Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo, the managing director Toyota (Nigeria) Limited (TNL),said the leading auto will launch its first hybrid electric vehicle by the end of 2024.
He stated this during the Toyota Motor Show organised by the TNL in Lagos. Where also TNL launched two new models of Toyota – Belta and Rumion – into the nation’s market at the show.
He noted that the auto giant would be lending its big network of workshops to support the Federal Government’s campaign for the use of Compressed Natural Gas-powered (CNG) vehicles through conversion.
“We are almost concluding arrangements with different partners to use our network of workshops for the vehicle’s conversion to CNG-powered,” TNL boss said.
Ade-Ojo stated that plans are on to unveil three new electric vehicles into the country in the next three years as part of its plans to support the government’s green deal initiative.
“By the end of this year, we’ll be introducing our first hybrid electric vehicle, the Cross. Next year, we’ll introduce the RAV4 hybrid. And late next year or early 2026, we would be bringing in the Land Cruiser Prado hybrid,” he stated.
The TNL MD recalled that Nigeria sold about 10,000 new vehicles last year, with Toyota recording about 1,500 units.
He said that about 15,000 new vehicles were projected to be sold in Nigeria this year, adding that Toyota was on course to double its last year’s performance.
Toyota (Nigeria) Limited has officially launched two new models of Toyota, Belta and Rumion, into the nation’s market.
The unveiling of Toyota Belta and Rumion, was one of the highlights of the maiden edition of the exclusive Toyota Motor Show.
Apart from the launch, the motor show featured vehicles display, special after-sale packages, test drives and engaging interactions.
The three-day event held at The Podium, Lekki, under a setting and ambience akin to international auto shows in Europe and America, also accommodated the Body and Paint Section, the Spare Parts section and the Service area.
Apart from the TNL MD Ade-Ojo, other executives of TNL were on ground giving details of each of the vehicles displayed as well as after-sales advisory.
“This show is for all Toyota customers and other Nigerians interested in buying Toyota vehicles,” Ade-Ojo said, adding “While we’re still participating in other fairs, this exclusive Toyota Motor Show will enable us to concentrate on our customers’ needs, giving them a view of our range of vehicles and letting them to know other services that the company offers in terms of after-sale service, spare parts availability and body and paint as well as other value-adding services.”
The show, he said, afforded the TNL team an opportunity to “have a one-on-one interaction with our customers without any distraction; free diagnosis on customers’ vehicles and a test drive, all taking place in a quiet and comfortable environment.”
Ade-Ojo, who also had a parley with the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), expressed satisfaction with the attendance and the outcome of the event.
He said, “It was a wonderful outing. Everybody enjoyed the ability to come and have a one-on-one interaction with our team. The after-sale area is one sector that has been of major interest to customers who have been coming. The free diagnosis has been well received.”
