The annual NAJA (Nigerian Automotive Journalists Association) Auto Awards has again put smiles on auto companies and individuals who emerged winners, including Globe Motors, Coscharis Motors, Toyota Nigeria, CFAO, Weststar Associates and Lanre Shittu (LSM).
The event held last Wednesday at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos is an annual celebration of excellence and resilience in the Nigerian Automobile Industry.
The Awards event recognised various categories within the industry, ranging from vehicle innovation to service excellence.
Mikano Motors’ Changan CS55 beat Toyota Corolla and Kia Rio to win the coveted 2024 car-of-the-year prize.
Globe Motors emerged as the Most Resilient Company of the Year, while Coscharis Motors bagged the Multi-Luxury Brand of the Year along with the Luxury SUV of the year won by Range Rover Autobiography.
Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL) and the Managing Director/CEO of Lanre Shittu Motors (LSM) were honoured as Auto Company of the Decade and Auto Personality of the Year respectively.
Also, CFAO won the Outstanding After-Sale Service, Product Launches of the Year with the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Suzuki Vitara, and the Most Enterprising Auto Company, while Chief Chidi Anyaegbu (Founder, Chisco Motors) was recognised as the Transport Icon of the Year; Mrs. Karima Okunola of Mikano Motors bagged the Auto Marketing Manager of the Year.
The companies were lauded for their commitment to providing quality vehicles and top-notch aftersales services, which have contributed to their solid reputation in the Nigerian auto market over the years.
Other notable winners included Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, which was celebrated for its pioneering role in local vehicle production, while Nord took home CNG-powered mini bus brand, and A9 launch recognition.
Weststar’s Mercedes-Benz S-Class won Luxury Car of the Year.
Carloha with its handling of Chery was adjudged the Most Innovative Company of the Year.
While Dangote Sinotruk won the Heavy Duty Truck Manufacturer of the Year, Lanre Shittu’s JAC was again awarded the Heavy Duty Truck truck of the Year.
Managing Director of the LSM emerged Auto Personality of the Year, while his later father and founder of the Company received a posthumous award.
RT Briscoe bagged the Workshop of the Year award; Dana Motors’ Kia Sonet won the Best Compact SUV prize, and the Mini Bus Assembler of the Year went to Jet System.