By Justina Okpanku
Coscharis Motors, a leading auto company in the country has announced the addition of Joylong Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to its vehicle brands portfolio.
The firm unveiled the CNG buses at it’s eye-popping Head office situated at Awoyaya in the outskirts of Lagos, recently.
The General Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde who was accompanied by his team received the excited press men many of who said the launch is a “pleasant surprise” while noting the high standards of the compressed natural gas buses.
“For us in Coscharis, this is the opportune moment to invest in CNG given the expansion of more refueling CNG stations across Nigeria and the high cost of petrol makes it a more viable option for Nigerians,” Babarinde said.
Many agreed.
Coming into the fray as an established brand in the automobile sector gives the CNG auto sector more credibility that will attract Nigerians who have been indifferent amid a recent incident connected to the CNG in Edo State in 2024.
It’s all cheers as Coscharis stated that the rationale for the latest addition is to create viable ownership solution for fleet owners and individual owcustomers, both in the Public and Private sectors respectively, towards reducing budget for petrol and general vehicle maintenance within the warranty period and beyond.
The firm noted that the launch of the CNG buses also highlights the company’s commitment to its vision of remaining timeless in its relevance, especially given the Government’s new policy direction and the need to upscale the CNG sector with professionals and certified technology.
It’s gathered that
the need to align with global and local eco-friendly drive is an impetus with specific reference to the push by the Federal and Lagos State Governments.
The Joylong CNG is said to be a cleaner-burning fuel, producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants compared to petrol; a quieter engine operation which reduces noise pollution and enhances smoother driving experience.
Apart from CNG bus launch, Coscharis Motors also used the opportunity to announce plans for local assembly of these vehicles. This strategic initiative aims to create jobs, boost local expertise and ultimately, lower the cost of acquisition for prospective buyers. Local assembly will also provide greater flexibility in adapting the buses to specific Nigerian road conditions and operational requirements.
Babarinde said the long-term plan is to commence the assemblage of these Joylong CNG buses at the existing Coscharis Assembly plant in Lagos as he recalled that the company’s first locally assembled vehicle in Nigeria about 10 years ago at its former Ikeja Assembly plant was the Joylong bus.
While Coscharis intends to hit the Nigerian market with other seating capacity buses, it currently has 19-seater of the brand in the country.
The 2.7 – litre engine bus which has dual fueling capacity can conveniently switch from Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to CNG.
