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BMCI partners with KIFAL Auto to enable easier financing for used cars in Morocco


Banque marocaine pour le commerce et l’industrie (BMCI – Moroccan subsidiary of the French bank BNP Paribas), one of Morocco’s leading banks, has teamed up with KIFAL Auto (Autochek Group Maroc), an online marketplace that is transforming the experience of buying and selling used cars in The Middle East and North Africa, to enable easier access to financing for used car purchases in Morocco.

Established in 1964, BMCI has more than 300 branches and over 500,000 personal, business and institutional customers. With this partnership, Moroccans across the country will be able to more easily access the financing they need to purchase their desired used vehicles via the KIFAL Auto platform, and without needing to enter a physical bank branch.

KIFAL Auto is transforming the automotive experience in Morocco by providing a seamless process of accessing finance for vehicle purchases. Since the company was acquired by Autochek, it has adopted a new strategic approach, leveraging its parent company’s expertise and experience to deliver game changing financing solutions for Morocco’s automotive sector. It is the first online marketplace in Morocco to offer an entirely digital experience for vehicle financing, with the ability to complete all steps online, from simulation to credit validation and document collection. Customers simply need to find the vehicle they want to purchase, submit an application for financing, and they can access the credit they need in 48 hours if the application is approved and terms are met. Repayments can be spread over 12 to 84 months.

Various events from recent years – from a shortage of semiconductors to global supply chain disruption – have impacted the availability of new cars globally, leading to increased demand for used cars. This increased demand has led to an increase in used car prices – with prices rising up to 36 percent higher in some cases. With KIFAL Auto, prospective car buyers in Morocco can access a wide range of financing options, including unsecured consumer credit, used car credit with a barred title, or “Murabaha” with Islamic banks to facilitate the purchase of the desired vehicles. Consumers can access credit for used vehicles that are not listed on the KIFAL Auto platform, as well as for peer-to-peer transactions, which account for over 90% of vehicle sales in Morocco.

Also read: Morocco to produce up to 1 Million vehicles per year by 2030

Jaouad Azzouzi, Commercial Director at BCMI said, “We want to deliver financial services that will enable Moroccans across the country to access more of what they want and this partnership with KIFAL Auto speaks to this desire. Our collective know-how and network positions us to deliver real impact for Moroccans across the country and we are delighted to be working with such an innovative company.”

According to Nizar Abdallaoui Maane, CEO and founder of KIFAL Auto, “Since we launched our financing product in October 2022, we have seen growing demand that confirms the need for our services given the current context. During the month of December alone, we received more than 4,000 financing requests from prospective buyers. Our partnership with BCMI, as well as our other partners, positions us to enable the opportunity to deliver a much needed service and drive real value for our customers.

Toyota begins production of Maruti Suzuki Swift in Ghana


Toyota has commenced production of the Suzuki Swift in the Republic of Ghana last month. The hatchback will be sold as an SKU model in the local market under the brand’s subsidiary, Toyota Tsusho Manufacturing Ghana (TTMG). The plant in Ghana has an annual production capacity of 1,700 units and approximately 50 employees.

The SKD production of the Swift has been undertaken to strengthen and expand the alliance between Toyota and Suzuki, which concluded a collaboration agreement in March 2019.

Also read: Toyota begins assembly from SKD imports in Ghana

Last month, prices of the Maruti Swift were hiked by up to Rs 13,000, based on the variant choice. The carmaker also showcased an accessorised version of the hatchback at the Auto Expo 2023. In December 2022, the Global NCAP crash test results of the Swift were revealed, where the car managed to score a single-star rating.

credit:Carwale

Nairaxi emerges winner at 3rd Annual NCC ICT Innovation Competition 2023


Leading tech mobility startup Nairaxi, has coasted to victory after emerging Winner out of the selected startups that participated in the 3rd Annual NCC ICT Innovation Competition and Exhibition in Nigeria.

Nairaxi had clinched the cash prize of 2million naira after demonstrating excellence in its capacity to bridge the digital divide by adopting innovative and creative tech solutions to drive economic development in Nigeria.

The competition was organised by the Research and Development Department of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). It was held at NCC Digital Bridge Institute, Oshodi, Lagos State.

