Blogs

17 Jun

Posted at 14:09h in Blogs
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Locally Assembled Hyundai Kona Fantastic", Says VP Osinbajo after Test-Drive Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has thumped up for the Hyundai Kona Electric Car assembled in Nigeria, describing it as a fantastic machine. The Nigerian Vice president made the remark on Tuesday after test-driving the car, during his tour of made-in-Nigeria products at the opening ceremony of a five-day Nigeria @ 60 Expo being held at the Eagle Square, Abuja. The event is organized by the Inter-ministerial Committee on Nigeria @ 60 in collaboration with Business Visa and Training Co Ltd. Speaking with the newsmen afterwards, Osinbajo expressed excitement at the innovation and said he was hopeful of a bright future for Nigeria. “A very good drive; fantastic; it just shows what is possible,” he enthused, adding, “I am glad to see that this is an assembled-in-Nigeria Electric Car. “You can literally charge it anywhere; I think it is a very fantastic innovation; fantastic product, and I can tell because I drove it.” Not being discouraged by the infrastructural challenges in the country, Stallion Group, Nigeria’s exclusive assembler and distributors of Hyundai brand, rolled out Hyundai Kona, the nation’s first ever Electric Vehicle (EV) in conjugation with Hyundai Motors Nigeria, purposely to embark on the attitudinal change for a clean environment. And Hyundai Motors Nigeria recognized this paradigm shift in the transportation sector by bringing in electric mobility that is a step towards the same goal. Assembled in Stallion Group’s VON Assembly plant at Ojo, Lagos and launched into the Nigerian market late 2020, Nigeria’s first ever Electric car has since attracted kudos from various government functionaries, including the National Assembly. 100% electric with zero carbon emission, the Kona can go up to a range of 482 km with an acceleration of (0-100kms) in 9.7 seconds on a single battery cycle of a capacity of 64 KWH. The ease of charging is unmatched and can be plugged in at home or work for 9.35 hours for a full battery. Since debuted worldwide, KONA Electric has been widely lauded for its class-leading driving range, fast-charging capability, safety and convenience features. Though an EV, Kona comes with some of the safety features that are not even available in cars powered by the traditionally known Internal Combustion engine. For instance, aside multiple safety airbags, it comes with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), which uses the car’s front-facing camera and radar to help detect an imminent collision and avoid impact or minimize damage by braking autonomously, thanks to the new Hyundai SmartSense safety technologies. No wonder, the Kona went through the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) carried out by the United States’ National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was awarded the highest safety rating of 5 stars. Kona is so smart that it is capable of sensing road markings, using Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), which helps to prevent accidental lane departure and may automatically steer the car if required. This first EV to be locally assembled in Nigeria also comes with Driver Attention Warning (DAW), which monitors the owner/driver’s driving patterns. It even detects drowsy or inattentive driving and alerts the driver with a sound cue and warning message on the instrument panel. Additional safety technologies in the vehicle include Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Rear Cross Traffic Warning (RCCW). No wonder, it recorded a first-rate crash test result. ...

