Coscharis promotes Nigeria’s CNG assembly, launches Joylong passenger bus into market

While the Federal government of Nigeria is firing on all cylinders towards the promotion of CNG Vehicles as a cost-effrctive alternative to petrol, Coscharis Motors took another initiative to create and add value as a key player in the automobile industry in Nigeria.

This week Tuesday, the enterprising automobile dealership announced the addition of Joylong Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to its vehicle brands portfolio. The strategic move according to reliable company sources is to create viable ownership solutions for fleet and individual customers both in the public and private sectors respectively towards reducing budget for petrol and general vehicle maintenance within the warranty period and beyond.

It also highlights the company’s commitment to its vision of remaining timeless in its relevance especially given the Government’s new policy direction and the need to upscale the CNG sector with professionals and certified technology.

Speaking shortly before the product unveiling to the motoring journalists inside the companÿ Assembly complex, Abiona Babarinde, general manager, marketing
and corporate communications, “For us in Coscharis, this is the opportune moment to invest in CNG given the expansion of more refueling CNG stations across Nigeria and the high cost of petrol that makes it a more viable option for Nigerians”.

Abiona noted that, coming into the fray as an established brand in the automobile sector gives the CNG auto sector more credibility that will attract Nigerians who have been reluctant towards this idea so far.
In addition, the need to align with global and local eco-friendly drive is an impetus with specific reference to the push by the Federal and the various state governments.

The Joylong CNG is a cleaner-burning fuel, producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants compared to petrol; quieter engine operation which reduces noise pollution and enhances smoother driving experience, he stated.

The long term plan is to commence the assemblage of the Joylong CNG buses at the existing Coscharis assembly plant located in Lagos.

“Historically, our very first locally assembled vehicle in Nigeria at our former Ikeja Assembly plant was the Joylong bus brand which you all witnessed then over 10 years ago. Likewise!, it will be of interest to note that we equally have plans to offer our market the electric model as well in the future. The current Joylong buses utilize bi-fuel systems that are switchable from Petrol to gas simply by a push of a button on the dashboard. “

As usual and expected of us to deliver a seamless peace of mind beyond the purchase of these Joylong buses, our aftersales team commitment has been on for training and retraining of our staff in other to position them adequately for the maintenance and repairs of these CNG models.

Highlighting the importance and benefits of a CNG model for fleet and individual ownership are enormous. The innumerable benefits of running a CNG fleet include cost effectiveness with the Joylong CNG buses offering an average cost savings of 30-50 percent compared to sole reliance on petrol; less engine wear and tear which helps to increase the engine’s lifespan due to cleaner fuel and less maintenance requirements due to fewer oil changes and filter replacements.

Though the Joylong CNG model is a first for Coscharis, the durability of the petrol it has been tested and trusted over 7 years as the current fleet of the company’s staff buses are entirely Joylong models.

MIKE OCHONMA
Editor