Described as quite competitive, the 3rd Annual NCC ICT Innovation Competition themed “Utilizing Indigenous Digital Solutions to Bridge the Digital Divide” kicked off with over 1000 Startup applications. 400Startup applications was shortlisted, 88 Startups made it to the first cut, 58tech hubs made it to the second cut, but only 15 tech companies made it to the exhibition booths for the semi final.

Speaking, Kingsley Eze, CEO of Nairaxi, described their victory as a reinforcement towards new technology innovation solutions for Nigeria. He stated that Nairaxi will not relent in the areas of Introducing, ensuring and building new bridges in the nation’s digital divide.

Also speaking, the Co-founder, Elizabeth Omale, appreciated NCC for encouraging and rewarding ICT startups in Nigeria. She explained that Nairaxi will be committed to innovative digital solutions across key sectors so as to improve social growth and economic advancement.

According to him, “Nairaxi has received commendations and congratulatory gestures from across the world for emerging Winner at one of the biggest ICT, digital competitions organised by the Nigeria Communications Commision (NCC). The tech powered startup has collaborated with government agencies and institutions to champion digital inclusion across critical sectors in Nigeria.”

“In recent times, Nairaxi has remained on the frontline for new digital solutions, targeted at achieving the nation’s digital agenda. The company has introduced several tech-related innovations which is currently providing access to digital technologies, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating new Jobs.

He revealed that Nairaxi had in 2022 unveiled the Digital Transit Subsidy Program and the Automated Fare Collection System which provides a seamless and contactless transport service via its mobile application. The tech solution initiatives will mitigate the projected crisis that emanates the final fuel subsidy removal.

“Some of its collaborations include but not limited to National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) and amongst others.”

From the 15 companies that made it to semi final, 10 Startups were picked for the final competition after critical review of a one-page executive summary. The executive summary was authenticated, verified and evaluated by the panel of judges to meet the requirements of the competition.

At the final stage of the competition, lead representatives of the startups were engaged in a 3minutes pitch presentation on their tech innovations. The presentations were adjudged based on the ease of technology, quality of training and expertise of Owners, Strategies, Market potentials and other necessary variables.

At the end of the presentation, Nairaxi emerged winner with a 2million naira cash prize and was followed by two runner-up Winners. The second runner-up is FLOEWS who received 1.5million naira, followed closely by Tronix Lab Limited as second runner-up Winner with 1Million naira cash prize. Although other participants received 200,000naira consolation prize.

The competition was flagged-off on the 6th of February 2023 by top management staffs of NCC led by Engr. Prof. Mohammed Ajiya, the President/CEO of Digital Bridge Institute and Chairman, Panel of Judges, Dr. Abdullateef Bello, CEO Datstrat Consulting Limited, Chris Uwaje, Founder, Mobile Software Solutions Limited, Martha Alade, the founder of Women in Technology in Nigeria (WITIN), and amongst others.

According to our source, the Nigeria Communications Commision provided accommodation and feeding for all Participating startups from day1 to day4 of the exhibition.

Nidec Leroy-Somer, has been selected by Airbus to develop electric motors for its future hydrogen powered zero-emission engine


Nidec Leroy-Somer has signed an agreement with Airbus to develop an electric motor for its hydrogen-powered fuel cell engine prototype, as part of Airbus’ ambition to bring the first zero-emission commercial aircraft to market by 2035. The long-standing expertise and extensive know-how of the French electric motor manufacturer, who already provides proven advanced technologies to many demanding industries, such as Navy, Nuclear, Railway, Automotive and Robotics is now collaborating on Aviation decarbonization.

High level requirements
Leroy-Somer, part of the Japanese Nidec Group since 2017, is entrusted to design and develop a series of electric motor prototypes which meet very high requirements in terms of safety, reliability, energy-efficiency and lowest weight for the targeted power. Its skilled Research & Development Team is also challenged to explore breakthrough technologies and innovations to optimize the architecture of the aircraft propulsion system. Project management, design, engineering, and prototyping will all be done from its headquarters in Angouleme, France.

