Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN) has started assembling the GT model of the Peugeot 3008 at its Kaduna facility, while also finalising plans to launch the Peugeot Landtrek 4×2 pickup into the light commercial market.
DPAN said on Monday that the assembly of the Peugeot 3008 GT model and the forthcoming launch of the Peugeot Landtrek 4×2 pickup were part of bold steps by the automaker to regain its leadership position in the Nigerian auto market.
Peugeot which was a dominant brand in the Nigerian auto industry from the 80s to the early 90s-serving premium official and private as well as general users was taken over by DPAN which is jointly owned by Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) owned by Africa’s richest man and industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Kaduna, Plateau and Kebbi State governments and Stellantis Group, the technical partner and parent company of Peugeot.
With its 1.6-litre high-performance turbo engine, the Peugeot 3008 GT has expanded the existing line-up of vehicles from the assembly lines of the modern plant that opened some years ago in Kaduna.
The new 3008 GT is joining the existing ‘Made-in-Nigeria Peugeot’ range that included the popular 301 Sedan, and the 5008-a large, seven-seater known for its spacious interior, stylish design, and modern technology features.
The Peugeot Landtrek 4×2 pickup, with its rear-wheel drive system and 2.4-litre engine workhorse, is part of the Peugeot Landtrek pick-up truck range with a reputation for ruggedness.
DPAN stated that it might also consider introducing the 4×4 version of the Peugeot Landtrek in the foreseeable future.
Chief Commercial Officer, Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN), Umar Isa–Kaita highlighted several competitive advantages and uniqueness of the Peugeot 3008 GT model.
“Get behind the steering and fall in love with the driver lumbar adjustment and massage seat. And, ready to go? Just push the start button, and you will hear the gentle hum of the engine that is mated to an Automatic Transmission system.
“You will find the Bluetooth telephony very useful – keeping you clear of ‘phoning-while-driving’ infraction, which is one of the most violated traffic offences in Nigeria according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
“For a long-distance drive on the highway, the vehicle’s cruise control enables the driver to maintain a preset speed without having the need to press the accelerator pedal.
“A premium trim level of the Peugeot 3008 SUV, the new GT model being assembled by DPAN features auto headlights, fog lamps, day running lights, sunroof with sliding function and covering, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
“Just as in its older siblings, safety, whether active or passive, has not been compromised in the 3008 produced with the needs of the Nigerian market and motoring environment in mind,” Isa–Kaita said.
