Dangote Group is making bold strides to establish itself as a major force in Nigeria’s automobile industry, particularly in the passenger and commercial vehicle segments.
The conglomerate, which secured the Peugeot franchise a few years ago and later introduced the Sinotruck brand, has been steadily rolling out vehicles from its Kaduna and Lagos assembly plants. Now, in a significant expansion, the company has commenced the local assembly of the Peugeot 3008 GT at its Kaduna plant, adding to its growing lineup.
This development marks a major milestone for Dangote Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (DPAN) Limited in its mission to revive the Peugeot brand in Nigeria. Once a household name in the 1970s and 1980s, Peugeot is now making a comeback with locally assembled models, including the Peugeot 301 Sedan and the seven-seater 5008 SUV.
The newly introduced Peugeot 3008 GT, equipped with a 1.6-litre turbo engine, joins the expanding lineup alongside another new model, the Peugeot Landtrek 4×2 pickup truck. The Landtrek, powered by a 2.4-litre engine and rear-wheel drive system, marks DPAN’s entry into Nigeria’s light commercial vehicle market.
Umar Isa-Kaita, Chief Commercial Officer of DPAN, stated that the company is actively working with auto firms to expand its dealership network, ensuring greater accessibility and robust after-sales support for Peugeot customers across the country.
The launch of these new models aligns with DPAN’s commitment to growing its portfolio of locally assembled vehicles. Managing Director Ibrahim Isa Gachi had previously assured that the expansion would follow the introduction of the Peugeot 301, which was launched in 2022.
With its Kaduna plant capable of assembling 120 vehicles per day, DPAN is positioning itself to reclaim Peugeot’s former glory in Nigeria’s competitive auto market. The company’s efforts are expected to inject fresh momentum into an industry that has faced significant challenges in recent years.
DPAN is a joint venture between Dangote Industries Limited, the Kaduna, Plateau, and Kebbi State Governments, and Stellantis Group, the parent company of Peugeot. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to local production, job creation, and economic growth, signaling a promising future for Nigeria’s automotive industry
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