11 Jun

Posted at 14:19h in Blogs
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Hyundai launches its all-new and more powerful CRETA vehicle in Nigeria. • Sensuous and sporty in style, the latest and fresh-look SUV stands out on the road with enhanced improvements to both exterior and interior. • Bigger in size and boasting state-of-the-art technology, the CRETA offers premium experience with more space, comfort and convenience features. Hyundai Motor Nigeria has launched its all-new CRETA vehicle in Nigeria with a redesigned and more powerful SUV model set to create unparalleled driving experiences for customers across the region. Unveiled during the press launch, the second-generation CRETA has been transformed into the ultimate sub-compact SUV for any terrain. Building on the success of the first model, the fresh-look CRETA is more spacious, boasts improved features and utilizes state-of-the-art technologies to meet the complete needs of working professionals, young peer group and families. Central to Hyundai’s vision of delivering a superior experience is performance and the CRETA is installed with highly evolved powertrain engines, bringing incredible power and cleaner emissions. Mr. Gaurav Vashisht, Head Sales and Marketing at Hyundai Motors Nigeria, said: “Developing high-quality vehicles are at the core of our vision and this is reflected with the all-new Hyundai CRETA model. “Since the first model was launched, the CRETA has become one of the most popular vehicles and the latest version is set to be a game-changer in the sub-compact SUV segment. From top to bottom, we have crafted the car carefully, pushing the boundaries to ensure that it stands out on the road and is equipped with a wide range of improved features that will deliver even more fun-loving driving experiences. “Ultimately, the new CRETA is no like no other vehicle. It’s a true urban crossover with loads of versatility that is modern, sensuous and sporty in design.” The all-new Creta comes with a choice of three engines. The Smart stream G1.5 (maximum power of 115ps/6,300rpm and maximum torque of 14.7kgf.m/4,500rpm) and the Kappa 1.4T-GDI (140ps/6,000rpm and 24.7kgf.m/1,500-3,200rpm) are both gasoline engines, providing better fuel economy on the roads. Offering more choice is the diesel U2 1.5 VGT (DSL) engine, which has a maximum power of 115ps/4,000rpm and a maximum torque of 25.5kgf.m/1,500-2,750rpm. To match the performance, Hyundai has made significant improvements to both the interior and exterior including the size. At 4,300mm (length) and 1,790mm (width), the outside of the CRETA is 20mm and 10mm bigger respectively than the first model. The masculine personality on the front is reflected through the grille’s bold and rectangular latticework, holding a bigger and more striking H-logo as well as distinctive two-tier headlamps. The addition of sinewy character lines over the clamshell-type bonnet also reinforces the masculine identity. The quality of the exterior is replicated inside with the increase in size providing more space, comfort and convenience. Fitted with an 4-speaker system, passengers can benefit from crisp and exceptional audio quality when listening to music on the go. The premium interior is completed with a multi-functional 3.5inch TFT LCD cluster and the optional fully digital 7-inch supervision version, delivering information in rich detail with unprecedented speed and precision. With the passengers’ safety the utmost priority for Hyundai, the CRETA is safer than before. The body structure is made of advanced ultra-high tensile-strength steel, giving it exceptional crash resistance. Rear disc brakes have also been installed while the driver can use the rear view camera when parking. To help avoid accidents, the front and rear suspensions have been improved to ensure a smoother journey while the gearbox options have been expanded to include a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission. Customers can choose from eight colour exterior choices – Polar White, Typhoon Silver, Titan Grey, Phantom Black, Lava Orange, Red Mulberry, Galaxy Blue and Deep Forest. The two-tone interior colour options include black/grey and brown/beige with a choice of three textures – Tricot GL, Woven GL2 and Leather OPT. A black/orange interior is also available in either woven or leather. ...

