Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Unveils Latest Peugeot 3008 GT Model, Expanding Nigeria’s Automotive Industry

Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN), the official manufacturer and marketer of Peugeot vehicles in Nigeria, has launched the GT model of the Peugeot 3008 SUV at its state-of-the-art assembly plant in Kaduna. This move is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s automotive sector, reinforcing DPAN’s commitment to boosting local vehicle production and reducing the country’s dependence on imported automobiles.

The newly assembled Peugeot 3008 GT model features a high-performance 1.6-liter turbo engine, aligning with global standards in vehicle efficiency and innovation. The introduction of this model in Nigeria’s market marks a strategic effort to strengthen the presence of Peugeot-branded vehicles in West Africa.

Peugeot’s journey in Africa has seen notable expansion, with the first assembly of the Peugeot 3008 model taking place in Ghana in 2022. That milestone was achieved at the Tema Assembly Plant, a facility owned by Silver Star Auto, through a partnership with Citroën and Peugeot that began in 2019. DPAN’s decision to assemble the Peugeot 3008 GT in Nigeria further solidifies the country’s position as a key player in Africa’s growing automobile industry.

DPAN has steadily expanded its product offerings since its inception. The company initially restarted the production of Peugeot vehicles in Nigeria with the local assembly of the Peugeot 301. Over time, DPAN’s portfolio has grown to include the Landtrek pickup, the Peugeot 3008, the Peugeot 5008, and the latest 508 models. This expansion aligns with Dangote’s broader vision of revitalizing Nigeria’s auto manufacturing sector through local production and assembly.

The growth of DPAN is backed by a strong industrial collaboration. The company is a joint venture between Dangote Industries, Stellantis Group, and the governments of Kano and Kaduna states. It operates from the Greenfield Ultima Assembly Plant in Kaduna, which has a production capacity of 120 vehicles per day.

Dangote Group entered Nigeria’s automobile industry in 2016 when it partnered with the Kaduna State Government and the Bank of Industry to acquire a majority stake in Peugeot Automobile Nigeria. By 2017, Dangote secured an official license for the establishment of a Peugeot assembly plant, setting the stage for increased local production.

Beyond Peugeot assembly, Dangote has also ventured into commercial vehicle production. The launch of Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Ltd (DSWAL) in Lagos was a major breakthrough for the manufacturing of heavy-duty, medium, and light trucks. The DSWAL CKD (completely knocked down) plant produces up to 10,000 trucks annually and has generated employment opportunities for approximately 3,000 people.

Nigeria’s automotive sector is gradually shifting from reliance on imported vehicles to local production. With the government’s push for industrial growth, several key players have emerged in the local manufacturing space. Companies such as Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), Stallion Group, Nord, and Dangote Group have contributed to increasing the country’s domestic production capacity.

The Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Programme (NAIDP) 2024-2034 is a crucial policy framework aimed at supporting local vehicle production. The program prioritizes the manufacturing of auto spare parts, which is expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported components. The country currently spends an estimated $1 billion annually on imported auto parts, making local production a strategic priority for economic growth.

Developing critical components like batteries, tyres, and exhaust systems is essential to strengthening Nigeria’s automotive value chain. If successfully implemented, NAIDP 2024-2034 could position Nigeria as a regional hub for automobile production, attracting investment from global manufacturers and fostering technology transfer.

The Road Ahead for Nigeria’s Auto Industry

The launch of the Peugeot 3008 GT model by DPAN signals the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s automotive industry. With increasing investment in local vehicle assembly and a strong policy direction from the government, the sector is poised for substantial growth in the coming years.

However, challenges such as infrastructural deficits, high production costs, and limited access to financing remain significant barriers. Addressing these hurdles will require sustained government support, favorable policies, and strategic partnerships between local manufacturers and global automotive brands.

Nigeria’s potential as a leading automobile production hub in Africa remains high, and with industry leaders like Dangote at the forefront, the country is well-positioned to drive automotive innovation and economic growth on the continent.