Meet the Minds Behind Nigeria's Car Brands: Founders and Their Automotive Innovations

Nigeria's automotive industry has experienced remarkable growth, with several indigenous and international manufacturers establishing assembly plants within the country. This development has bolstered the nation's economy and provided consumers with a variety of locally manufactured vehicles. Below is a list of notable car brands produced in Nigeria, along with their founders:

1. Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM): Founded by Chief Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma in 2007, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing is Nigeria's first indigenous car manufacturer. Headquartered in Nnewi, Anambra State, IVM produces a range of vehicles, including buses, SUVs, and, since May 2022, tricycles ("kekes").

2. Nord Automobiles: Established by Oluwatobi Ajayi, Nord Automobiles assembles various models, including the Nord Flit, Nord Max, Nord A3, Nord A5, Nord A7, Nord Demir, Nord Tank, Nord Tusk, and Nord Tripper. The company is based in Lagos and focuses on producing vehicles tailored to the African market.

3. Proforce Limited: Founded by Ade Ogundeyin, Proforce Limited specializes in armored vehicles and operates a manufacturing plant in Ode-Remo, Ogun State. The company supplies Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and other armored products to clients within Nigeria and other African countries.

4. Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN): Established in 1972 as a joint venture, PAN assembles vehicles in Kaduna State. Under new management since April 2022, the company now focuses on assembling Chinese brands Chery and Higer, aiming for a production capacity of 120 cars per day.

5. Jet Systems Automobile Industries Limited: Founded by Jelani Aliyu, Jet Systems produces electric and compressed natural gas (CNG) ambulances, vans, and military vehicles, contributing to Nigeria's shift towards eco-friendly transportation solutions.

6. Phoenix Renewables: Established by a team of renewable energy enthusiasts, Phoenix Renewables manufactures solar-powered vehicles in Maiduguri, Borno State, promoting sustainable energy solutions within the Nigerian automotive sector.

7. SAGLEV: Founded by Sam Faleye, SAGLEV is an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer focused on accelerating the transition to emission-free vehicles in emerging markets, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The company has established an assembly plant in Ikorodu, Lagos State, and officially launched its EVs during the Lagos Auto Show in February 2024. SAGLEV's vehicles are designed with premium craftsmanship and high-quality parts, ensuring safety, reliability, and comfort on every journey.

8. Roxettes Motors: Founded by Dr. Kaycee Orji, Roxettes Motors is a licensed vehicle manufacturing and assembling company in Nigeria. The company specializes in producing various types of vehicles, including compact and subcompact cars, midsize sedans, large and luxury cars, and vehicles powered by CNG, hybrids, and electric technologies. Roxettes Motors is set to commence operations at its assembly plant in Obu-Aku City, Abia State, by October 2024, with a production capacity of 40,000 cars annually, 70% of which will be electric and CNG-powered models.

The presence of these manufacturers underscores Nigeria's commitment to developing its automotive industry, fostering economic growth, and providing diverse vehicle options to meet the needs of its populace.