New PMS, CNG, LPG-powered OMAA buses debuts in Nigeria

…aligns with FG’s gradual shift to fuel alternative 

A new chapter in Nigeria automotive history was opened recently when government officials, transport owners and the business community gathered in Abuja, the nation’s capital for the historic official launch of the OMAA range of H-Series mini-buses with the tagline ‘Built for You’ and designed to run either on petrol, compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquified petroluem gas (LPG). 

This is coming at a time when the cost of doing business is high with the commercial transportation sector as one of the critical sectors in the economic and social integration value chain. 

The OMAA bus can be used as an intra-city bus can be used as a school bus, as a shuttle, a panel and as well an ambulance.

For fuel system and power delivery, the model comes as a single or dual offering (dual fuel engine system), which implies that customers can have the bus sold to them as either premium motor spirit (PMS), compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquified petroleum gas (LPG). It comes in manual transmission, while plans for automatic transmission version are in the pipeline.

In terms of safety and ruggedness, it has a drum brake disc technology and solid suspension systems comparable to other competing brands in the local market.

Exterior-wise, there are central lock key systems, the tyres sits on alloy wheel or the conventional steel wheels. These two choices are strongly casted taking into consideration the peculiar rough roads that we have in the country today.

For daylight or night visibility, OMAA boasts of LED lamp, the high mount brake light with the latest timeless design. Interior-wise, customers are at liberty to decide on which seat choices to make, as it comes in three variants including fabrics or leather.

In terms of passengers comfort, OMAA is lithered with an all-round air-conditioning system both front and rear that are also adjustable from the rear in addition to the rear view mirror.

The features mentioned are in addition to other features in other vehicles like the automatic brake system (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD) system. The prospective customers have to buy any of the OMAA bus with or without a DVD, the preferred size of the LCD or the reverse camera.

Customers are guaranteed of timely delivery time schedule to customers within a period of one to four month pre-order notice. Every OMAA bus is price competitive fits every budget of intending customers and offered at a very reasonable discount either for basic models or customisation. 

Speaking during event, Chinedu Oguegbu, founder of OMAA Global and the brain behind the new OMAA commercial bus said; ‘’the journey did not start today having been in the automotive industry for almost 20 years working with global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) from France to Japan, Korea to China’’.

Describing transportation in the country as a big hassle moving from point A to B. He lamented that lack of efficient transport system constrains the economy, making productivity low, despite its role as the engine of economic growth.

Oguegbu expressed optimism that the OMAA automotive brand will give transporters positive returns on their investment as running on gas is cheaper than petrol and parts are readily available. This is the opportunity, the reason we are building OMAA. We are working with technical partners across the globe.

Looking into the future, Oguegbu said that, ‘’Currently, OMAA is finalizing our assembly operations. This November, we will commence commercial deliveries of OMAA vehicles in large volumes. Next, we will have a phased migration from SKD to CKD localizing components, up-skilling staff and contributing to the burgeoning automotive ecosystem.

He expressed excitement that the model of vehicles have been simplified as much as possible, offering products that customers or end users can adapt to their unique needs.

Most vehicles on sale the in Nigeria, the company executive said were designed and built for other regions. Giving customers’ choice to order vehicles that meet their specific requirements would result in considerable cost savings as they don’t pay for unnecessary features.

He expressed optimism that there is a huge commercial and social opportunity that would definitely impact millions of lives adding that his team is open to collaboration, build partnerships, invest in the ecosystem to ensure that we build a better future for Africa.

MIKE OCHONMA

Associate Editor