An Indian two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturing company in conjunction with a Nigerian affiliate, Metropolitan Motors Limited has officially launched the Bajaj Maxima Cargo.
The General Manager of Metropolitan Motors Limited, Olutoyin Okeowo, described the Maxima as a utility vehicle and the last mile means of transportation for goods most especially in the agro allied industries and Fast Moving Consumer Goods Companies (FMCG). Boasting that the new product is durable, rugged and affordable, he said the vehicle was also configured into an Ambulance for rural health care services, describing it as an answer to a number of transportation challenges in Nigeria.
“The products is an answer or solution to transportation challenges. We are happy to partner them in creating a new segment of last mile transportation, given its affordable cost, multi-purpose nature and the Nigerian road landscape. We believe there is a good market for such a vehicle in the last mile Cargo sector in Nigeria. We recommend them because of their usefulness in agriculture and job creation and whereby seek the assistance of stakeholders like the central bank of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.” Olutoyin said.
The Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu who was also at the event described the new range of vehicles as a game changer and key driver of economic diversification of the Nigerian economy.
He said, “this is a game changer for our people. It’s going to add value to our people. We need more of this so that our young men and women can get employment. We are looking forward to a time that these vehicles will not only be assembled here but will also be manufactured in Nigeria because Nigeria is a big market. The partnership could not have come at a better time than now when we have challenges with unemployment.”
The Senior Vice President, Bajaj Auto, K.S Grihapathy said the Maxima Cargo is powered by a Kubota Diesel engine with two cooling system that has an impressive power of 6.2kW. He stated the engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox for optimum load carrying over varying terrains. It is easy to drive, compact, lightweight and has a strong chassis made of reinforced steel. “It is easy to drive compact light-weight and has an extremely strong chassis made of reinforced steel. The vehicle also comes with a dry clutch and car type CV shaft which calls for very less maintenance. The vehicles have a covered cabin for all weather protection and comfort of the driver”
“Over the years, our Sengers-3 Wheeler has become a part of the social fabric in Nigeria. Apart from being an effective first and the last mile transportation solution, it also provides employment to millions. With maximum cargo 3-wheelers and ushering in a new solution of cargo transportation that is cleaner safer, and more comfortable, we feel that this vehicle will be an effective solution in the last mile cargo space in Nigeria which currently is beset by problems like congestion, traffic, and pollution,” Grihapathy said.
Metropolitan Motors in conjunction with the technical partner, Bajaj Group has plans to have an assembly plant in three geographical zones in Nigeria within the next two years.
