By Adaobi Rhema Oguejiofor
Coscharis Motors, Globe Motors, Toyota Nigeria, CFAO, Weststar Associates and Lanre Shittu Motors (LSM) have emerged as big winners at the 2024 Nigerian Automotive Journalists Association (NAJA) Auto Awards .
The Honorary Awards event, which took place at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, recognized various categories within the industry, ranging from vehicle innovation to excellence in service.
Globe Motors emerged as the Most Resilient Company of the Year, while Coscharis Motors was crowned the Multi-Luxury Brand of the Year along with the luxury SUV of the Year with Range Rover Autobiography. Meanwhile, Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL) and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lanre Shittu Motors (LSM) were honoured as Auto Company of the Decade and Auto Personality of the Year respectively.
CFAO on the other hand, won the Outstanding After-Sale Service, Product Launches of the Year with the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Suzuki Vitara, and the Most Enterprising Auto Company of the Year, while Chief Chidi Anyaegbu MFR (Founder, Chisco Motors) was recognised as the Transport icon of the Year. Also, Mrs. Karima Okunola of Mikano Motors bagged the Auto Marketing Manager of the Year.
The high-flying companies were commended for their commitment to providing quality vehicles and top-notch aftersales services, which have contributed to their solid reputation in the Nigerian auto market over the years.
Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing was also celebrated for its pioneering role in local vehicle production, while Nord took home the CNG-powered mini bus brand and A9 launch recognition. Weststar’s Mercedes-Benz S-Class won luxury car of the year.
Similarly, Carloha with its handling of Chery was adjudged the most innovative company of the year, while Dangote Sinotruk won the Heavy-duty Truck Manufacturer of the Year, and Lanre Shittu’s JAC was again awarded the Heavy-duty Truck of the Year.
Meanwhile, Coscharis Motors Plc., a leading automobile dealer and the exclusive representative of the Renault brand in Nigeria, has recently launched into the Nigerian market, the new Renault Taliant, a car known for its frenzied fuel efficiency.
The Branch Manager, Coscharis Motors Abuja, Leticia Onuzulike, while speaking about the car at the recently concluded Abuja International Motor Fair, where the vehicle was unveiled, highlighted the Taliant’s unique features, including fuel efficiency, safety, comfort, ample storage capacity, high ground clearance, and a reliable suspension system.
“The major challenge amongst automobile enthusiasts in our market right now is the high cost of fueling their cars. Taliant has come to address that with its 1.0-litre turbocharged engine. This means that Taliant consumes far less fuel per kilometre compared to other cars in its class, helping you save significantly on fuel expenses,” she said.
Onuzulike, as part of the launch, announced an exclusive 10% discount for customers purchasing the Taliant or any other Renault variant displayed during the fair, reaffirming Coscharis Motors’ commitment to delivering quality, efficiency, and innovation.