Mikano Motors, AutoCheck Africa take steps to expand access to new vehicle ownership



Mikano Motors, a division of Mikano International, has partnered with AutoCheck Africa to expand access to new vehicle ownership in Nigeria through structured financing and digital access.

The partnership aims to transform the way Nigerians discover, evaluate and own new vehicles, a process that was seen as the biggest barrier to accessing structured vehicle financing in the Nigerian auto market.

Speaking during a press conference held at the Mikano Motors showroom in Victoria Island, Lagos, stakeholders stressed financing as the missing link in Nigeria’s new car market, arguing that structured credit, transparency, digital processing and dealership-supported service can gradually shift consumers away from imported used vehicles (tokunbo) towards brand-new cars.

He stressed that although demand for new cars exists, most purchases in Nigeria remain cash-based, unlike global markets where smart financing drives the bulk of vehicle sales.

Also read: Cars becoming out of reach of working class Nigerians

“Demand for vehicles in Nigeria has never been an issue; access to financing has been a challenge, and our partnership with Mikano Motors is designed to bridge that gap,” said Etop Ikpe, Chief Executive Officer of AutoCheck Africa.

Ikpe said that by combining Mikano’s premium vehicle portfolio with AutoCheck’s embedded financing technology, they are opening up access to multiple banking partners with faster approvals, allowing more Nigerians to own brand-new cars with confidence.

According to him, customers can browse the entire Mikano Motors lineup including Changan, Maxus and other brands in its portfolio on the Mikano Motors Virtual Showroom hosted on the AutoCheck platform.

From a single interface, buyers can side-by-side compare models, apply for structured automotive loans, explore flexible payment plans, and get faster credit decisions, completing key steps of the buying process without ever stepping foot in the showroom.

Mikano Motors represents globally recognized automotive brands in Nigeria, including Changan, Dipal, Maxus and others. The division is committed to providing quality vehicles, reliable after-sales support and innovative mobility solutions tailored to the Nigerian market.

“Our focus has always been on providing not just new vehicles, but the complete ownership experience. This includes a warranty of up to six years or up to 200,000 kilometres, nationwide aftersales support and the confidence that comes from a 33-year legacy of trust,” said Joel Heckel, Group Executive Director, Mikano Motors.

Heckel said the partnership allows Mikano to combine premium mobility with smart financing solutions, giving customers greater flexibility, confidence and control over how to own a vehicle, while keeping in mind that their vehicles are built for Nigerian roads, engineered for durability and performance, so customers always drive with peace of mind.

Also read: Rising import costs: Are locally used cars really the solution?

The launch of the Mikano Motors Virtual Showroom on AutoCheck marks a broader shift in how premium automotive brands are positioning themselves in Nigeria’s digital economy.

As consumers increasingly expect to initiate and manage large purchases online, the integration of physical showroom quality with digital accessibility sets a new standard for the industry.

Together, Mikano Motors and AutoCheck Africa are redefining vehicle discovery, financing and ownership in Nigeria, and signaling what is possible for the continent.

AutoCheck Africa is a leading pan-African automotive technology company that is changing the way vehicles are bought, sold and financed across the continent, providing individuals and businesses better access to quality vehicles while empowering automotive commerce at scale.

Its infrastructure combines data, technology and strategic partnerships to make vehicle ownership more transparent, affordable and accessible across Africa.

Juliet Onyema

Juliet Onyeama is a transportation journalist who reports on Nigeria's transportation and automobile industry. She covers emerging electric vehicles (EVs) from adoption to use, automobile firms and the transportation policies that influence them, and recurring trends affecting travelers' interstate and interstate mobility.


Source link