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By Enyeribe Ejiogu
Fast rising Chinese automaker, Geely Galazy, through its exclusive partner, TIM International Motors Limited, has reaffirmed its commitment to build its electric vehicles in Nigeria as part of a long term plan to make its cars affordable and available to Nigerians.
General Manager of TIM International Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Leon Zhan, told Sunday Sun in an interaction, that local production of the vehicle is aimed at ending the era of Nigeria’s dependence on refurbished used vehicles from Europe.
He said the company, which already has a plant in Abeokuta, has also obtained the relevant government licence and documentation for local assembly.
“Nigeria’s car market remains heavily dominated by used vehicle imports, which account for roughly 80 per cent of all sales. For decades, the market has been shaped by cheap second-hand vehicles — many of them accident-damaged — leaving consumers with limited access to modern safety features, advanced technology, and reliable after-sales support.
Japanese brands like Toyota and Honda continue to dominate the new-car segment due to their proven durability and reliability. However, they now face criticism over rising prices and slower adoption of electrification and advanced driver assistance systems.
He said Geely Galaxy, the premium new-energy vehicle (NEV) brand from China’s Geely Auto Group, is entering the market to offer Nigerians affordable hybrid and electric vehicles equipped with modern safety and technology features.
On the vital issue of durability and the peculiar condition of Nigerian roads which are not like Chinese roads, Zhan revealed that Chinese engineers conducted extensive research and testing in the country, assuring Geely Galaxy vehicles are currently being supported by both Chinese and Nigerian engineers working together to ensure they are well-adapted to local conditions.
Explaining that the vehicles address Nigeria’s road safety concerns, he said: “This is one of Geely Galaxy’s strongest advantages. The vehicles feature Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) with up to 16 functions, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind spot detection, and 360-degree surround cameras. They have earned 5-star ratings from both Euro NCAP and ANCAP, along with reinforced safety cage structures — a significant improvement over the unknown crash history of many imported used cars (Tokunbo). At present three models of the vehicle have been launched in Nigeria (EX5 EM-I, EX5 and EX2).
Zhan further revealed: “We project modest but steady growth: around 300 vehicles this year, rising to 800–1,000 by 2027, and reaching 2,000–3,000 within three years. Local assembly will commence once sales volumes justify the expansion.”
However, Zhan lamented that the biggest challenge facing the company is “bringing order and transparency to a market long shaped by the informality of cheap used-car imports,” adding: “Infrastructure gaps such as inconsistent electricity for charging and poor road conditions as well as low consumer awareness of electric vehicles, also remain significant hurdles.”
Commenting on some of the features of Geely brand of electric vehicles, Zhan said: “The advanced voice-over system allows you to control many functions even before opening the boot. While driving, you can use voice commands to open the trunk, sunroof, or windows, activate child locks, or turn on the seat massager.
“The built-in cameras can record both video and audio, so you don’t need to use your phone during roadside checks or other security situations. The powertrain of the EX5 EM-i is a hybrid (petrol-electric) powertrain. You can drive long distances, such as from Lagos to Kaduna, without needing to charge. You can then charge at your destination.
“The EX2 is a biometric-enabled vehicle. Despite being a compact SUV, it offers impressive space and gives drivers confidence on the road. It is comfortable enough for long journeys, even from Lagos to distant destinations.
“The energy storage systems can integrate power from diesel generators, solar panels, or the public grid. The system includes power banks that can charge vehicles and allow vehicles to supply power back. This setup can also power homes, factories, or other facilities. We can provide customized microgrid solutions.”
Geely is the parent company of Volvo and a major shareholder in Mercedes-Benz. Though the current penetration of smart energy vehicles is low (around 1-2% per cent), Zhan said there is huge potential for it to reach 70-80 per cent in the coming years, similar to China’s growth.
“Nigeria’s growing economy and rising purchasing power also make it a promising market for quality vehicles at competitive prices. We have invested heavily in safety. Our vehicles have passed strict global safety tests and come with advanced equipment, including multiple airbags for driver and passenger protection.
He assured that under the Geely Galaxy and TIM Motors partnership, the long term vision is for the brand to become the number one choice for new energy vehicle mobility solutions in Nigeria, with the aim of capturing “more than 10 per cent market share in the new car segment within three or five years.”
