Have you ever wondered why Nigerians prefer used imported cars over locally manufactured ones? Well, in this blog post, I’ll be delving deep into this intriguing topic.
This is based on my YouTube video titled “I investigated the dark truth behind cars manufactured in Nigeria,” where I thoroughly explored the reasons behind this trend. But first, continue reading as I reveal the surprising insights I uncovered.
Nigerians Spend Billions on Tokunbo Cars Every Year
Let’s start with a surprising fact. Despite having a domestic car manufacturing industry, Nigerians shell out billions of dollars annually on used imported vehicles, often referred to as “Tokunbo.”
This trend, while seemingly illogical, raises important questions about consumer preferences and the state of our car industry. It’s a situation that demands our attention, as it signifies a missed opportunity for job creation and economic growth within Nigeria.
Government Actions Speak Louder Than Words
The Nigerian government’s actions regarding car purchases don’t exactly set the best example. In a glaring instance, the House of Representatives opted for foreign Toyota cars instead of Innoson vehicles, a leading Nigerian car manufacturer.
This sends a clear message – the government itself doesn’t trust locally-made cars. How can we expect the public to embrace them if our leaders don’t?
Are Nigerian-Made Cars Truly Manufactured Here?
There’s a common misconception that Nigerian-made cars are merely assembled from parts imported from elsewhere. To dispel this myth, I visited the Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company, a frontrunner in Nigeria’s car manufacturing scene.
What I found was a full-fledged production process, from welding the chassis to installing engines and painting the vehicles. Innoson is demonstrably building cars from the ground up.
Why the Hesitation to Buy Nigerian-Made Cars?
Even with Innoson’s impressive capabilities, many Nigerians remain hesitant to buy their cars. Let’s explore the reasons behind this:
- Lack of Brand Recognition: Established foreign brands like Mercedes, Lexus, and Toyota have built a reputation for luxury and reliability over decades. Innoson, a relatively new player in the game, struggles to compete with this legacy. Brand recognition is a powerful force, and it takes time to build trust with consumers.
- Quality Concerns: A perception lingers among Nigerians that locally manufactured vehicles might not match the quality of foreign cars. Innoson addresses this concern by assuring viewers that their vehicles undergo rigorous certification processes to meet international standards. They’re putting in the effort to ensure quality, but convincing the public may require sustained brand-building and positive word-of-mouth.
- The Allure of Tokunbo: Let’s face it, slightly used foreign cars can be tempting propositions. They often come with a lower price tag compared to brand-new domestic vehicles. This affordability factor is a significant consideration for many Nigerian car buyers.
The Road Ahead for Nigerian Car Manufacturing
The discovery doesn’t paint a wholly bleak picture. Jerry Mallo, a 25-year-old Nigerian agro-machinery fabricator, the visionary behind Nigeria’s first supercar manufacture, acknowledges the challenges faced by domestic car companies.
Mallo has designed and built the first 100% made-in-Nigeria sports car, called the Benepuri. He has already produced over 15 car designs, with the Benepuri being the first full-size model unveiled in Abuja.
Mallo’s goal is to establish Nigeria as a leader in automotive manufacturing in Africa. However, he faces challenges such as limited machinery, workspace, and funding that hinder his ability to scale up production.
But, he remains optimistic. He believes that with time and a continued focus on quality production, Nigerians will develop trust in locally manufactured vehicles.
A Closer Look at Innoson Vehicles
My visit to Innoson wasn’t just about production processes. I also got a firsthand look at their vehicles, and I must say, I was impressed. These cars boast features like sunroofs, electronic brake systems, and powerful V4 engines with turbochargers.
They’re packed with modern amenities that rival those found in many foreign cars. Innoson vehicles start at around 16 million Naira, which translates to roughly $25,000 – a competitive price point considering the features offered.
A Call to Action
This blog post is a call to action for all Nigerians. We need to have a serious conversation about our preference for used imported cars.
Let’s challenge the notion that foreign is always better. Innoson and other Nigerian car manufacturers are producing quality vehicles with the potential to compete on the global stage.
By supporting our domestic car industry, we create jobs, boost our economy, and empower Nigerian innovation. It’s time to embrace what’s made in Nigeria and move forward together.
I encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below. Let’s keep the conversation going and work together to build a brighter future for the Nigerian car industry.