Welcoming visitors to the DAG stand, Gaurav Malhotra and Laureta Ojinkeya, said the company which started operations in 2005, provides in all parts of Nigeria Bajaj motorcycles and tricycles, their genuine replacement parts, as well as MRF tyres and DAG lubricants.
Laureta Ojinkeya took time to highlight the advantages of the CNG Keke, including less carbon emission/environmental friendliness and considerable fuel economy which leaves the user with extra N11,000 savings on fuel.
The new Bajaj CNG Keke, according to her, saves a lot of money for the user because it covers far more kilometres than the tricycle running exclusively on petrol.
Laureta, however, disclosed that the new Keke is a hybrid vehicle, meaning that it can alternate between petrol and CNG, depending on availability, even as she assured that many mother stations where CNG can be refilled, are opening in many parts of Lagos and across the country.
Other advantages are very low maintenance, automatic fuel switch button, and extra-large driver’s seat.
Three automobile manufacturing companies exhibited full electric vehicles (EVs) at the fair held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island.
The unprecedented display of EVs at any auto fair was views as an indication that the Federal Government’s crusade to shift focus to green cars to save the environment and high cost of fuel, was striking the right cord.
Most people at the fair ground visited the EV display arena and were excited by the quality and versatility of the designs.
The three-day motor show/ auto parts exhibition which started on Wednesday ended on Friday.
The electric vehicles looked beautiful in different colours, all have Chinese origin and available in four and five seaters with superb finishing.
Leading the pack is Taocars which displayed two out of their three models available in Nigeria. The large and medium-sized sedans boast of array of features that are too tempting to resist by prospective electric car buyers, according to a report.
Managing Director Taocars, Mr Moise Niu said that their range of electric vehicles can cover several kilometers before recharge. He described the vehicles as trendy, rugged, durable and easy to maintain.
The Marketing Manager of the company, Mr Ifeanyi Ugbuaja, who was also on ground to explain the features of the vehicles said the electric vehicles were pocket-friendly and offer luxury at its peak, in addition to being noiseless.
Also on display were the Bestune models which come as mini vehicles but with amazing spacious interior and features. The model known as fourfold charm and also described as favorite choice is a three-door mini car. The company said it is built for fun, is safe for all, and easy to drive with great look.
Bestune Xiaoma is a product of FAW Automobile which is already a known name in the Nigeria truck vehicle segment.
Also attracting attention at the fair was Benlg Electric Motorcycles which comes in different sizes and designs. The Electric motorbike which were displayed by Benlg Eletric Motorcycle Nigeria Ltd, include the Tank, Anan, Boxer and outstanding. The company also builds Electric tricycles and has capacity to produce 10,000 Motorbikes monthly.
The Managing Director of Benig, Mr Leon Nie, who said that they were just starting production at their plant in Shagamu, explained that the company has the capacity to meet Nigeria’s motorbike needs.
“Our motorcycles are totally Electric and we want to settle for the production of two and three wheelers as Nigeria EV market is just starting.
Others are the Geely plug-in-hybrid electric vehicle displayed by Icheta, which looks more like a luxury sedan with its smart interior.
Receiving visitors at the Weststar stand where the GLA was on display, were Oluwatobi Abimbola and Yinka Daniels.
Information made available at shows that “the new GLA impresses at first glance with its improved front end design with diamond radiator grille with chrome pins and MULTIBEAM LED headlights that reflect its exclusive nature, while the panoramic sliding roof and the 20-inch light-alloy wheels embody unique driving comfort.”
On the interior, “the GLA impresses with its high-quality finish, generous sense of space and innovative driving comfort. The steering wheel, the redesigned centre console and the stylish ambient lighting[1], every little detail has an impressive aesthetic design and carefully considered functionality. The new MBUX multimedia system adapts to your wishes, while the new Burmester® surround sound system with Dolby Atmos®[1] promises an intense sound experience.”