Dangote’s bold steps to dominate Nigeria auto sector
Dangote Group is taking steps to dominate the nation’s automobile sector with the rollout of vehicle brands at its Kaduna and Lagos production plants.
Dangote took the franchise for the Peugeot brands a few years ago and later Sinotruck brand, and has since then continued to rollout models from two plants in Kaduna for the Peugeot models and Lagos for the Sinotruck brand.
In a significant move a week ago, the company commenced the assembly of the Peugeot 3008 GT model at its Kaduna plant, in addition to other models.
It is a decisive step by Dangote Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (DPAN) Limited to revitalise the Peugeot brand in Nigeria, which was the most popular brand in the country in the 1970s and 80s.
The Peugeot 3008 GT, with its 1.6-litre high-performance turbo engine, joins the company’s lineup of locally assembled vehicles, including the Peugeot 301 Sedan and the 5008, a seven-seater SUV known for its spacious interior, stylish design, and modern technology features.
In addition to the 3008 GT, DPAN has also unveiled the Peugeot Landtrek 4×2, a pickup truck with a rear-wheel drive system powered by a 2.4-litre engine. This marks the company’s entry into the light commercial segment of the market.
According to Umar Isa-Kaita, DPAN’s Chief Commercial Officer, the company will accredit dealers across Nigeria to expand Peugeot sales and after-sales network.
This will enhance the visibility and availability of Peugeot vehicles nationwide while ensuring satisfactory after-sales support for customers.
The introduction of the 3008 GT and the Landtrek pickup truck is a fulfilment of DPAN’s promise to expand the brands of locally assembled vehicles.
The company’s managing director, Ibrahim Isa Gachi, assured that these models would follow the Peugeot 301, which was launched in January 2022.
The Kaduna plant is capable of assembling 120 vehicles per day, and with this effort, the company is gradually revitalising the industry, which has faced significant challenges in recent years.
The company’s commitment to assembling high-quality vehicles in Nigeria has been its strongest mark of dedication to the country’s economic development and growth.
DPAN is a joint venture between Dangote Industries Limited, Kaduna, Plateau, and Kebbi State Governments, as well as the Stellantis Group, the Peugeot parent company.
