Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing Limited (IVM) in Nnewi, the industrial capital of Anambra state has, once again, achieved double milestones as it commissioned the first ever automated Vehicle Manufacturing Plant at its Umudim, Nnewi factory.
The historic event also doubled to unveil 2019 model of IVM brand of pickup truck, the Granite.
The unveiling of 2019 Granite was performed by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris, who was represented by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of Logistics; DIG Agboola Oshodi-Glover. While Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano represented by his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke performed the commissioning of the automated vehicle manufacturing plant.
Speaking at the occasion, Oshodi-Glover commended the Chairman of IVM, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, for his innovation and responding to the local vehicle needs of Nigerian market. While promising Nigeria Police partnership he tasked Innoson to produce Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) which assists the police in crime fighting. The IGP commended Innoson for providing camouflaged vehicles for the Nigerian Army for combating insurgency and other security challenges
In his speech, Dr. Nkem Okeke extolled Innoson for achieving such feats despite harsh operational environment. He challenged both the state and federal governments to support the company through patronage and provision of enabling operational environment like power, accessible roads, patronage among others adding doing so would improve the GDP of the state as well as create jobs. In his words “I am happy that this is happening in Anambra State. I don’t think there is any where I know of in this country there is a local vehicle manufacturing; I am not talking about those who import parts and assemble them in Nigeria. Innoson manufactures about 70% of components locally.” He added that if IVM receives the type of support it needed the company will go places.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman of Innoson Vehicles, Dr. Chukwuma attributed the success of IVM to various governments support adding that under President Muhammadu Buhari watch IVM signed a MoU with the Nigerian Air Force, collaborated with the Nigerian Army for the design, modification, manufacturing and supply of Military vehicles.
The automated production plant he explained can wield an entire vehicle parts in record four minutes drastically cutting down production time from about six hours manual operation. With reduction in man hour comes increased efficiency and production units from 10,000 to 60, 000 annual output if operating at full capacity.
Speaking on the special features of 2019 Granite, Dr. Chukwuma said the IVM Granite was ruggedly engineered for solid off road performance with impressive refinement and thoughtful design features specially made to withstand the rough African terrain. This was in addition to delivering luxury and comfort experience on wheels.
For that driver who enjoys value for money IVM Granite also features Adaptive Cruise control which helps the driver to maintain an even speed combined with pre-selected time interval to the vehicle ahead. It is also equipped with optional revolving light cum security gadgets, auxiliary gear (4WD) and adaptive cruise. With luxurious and comfortable interior and has a six manual transmission plus indirect wire manipulation which is a technology shift system adopted for flexible shaft to control the gearshift mechanism. It is also bench-marked with NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) world standard assuring good performance, and the engine is turbo charged to enhance performance.”
