Dangote Peugeot Unveils Made-in Nigerian 3008 GT and Landtrek Pickup
By Patience Ikpeme
Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN) is making a bold move to reclaim its position as a leading force in the Nigerian auto market.
The company has announced the commencement of assembly for the GT model of the award-winning Peugeot 3008 SUV at its modern plant in Kaduna. This addition expands DPAN’s “Made-in-Nigeria Peugeot” lineup, which already includes the popular 301 sedan and the spacious seven-seater 5008.
The new 3008 GT boasts a 1.6-liter high-performance turbo engine, offering a powerful and refined driving experience. Drivers will appreciate features like driver lumbar adjustment and massage seats, along with a convenient push-start button and automatic transmission. Staying connected safely is facilitated by Bluetooth telephony, promoting hands-free driving in compliance with traffic regulations. For long journeys, the vehicle’s cruise control maintains a set speed, enhancing driver comfort.
As a premium trim level of the 3008 SUV, the GT model comes equipped with auto headlights, fog lamps, day running lights, a sunroof with sliding function, and stylish 17-inch alloy wheels. Consistent with Peugeot’s focus on safety, the 3008 GT includes a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features. These include at least eight airbags, lane departure warning, an electric child safety system, and graphic and audible rear parking assistance. The vehicle also features Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBFD), ensuring optimal control and safety in various driving conditions.
Inside the cabin, the 3008 GT showcases Peugeot’s signature i-Cockpit, featuring a 12.3-inch head-up display, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a multifunction steering wheel. Comfort is further enhanced by an auto dual-zone air conditioner, a cooling glove box, a high-quality CD/MP3 sound system with aux plug and HP pack, and rear power windows.
Dangote Peugeot’s Chief Commercial Officer, Umar Isa-Kaita, also confirmed the upcoming introduction of the Peugeot Landtrek 4×2, a rear-wheel-drive pickup truck powered by a robust 2.4-liter engine. This vehicle joins the Landtrek range known for its ruggedness, with a 4×4 version potentially on the horizon.
Isa-Kaita further revealed that DPAN is in discussions with several auto companies to expand its sales and after-sales network through accredited dealerships across Nigeria. This initiative aims to increase the visibility and availability of Peugeot vehicles nationwide and ensure comprehensive after-sales support for Peugeot owners.
Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited is a joint venture between Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s Dangote Industries Limited, the Kaduna, Plateau, and Kebbi State Governments, and Stellantis Group, the parent company of Peugeot, as the technical partner.
The addition of the 3008 GT and the introduction of the Landtrek fulfill the company’s promise made during the roll-out of the 301 in January 2022. Managing Director Ibrahim Isa Gachi, an experienced engineer in the Nigerian auto sector, is confident that DPAN, with its capacity to assemble 120 Peugeot vehicles per day (running two shifts), will gradually restore the Peugeot brand to its former prominence in the Nigerian auto market.
The brand was a dominant force from the 1980s to the early 1990s before economic challenges and policy inconsistencies led to a decline and the rise of imported vehicles. With these new models and a renewed focus on local assembly and after-sales service, Dangote Peugeot is poised to make a significant resurgence.
