Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN) has taken a significant step towards reclaiming its position in the Nigerian auto market by commencing the assembly of the Peugeot 3008 GT model.
The Peugeot 3008 GT, known for its award-winning design and performance, features a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and is the latest addition to DPAN’s assembly lineup in Nigeria. It joins the existing Made-in-Nigeria Peugeot range, which includes the 301 sedan and the 5008 SUV, known for its seven-seater configuration, stylish design, and modern technology features.
With its automatic transmission system, driver lumbar adjustment with massage function, and push-to-start ignition, the 3008 GT offers comfort and convenience for Nigerian drivers. The Bluetooth telephony system ensures drivers remain hands-free, helping to reduce phone-related traffic violations, a common infraction identified by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
For highway driving, the vehicle is equipped with cruise control, allowing drivers to maintain a preset speed without using the accelerator. Other features include auto headlights, fog lamps, daytime running lights, a sunroof with sliding function, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The Peugeot 3008 GT prioritizes safety, boasting eight airbags, lane departure warning, electronic child safety system, and graphic and audible rear parking assistance. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) prevents wheel locking during braking, while the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) enhances control to prevent skidding. Additionally, the Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBFD) works with the ABS to distribute braking force efficiently based on weight distribution.
Inside, the Peugeot i-Cockpit interface combines a 12.3-inch head-up display, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a multifunction steering wheel, ensuring a seamless driving experience. The auto dual-zone air-conditioning system, cooling glove box, and premium CD/MP3 sound system with auxiliary and HP pack further enhance comfort.
Confirming DPAN’s expansion plans, Chief Commercial Officer Umar Isa-Kaita announced that the company is set to introduce the Peugeot Landtrek 4×2, a rear-wheel drive pickup truck. This 2.4-litre workhorse is part of the Peugeot Landtrek pick-up range, known for its ruggedness.
Isa-Kaita hinted at the potential introduction of the 4×4 version in the future and revealed that DPAN is in discussions with auto companies to expand Peugeot’s dealership and after-sales service network across Nigeria. This move aims to improve vehicle availability and ensure satisfactory customer support nationwide.
Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN) is jointly owned by Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s Dangote Industries Limited, the Kaduna, Plateau, and Kebbi State Governments, and Stellantis Group, the parent company of Peugeot.
The launch of the Peugeot 3008 GT and the upcoming Landtrek pickup fulfill a commitment made by DPAN’s Managing Director, Ibrahim Isa Gachi, during the 2022 rollout of the Peugeot 301. Gachi had promised the subsequent introduction of the 3008, 5008, and 508 models into the Nigerian market.
With a production capacity of 120 vehicles per day, DPAN is positioning itself to re-establish Peugeot as a dominant brand in Nigeria, reminiscent of its glory days in the 1980s and early 1990s, before economic and policy challenges led to an influx of imported vehicles.
