Automotive industry asked to adapt to new realities

The automotive industry has been advised to adapt to realities occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic and continue to find innovative ways of meeting the needs of customers.

The Marketing Manager, Kia Nigeria, Olawale Jimoh, who gave the charge, admitted that the year 2020 was a challenging one, which brought the world economy, particularly the auto industry, to an abrupt halt.

Hence, he opined that digitalisation of business operations is now more than ever very important for the sustenance of services.

The future of automobile. SOURCE:www.infineon.com

While reminiscing on the sector in 2020, Jimoh also unfolded plans of the firm and its transition in the New Year.
He argued any country determined to diversify its economy and create a sustainable balance of trade, requires an auto policy that is germane to ensuring lasting gains for the people.

Recognizing the critical contribution the auto industry plays in the development of economies across the globe; he said some African countries are already on the path of industrialization through their auto policies.

In his words: “At Kia Nigeria, our core business ethos revolves around customer experience in real-time, hence digital service offerings are weaved into our operations. With the pandemic lurking around, we are committed to continuing staying ahead of the curve in providing top-of-segment cars and services to all customers in a safe and healthy environment.

“The current economic realities in the country can be troubling and deeply concerning, ranging from the paucity of foreign exchange and its value instability, policy inconsistency in the auto industry, pockets of insurgency, cash crunch, the myriad of downsizing in companies, and depleting buying power. These have thrown open the Pandora box of the downward trend in the auto industry and affecting the growth and most times the sustenance of auto companies in Nigeria.

“In view of this, and as a company with the industrialization of the country edged on our minds, Kia remains optimistic and is committed to making the best of the situation the industry is confronted with.”

He continued, “In 2021, the brand’s collective resolve is to be bold, evolve, and transition into a more fit-for-purpose brand aligning with the specific needs and requirements of our customers in the country. Also, transitioning from not just the everyday auto brand with highly sophisticated technology and alluring designs to creating a mobile space that nudges our car owners into an inspiring world of endless possibilities.”

He added that globally, the Kia brand is taking a newly improved phase with the brand relaunch, starting with the unveiling of a new logo and slogan, which changed from “the Power to Surprise” to the “Movement that Inspires”.

He said: “Locally, we will also relaunch the brand and harp on the new brand strategy to align our model range and service offerings to the needs of our car owners and transform Kia into a ceaselessly innovative brand by accelerating its bold and pre-emptive transition to future businesses.

“As the auto industry undergoes turbulent changes, we at Kia take it as a rare opportunity to radically transform our brand into a global enterprise dedicated to spearheading customer value-led innovations. Locally, we will actively take on the challenges ahead by providing customer-centric cars and service offerings, identifying and capitalizing on new opportunities to propel the company forward.

“In order to be at the forefront of the industry and make true our new brand ethos and strategy, we will be launching new products, improving our after-sales offerings, and increasing the accessibility to our service offerings by expanding into the hinterlands and states across the country. Our approach is to put customers first, and we will reinvigorate the Kia brand’s innovation by introducing products and services that offer new experiences for customers in Nigeria,” he said.