Mikano is popular in Nigeria for its second to none power generator. As a matter of fact, there’s no high-power consuming plant anywhere in Nigeria without a touch of Mikano. It has become such a household name that other power generator brands are being called Mikano. However, the company has diversified into automobile production.
If you look at Nigerian roads today, a number of cars and trucks now carry the Mikano logo. City People’s Brands & Products takes a look at the bold steps the company has taken in the last couple of years to actualize this dream.
ABOUT MIKANO
MOTORS DIVISION
Mikano Motors Division was established in the year 2018 with the goal of becoming the most successful and respected Automotive Company in Nigeria. It aims to attract and attain customers with high-level products and services at the most satisfying ownership experience possible.
It currently has one of the biggest State-of-The-Art Auto Assembly plants in Nigeria; managed by excellent professionals and currently assembles various global Auto brands such as ZNA (Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile, a subsidiary of Dongfeng Motor Co.) covering the PICK-UP category with the unique RICH6, and GEELY, covering the SEDAN, MINI-SUV, MID-SUV and SUV categories.
MIKANO ZNA-RICH 6 PICK-UP is designed to defeat the challenges of poor road structures and other challenging climatic conditions such as the ones given in Nigeria and other West African countries. The Suspension is Double fork arm independent suspension and Gradient type leaf spring rear. It is built to deliver the best performance in our difficult and rough terrain, maintains High Fuel Economy while offering the Best of Luxury Experience normally associated with the SUV cars category. The interior beauty of MIKANO ZNA (RICH 6) can attest to this.
MIKANO ENTERS DEAL WITH GEELY
Mikano International and Geely Nigeria have hit the Nigerian automobile market with a compact-sport utility vehicle, called ‘the Coolray’. The Chairman of Mikano International Limited, Mofid Karameh, at its launch in Lagos, said, “What you see here tonight is the result of years of dedication and commitment towards providing premium, quality vehicles at affordable prices.
“Geely Nigeria as you now know is the result of an exclusive partnership between Mikano International and Geely Auto. A powerful partnership that is based on the strength of two companies that share a common vision, making premium products and services a standard for everyone,” he said.
WHY GEELY NIGERIA?
The Managing Director, Mikano, Lokman Jouni, said, “Why Geely Nigeria? Geely is the owner of Volvo, the largest shareholder in AG Daimler (parent company for Mercedes Benz), owners of Terrafugia, Zeekr, LEVC (makers of the famous electric London black cabs).
“Geely Autos also owns 50 per cent of Proton and 51 per cent of Lotus, the British race car company. So, we are bringing, safe, stylish, and affordable cars made in Nigeria.”
He said the companies were tired of imported cars from different countries. He further stated that it was time for made-in-Nigeria cars, adding that he was proud to present Geely as the pioneer.
According to a statement made available to our correspondent, the compact SUV, which is capable of self-driving, among other high-tech functionalities, comes with a five-year warranty or 150,000km, and easy access financing options.
The company said, “It has lowest cost of maintenance and readily available original parts; world-class after-sales service with available 24/7 roadside assistance and mobile service; guaranteed resale value (via trade-in option up to five-year depreciation); guaranteed best value for money (quality/price ratio considering quality and technological features and advancements); and Mikano International’s worry-free protection shield.”
According to the statement, other features of the car include remote engine starter; G-pilot system that includes the Automatic Parking Assistant (with levels of up to L2 Autonomous drive); sensors and cameras around the car, for an extra sense of awareness and safety; hill traction control; cruise control and blind-spot detection.
The vision at Mikano Motors is to provide high-value products and services with the best ownership experience at all times. Mikano Motors has developed a seamless process of After-Sales Service for its vehicles with availability of genuine spare parts and highly qualified technicians; while ensuring its customers have access to its service centers as well as a 24/7 mobile services back-up nationwide.
MIKANO MOTORS UNVEILS GAME-CHANGING GEELY AZKARRA
Mikano Motors in April 2022, unveiled its all- new flagship luxury SUV from its Geely Nigeria lineup, the Geely Azkarra, at a high-profile ceremony held at the Geely showroom in Victoria Island, Lagos as the luxury compact SUV comes with top-of-the-range features to enable it compete favourably in its class.
Mikano Motors offers the best value for car purchases currently obtainable in Nigeria; these include the 5year/ 150,000 km warranty, Mobile workshop, VIP Courtesy service, guaranteed resale value and the confidence from Mikano International’s legacy quality, after- sales prowess, assurance for peace of mind and overall, the best value for auto investment.
A detailed analysis of the design process for the Azkarra was shared by Geely’s Head of Design, Shanghai, Guy Burgoyne. Burgoyne described the steps taken from ideation to the production of the distinguished looking Azkarra which he described as being “sophisticated, practical, intuitive and technically precise”. He disclosed that the Azkarra was designed with the car owners in mind, maintaining that “the consumers’ choice of cars is becoming their choice of lifestyle rather than just a tool for transportation.”
He highlighted that the accentuated headlamps, deep set into the body colour inserts, give the Azkarra a matured look which coveys great confidence and the exterior was designed to improve aerodynamic performance. This refined, sleek attribute transitions to the interior with a self-assured fluidity, successfully merging sportiness and refinement. The cockpit is wrapped in lush Nappa leather, with translucent backlit wood patterns providing adjustable ambient lighting that emotively matches the driver’s and passenger mood. The user interface as found in the Azkarra’s “humanised” interior complements Geely’s innovative 48V EMS mild- hybrid system.
The performance of the Azkarra’s innovative 48V EMS (Electric Motor Synergy) was described in an explainer video. It detailed when in certain driving modes, the system improves the acceleration dynamics of the car, due to additional torque (+50Nm) and also provides up to 15% improved fuel economy. Overall, the EMS of the Luxury Geely Azkarra provides the car with a distinctly smooth ride, more power and a substantially improved fuel economy.
The luxury Geely Azkarra SUV was subsequently unveiled officially by the GM- Mikano Motors, Haidar, who announced a limited- time launch offer. The limited offer announced a starting price from 17.3 Million Naira in addition to the additional perks from the presale offer. This special limited- time launch offer was to celebrate the success of the pre- sale offer, which led to sales of over 100 units of Azkarra within a short period of time. Guests were then encouraged to physically appraise the Azkarra; which is available in Nigeria in two trims, the Azkarra Platinum Pro and the Azkarra Titanium.
