Dangote Peugeot Automobile Nigerian limited (DPAN) jointly owned by Stellantis Group, the parent company of Peugeot, the Kano and Kaduna state government and Nigerian billionaire, Aliko Dangote through one of his subsidiaries Dangote Industries Limited has started the assembling of vehicles in Nigeria.
The vehicles are being assembled at the new Greenfield Ultima Assembly plant which is located in the northwestern region of Nigeria. The assembly plant was built at full capacity and is said to be able to assemble 120 vehicles in a day across two shifts.
According to the managing director of the new plant, Ibrahim Issa Gachi, it was stated that the newly assembled vehicles would reflect high technological advancement and carry safety features that would ensure that its users are safe.
The company also stated that it ensured that the spare parts for all the newly assembled vehicles is made available in the market.
In addition, DPAN in order to facilitate the sale of the new Peugeot 310, Landtrek, 3008, 5008, 508, and all its other new releases, is re-establishing contacts with Peugeot dealers in order to ensure a smooth arrival into the market, and ensure that the company maintains its reputation for being reliable.
Backstory
The journey of the automobile plant began in 2016 when we reported that the Kaduna State Government, Dangote Group and the Bank of Industry (BOI) were to acquire majority shares of Kaduna based moribund Peugeot Automobile.
Then in 2017 it was reported again that the billionaire acquired the license to establish a Peugeot plant in Nigeria. That was five years ago and now in the first quarter of the year, the assembling plant is set to begin its operations.
I earnestly pray for the success of this laudable project. I assume the project is considered a private industry. I trust the partnership for they all are working toward the huge success of the project. I would have suggested a project of this magnitude be established where there is a modern port to facilitate the movement of heavy equipment. Kaduna is land-locked and may not be feasible for such a project. Assembling may be considered a direct way of eventual manufacturing of the product that is being assembled. In all, the project, to me, is considered very timely and reasonable. Undoubtedly, the project will create tremendous technological job opportunities for Nigerians. I sincerely wish the venture a huge success.
Honestly, this idea has been a complete success from the time it was conceive from the mind and I grateful it has been put forth. It would be a source of development, hope and encouragement to young people studying engineering courses. I trust our notable billionaires hand being involved, that’s an assurance the company has come be and it’s going to maintain quality production and upgrade to a world class standard. We would surely be numbered with developed counties in a very shortage count of years to come.
With all due respect, I’m highly disappointed in Dangote : when I heard about his auto company I was elated, thinking it will be like Innosson that is 100% Nigerian indigenous company, not knowing it is tied to a French company, Peugeot! At the long run now, they will be the one dictating everything!!
its a welcome development. nigerians will be employed.
This is a very good initiative, But we need to breed local brains and Put their hands to work. Some Universities in Nigeria Run full time program in Automotive Engineering and other disciplines relevant to the industry, so I think we should harness such brains for optimum use