11 Jun

Posted at 11:58h in Blogs
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2021 Changan Hunter with French DNA, Mini Bus Debut in Nigeria All-new Changan Hunter pick-up jointly built by Changan Auto and Groupe PSA,the second largest car manufacturer in Europe, has debuted in Nigeria. Also launched are two trims of eye-catching Changan Mini buses targeted at meeting the needs of commercial transporters as well small and medium Enterprises (SMEs) and logistic concerns. A Chinese truck with strong European DNA, the Hunter midsize pickup and its mini bus siblings premiered in Lagos on Saturday in the presence of newsmen from the leading Nigerian mainstream and online media. Speaking at the launch, Stallion Motors’ Head of Sale and Marketing, Vijay Singh, said the launch was aimed at serving the Nigerian business community and Government Sectors with vehicles that combine quality , ruggedness with affordability. Mini Buses He explained: “Available for sale in Nigeria are two trims of Mini buses, namely Star 9 and star 5, each named according to seating capacity. “Positioned as a leader for both business passengers and urban logistics, the star 5 and Star 9 mini buses are new generation of highly efficient commercial vehicles, powered by C10 1000cc engine tuned up to withstand daily rigours of commercial transportation. “Both mini bus versions come with Electric power steering, power windows and Central locking system.” Whereas the new Hunter, which Singh described as a truck ready to charm the nation’s love of quality trucks with make-ups traditionally associated with saloons and SUVs, displays uncommon characteristics, especially stunning design, intelligent safety features and ruggedness, making it the right truck for Nigerian roads. “Engineered to scale through the PSA-CHANGAN "CA-TVS" dual system verification,” he stated, “the 2021 Hunter did not only meet the strictest European standard, its total galvanized process guarantees ten years anti-corrosion. “Meanwhile, the Hunter comes with an exciting feature known as forest air purification system, which means, no matter how harsh the road environment outside the van, Hunter will maintain fresh air, thereby providing drivers and passengers with a comfortable and healthy experience.” In pickup segment compare to the competition Changan Hunter reveals with 2.4 Litter Turbo Patrol Engine with Manual and Automatic Transmission equipped with high end features like Led lamps, premium leather seats, Reverse camera, Cruise Control, push button Start, rear AC vent, 10“ display with touch screen, Bedliner with 226mm ground clearance. “Being of Chinese-European parenthood,” Singh stated further, “Changan Hunter was designed and engineered with strict adherence to European standard and EuroNCAP (European Car Assessment Programme) specifications in terms of safety, power, performance, comfort and equipment. “Boasting of the highest safety technology, Hunter’s outstanding quality and durability makes it your companion for every road.” Hunter’s Extraordinary Design As a wide-body, large pickup jointly created through Chinese and European cooperation, Changan Hunter was incorporated with international perspectives at the beginning of its design. Crafted with amazing features of unmatched quality, Changan Hunter pickup is 5330mm long, 1930mm wide and 1 835 mm tall. In the process of designing the pickup, the skilled and creative Changan design team fashioned muscular interior and exterior curves to convey surging power, which explains why the truck exudes uncommon character and charm. Available in different colours, including white, grey, silver and blue, Changan Hunter comes with a big grille, encapsulating the brand’s logo, under which there is protection for rough road environments. Equipment and Comfort Incredibly, the hunter is heavily equipped for safety and comfort. Installed on its cargo area is a rear view camera and a rear parking sensor. On board, the driver is faced with easily accessible control buttons and functions, rear view camera monitor, automatic climate control, along with very comfortable seats and seat belts for safety. In addition to a strong and out-of-the-ordinary design, the Hunter stands as the best in its category with cargo capacity of one- ton, coupled with Interior that creates an exceptional driving experience. Power and Performance The Hunter Pickup is powered by 2.4-liter turbocharged Petrol engine (Bosch Turbo Intercooler Injection), which is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, made by Getrag (now Magna PT), the world's largest supplier of transmission systems based in Germany). With an 80-Litre capacity fuel tank, the Hunter supports 1000km supper driving mileage. To ensure the best overall performance, the chassis tuning of Changan Hunter is jointly done by the Changan Detroit R&D Center and the Global R&D Center. Aboard the Hunter pickup, everything is under control with impressive Hill Hold Control (HHC) and Hill Descent Assist Control (HDC), while its 226mm minimum ground clearance is no doubt an assurance for comfortable and safe motoring on Nigerian roads. Last Lines No doubt, Changan Hunter is built to last. With its strong production capacity driven by innovative research and development, coupled with the production and sales systems of Changan Auto and PSA Group, it is believed that the globalization of Changan Hunter will advance steadily. And considering its strong character in the area of safety, strength, Comfort, coupled with uncommon design and its unique air purification system, Changan Hunter has a potential of becoming the HUNTED by the nation’s love of quality trucks and pick-ups.  ...

