By Theodore Opara

Contrary to the belief that Ford Motor Company was not interested in setting up an assembly plant in Nigeria under the Federal government’s new auto policy, Vanguard Motoring can reveal authoritatively that the company is renewing interest in the nation’s automotive sector with the intention of setting up a plant as soon as possible.

Vanguard gathered that Ford Motor’s management has been in contract with the National Automotive Council (NAC) on how to come into the country in full force without delay. Several correspondents has been exchange between NAC and Ford in the last one month on the setting up of the plant.

Simonetta Verdi, Director Governmental Affairs I Middle East and Africa, Ford Motor Company will be  on Thursday with the officials of Nigeria government in London, led by the Director General of the National Automotive Council, Engineer Aminu Jalal, to discuss and finalise the way forward.

According to Vanguard investigation, Ford is asking for information about some old assembly plants in the country with the aim of partnering with them in setting up assembly lines  within their plant.

The company which Ford is showing interest include, PAN Nigeria, ANAMMCO, Leyland Busan, National Truck Manufacturers (NTM), Stallion, and Zahav.

The reason for their inquiries about the already established automobile company, according to my source is that Ford does not want to waste time building a new plant but would like to commence production immediately to establish the brand in Nigeria which is becoming new investors haven.

The source further revealed that of all the auto companies being considered, PAN Nigeria seems to be the most appropriate for what Ford is looking to set up an assembly line because PAN has all the facilities needed for vehicles production.

“With PAN, all the facilities needed to commence production of cars and pickup vans by Ford is on ground, which makes it probably the best choice for what they are looking for. All they need to do is to bring their CKD and commence production immediately,” the source told Vanguard.

It should be recalled that Ford Motors has in the last two years demonstrated it willingness to capture the one ton pickup market segment as well as the passenger car segment in Nigeria through it two representatives in Nigeria, BriscoeFord and Coscharis Motors.

Fords popular models in Nigeria include the Ranger pickup, Focus, Taurus, (Sedans), Explorer, Escape and Edge.