Why the Igbo prefer Mercedes car

Cars are very important necessity of life. These days, a lot of people are car freaks. Cars are useful because they convey people from place to place. Besides, many enjoy driving and they do it as a hobby. Cars vary in sizes and shapes. Many prefer flashy cars. Some may prefer outdated ones but all […]

Cars are very important necessity of life. These days, a lot of people are car freaks. Cars are useful because they convey people from place to place. Besides, many enjoy driving and they do it as a hobby.

Cars vary in sizes and shapes. Many prefer flashy cars. Some may prefer outdated ones but all the same, they serve the same purpose, which is to convey people.

In the Igbo-speaking eastern Nigeria, Mercedes is a very common car brand. Why is the German made car so popular among the Igbo?

According to Dr Ugwuanyi James (ages 30), he prefers Mercedes to other cars because of its durability and reliability. “I have used it for seven years and it is still strong. Mercedes car doesn’t make you go to the mechanic frequently and this makes it easy to maintain,” he expressed.

He is in love with Mercedes because it is a kind of car that endures the rough roads in Nigeria and its spare parts are good and accessible in the Nigerian market.

He said, “Though I have other cars, I prefer Mercedes because I feel more relaxed in it.” He said he maintains the car by changing the oil as at when due and washing it once every week; both the interior and exterior parts.

He prefers black colour because it doesn’t fade easily and it sparkles. He said Mercedes car is cheaper compared to other cars and above all very strong and can be relied upon in long distance travels.

A 50-year-old public servant, Mr Uchennan Chukwu said he prefers Mercedes cars because of its high speed, durability and comfort. He said he was motivated by an advertisement on television which portrayed Mercedes as best among cars.

Although, he has used the car for 10 years, it is still very strong and serves him any time, anywhere. He prefers the ash colour because it is bright and unique. According to him, he maintains the car by washing it twice every week and servicing it once every two months.

He however contested the popular notion that Mercedes car is for the Igbo adding though that it is used by them because of its uniqueness and comfort.

Mr Ozoekweh Maxwell, a banker who is 45 said he loves Mercedes more than other cars because it is reliable and strong. “It is a high quality car compared to these modern cars and it gives you assurance more than other cars,” he observed adding, “it doesn’t break down easily and it is cheap to maintain because the engine and the parts are easily sourced.”

He said he was motivated to use the car because of its strong body parts and cheap maintenance, stressing that he prefers the yellow colour because it is attractive. He maintains the car by washing it once every weak and servicing it every three months.

Mr Jonny Dike, a 35-year-old businessman said the Mercedes car has a very good balance on the ground and offers very comfortable ride. He stated, “Whenever I ride on it, I feel relaxed and good. I believe it is the best car at the moment and for the bad roads as far as durability is concerned. It serves for the portholes and bumps on our roads.” He added that Mercedes cars are not special; they are like other cars but relatively cheap.