Meeting the performance
Prototypes, designed for performance and integration in Airbus’ zero-emission hydrogen powered fuel cell engine, will first be tested on ground using dedicated test benches. Following the initial qualification and validation, a second phase of in-flight testing will be conducted.

“We are pleased to have been selected by Airbus to provide our expertise in high efficiency electric motors and contribute, through our innovative R&D teams and solutions, to this ambitious eco-friendly commercial aviation project. This important milestone for more sustainable mobility, presents several challenges that we are committed to overcome, to serve the global community” said Jean-Michel Condamin, President of the “Commercial & Industrial Motors” Division.

A motor expert
For over 100 years, Nidec Leroy-Somer has been designing, developing and manufacturing drive systems recognised for their quality and longevity in all industrial and commercial sectors. Always at the forefront of innovation with a deep expertise of various motor technologies and the related power electronics, it has built up a relationship of trust with many OEMs for whom it has carried out projects with very tight specifications, developing customized solutions with high added value. More than ever, to tackle global warming and the energy crisis, the electric motor has become a key player and Nidec Leroy-Somer is a renowned solution provider with its proven high energy efficiency IE5 motor DYNEO+ used in many different industrial fields.

Eric Coupart, Chief Technology Officer of the Commercial & Industrial Motors Division, also added: “We are proud of this acknowledgement of our ability to cut energy bills & carbon emissions through tailor-made solutions, in one of the most severe environments. Our world-class R&D capabilities will bring to Airbus sustainable and powerful smart technologies with best-in-class energy efficiency for the near future of the Aviation”

Rymax Lubricants realizes remarkable growth despite difficult market circumstances in 2022


The year 2022 has been challenging. The first months were still affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and although that cleared up during the year, the war in Eastern Europe disrupted the global playing field heavily after that. Despite these challenging conditions, Rymax Lubricants has realized a growth in turnover of over 30% and expanded its activities to 10 new countries.

The war in Ukraine and sanctions on Russia affected the market for raw materials, thereby affecting base oils, additives, and finished products. This came on top of the already instable prices because of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. This forced Rymax Lubricants into more flexibility for sourcing base materials, packaging materials and logistical solutions, but also to improve quality and support to its worldwide network of distributors.

“The measures we have taken to remain competitive, required a lot of flexibility from our organization” says Managing Director Mr. Wouter Cuppen. “I am glad that we were already lined up for these changes. We have been developing and executing our strategy for international growth for a number of years now. The circumstances that characterize 2022 only accelerated our existing plans.”

The result of the actions taken is a remarkable growth in 2022. Both in turnover and in volume Rymax Lubricants realized a significant increase. Part of this is because of the inevitable price increases, but the volume growth in liters is a strong indicator of the excellent performance of the Dutch lubricants brand. “Another part of this growth is the result of successful sales activities in South America. With new customers in Peru, Guyana, Chili and Haiti we have actively enforced our position on this continent” claims Commercial Director Mr. Erik Vermeer. Global Marketing Manager Mr. Jan-Pieter Doove continues: “Our ongoing investment in marketing accounts for the successes of last year as well. Rymax’ presence at the Automechanika Frankfurt is a good example of this, but also the continued focus on a strong global brand and constructive local support, have enabled many of our existing customers to realize a healthy growth as well.” With new representation in Denmark, Iceland, Greenland, Mali, Kenya and the CCG-countries, the total number of new countries where Rymax can now be bought increased to well over 60 in total.

Mikano Motors celebrates latest brand addition


Mikano International’s Motors Division, the fastest growing automotive company in Nigeria is expanding its brand portfolio once more, following the recent debut of the Maxus brand.

The General Manager, Mikano Motors, Mr Ralph Haidar stated that “this latest addition will complete and complement our product lineup, joining our Geely, ZNA and Maxus brands.”

Proceedings are fully underway for the launch of this yet- to – be named brand, though auto enthusiasts have made several educated guesses on the mystery brand, which will be proven or disproven when an official announcement is made. In true Mikano style, the new automotive brand is being introduced in grand style.
A social media challenge where participants stand the chance to win a brand- new 2023 luxury SUV is currently ongoing, and all that’s required to win is a descriptive and creative expression of their dream car. Other indications hint that the new auto brand will be arriving with a wide array of models going by the subtle hints on promotional material released from Mikano Motors. While we wait with bated breath, we can tell that Mikano Motors is going to storm the market as they did with the Geely brand in the past couple of years.

