In response to the escalating petrol prices, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing has taken a significant stride by mass-producing a wide array of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, presenting Nigerians with an alternative mode of transportation. This remarkable showcase of CNG vehicles unfolded within the confines of the company’s factory located in Nnewi, Anambra State.
The assortment of CNG vehicles crafted by Innoson encompasses an impressive range, including trucks, mini-buses, ambulances, long buses, SUVs, and much more. This move signifies an earnest commitment to diversifying the Nigerian automobile market and addressing the issues arising from the volatility of fuel prices.
Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, the Chief Executive Officer of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), affirmed the safety and availability of CNG vehicles, reassuring Nigerians of a reliable and viable option. He stressed the company’s adaptability to market demands, elucidating, “We manufacture according to demand, and we manufactured these buses because there is a demand for them now.”
Reflecting on the company’s versatility and innovation, Dr. Chukwuma explained, “CNG vehicles bring a solution to total dependence on one or two kinds of vehicles. The CNG vehicles are a solution, that’s why we produce them. We made space for CNG, LNG, and fuel so that anyone available in an area can be used to drive the vehicles. Electric cars, biogas, and solar-powered vehicles are also produced in this factory.”
In tandem with Innoson’s vision, the Governor of Anambra State, represented by Mr. Christian Udechukwu, the Commissioner for Industry, emphasized the state’s commitment to providing solutions to the challenges posed by the removal of subsidies and skyrocketing fuel prices. He underscored the importance of embracing alternative energy sources for mass transit systems, citing Innoson’s renewable technologies as a significant contributor to this endeavor.
Mr. Cornel Osigwe, the Head of Corporate Communications at IVM, elucidated the benefits of natural gas vehicles, particularly their environmentally friendly nature. He encouraged Nigerians to support local manufacturers and highlighted the importance of sustainable alternatives in the face of rising fuel costs. Mr. Osigwe emphasized that “gas has a higher combustion rate than fuel” and thus represents a more eco-conscious choice.
Transportation, being the lifeblood of economic development, plays a pivotal role in facilitating the movement of people and the efficient distribution of goods and services. Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing has emerged as a beacon of hope in Nigeria’s journey towards energy diversification. With hundreds of CNG-powered vehicles designed to navigate Nigerian and African roads, the company stands as a testament to the potential for innovative solutions in the face of energy challenges, promising a more sustainable and affordable future for transportation in the region.
