This chapter explores Nord Automobiles Limited's efforts in producing vehicles catered to the Nigerian market, addressing challenges posed by foreign brands and China's automotive exports. It discusses the company's focus on research, branding, and adapting cars to Nigerian conditions, aiming to create a trustworthy brand that competes with international names.
For decades, Nigeria has struggled to grow its domestic automotive industry while vehicles made by manufacturers from Japan, Korea, Europe and the US have dominated. But critics say many of those cars are not suitable for Nigeria’s roads.
Lately, there has been a surge of “made in Nigeria” brands, of vehicles manufactured and assembled locally, which have been designed with the country’s challenging road conditions in mind.
But as Nigerians are gearing up to the idea of replacing their trusted foreign brands with local alternatives, China has introduced a range of vehicles tailored to the Nigerian market - but cheaper.
(Image: A Nord Tank SUV. Credit: Tobi Ajayi)
Presented and produced by Peter Macjob