Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN) has commenced its assembly of the Peugeot brand of vehicles in its Green Field Assembly plant in Kaduna state. This is a major boost for Nigeria’s automotive industry which has been experiencing mass production halts due to the COVID-19 set protocols and massive lockdowns.
Owned jointly by billionaire Aliko Dangote through his conglomerate Dangote Industries Limited and Stellants Group, the parent company of Peugeot ,DPAN is expected to expand its model line up to meet the varied demands of Nigeria’s auto market. The company has begun assembling LandTrek, 3008, 5008 and the new 508 Peugeot brand of cars. The beginning of this assembling of vehicles comes nearly four years after joint owners Dangote Group was approved by the Nigerian regulator after their previous expression of interest in the former Peugeot plant otherwise known as PAN Nigeria limited
This Green Field Assembly Plant in northwestern Nigeria can assemble 120 vehicles per day across two shifts. The management says that the new model of vehicles to be introduced will not only flaunt their outstanding aesthetics and safety features but will also have very rich technology that will appeal to the customers and the public in general.
“With the New Green Field Ultima Assembly Plant, a lot is being done by DPAN to ensure visibility of the Peugeot brand and availability of spare parts to the network and the generality of Nigerians. DPAN will be encouraged by our technical partner to reposition the brand in the short, medium, and long term as we ensure customer satisfaction and sustainability.
“This dream has started with the re-launch of the Peugeot brand in Nigeria as well as the local assembly of the 301 at our new Kaduna plant and thereafter the introduction of the Landtrek, 3008, 5008 and the new 508. Nothing is being spared to enable market recapture, hence all hands are on deck to ensure not just survival but also continued growth in a market with potential for cars in excess of 100,000 units per year and growing,” read the statement released by DPAN, whose Managing Director is Ibrahim Issa Gachi
This re-launch is coming at a time when socio-economic challenges as well as stiff competition from cheaper Asian models and the pangs of COVID-19 are hitting Africa’s most populous country hard. However the management insists that it is very confident that Peugeot’s reputation of being reliable with the older generations of vehicles like the 404, 504, 505, 406, 306 and others, will be the driving force that influences the new models being assembled in Kaduna
The company says that former Peugeot plant has granted DPAN the franchise and has given contacts of some existing Peugeot dealers and major customers to deepen ties in the market. This move will provide excellent customer service and satisfaction for DPAN for a long term as well impact positively on sales volumes, product visibility and overall profitability for all stakeholders.