09 Feb

Posted at 11:41h in Blogs
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Nigeria first locally assembled Electric car Hyundai Kona unveiled by Nigerian Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Director-General, NADDC, Mr Jelani Aliyu, at Abuja The Nigerian Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo has congratulated Stallion Group and its subsidiary, Hyundai Nigeria for introducing the first Electric Vehicle  into the Nigeria market. In a goodwill message in Abuja on Friday at the official unveiling of the Hyundai Kona, Nigeria’s first locally-assembled electric car, manufactured by Stallion Group, the Minister said: “This is the first electric car that we are seeing here. The Federal Government is willing to provide the enabling environment for this technology to thrive”. Explaining further, the Minister said: “On  behalf of the Federal Government, I commend Hyundai for this initiative, as we continue to support this noble idea.” Meanwhile, Director-General, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr Jelani Aliyu, has announced plans by the Federal Government to begin Electric Vehicle (EV) Pilot programme in three universities. Speaking at the event, the Director General, National Automotive Design and Development Council, Mr. Jelani Aliyu, MFR congratulated the Stallion Group (the parent company of Hyundai Nigeria) for the huge achievement. He said the unveiling of the KONA ELECTRIC VEHICLE is a significant milestone for the Nigerian automotive industry and a strong testimony to the achievements of the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP). The Director General urged Nigerians to embrace new technology which according to him has empowered businesses and energized private sectors through industrialization. Speaking at the event,  CEO of Stallion Group Mr. Anant Badjatya says The government has always been forward thinking for the greater good of Nigeria- and sustainable means of operations making the nation future ready.  Being here today and advocating the first electric car locally assembled vehicle further adds to  the vision for a greener eco friendly Nigeria. Mr Anant Badjatya, explained that the electric car comes with zero emission, and can be charged both at home and workplace. He said we are working to ensure that we do more work on the new product and make it more cheaper for Nigerians. “Right now the most important thing is for us to understand that we need to embrace the future, because this is the future of automobile. “We cannot wish it away, because the entire world is now embracing EVs as they want to get away from the diesel and petrol engines. “The good thing about Nigerians is that they are very innovative, they can embrace and enjoy this technology. The brand head Mr. Gaurav Vashisht further added that Hyundai Kona is a stepping stone towards a greener Nigeria. The question often asked is are we ready for Electric Vehicle in Nigeria? I am asking “Who says we are not ready?” “Making it affordable and accessible will see most Nigerians adopt in the new normal in today’s time. It will be great to simply charge my car at home like a mobile phone and drive around at no fuel cost. Kona offers just that ease to the consumers. The first electric SUV from Hyundai, the Kona can go up to a range of 482 km with an acceleration of (0-100kms) in 9.7 seconds on a single battery cycle of a capacity of 64 KWH. The ease of charging is unmatched and can be plugged in at home or work for 9:35 hours (standard charger) for a full battery, you can also charge Kona battery with ultra-fast charger in 3:30 hours. Its 100% electric with zero carbon emission. KONA Electric is here to change the way people think about going electric. Global interest in climate change and its effects on the environment and society more broadly, is at an all-time high.  Specifically, with the unpredicted pandemic of COVID-19, more countries are increasingly acknowledging the shift that’s needed from a fossil fuel-driven economy to one that is sustainable, green and attempts to mitigate climate change. Hyundai Motors Nigeria,  recognised this paradigm shift in the transportation sector by bringing in electric mobility that is a step towards the same goal. For a developing country like Nigeria, not being discouraged by the infrastructural challenges, Stallion plans to launch the first ever Electric Vehicle (EV) in conjugation with Hyundai to embark on the attitudinal change for a clean environment. Kona electric has been extensively applauded for its class driving range, safety convenience features and fast-charging capability. Its success can be measured by the following; In April 2020, it was named the Best Small Family Car by the inaugural TopGear Electric Awards based on its 24-hour (1,600-km) performance. The EV also played a role in the KONA nameplate winning Spanish newspaper ABC’s Best Car of the Year award. It also won the 2019 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year.  ...

