Mikano Motors remains committed to Geely customers, speaks on Changan brands

Mikano Motors has revealed that contrary to speculations and false media reports, the relationship between the automotive franchisee and Geely brand is facing some strain over certain unresolved matters, one of which is the recent addition of the Changan Auto brand to its portfolio.

Mikano Motors, however, made it explicitly clear that all their existing Geely clients be rest assured that they will continue to receive their strong and regular after-sales service support.

Managing director, Mikano Motors, Ralph Haidar, disclosed this in Lagos recently at a media parley aimed at enlightening its customers on why the company took over the franchise of the Changan brand in Nigeria.

The Changan marque, before now, used to be one of the brands marketed in Nigeria by the Stallion Group and made a name for itself with models like the CS35, CS55 and CS75.

Haidar explained that the decision to take over the franchise of Changan brand of vehicles in Nigeria is not unconnected with Mikano Motors efforts at expanding its operations, and also to avail Nigerians opportunities to get a wide range of state-of-the-art vehicles at affordable prices and positive returns on investment.

According to him, Mikano has future plans to bring in more brands to complement the existing line-up in order to grow its market share within the automotive market and provide Nigerians with premium and diverse options when selecting vehicles.

He, however, re-iterated that, the three-year-long Mikano-Geely relationship is undergoing some reviews with Geely; whilst emphasising that customers would continue to enjoy adequate after-sales service from them.

According to Haidar, “Because we keep our customers welfare at the top of all we do, from inception, we set aside a “goodwill budget” its from that budget we were able to offset warranties that Geely declined to honour.

Haidar revealed that Mikano Motors took on Changan because of its versatility and the latest technology it offers as well as its arrays of models that it has placed under Mikano Motors franchiseship in Nigeria.

“Changan which is the number one selling auto brands in the Middle East, and the biggest export from China to Nigeria has given us more models to market here in Nigeria. This means that, we have a diverse range of models from this top Chinese auto maker to offer Nigerians”.

It is the best brand in the Middle East and other regions, and has outstanding service in safety and innovation from its competitors. Changan is one of the top Chinese auto brands that is gaining immense popularity worldwide and is known for its value offering across automotive segments.

“In the Chinese language, CHANG means ‘lasting’ and AN means ‘safety.’ Therefore, CHANGAN together represents the idea of “Lasting Safety”. It is one of the top four Automobile groups in China and the top selling domestic Chinese automobile brand.

“Changan has a different range of models for various levels of customers, and robust financing agreements with banks that will make ownership smooth. It is currently the only brand in Nigeria that can cater for any organization or governmental body and individual who wishes to buy a brand new, efficient, safe, stylish and affordable car that has earned the admiration of many customers internationally,” he added.

Within two years of entering the auto business in Nigeria, Mikano has redefined the sector with its quality products and, after-sales back- up, making the brands they represent, the most sought after in the market presently. Mikano’s entry has also brought stiffer competition in the industry as well as the standards of vehicles.

Tochukwu Michael