Chronicling new vehicles launched in 2021

Despite the delay in the enactment of a new National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) Bill, the auto industry nonetheless witnessed the introduction of new vehicles into the Nigerian market as chronicled by our correspondent.   All-New Creta The all-new Hyundai Creta which clinched the prestigious award of the Car-of-the-Year 2021 at the recently held […]

Despite the delay in the enactment of a new National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) Bill, the auto industry nonetheless witnessed the introduction of new vehicles into the Nigerian market as chronicled by our correspondent.

 

All-New Creta

The all-new Hyundai Creta which clinched the prestigious award of the Car-of-the-Year 2021 at the recently held Nigeria Auto Journalists’ Award was one of the brands which made headline in the year 2021.

The All-New Creta from the staple of the Hyundai Motors Limited, came with a redesigned and more powerful SUV model to “create unparalleled driving experiences for customers across the region.”

The company said the second-generation CRETA has been transformed into the ultimate sub-compact SUV for any terrain.

Head Sales and Marketing at Hyundai Motors Nigeria, Mr Gaurav Vashisht, said the new Creta is sensuous and sporty in style, and a fresh-look SUV which stands out on the road with enhanced improvements to both exterior and interior.

Petrol-powered Kona, 2021 Grand i10 Sedan

To provide options to Hyundai Kona Electric Vehicle (EV) customers, Stallion Hyundai Motors Nigeria unveiled both locally assembled petrol-powered Hyundai Kona and all new 2021 Hyundai Grand i10 Sedan into the Nigerian market.

The company had in 2020 (2021) launched Hyundai Kona Electric (EV) in Lagos and Abuja respectively.

Powered by 2.0-litre engine, the 2021Kona Petrol version comes with most of the impressive and award-winning styling, equipment and safety features available in the Kona EV.

Grand i10

Stallion Hyundai Motors Nigeria also introduced the 2021 Hyundai Grand i10 designed to appeal primarily to Entry Level buyers in their 20 – 30s, young families, single males and females, salaried and self-employed, budget-conscious, looking to downsize.

The Grand i10 hits target precisely by delivering modern design, spacious interior with advanced connectivity options, superior safety features and economical operation.

The Return of Suzuki

CFAO Motors, the distributor of Suzuki vehicles in Nigeria and 30 other African countries, unveiled the S-Presso micro SUV, a first of its kind in Nigeria.

The event tagged ‘Suzuki is Back’ was also an opportunity to launch their latest technological advancement, the Smart Link Display Audio (SLDA).

This technology is available in sevea Suzuki brands like Dzire, Ciaz, Vitara, Baleno, Ertiga and Swift models.

General Manager, CFAO Motors, Aissatou Diouf said, “We have just unveiled the S-Presso model, the first micro SUV in Nigeria.

All-new K5

The Kia K5 luxury sedan launched in Nigeria and continued to create head-turning experiences to people across the country. Its wide acceptance and awe are a testament to Kia’s commitment to design, quality, and the ownership experience and shows that the brand’s dedicated philosophy of building forward-thinking sporty sedans is resonating with customers and car enthusiasts. K5’s aesthetically beautiful exterior and fresh new look are cited as reasons the premium midsize sedan remains appealing to all. The eye-catching design amongst other technologically innovative features put it atop the premium mid-size sedan segment in Nigeria and across the globe.

The impressive number of test drives K5 continues to reel in proves that the premium sedan holds an important place in a crossover-dominated market and has created a niche in the Nigeria market,” said Olawale Jimoh, Marketing Manager, Kia Nigeria. 

The 2021 E-Class 

The new 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class also debuted in Nigeria to delight users with the latest technological upgrade and new innovations to the E-Class brand.  

Weststar Associates Limited, the Authorized General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria introduced the newest model in the family of E-Class which took on a comprehensive upgrade from its 10th generation predecessors coming with a host of innovations in design and technology.

The exterior design of the new E-Class comes with a more dynamic design, showing a clear upgrade from its predecessor. The front end comes with increased chrome content, with the headlamps & radiator grille being totally redesigned.

2021 Changan Hunter

All-new Changan Hunter pick-up jointly built by Changan Auto and Groupe PSA,the second largest car manufacturer in Europe, also debuted in Nigeria in 2021.

Also launched are two trims of eye-catching Changan Mini buses targeted at meeting the needs of commercial transporters as well small and medium Enterprises (SMEs) and logistic concerns.

A Chinese truck with strong European DNA, the Hunter midsize pickup and  its mini bus siblings also premiered in Lagos.

Speaking at the launch, Stallion Motors’ Head of Sale and Marketing, Vijay Singh, said the  launch was aimed at serving the Nigerian business community and Government Sectors with vehicles that combine quality , ruggedness with affordability.

New gas-powered buses hit Nigerian market   

As the world shifts attention from petrol-powered vehicles, Austrian Technologies Nigeria, introduced natural gas-powered vehicles into the Nigerian market promising to substantially reduce carbon emissions from vehicles and the attendant danger to human health.

The firm announced this in a statement, which also provided details of the full range of the ECO-Green buses.

Chief Executive Officer of Austrian Technologies Nigeria Limited, Johann Rieger, said the buses built with European standards for critical climate and infrastructure, are targeted at private and public transport operators in Nigeria.

Eicher PRO 2000 SERIES

The Commercial and Haulage Automotive Sector has received a boost with the introduction of two new contenders in form of the Eicher Pro 2049 LHD and Pro 2070 LHD

The Staff of A.G. Leventis (Nigeria) Limited, Leventis Motors, Staff of Pikwik Nigeria Limited unveiled the two trucks in Lagos.

GMD/CEO of AG Leventis, Seun Oni unveiled the trucks joined by other members of the group and that of Leventis Motors.  

The Eicher Pro 2049 has a capacity of 4.9 Tons Gross vehicle weight, 2.5 Tons Payload and 10 ft Cargo body, Dual Circuit, Full Air S Cam brakes, Tilt-able Cabin, and adjustable driver seat.

Suitable for Agro, FCMG, Food and beverages. etc.

The Eicher Pro 2070 has a capacity of 7.5 Tons Gross vehicle weight, 4 Tons Payload and 16 ft Cargo length, hydraulic drum brakes and Tilt-able Cabin. Suitable for FCMG, Food and beverage, Argo, Construction.  etc

All-new Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Motors introduced the 2021 all-new Hyundai Tucson to the Nigerian market which was designed to “take the stress out of travelling.”

According to Hyundai, the all-new TUCSON ensures travelling for long periods is comfortable and even more convenient. 

The fourth generation of Hyundai’s successful compact SUV is packed with features that will make any trip just as enjoyable as the destination.

2021 Ford Edge

Coscharis Motors, sole franchisee of Ford Motor Company in Nigeria, introduced the newly upgraded Ford Edge also at the 2021 Abuja Motor Fair.

The upgraded Ford Edge was among other Ford variants displayed at the fair by Coscharis Motors.

“We are delighted to showcase the upgraded Ford Edge with all its innovative and fascinating features such as a 2.0 liter eco boost petrol engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, dual zone climate control, intelligent access and push start button among others. The wait is over and our customers can now begin to enjoy this exquisite masterpiece called the Ford Edge,” Abiona Babarinde, Coscharis General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications said.