23 Nov

Posted at 20:57h in Blogs
8 Likes

Nigeria got its first locally assembled Electric car Hyundai Kona today. The vehicle was launched by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the senior members of the Lagos State Government at Stallion Group’s assembly plant VON at Ojo, Lagos. In his welcome speech the manageing director of Stallion VON Mr. Manish Rohtagi appreciated the government for always being forward thinking for the greater good of Lagos and encouraging sustainable means of operations making the state future ready. The LASG teams advocation of the first locally assembled electric car in this plant further adds to the vision for a greener and eco friendly Lagos. The brand head Mr. Gaurav Vasisht further added that Hyundai Kona is a stepping stone towards a greener Lagos. The question often asked is are we ready for Electric Vehicle in Nigeria? I am asking “Who says we are not ready?” “Making it affordable and accessible will see most Nigerians adopt in the new normal in today’s time. It will be great to simply charge my car at home like a mobile phone and drive around at no fuel cost. Kona offers just that ease to the consumers. The first electric SUV from Hyundai, the Kona can go up to a range of 482 km with an acceleration of (0-100kms) in 9.7 seconds on a single battery cycle of a capacity of 64 KWH. The ease of charging is unmatched and can be plugged in at home or work for 9.35 hours for a full battery. Its 100% electric with zero carbon emission. KONA Electric is here to change the way people think about going electric. Global interest in climate change and its effects on the environment and society more broadly, is at an all-time high. Specifically, with the unpredicted pandemic of COVID-19, more countries are increasingly acknowledging the shift that’s needed from a fossil fuel-driven economy to one that is sustainable, green and attempts to mitigate climate change. Hyundai Motors Nigeria, recognised this paradigm shift in the transportation sector by bringing in electric mobility that is a step towards the same goal. For a developing country like Nigeria, not being discouraged by the infrastructural challenges, Stallion plans to launch the first ever Electric Vehicle (EV) in conjugation with Hyundai to embark on the attitudinal change for a clean environment. Running Costs Another factor that will grease Kona’s wheel of success in the country is the car’s running cost, which is quite minimal. That will be more so in Nigeria, where electricity consumers resident in accommodation categorised under R1 are charged only N45 per kilowatt. That implies Hyundai Kona owners would incur only N3300 for a full charge that will do a running of 482 kms, if he or she plugs the car into public power supply. The charging is also as simple as getting your mobile plugged in at your home or office electrical socket. The ease of charging is unmatched and can be plugged in at home or work for 9.35 hours for a full battery charge and the power consumption for full charging is 143 WH/KM (68.926 kwh for 482km). Besides the Hyundai Kona’s electric power-packed performance for providing a thrilling driving experience it also manages to excel with its charging kit capacity of 2.3KW, with a voltage of 230V and frequency of 50Hz. The styling of the vehicle is conventional, the interior is luxurious, and the ride is nearly silent. Kona electric has been extensively applauded for its class driving range, safety convenience features and fast-charging capability. Its success can be measured by the following; In April 2020, it was named the Best Small Family Car by the inaugural TopGear Electric Awards based on its 24-hour (1,600-km) performance. This year, U.S. News & World Report named it the Best Electric Vehicle. WardsAuto included KONA Electric on its 10 best engines list. In 2018, Auto Express named it the Affordable Electric Car of the Year. The EV also played a role in the KONA nameplate winning Spanish newspaper ABC’s Best Car of the Year award. It also won the 2019 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. While EVs may have had a checkered past, there is still an unanimity amongst auto industry leaders and analysts that a tipping point is approaching where mass adoption will become inevitable. These factors have come together to force the traditional industry to take electrification seriously — faster than we had previously expected. ...

