In efforts to stimulate competition and interest in local vehicles, Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria (DPAN) Limited said it has commenced assembling Peugeot vehicles in Nigeria.
DPAN, co-owned by Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote and the governments of Kaduna and Kebbi States, alongside technical partner Stellantis Group (owners of Peugeot), is set to roll out Landtrek, 3008, 5008, and the new 508. These models are expected to flaunt their outstanding aesthetics, rich technological endowment and safety features to appeal to the customers and the motoring public.
According to the company's Managing Director, Ibrahim Issa Gachi, the plant is well equipped to roll out vehicles that will appeal to the Nigerian Automobile market, adding that its plant can assemble 120 cars per day across two shifts.
"Nothing is being spared to enable market recapture, hence all hands are on deck to ensure not just survival but also continued growth in a market with potential for cars in excess of 100,000 units per year and growing," Gachi declared.
The company said it would leverage Peugeot's popularity and reputation in the past decades to remain a viable choice in the market in the coming years.
"With the New Green Field Ultima Assembly Plant, a lot is being done by DPAN to ensure visibility of the Peugeot brand and availability of spare parts to the network and the generality of Nigerians. DPAN will be encouraged by our technical partner to reposition the brand in the short, medium, and long term as we ensure customer satisfaction and sustainability", Gachi said.
DPAN is joining other notable indigenous vehicle assembling plants: Innoson Motors, Globe Motors (distributor of Hyundai cars), Dana Motors (distributor of Kia Motors), Coscharis Motors (distributor of BMW, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, and Ford cars).
Others are Stallion Motors (Nissan Motors), Nord Automobiles and Lanre Shittu Motors, LSM (distributor of JAC Truck).
