By  Theodore Opara

SEDANS, SUV’s, Mini Vans, buses and trucks from the stables of SAIPA Automobiles of Iran and Shineray Automobile Co. of China,  will lead the pack of new entrants of automobiles that will be on display at the Eagle Square, venue of the 16th Abuja International Motor Fair holding from 22 to 30 October, 2014.

Disclosing this to newsmen over the weekend, the Managing Director of BKG Exhibitions, Mr. Ifeanyi Agwu, organizers of the event said that this development is a pointer to the fact that the Nigerian Automotive sector is seriously becoming the leading investment destination in the Continent because of the enormous potentials and benefits it offers.

“It equally shows that with time the new thinking in the industry in Nigeria will achieve the desired end of boosting investment and socio-economic development of the nation”.

Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, who is also the Chairman of Organising committee of the auto show said that it is a reward for the hard work that his company has been making since the inception of the event Fifteen seven years ago.

According to him “it did not come as a surprise because we have been strategically working for the fair to gain more international recognition and acceptance which the coming of these companies attests to.

According to Autodex Nigeria Limited the franchise holder of the Shineray brand in Nigeria, “these vehicles are globally trusted for their durability, ruggedness, aesthetic excellence, superb agility, modern engineering, high fuel efficient engines and advanced safety devices which can be relied on to deliver high standard performance at all times”.

The company which owns an Assembly Plant in Abuja said that with the current development in the Nigerian automotive sector, they are poised to harness the abundant potentials to become a big player in the industry in Sub-Sahara Africa with Nigeria as its centre of operation.

SAIPA which comes with the models: Tidoa, Saipa132, Tonda90, Mega, Ron2,  is staging an intimidating comeback into Nigeria’s automotive market courtesy of Sparkling Energy Resources Nigeria Limited.

It is storming Abuja with a strong team from the parent company SAIPA of Iran.

According to a source, the Iranian automobile maker has concluded arrangements to commence the assembling of some of its vehicles in Nigeria.

Mr. Agwu stressed that the  Abuja international Motor Fair remains the unparalleled gathering of established brands as well as new entrants, ranging from passenger busses, cars, trucks, spare parts, accessories, lubricants, financials and many more; adding that the importance of continuously staging the show cannot be over-emphasized as all hands must be on deck to promote and support investments into the sector, as it occupies a strategic position in enhancing the economic development of Nigeria”

“As part of our efforts in promoting investment in the automotive sector, in addition to the usual display of products and services by participants, this edition has a Managing Directors’ of Automobile Companies Forum with Heads of arms of government, Ministries, Departments and Agencies which activities impact on the sector.

Virtually all the major brands of automobiles, spare parts, accessories, lubricants, banking, insurance, regulatory and policy making agencies and bodies are taking part. Feelers from most of the participating firms indicate that visitors to the various stands will enjoy lots of goodies.

Some have packaged gift items, lucky dips and many other forms of entertainments which according to sources will last all through the fair. We have packaged a fair that has something for everybody; visitors, participants and other stakeholders.”