AFRICAR in collaboration with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), has unveiled the Bajaj Qute cars used for the new ride hauling taxi.
AFRICAR is a modern ride hailing service with dedicated vehicles built in Lagos, Nigeria by a home-grown conglomerate, Stallion Group.
The Director General of the NADDC, Mr. Jelani Aliyu, represented by the Director, Industrial Infrastructure Department, Dr. Nua Omisanya delivered welcome address at the launching of AFRICAR which held in Ibadan, Oyo state on 4th April, 2022.
Dr. Omisanya, disclosed that the objective of the federal government is for Nigeria to become a hub for automotive manufacturing technology in Africa.
“In order to achieve this objective, the private sector has to play a pivotal role while the government provides an enabling environment. The launching of “AFRICAR” which is of international standards is therefore a step in the right direction,” he said.
He added that NADDC is a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment tasked with the responsibility to initiate, recommend, supervise and regulate policies and programmes for locally manufactured vehicles and components in Nigeria.
“Over the years, the Council has worked tirelessly to ensure the survival and growth of the Nigerian Automotive Industry, with a view to enhancing the industry’s contribution to the national economy.”
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo appreciated the Stallion Group for adding value to the nation’s economy for the past 52 years.
He also thanked the governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde for providing enabling environment to AFRICAR.
The CEO of AFRICAR, Mr. Sahil Vaswani said all cars being used for the project are assembled in Lagos at the Stallion Group’s VON Plant.
He said AFRICAR, in partnership with NADDC developed the Bajaj Qute cars used for the new ride hauling taxi.
“This car is assembled in Nigeria by Nigerians and is environmentally friendly, with 50% lower carbon emissions than the average car,” he said.
The newly introduced mode of transportation will enhance basic mobility for all, including visitors, easing mobility for students, workers and communities from various suburban areas to the city centre.
NADDC has continued its unwavering dedication to the support of local automotive production, and also continues to promote some of the latest technologies being developed.