 

Automotive sector in Nigeria attracts about US$1bn worth of investment


The Nigerian government has attracted investments of about one billion dollars in the automotive sector, created the capacity to produce 400,000 units of vehicles and commenced initiative to support widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Adeniyi Adebayo during the presentation of the Ministry’s score card for the year 2015-2023 said when the draft automotive Bill is passed into law, the full potential of this sector will be realised.

Meanwhile, the Minister said to boost small scale agriculture, the ministry also established six agro processing facilities across the country.

Automotive Sector
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Adeniyi Adebayo |image: courtey

According to him, “We all know that we need to grow our non-oil export volume to diversify our export earnings and create jobs, the key requirements in making this happen is to ensure that the products meet global standard and that is why we have developed the Nigerian National Policy which will ensure worldwide acceptance of Nigerian product.”

“We have commenced implementation through the establishment of a national policy council, we also successfully attracted Afreximbank to construct the first of a kind Afghan quality centre in Ogun state, it was commissioned in December 2022 and geared towards delivering world class quality infrastructure.”

Mr Adebayo explained that the ministry implemented the 50 billion naira Export Expansion Facility Programme, EEFP to radically expand the country’s export capacity.

“The programme has trained thousands of farmers on good agricultural practices for export and about a thousand SMEs on market access, For me, particularly gratifying is the training of about 2000 Women on export readiness and training of youth on export of digital services,” Mr Adebayo said.

“I am pleased to announce that we have started seeing the impact of a 50 billion naira Export Expansion Fund programme, in quarter four of 2022 alone, Nigeria with the export of $1.4 billion culminated in a record increase in the value of non oil exports by 40% to 4.8 billion dollars as at the year 2022.”

Pesapal launches an Automation Solution for fuel retailers


Pesapal has launched a new Forecourt Management Solution (FMS), the first solution developed specifically for Africa that delivers integrated payments alongside monitoring and data tools. The new FMS, which is already operational in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, drives the automation of fuel and retail management processes and it also seamlessly connects distribution points and digital payments backed up with tools to reduce costs and pilfering, while improving the customer experience.

Pesapal Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Agosta Liko noted that independent petrol station operators and large forecourt networks are changing up their business models with convenience services, new fuels and battery charging.

“This makes it a more exciting, complex and risky game to be in. We are helping them automate and digitize so they can focus on growing their businesses,” he added.

Liko stated that with FMS, petrol station owners can remotely monitor and control LPG and fuel dispensers and that the solution automates how these talk to tank gauges, price displays and payment systems which, as usual with Pesapal, integrate mobile money, cards and online payments.

“We have spent months working with petrol station owners across East Africa and we have consistently heard about a lack of affordable monitoring and data tools for our unique environment. Many owners want to transform their forecourt into a multi-use hub, but they are flying blind at the moment,” said Liko.

The CEO mentioned that Pesapal provides a back-end reporting tool and allows station owners to link Point of Sale (POS) and other technology platforms to forecourt operations with additional functions including centralized price changes, RFID-based attendant tagging, automatic indenting of products and posting of outlet data to head office systems.

Liko disclosed that Pesapal is a Technical Associate of the International Forecourt Standards Forum (IFSF) adding that the community is focused on technology standards to benefit automotive fuel and energy retailers and also champion the interoperability of forecourt and convenience devices and services.

He reiterated that IFSF membership paves the way for Pesapal to partner with African forecourt operators to drive further automation and meet changing global standards.

“While the world is looking to decarbonize, our cities and communities are getting more mobile. We are using different types of transport, changing fuels, and new finance and subscription products. Forecourts are the frontline of this transformation. They will have many more moving parts, and different retail, energy and fuel suppliers,” Liko maintained.

Pesapal has over a decade of experience empowering African businesses with easily understood information on customers, payments, sales, and inventory.

