Global Auto major Honda Motor Company on Tuesday announced major plans to strengthen its market presence in Nigeria through establishment of a local subsidiary.
In a media briefing organized for the occasion, Honda Motors launched the formation of its subsidiary Honda Automobile Western Africa Limited (HAWA). HAWA has forged an exclusive relationship with THP Limited, a long term associate of Honda Motors, acting as their exclusive distributor for 20 years.
THP Limited is one of the automobile arms of the regional conglomerate Stallion Group, that has extensive operations in most sub Saharan African countries. HAWA mentioned that THP Limited is now setting up a major facility in Lekki area as part of Honda’s expansion in the country.
Mr. Manabu Nishimae, Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (Europe, the Middle & Near East and Africa) launched the operations of HAWA and was upbeat on Honda’s prospects for the country given its large population and strategic importance in the region.
Mr. Takayuki Yamashita, Managing Director, Honda Automobile Western Africa Limited (HAWA) said they wish to “connect the market with Honda’s global resources and know-how more effectively, and eventually accelerate the expansion of our business in Nigeria”.
He also mentioned that HAWA was committed to ensuring that Nigerian customers are provided with “Three joys” that included the joy of selling, the joy of buying and the joy of creating. He further committed that HAWA along with THP would make sure the customers feel the “joy of buying to the fullest extent.
Mr. Yamashita also said that Honda’s 50 year experience all over the world selling automobiles would come in handy in getting the company expand successfully in Nigeria, in partnership with THP Limited.
HAWA and THP would focus primarily on highest standards of service to customers and also provide access to the impressive range of Honda vehicles that include improved versions of the Civic, Accord, CR-V. and further also includes the Pilot, Odyssey, Crosstour and City.
Touching on plans to conduct regular market research in partnership with THP, Mr Yamashita announced Honda’s target to achieve 10,000 units of sales in Nigeria by 2020.
