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Abuja, Nigeria – March 19, 2025 – Jetour Nigeria is accelerating its northern push with the Abuja edition of its Jetour Experience, a three-day showcase designed to introduce the Dashing compact SUV and other models to motorists across the Federal Capital Territory and neighboring states. The event, running from September 22–24, 2026, will feature test drives, product demonstrations, and direct access to seven authorized dealers, including Elizade Nigeria, Kojo Motors, Mandilas Autos, Germaine Auto Centre, R.T. Briscoe, Tab Autos, and New Era Auto Vehicle Services.
The central attraction is the Dashing, which won the 2025 Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) Car of the Year award. Jetour aims to build awareness beyond its established markets in Lagos and the south, citing strong demand from Abuja-based buyers and inquiries from surrounding regions. The Dashing competes in Nigeria’s compact SUV segment with a choice of 1.5‑liter or 1.6‑liter turbocharged engines, producing up to 145 kW and 290 Nm of torque, paired with six‑ or seven‑speed dual‑clutch transmissions. Standard features include a 15.6‑inch central touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, smartphone integration, and a 360‑degree surround‑view camera. Safety is backed by automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind‑spot detection, and multiple airbags.
Jetour’s authorized dealer network will provide warranty coverage, genuine spare parts, and after‑sales support, extending the experience beyond purchase to ownership. The Abuja event marks a strategic expansion for the Chinese automaker, which has been growing its Nigerian model lineup and dealer footprint since entering the market in 2023. According to industry data from JATO Dynamics, the compact SUV segment in sub‑Saharan Africa grew 14% year‑on‑year in 2024, driven by price‑conscious buyers seeking modern features. Jetour’s Dashing, priced competitively against rivals like the Toyota Rush and Suzuki Vitara, capitalizes on this trend by offering tech‑rich specs at a lower entry point.
From an American perspective, Jetour’s Nigerian expansion illustrates how Chinese automakers are bypassing saturated Western markets to capture growth in emerging economies. While Jetour has no plans to enter the U.S. market yet, its parent company Chery – which also owns brands like Omoda and Exeed – filed for U.S. patents as early as 2022, signaling long‑term ambitions. The Abuja experience also reflects a broader shift: Chinese brands now account for 28% of new car sales in Nigeria, up from 18% in 2021, according to the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC). Jetour alone sold over 1,200 units in Nigeria in 2024, with Abuja contributing roughly 15% of those sales.
The three‑day format allows prospective buyers to compare models, speak with product specialists, and complete on‑site test drives. Organizers emphasized that the event is open to motorists from Niger, Kaduna, Plateau, and other neighboring states, with transport logistics provided by dealers. Jetour also announced that attendees who place orders during the event will receive extended warranty packages and accessories discounts, aiming to convert interest into sales.
Beyond the Dashing, Jetour will display the X70 Plus and X90 Plus, both seven‑seat SUVs targeting family buyers. The X70 Plus offers a 1.5‑liter turbo engine with a 10.25‑inch screen and six‑seat option, while the X90 Plus is equipped with a 1.6‑liter turbo engine, 12.3‑inch dual screens, and Nappa leather seats. All models come with a five‑year or 150,000 km warranty, a selling point in a market where after‑sales support remains inconsistent.
As Jetour deepens its Nigerian presence, the Abuja event serves as a direct channel to engage federal capital motorists – a demographic that includes civil servants, diplomats, and business owners with above‑average disposable income. Dealers reported that early registrations for test drives exceeded 300 within the first week of announcing the event. With the Dashing’s NAJA award lending credibility, Jetour is poised to challenge established Japanese and Indian brands in the north, where SUV ownership is rapidly growing due to improving road infrastructure and rising urbanization.
Exclusive perspective: Automotive analyst Adebayo Ogun