KNA

INEOS Automotive Partners Coscharis Motors in Nigeria


INEOS Automotive has named Coscharis Motors as its official retail partner in Nigeria. Nigeria is now the sixth market in Sub-Saharan Africa to join the INEOS Automotive brand, following South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia and Botswana.

In 2017, INEOS Chairman Jim Ratcliffe, a car enthusiast and experienced adventurer, identified a gap in the market for a stripped back, utilitarian, hard-working 4×4 engineered for modern day compliance and reliability. INEOS Automotive Limited was formed and a senior team of automotive professionals assembled to bring the vision to reality with a fresh perspective of 4×4 development and manufacturing. Combining rugged British spirit with German engineering rigour, the Grenadier will be a truly uncompromising 4×4 built from the ground up. Engineered to overcome all conditions, it will provide best-in-class off-road capability, durability and reliability to those who depend on a vehicle as a working tool, wherever they are in the world.

“We are carefully selecting our partners across the SSA region, to find people who know their local market and customers, and also understand our brand,” said Tim Abbott, INEOS Automotive Head of Region South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. “Coscharis Motors shares our belief that the INEOS.

Grenadier is the perfect vehicle not only for Nigeria, but for the continent. Our shared passion for off-roading, along with their excellent reputation in the automotive industry, makes it the perfect partnership for Grenadier in Nigeria.”

Commenting on this partnership, the President/CEO of Coscharis Group, Dr. Cosmas Maduka said: “We are proud that INEOS Automotive has appointed Coscharis Motors to represent its brand in Nigeria. This milestone marks another step in the evolution of our company. With our history and experience of the Nigerian market, we know that the INEOS Grenadier is going to be a serious player in the off-road segment.

“We have no doubt that the Grenadier has what it takes to handle Africa’s tough terrain and that it is the perfect option to meet the specific demands of those who need a capable, refined, and reliable off-road vehicle in the region. We look forward to the first customer test drives and hearing public feedback, because this vehicle is definitely going to stir things up in Nigeria,” added Dr. Maduka.

Award-winning engines

The Grenadier has been developed to be refined on the road and extraordinarily capable off-road. The Grenadier is powered by a choice of two straight-six, 3.0-litre BMW engines. Both the BMW B57 diesel and B58 petrol powertrains have a proven track record, regularly appearing in top ten world’s best engine lists since 2016. They have been used in everything from sports cars to SUVs.

The two power units bring BMW’s sophistication and refinement to the Grenadier, but they have been enhanced by INEOS Automotive’s engineering team. As well as providing powerful acceleration on tarmac, they also deliver peak torque at low revs – sustaining it through the rev range – for optimal off-road performance.

The carefully calibrated characteristics help the driver to confidently manage the vehicle’s momentum and grip without stressing the engine, ensuring full control when tackling tricky terrain. The refined turbo petrol engine produces 286PS (210kW) and 450Nm (332 lb ft) of torque, while the twin-turbo diesel generates 249PS (183kW) and 550Nm (406 lb ft), for even greater pulling power. Start/stop is built-in, increasing range and preserving air quality when the vehicle is stationary. While it’s every inch a rugged 4X4, it ticks all the right boxes on the road, too. The chassis combines a five-link suspension setup with Brembo brakes and Bridgestone tyres, meaning the Grenadier is composed, well- mannered and fun to drive no matter what the terrain.

Global and local network

By the end of this year INEOS Automotive plans to have a network of more than 200 sales and service sites for the Grenadier spanning over 50 countries, including established dealer groups, 4X4 specialists and agricultural equipment dealers.

Now that the agreement with INEOS Automotive has been signed, Coscharis Motors will focus on readying its dedicated Grenadier showroom in Victoria Island, Lagos. The first Grenadier demonstrator vehicles are expected to arrive in Nigeria in early 2023 with customer deliveries expected to commence within the first quarter. All aftersales servicing will be conducted at a dedicated workshop also located in Lagos.

The INEOS Grenadier was created to fulfil the vision of adventurer and INEOS Group Chairman, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, inspired by legendary working 4X4s. The Grenadier is a rugged and uncompromising off-roader, designed to be a capable, durable, and reliable working tool to conquer the world’s harshest environments.

Source: This day

Honda is setting up a dedicated EV division

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