By Stanley Onyeka, Lagos
Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN), has taken another bold step towards regaining its leadership position in the auto market.
This time, DPAN has commenced the assembly of the GT model of the wave-making Peugeot 3008, which has hit commercial success and won awards with its different variants in various markets across the world.
With its 1.6 litre high performance turbo engine, Peugeot 3008 GT has expanded the existing line-up of vehicles from the assembly lines of the modern plant that opened some years ago in Kaduna.
The new 3008 GT is joining the existing ‘Made-in-Nigeria Peugeot’ range that includes the popular 301 sedan, and the 5008 (a large, seven-seater known for its spacious interior, stylish design, and modern technology features).
Dangote Peugeot Chief Commercial Officer, Umar Isa -Kaita, confirmed recently that the automaker is also set to introduce into the light commercial segment of the market the Peugeot Landtrek 4×2 – a pickup truck with a rear-wheel drive system.
A 2.4 litre engine work horse, the vehicle is part of the Peugeot Landtrek pick-up truck range with a reputation for ruggedness. Another member of the family is the 4×4 version (which DPAN may consider introducing later).
…with the capacity to assemble 120 sundry Peugeot vehicles a day (running two shifts), DPAN would gradually return the Peugeot brand to the forefront of the Nigerian auto market.
Isa-Kaita also disclosed that DPAN has been holding discussions with some auto companies towards expanding the Peugeot sales and after-sales network by accrediting dealerships in parts of Nigeria.
Apart from enhancing the visibility and availability of the new generation vehicles in all parts of the country, an increased number of dealerships is expected to ensure satisfactory after-sales support for Peugeot owners nationwide.
DPAN is jointly owned by billionaire businessman and mega industrialist, Aliko Dangote, through his Dangote Industries Limited; Kaduna, Plateau and Kebbi State Governments; and the technical partner (Stellantis Group, the parent company of Peugeot).
The addition of the 3008 GT to the ‘Assembled-in-Nigeria’ and the introduction of the Landtrek, were in fulfillment of the promise made by the company during the roll-out of the 301 in January 2022.
The Managing Director, Ibrahim Isa Gachi, had assured that the Landtrek, 3008, 5008 and the new 508, would later be introduced into the market to follow the trail blazed by the 301.
An engineer with a wealth of experience in Nigeria’s auto sector, Isa Gachi is confident that with the capacity to assemble 120 sundry Peugeot vehicles a day (running two shifts), DPAN would gradually return the Peugeot brand to the forefront of the Nigerian auto market.
The roaring French lion emblem was the flagship brand of the Nigerian auto industry from the 80s to the early 90s until unfavourable economic atmosphere and policy inconsistency paved the way for the invasion of fully built-up vehicles with Asian DNAs.
