Mikano Motors, a subsidiary of Mikano International Limited, on Thursday 23rd December 2020, test drives locally assembled Geely auto brands Emgrand 7 (Seda n) and X7 Sport (SUV) in Nigeria.

The event, held at the company's new state-of-the-art assembly plant located at Karameh City along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, featured media test drive of the cars by the nation's motoring journalists.

Addressing newsmen at the event, Mikano Motors' Sales Manager Mr Everistus Eze described local assembly of Geely automobile brand as part of his company's efforts towards boosting the nation's economy via job creation.

He said: "Although Mikano has always been known as service provider in many aspects, including Power, Steel, Foods and Medical, our decision to invest in the automotive sector was motivated by our belief that Nigeria deserves a better transportation experience, rather than being a dumping area for second hand cars with no history, no warranty and no spare parts.

"Therefore, we chose to assemble and ultimately manufacture a top quality automotive brand to create jobs for the youths, help stimulate the nation's economy and further support Nigerian families with most comfortable and affordable mean s of transportation."

Aside being a Chinese automotive brand that recorded top scores in European Car Assessment Programme (EuroNcap) , Geely vehicles , via it’s acquisition of top European brands, including Volvo and Lotus , are produced in line with European standard.

According to him, the current Geely auto brand is entirely different from the former Geely Cars Nigerians used to know. " This current Geely auto brand," he pointed out, " is a meeting point for the latest automobile technology and modern science. " Mikano's plan for locally assembled Geely automobiles started over two years ago. To ensure that its auto buying customers run their cars with peace of mind, the company has covered the entire landscape of Nigeria with various after sales service centres.

"Already," he explained, "we have 3s (Showroom, service centre and Spare parts) and 2s (Showroom and serv ice Centre) locations all over Nigeria. The centres are equipped with mode m tools to ensure effective after-sale services to our customers."

Through our appointed dealership across the country, Geely automobile brand's spare parts are now available nationwide. While we are still appointing more dealers to ensure that our parts are available to every location in Nige ria, we are making servicing parts available via various accredit ed channels to avoid the incident of fake parts." Locally Assembled Emgrand 7 (Sedan) Powered by 1.5-litre engine, the locally assembled Geely Emgrand 7 now on sale in Nigeria, comes with a load of safety features, some of which are Seatbelt reminder , Over speeding alarm device , anti-t heft alarm device , hand brake unrelease d reminder, (Anti-lock Brake System + Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBO) ,Reversing visual system, Door child safety loc k, Collision safety fuel cut system, Speed-sensitive automatic door locking system, Explosion- proof leak proof plastic fuel tank, etc More than that, the car is e quipped with Cruise control, Remote central lockin g, Keyless entry-driver side, Head restraints, Airconditioning system and infotainment.

Locally Assembled Geely X7 Sport (SUV) Also being assembled in Nige ria, the Geely X7 Sport (SUV), is powered by a naturally­ aspirated 2.4 litre engine, which puts out 150bhp at 5,300rpm and some 225Nm (Newton Meters) Equipped with airbags, occupants of the car are also protected with ISOFIX child seat anchorage points , Door child safety lock, TPMS(Tire Pressure Monitoring System), Explosion-proof leak proof plastic fuel tank , Speed-sensitive automatic door locking system, Anti-pinch function(all 4 windows) and Air filtration purification device.

The Geely X7 Sport is also equipped with Internal light delay function, Panoramic s un roof, Cruise control, Remote central loc kin g, Keyless entry, Mobile mapping Central screen, Bluetooth hands-free device, LCD Trim computer, Multi-function steering wheel (with entertainment + cruise switch), Anti-theft protection, Electronic control and alarm system, Active safety functions and Reversing radar system.

Taking cognizance of affordability problem, which has trailed made- in-Nigeria vehicles over the years, Mikano, a company which employs over 2000 Nige ria ns, is already working out a friendly auto finance to take care of this challenge. It is also putting together plans to roll out auto gas vehicles and electric cars as soon as the Nigerian government create necessary enabling environment, especially legal backing that would protect local assemblers against imported junks that are taking the chunks of the nation's automotive market share.

" The Nigerian auto industry shall effectively compete in the entire African automobile mark et if the right policies are made by the government," the Mikano Motors ' boss assured. For over 27 years, Mikano has been providing premium quality products to the Nigeria market, by building global strategic alliances with the world' s largest manufacturers.

Geely has acquired Volvo 100%, AG Daimler 10%, Lotus Brand 50%, Proton Brand 49%, London Taxi I 00% AND Lynk & Co 100%. With all this acquired technology, Geely has succeeded in taking her position as a global brand, coupled with its ability to acquire the highest global and future technologies in the automotive industry. Its sales exceeded 2.1 million cars, placing it among the world's top car manufacturers.

Over the past IO years Geely has invested more than $14 billion in research and development R&), and plans to invest more in the next five years, in a commitment to providing the highest level of modern technologies in the industry.

Specific all y Geely Holdings, Daimler AG of Mercedes Ben z and other Geely family brands have launched plans to collaborate on developing highly effective powertrain systems for next gene ration hybrid vehicle applications.

Visit. www.geely.ng for more details .

Cc lalasticlala

This is a good one from Mikano and geely auto

Nigerian auto industry is becoming competitive, better and greater. This partnership is an amazing one from both mikano and Geely auto

Just wish brand new cars can be very affordable. Better than all the wahala from importation and Nigerian customs

Paying full price cash and carry has always been a hindrance to Nigerians owning a brand new vehicles, with this auto finance plan makes a lot of sense.

Wait....Geely vehicles has 100% ownership of Volvo?? They're a massive company o, thought they're one small Chinese company.

I'm excited about partnerships like this, hopefully it will put am end to importing junk cars into the country. It's about time, brand new cars just need to start being really affordable

Really cool

Fantastic, but wait o, we have a locally made automobile company and I haven't seen any of there vehicles before? O wrong now

Very good from them, this will indeed boost the economy, and with innovations like these together with companies like innoson motors, sooner than later cars should be very cheap and affordable to many in the country

Awesome, more job opportunities, definitely this next year we're entering has a lot to offer us

This is a good partnership. The auto sector is becoming competitive

Mikano X Geely this is a huge deal for both brands

This is very good for Geely as a brand.

Logo looks different even. I like partnerships that work

This is a huge one for both brands.

Cc Freiburger, r231 , lalasticlala

From really big soundproof generators to automobiles, this is a leap forward

This is a good one from Mikano and geely auto

This is a good move. Wow! But what is the role of Mikano in all these?

Geely? Never knew this brand was big o. See the list of other brands they're acquiring. Kudos.