Mamudu sees several strengths in the Nigerian automotive industry, including investment of over $1 billion cumulatively in automotive manufacturing and assembly assets.
He explained that at its height in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Nigeria’s automotive industry had an installed capacity of over 140,000 units and 80 percent utilisation, with over 180 local components and parts suppliers under their local content programme. A downturn led to the launch of the National Automotive Industry Development Plan in 2013/14.
“But it is noteworthy that NAIDP caused the revitalisation of existing automotive assembly plants including Peugeot, Mercedes Trucks, and Volkswagen,” Mamudu said, even as he added that new plants were established in partnership with local Entrepreneurs and they were also commissioned companies such as Nissan, Kia, Ford, Tata, Hyundai, Renault, Sinotruk, Yutong Bus, Man Diesel, Honda, Geely, Mitsubishi, XCMG, FOTON , Shacman, FAW, etc, while many Nigeria brands came on including Innoson Vehicle...
Mamudu said the conference aims to highlight the need for safety and quality in automotive products. “Used parts imports account for nearly 90 percent of aftermarket share. The reasons observed are varied but the preference for used components may be due to eroded confidence for new parts.