By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
The Changan CS55 has won as Nigeria’s Car of the Year. This was announced by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) at an awards ceremony in Lagos.
This marks the first time a Changan vehicle has received this prestigious award.
The CS55, a compact crossover SUV, surpassed competitors, Toyota Corolla and Kia Rio to claim the top spot.
Changan vehicles are marketed and assembled in Nigeria by Mikano Motors.
Last year’s winner, the Honda HR-V, also assembled in Nigeria, set the stage for Changan’s victory. Both Toyota Corolla and Kia Rio have previously won the Car of the Year award.
The Changan CS55 boasts a 1.5L turbocharged engine, producing 178 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, with a fuel economy of 27 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.
Other notable winners at the awards ceremony include Toyota (Nigeria) Limited which was recognized as Auto Company of the Decade, CIG Motors which was named Auto Company of the Year and Globe Motors which was awarded Most Resilient Company of the Year.
Coscharis Motors took home the Multi-Luxury Brand of the Year award while the Range Rover Autobiography won Luxury SUV of the Year. Lanre Shittu Motors’ late Chairman, Alhaji Olarenwaju Shittu, received a Posthumous Award, and his son, Mr. Taiwo Shittu, was named Auto Personality of the Year.
Additional winners include Chief Chidi Anyaegbu, MFR, who received the Transport Icon of the Year award, Mrs. Karima Okunola, named Auto Marketing Manager of the Year and various other companies and individuals recognized for their contributions to the automotive industry.
Dr. Oscar Odiboh, an auto industry consultant, praised NAJA for promoting awareness about vehicles and empowering automobile buyers to make informed decisions.
