Indigenous automaker, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, has made history with its unveiling of natural gas-powered trucks, buses and cars into the Nigerian market.
This is coming at a time Nigeria is celebrating a decade of gas described as the new frontier in the nation’s quest to optimize the gains of the power sector.
The federal government has unveiled an initiative to encourage the use of gas-powered vehicles on Nigerian roads as part of measures to reduce emissions from petrol-powered automobiles.
The new set of vehicles unveiled at the IVM factory in Nnewi, Anambra State, last week will specifically run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG).
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President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Francis Meshioye, unveiled the vehicles.
The Head of Corporate Communications at IVM Innoson Group, Cornel Osigwe, said the unique feature of the new set of vehicles is the ability to make use of CNG which is more affordable than diesel and petrol.
“It’s high time CNG/LNG powered vehicles plied Nigerian roads and IVM remains committed to producing durable, environment-friendly vehicles. This reduces the cost of transportation and encourages sustainability in our environment as well as development.”
The President of MAN, Meshioye, said the new vehicles represent great advancement in the manufacturing industry and indeed the pride of Nigeria and Africa.
“It’s a great thing to see what we witness in other parts of the world in our own home. I encourage the Nigerian government and individuals to patronize Innoson Vehicles as that’s a sure way of partnering with the greatness we saw here today.”
The Chairman of the South East Directorate MAN, Lady Ada Chukwudozie, assured manufacturers of an improved environment for production as plans for better electricity in the South East are ongoing.
She urged the IVM brand to keep blazing the trail in car manufacturing.
“We are very happy with the factory tour of Innoson Vehicles. He is a trailblazer in car manufacturing in Nigeria, the blacksmith of Africa and our leaders are here to pay homage,” she said.
Members of MAN, BOI, NADDC, and many other leaders across the manufacturing and oil and gas sectors were present at the launch.
The founder of Innoson Vehicles, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, said the CNG vehicles are an idea whose time has come. He said the newly launched vehicles were produced to enhance transportation at a reduced cost, recalling how BOI had been instrumental to the creation of his industries and boosting his entrepreneurial capacity.
He described the new cars as quality vehicles powered by CNG/LNG and produced as a sustainable alternative to diesel.
According to the statement from Innoson, the CNG and LNG buses are part of Innoson Vehicles’ commitment to promoting environmentally friendly transportation in Nigeria.
“They are designed to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality while providing a comfortable and safe ride for passengers.
“The commissioning of the Innoson Vehicles CNG and LNG buses represents a significant step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to promote local content and innovation in the automotive industry,” it said.
