CFAO Motors said the firm is currently conducting a feasibility study on a proposal to set up a Mitsubishi Fuso assembly plant in Nigeria.
This, it said, was inspired by its new partnership with the Japanese auto manufacturer, Mitsubishi, as its sole distributor of the Fuso brand of commercial vehicles in Nigeria.
The Managing Director, CFAO Automotive Equipment and Services, Mr. Thomas Pelletier, said this in Lagos on Monday at a press conference to announce the new pact with the Japanese firm.
“We are expecting the Mitsubishi technical team in Nigeria in September. For us, setting up an assembly plant is not a big issue; we have the experience, the expertise and an advantage over many other auto companies in Nigeria.
“We want to start assembling Mitsubishi Fuso trucks in Nigeria in 2015.”
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation, one of the Asia’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers.
Pelletier said CFAO Motors was appointed the sole distributor of Mitsubishi Fuso in Nigeria based on its track record as an auto dealership in commercial vehicle segment over the years.
This, he said, would enable the company to increase its focus on satisfying its teeming customers across the country.
He said, “I am proud and happy about this development, because this gives us the opportunity to take the brand to new heights in Nigeria.”
Pelletier noted that the CFAO Motors’ technicians had been trained in line with the specification and guidelines provided by Mitsubishi for its Fuso vehicles.
He also said its customers would have an access to genuine spare parts direct from the manufacturer and its promised warranty.
The statement added that the CFAO Motors, which had been operational in Nigeria since 1902, was committed to providing customers with a sales and service experience of international standard.
“We plan to introduce the complete range of Mitsubishi Fuso trucks and buses to the Nigerian market and our customers can expect the same quality and reliability in our new range of bigger trucks.”
He said, at present, the most well known product from the Mitsubishi Fuso lineup is the Canter truck, which he described as the market leader in its segment due to its reliability, ruggedness and low maintenance cost.
Pelletier added that the company had branches nationwide and was fully equipped to support the Fuso brand’s long-term vision.
“All Fuso vehicles sold by CFAO Motors come with manufacturer’s warranty and are supported by comprehensive after sales backup with genuine spare parts in its branches and dealer outlets,” the firm said in a statement.
The statement explained that CFAO is a specialised distributor and preferred partner of major international brands serving the high potential equipment, healthcare and consumer goods markets in Africa and the French overseas territories and present in 36 countries.
It said in 2013, CFAO generated consolidated revenue of €3,628m and recorded recurring operating income of €269m, adding that the firm had been listed on the New York Stock Exchange Euronext in Paris.
It said Mitsubishi Fuso sold a total of 172,400 vehicles including light-medium and heavy duty trucks and buses in 2013.
