The Izuogu Z-600 prototype was the first indigenous Nigerian car, and the
first automobile of indigenous all-
African technology. It was the
brainchild of engineer Ezekiel Izuogu. [1] Launched in 1997, the car caused a stir in the Nigerian media, and was
touted by the then Nigerian chief of
Staff General Oladipo Diya. Design and
specification The prototype was equipped with a
self made 1.8L four cylinder engine
that got 18mpg and allowed the car to
achieve a top speed of 140 km/h
(86 mph). Front Wheel Drive (FWD) was chosen over Rear Wheel Drive
(RWD) because a transmission tunnel, which RWD would require, would be
more expensive to fabricate. 90% of
the car's components were made
locally. The design of the car was very
utilitarian resembling a Renault 4 with its upright stance and a front end that
vaguely resembles the locally
assembled Peugeot 504. To be priced at $2000 it would have
been the cheapest car in the world.
Clever features like a door bell used in
place of a horn ensure it achieves its
low price target. Mass production was
planned under Izuogu motors located in Naze, Imo state, but too many financial and political hurdles
prevented the car from proceeding
past the prototype stage. Current progress In 2005 interest from other African
countries arose about the Z-600 and
Dr. Izuogu was invited to South Africa
to give a speech on science and
technology. The South African
government showed keen interest in the car and wanted Izuogu to build it in
South Africa. Optimism surrounded the car until
March 11, 2006, when armed robbers
raided the factory of Izuogu Motors
taking with them the molds for the
engine blocks and crank shaft, mudguards and other components.[2] This was a big setback for the project.
Since then not much is known on the status of the car.

Where is the pix? If you know him, advise him to solicit financial aids/grant from BOI, and international donor to go back