22 Sep

Posted at 10:16h in Blogs
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At the wake of the 60th year of Independence of Nigeria, the role of agriculture in Nigerian economy cannot be overemphasized. Stallion Group’s, Popular Farms & Mills Ltd has been in the fore front in driving self-sufficiency in rice, making it the country’s most viable route that can successfully meander the current economic dilemma in recent times. National Bureau of Statistics- NBS, confirms that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) decreased by –6.10%(year-on-year) in real terms in the second quarter of 2020. GDP From Agriculture however increased to 3918668 NGN Million in the second quarter of 2020 from 3677153 NGN Million in the first quarter of 2020. The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, further tasked the banking sector to consider an increase in the percentage of loans to the agriculture sector from the current four per cent to 10 per cent by 2024 truly recognizing the potential of agriculture as a sector and its vast contribution to Nigerian economy. Managing Director of Popular Farms & Mils Ltd, Mr. Amit Rai added that Stallion group introduced a pioneering concept of packaging essential food items into a multi brand package in a generic market in Nigeria where rice was predominantly just sold as “rice”. Rice Brands from Stallion today are identified as leading consumer brands in the country.   Popular Farms and Mills Limited is leading the Nigerian Rice revolution by locally producing farm fresh paddy that is sortexed and milled at ISO 9001:2015 / ISO 22000 certified state of the art fully automated rice mills. The group has significantly invested in local rice milling facilities to obtain self-sufficiency in domestic produce. It operates the biggest rice mill in Kano, Nigeria and has an annual installed capacity of 430000 MT.   Recently KPMG valued two of the top Stallion Group rice brands Royal Stallion at N66.1 Bn and Caprice at N 41.5 08 Bn a consolidated valuation of N 107.6 Bn establishing leadership in the formal retail market. Some of the other popular brands from the company are Tomato King, Double Bull, People’s Princess and Super Champion.   Popular Farms  has been pushing forward the agenda of opportunity, sufficiency & security in Nigeria by entering into a partnership with over 1,000 cooperative groups, having direct access to more than 40,000 member-farmers for increasing the rice and sesame production and developing agro business in Northern Nigeria. The group imparts several training programmes and distributes free rice farming tools to out growers across the rice producing states in Nigeria.   The philanthropic arm of the group, Stallion Empowerment Initiative is working in close coordination with all stakeholders and the government to tackle the pandemic that has caused a social and economic mayhem in the country impacting frontline workers and lots of daily wage earners who are most impacted by the lockdown. The company pledged free rice for three months to hospitals dedicated to COVID – 19 care in Nigeria. 25 State hospitals across 15 states in Nigeria are beneficiaries of the relief execution programme. The organization is also proud to be involved in Rice supply to the Presidential Scheme and to Red Cross for the displaced people. The group is confident that the Nigerian economy will bounce back strongly with the collective efforts of the agric industry and the right policy responses to the multidimensional crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic....

14 Aug

Posted at 11:13h in Blogs
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Hyundai Motor Company has pledged donation of medical equipment and personal protection items worth over USD $2.4 million to countries across the Middle East and Africa in an effort to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. Nigeria is one of the 37 countries that will benefit with Hyundai contributing 27,000 items worth N35 Million that will assist the front-line medical workers and the public during these unprecedented times. The contribution towards Nigeria includes 25,000 face masks and 2,000 protective suits to help the country combat the COVID-19. The donation was made to the Lagos State Government towards its COVID Relief program at an event presided over Ms.Solape Hammound, Head Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Investments. Present at the event CEO Stallion Group, Mr. Anant Badjatya commented that the contribution is part of Hyundai’s commitment to support those in need in the region. All the protective gears will be distributed to the hospitals supporting COVID Care in Lagos. He added that the situation in Nigeria could have been very different if it was not handled with speed and in time by the governing authorities and sincerely thanked His Excellency BabaJide Sanwo Olu for his vision and the able team for efficiently handling the situation with aplomb. She also mentioned that it was heartening to see positive stories of altruism by corporates and individuals reinstalling hope and the confidence that we shall overcome this situation and emerge stronger. Brand Manager Mr. Gaurav Vashisht added that in recent weeks, Hyundai has helped those in need around the world through donations and contributing medical equipment and personal protection items. Bang Sun Jeong, Vice President, Head of Hyundai Motor Company Middle East & Africa HQs, said: “Caring for humanity has always been at the heart of Hyundai’s vision and having assisted those in need in countries around the world, we are proud to expand our support to countries across the Middle East and Africa region that have been hardest hit by the pandemic. “The contributions of personal protection items are another step forward of making a positive difference and we believe if we work together, we can overcome anything. “We sincerely hope our efforts contribute towards making a difference in this fight. We are committed to supporting the communities in the region, and we hope this helps in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of people. “We believe if we stay together, we can overcome anything. We hope this pandemic can soon come to an end and we can help people get back to their daily lives.” Among Hyundai’s initiatives to tackle COVID-19 globally include delivering emergency supplies to medical facilities in China, offering free transportation for the elderly and healthcare professionals in Brazil and providing a fleet of its vehicles to volunteers and self-isolating customers in the UK....

08 Aug

Posted at 11:54h in Blogs
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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.  ...