…As firms unveil groundbreaking vehicles

By Bianca Iboma-Emefu

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commended Elizade Autoland and JAC Motors for their outstanding innovation, enterprise, and resilience in Nigeria’s automobile industry, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Speaking at the grand unveiling of two new JAC vehicles – the rugged Jack-T9 Pickup and the family-friendly JS8 Pro SUV, Sanwo-Olu described the initiative as a bold step toward transforming Nigeria’s automotive landscape.

He assured investors that the state government would continue to provide infrastructure, technical support, and system reforms to enhance industrial growth.

 “Lagos is proud to be home to innovators like Elizade Autoland and JAC Motors. We will continue to support investors with the right infrastructure and business-friendly policies to ensure sustained growth,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The launch event, which attracted industry leaders, government officials, and automobile enthusiasts, marked a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive toward accessible, affordable, and high-quality vehicles designed for local terrain and consumers.

Elizade Autoland’s Managing Director, Demola Ade-Ojo, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigerian motorists, stressing that the new models embody the brand’s dedication to affordability, durability, and customer satisfaction.

“We understand the challenges many Nigerians face in owning reliable vehicles. That’s why we introduced innovative financing options like the Special 30 Scheme, enabling customers to acquire brand-new vehicles without paying the full cost upfront,” Ade-Ojo explained.

He revealed that the company had spent years testing its vehicles in Nigerian conditions before its official 2017 launch, noting that customer feedback over the years has been overwhelmingly positive.

In line with its customer-first philosophy, the company also announced the Auto Protect insurance scheme, which covers expensive repairs, including damage from poor fuel quality, ensuring peace of mind for vehicle owners. Additionally, JAC extended its warranty from three years/100,000 km to five years/150,000 km, reinforcing its promise of reliability.

Bruce Zhang, Sales Manager of JAC International, said the company’s renewed presence in Nigeria is part of its strategic expansion across Africa, with over 1 million global users and operations in 130 countries.

 “JAC Motors has a proud 61-year legacy built on innovation and engineering excellence. We are here not just to sell cars but to contribute to Nigeria’s economic development by creating jobs, promoting technology transfer, and supporting local capacity,” Zhang stated.

The newly introduced vehicles are designed to meet the needs of Nigerian consumers. The Jack-T9 Pickup, built on six decades of chassis engineering mastery, comes with a turbocharged engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, and a 3,500 kg towing capacity—making it ideal for rugged Nigerian roads. The JS8 Pro SUV, on the other hand, offers seven seats, independent rear AC, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced safety features, blending luxury with practicality for families and professionals alike.

With widespread service centers, genuine spare parts availability, and flexible payment plans in partnership with local banks, Elizade JAC Autoland boss said its mission is to make quality vehicle ownership more attainable for Nigerians.

“This launch isn’t just about new vehicles—it’s about empowering Nigerians with reliable, affordable, and stylish transportation,” Ade-Ojo added.