Changan, Jetour, Chery in Race for Nigeria’s Car-of-the-Year

Stakeholders in the Nigeria’s automotive industry are in a frenzy ahead of the 2025 prestigious auto industry award as three Chinese brands — Changan, Jetour and Chery — have emerged as top contenders for the 2025 Nigeria Car-of-the-Year award, signalling a major shift in the country’s fast-evolving auto market.

The shortlist — Changan CS55, Jetour Dashing and Chery Tiggo 8 — was recently unveiled by the Nigeria Auto Journalists’ Association (NAJA) in a statement announcing the finalists for its annual industry honours.

The Changan CS55, which stunned the industry last year by defeating the Toyota Corolla and Kia Rio to clinch the prestigious Car-of-the-Year title, is once again in the spotlight as it seeks to defend its crown.

But analysts say the competition will be tougher this time, with the Jetour Dashing and Chery Tiggo 8 enjoying growing acceptance among Nigerian buyers.

This year’s NAJA International Auto Awards will take place on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, beginning at 6pm.

Regarded as Nigeria’s most credible and influential celebration of innovation, craftsmanship and excellence in the motoring industry, the event attracts senior government officials, top industry executives and the media.

According to Theodore Opara, Chairman of NAJA, the 2025 edition reflects the dynamic transformation shaping Nigeria’s automotive sector.

“For the first time, Chinese manufacturers are not just competing — they are leading the pack,” Opara said, adding, “The quality, technology and market acceptance we’ve seen from these three shortlisted brands show how much the industry is changing.”

He added that the Awards Committee placed special emphasis on brands demonstrating innovation, durability and relevance to Nigeria’s unique motoring conditions.

Other Categories Yet to Be Announced NAJA has not yet released the full list of nominees for other award categories.

Expected categories include vehicle assembly, electrification, aftersales, heavy-duty truck, transport service and luxury mobility, among others.

Chairman of the Award Planning Committee, Frank Kintum, said preparations are at an advanced stage, with the 2025 edition expected to further cement NAJA’s reputation for credibility.

“Preparations are in top gear to ensure the 2025 edition sustains NAJA’s reputation as the most credible and unifying platform for recognising excellence in the nation’s auto industry,” Kintum said.

“The industry is expanding rapidly — from electric vehicles to local assembly. It’s important that our awards reflect this evolving reality,” he added.

The statement also confirmed that the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Chief Joseph Oluwemimo Osanipin, and the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) will attend as Special Guests of Honour.

Osanipin, noted for his advocacy of stronger local assembly and EV adoption, is expected to highlight the Council’s long-term vision for Nigeria’s automotive future, while the FRSC boss is expected to use the occasion to advance road safety awareness among industry stakeholders.

Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5 million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25 million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, click here to find out how it works.

Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.