By Theodore Opara

Nigeria’s automotive landscape is gearing up for a dramatic showdown as three Chinese brands — Changan, Jetour and Chery — emerge as top contenders for the 2025 Nigeria Car-of-the-Year award, signalling a profound power shift in the country’s fast-evolving auto market.

The shortlist — Changan CS55, Jetour Dashing and Chery Tiggo 8 — was unveiled on Thursday by the Nigeria Auto Journalists’ Association (NAJA) in a statement announcing the finalists for its annual industry honours.

The Changan CS55, which stunned the industry last year after defeating the Toyota Corolla and Kia Rio to clinch the prestigious Car-of-the-Year title, is again in the spotlight as it seeks to defend its crown. But analysts say competition will be fierce this time around, with Jetour Dashing and Chery Tiggo 8 recording rising acceptance among Nigerian buyers.

This year’s NAJA International Auto Awards will take place on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, beginning at 6 p.m. The event is widely regarded as Nigeria’s most credible and influential celebration of innovation, craftsmanship and excellence in the motoring industry, attracting senior government officials, top industry executives and the media.

According to Theodore Opara, Chairman of NAJA, the 2025 edition reflects the dynamic transformation currently shaping Nigeria’s automotive sector.

“For the first time, Chinese manufacturers are not just competing — they are leading the pack,” Opara said.

“The quality, technology and market acceptance we’ve seen from these three shortlisted brands show how much the industry is changing.”

Opara added that the Awards Committee placed particular emphasis on brands demonstrating innovation, durability and relevance to Nigeria’s unique motoring conditions.

NAJA also released the full list of nominees across 24 award categories, spotlighting players in vehicle assembly, electrification, after sales, heavy-duty trucking, transport service and luxury mobility.

We’re raising the bar again this year — Awards Committee

Frank Kintum, Chairman of the Award Planning Committee, said preparations are well advanced, with this year’s edition expected to further cement NAJA’s reputation for credibility.

“Preparations are in top gear to ensure the 2025 edition sustains NAJA’s reputation as the most credible and unifying platform for recognising excellence in the nation’s auto industry,” Kintum said.

“The industry is expanding rapidly — from electric vehicles to local assembly. It’s important that our awards reflect this evolving reality.”

The statement also confirmed that the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Chief Joseph Oluwemimo Osanipin, will attend as Guest Speaker.

Osanipin, known for his advocacy for stronger local assembly and EV adoption, is expected to highlight the Council’s long-term vision for Nigeria’s automotive future.

Vanguard News