6 hours Ago By Rapheal
By Moses Akaigwe As the countdown to the Wednesday, December 11, 2024 Nigeria Auto Industry Awards continues, keen sector stakeholders are waiting with bated breath for the organisers to announce the nominees for the prestigious Car-of-the-Year (COTY) top honour. One of the many new luxury buses deployed to various routes for the Christmas season by Chisco Transport Organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), the annual awards ceremony is set to take place at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, and is expected to draw significant attention from both local and international automakers. Though the Car-of-the-Year contenders are still being assessed, NAJA has revealed the nominees for various other categories, showcasing the diversity and innovation in Nigeria’s automotive sector.
In the Heavy Duty Truck of the Year category, the JAC brand; FAW by Perfection Motors; and Howo trucks manufacturered by Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Ltd (DSWAL), are the frontrunners. For Car Assembly Plant of the Year, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Co., GAC Motors, and Mikano Motors, are competing for top honours.
Meanwhile, in the Truck Plant of the Year category, nominees include Lanre Shittu Motors (LSM), Dangote Sinotruk (assemblers of Howo trucks), and Perfection Motors (FAW). Other major categories include the Mini-Bus Assembly Plant of the Year, with Jet Systems, Innoson, and Nord as the nominees. The Product Launch category features Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Toyota Rumion, Toyota Belta, and Suzuki Vitara.
Luxury brands also have their own ‘battle,’ with the Mercedes Benz S-Class vying for Luxury Brand of the Year, while Mercedes Benz GLE, BMW X7, and Range Rover Autobiography compete for Luxury SUV of the Year. In the Compact SUV prize, Kia Sonett, Changan CS35, and Hyundai Venue are in the running too. In other notable categories, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Chery Tiggo Pro 2, and Nord A9, are contenders for Outstanding New Entrant, while Jetour X70, Nord A9, and Changan Unik compete for Outstanding Design plaque.
The Pickup of the Year nominees includes the Maxus T60, JAC T6, and Toyota Hilux. This year’s event is coming at a particularly challenging time for Nigeria’s automotive industry, as rising inflation and the depreciation of the naira continue to affect vehicle prices and consumer spending power. For many auto brands, these economic pressures are pushing them to innovate not just in vehicle design, but also in marketing, financing, and customer engagement.
Theodore Opara, Chairman of the awards committee, explains the growing significance of these awards, saying, “Winning a NAJA Award is not just about prestige; it’s about solidifying a brand’s position in an increasingly competitive and challenging market.” According to Mike Ochonma, NAJA Chairman, “Brands that were previously not dominant in the market are now making bold moves through customer engagement and leveraging digital platforms to enhance the purchasing experience.” According to the organisers, the awards act as a powerful signal to consumers and competitors alike, influencing purchasing decisions and shaping market trends.
Experts highlight the role of these awards in establishing consumer trust, with Opara adding, “The NAJA Awards validate the commitment of brands to quality, technological advancement, and responsiveness to market demands.” The awards also serve as a barometer of excellence, highlighting how auto brands are addressing the evolving preferences of Nigerian consumers. With economic uncertainties in the background, industry players are shifting their focus from traditional models to include more customer-centric, innovative approaches.
As the race for Car of the Year heats up, brands are not just vying for accolades—they are positioning themselves for success in an increasingly competitive and volatile market. The results of this year’s NAJA Awards will have lasting effects on the automotive landscape, setting the stage for consumer expectations and trends in the year ahead. With a mix of established giants and emerging brands, the 2024 NAJA Awards will be a key indicator of the resilience and adaptability of Nigeria’s automotive industry, even in the face of economic adversity.
NAJA.
