08 Aug STALLION, BAJAJ KICKS OFF FIRST KEKE RALLY IN NIGERIA
Stallion Auto Keke Ltd. the new and exclusive distributor of Bajaj Auto for 3 wheeler & 4 wheeler business on Friday, Lagos, Nigeria flagged-off the “First Keke Rally In Nigeria’’.
The Keke rally comprises a convoy of 5 Kekes with their experienced riders, a branded truck for customer engagement and market activation and security agents, amongst others. The rally kicked off at the Stallion Bajaj showrom at Ijesha, Lagos State and is expected to cover 5,000 kilometres driving through 28 cities in sixteen states across the country. This rally will stand testimony to the fact that the New Baba Bajaj is a strong and durable Keke for the Nigerian roads. It will further add to the brand promise that the New Baba Bajaj, Runs Faster and Lasts Longer. Starting from Lagos it will cover Ogun, Oyo, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Abiya, Rivers, Anambra, Delta, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun States. The durable drive of 5000kms will spread the message of being responsible and maintain hygiene to stop the spread of Corona Virus.
The team is also scheduled to visit identified cultural sites in the states as a comprehensive exercise designed to celebrate the Nigerian history and its deep rooted indegenous culture. Kekes journey to these sites and the background stories will connect the young Nigerians to their rich heritage.
Speaking at an interactive session with the Motoring Editors at the Dealer Launch, Managing Director, Stallion Auto KeKe Ltd, Manish Rohtagi said Bajaj is the pioneer Keke brand in Nigeria that is well known for its durability, speed and overall performance and is loved by millions. The new distributorship will bring immense value to the dealers, fleet owners, riders & consumers. Stallion’s advantage lies in its de–centalised operation and quicker decision making, which will help drive operating efficiency. The business is expected to grow at a much faster rate as Stallion will actively push for the adoption of Keke by existing partners and the customer ecosystem. It will bring differentiated customer service, and ease of spare part availability through its existing footprints in the auto industry.
He also explained that plans are underway to engage more dealers across the country and provide first class after sales support aiming at sharp service within 4 hours, rider training schools and Rider and Mechanic empowerment programs.
Stallion Bajaj boasts of sales and service outlets at 96 locations spread across Nigeria and will add 30 more Exclusive and MFS outlets by the end of 2020 taking the count to 126. The areas of focus would be Illorin, Yola, Warri, Benin, Yenogoa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Lokoja and Bauchi.
Information made available indicates that the company has invested in a state-of-the-art central auto parts and sevice centre in Lagos to support the distribution of genuine parts across the country.
Manish in his address to media mentioned that “The authorised service centers across the nation only deals in genuine spare parts provided by the company making durability its brand promise. The Bajaj Keke are manufactured in a state-of-the-art assembly plant in VON, Gbagada, Lagos employing the best in class home grown technicians’’.
Meahwhile, plan are underway to introduce Bajaj Qute & Maxima Cargo before the end of this year. Regarded as low cost, last mile transportation solution, Bajaj Qute is an eco friendly and fuel efficient means of transportation.
In an interview recently, Rohtagi spoke on what gave rise to the acquisition of the Bajaj franchise by the Stallion group.
He said“ For over 50 years, Stallion has successfully navigated the Nigerian terrain and has become a time-tested conglomerate that has its presence across the Nigerian economy. Stallion Group’s vision is to adopt global best practices and localize it to develop scalable, impactful and sustainable business that is committed to improving the socio-economic conditions of the communities. Bajaj Auto on the other hand is a world leader in the intra city vehicle space. “Loved in 70 countries the brand stands for integrity, dedication, resourcefulness and determination to succeed and empower. With similar brand ethos we believe that this alliance will go a long way in empowering Nigerians to be self-reliant and improve the interests of the stakeholders be it employees, dealers, distributors, vendors, mechanics, unions, logistic operators or bankers.
“With years of experience in multiple countries including Nigeria, I foresee the opportunity that Bajaj has vast potentials for growth in the Nigerian market and to emerge as the undisputed market leader. The right approach and service to the dealers and consumers to bring out the USPs of the product and essence of the brand will add strength for it to become the market leader.“
Speaking to the media the Marketing Head for Stallion Group, Arpita Luthra highlighted that -Stallion Auto Keke Ltd will invest significantly in improving stake holder’s interest, business and livelihood. Be it landmark consumer connect campaigns like the Stallion Bajaj Keke Rally doing the durability drive of 5000 kms touching 28 cities or rider training facilities or scholarship programs for the Keke riders and mechanics, the alliance of Stallion and Bajaj will enable progress, improve lives and dominate the market.