December 08, (THEWILL) – The race for the 2024 Nigerian Auto Journalists Association Car of the Year Award has intensified, with the Kia Rio, Toyota Corolla, and Changan CS55 emerging as leading contenders for the prestigious accolade.
Scheduled for December 11 at the Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos, the NAJA Awards will celebrate excellence and innovation in Nigeria’s automotive industry for the 2024 business year.
This year’s competition highlights the diverse advancements in technology, safety, and design tailored to the Nigerian market. The Kia Rio, Toyota Corolla, and Changan CS55 are making strong cases for the coveted COTY title:
The NAJA Awards also spotlight other categories of automotive excellence:
Heavy-Duty Truck of the Year: JAC, FAW, and Howo Sinotruk are in contention.
-mAssembly Plant of the Year (Cars): Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, GAC Motors, and Mikano Motors lead this category.
Truck Plant of the Year: Lanre Shittu Motors, Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Ltd, and Perfection Motors are vying for the title.
Transport Company of the Year: Chisco Transport, GUO Transport, and Okeyson Transport compete for the honour.
Compact SUV of the Year: Kia Sonet, Changan CS35, and Hyundai Venue are the nominees.
Vehicles are assessed based on innovation, comfort, fuel efficiency, safety, and market performance. A panel of seasoned automotive journalists oversees the evaluation process to ensure credibility.
NAJA Chairman Mike Ochonma emphasised the significance of the event, stating, “Brands that were previously less dominant are now making bold moves through enhanced customer engagement and leveraging digital platforms to elevate the purchasing experience.”
Theodore Opara, Chairman of the Awards Planning Committee, noted that this year’s competition underscores the dynamic growth of Nigeria’s automotive industry, with manufacturers continually innovating to meet local market demands.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
