The manufacturing of made-in-Nigeria vehicles by the Stallion Group has continued to elicit more reactions from importers of used vehicles, they argued that preferential treatment should be given to Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) vehicles over the new brands rolled out by the Vaswani group.
Even though the Stallion Group is currently creating more awareness for its brands, there are indications that importers are garnering support for PAN.
The manufacturing of made-in-Nigeria vehicles by the Stallion Group has continued to elicit more reactions from importers of used vehicles, they argued that preferential treatment should be given to Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) vehicles over the new brands rolled out by the Vaswani group.
Even though the Stallion Group is currently creating more awareness for its brands, there are indications that importers are garnering support for PAN.
The importers who are gradually considering moves to delve into buying and selling of made-in- Nigeria vehicles, said PAN brands remains their favourite among all the auto firms.
According to them, from all indications, prices of both imported used vehicles and the new ones that are made-in-Nigeria might be the same, thus there is the need to understudy the brands that will suit customers the most.
The decision of the importers who spoke with Auto Port Weekly came as a result of hike in duty payable on imported fairly used vehicles, which is now 35% against the initial 10%.
The importers of used vehicles said for them to remain in business, there is need to patronise PAN, because, according to them, such brands have been in existence before the Stallion Group indicated interest in the Nigerian automobile sector.
They further described PAN brands as more durable and better for Nigeria roads than Stallion.
The importers also called on the government to support to revive the Kaduna-based assembly plant and make it more competitive, vibrant and more productive in its determination to roll out its modern brands.
Speaking with our correspondent in Lagos last week, an importer; Mr. Nnamdi Onwuamaegbu appealed to the federal government on the need to empower the technical team of PAN as part of efforts to restructure the company.
He stressed that politics on the part of government made PAN what it is today, but also affirmed that Nigerian importers will still prefer PAN to Stallion group.
Even as Onwuamaegbu decried the low patronage of imported used vehicles into Nigeria, he expressed high hope that PAN will succeed.
"If eventually we decide to patronise made-in-Nigeria vehicles, I think Peugeot will have an edge over others because some of their brands are already built in Nigeria despite its poor state"
"From what we the importers are suggesting, I think we will buy more of PAN brands compared with the Stallion Motors", he said.
He opined that, the automobile policy will swing in favour of PAN than Stallion group; stressing further that Hyundai and Nissan brands, currently being manufactured by Stallion Group may not withstand what PAN has rolled out recently.
He disclosed "Peugeot is currently rolling out 306,206 and other brands which I cannot recall at the moment, but such cars are strong, durable and rugged, compared to the made in Nigeria Hyundai and Nissan", he stated.
In a similar reaction, another importer; Godfrey Ehi based alleged that PAN has larger percentage of Complete Kick Down (CKD) parts, compared to Vaswani group.
Ehi noted that PAN brands might record high number of sales over other investors in the automobile sector.
He predicted stiffer competition between PAN and Stallion Group because according to him, the two automobile companies stand out among others.
Another importer; Vincent Madubike said gradually importers are reluctant to import vehicles into the country due to the harsh policy of government, but also corroborated his counterparts that there is a likelihood that importers may divert to sale of made-in-Nigeria products.
He however called on the manufacturers to sell their brands at affordable prices to encourage Nigerians to patronise them.
According to him, importers will rally support for PAN to thrive because its products have been household names in the country.
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