Coscharis Presents Sturdy CNG-powered Joylong Buses

Bennett  Oghifo

Coscharis organised an interesting ride and drive in their new dual-fuel – petrol and CNG-powered Joylong buses for auto journalist at the company’s auto assembly plant at Awoyaya, Lagos.

The vehicles are fast and steady on the track, and designated instructors took turns to assist the journalists on how to switch from petrol to CNG at the turn of a button.

Prior to the ride and drive, the General Manager Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde gave a preview of what to expect.

According to Babarinde, “Coscharis Motors is proud to announce the addition of Joylong Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to its vehicle brands portfolio. The rationale for this latest addition is to create viable ownership solutions for fleet and individual customers both in Public and Private sectors respectively towards reducing budget for petrol and general vehicle maintenance within the warranty period and beyond. It also highlights the company’s commitment to its vision of remaining timeless in its relevance, especially given the Government’s new policy direction and the need to upscale the CNG sector with professionals and certified technology. 

“For us in Coscharis, this is the opportune moment to invest in CNG given the expansion of more refueling CNG stations across Nigeria and the high cost of petrol makes it a more viable option for Nigerians. Coming into the fray as an established brand in the automobile sector gives the CNG auto sector more credibility that will attract Nigerians who have been reluctant towards this idea so far.

“In addition, the need to align with global and local eco-friendly drive is an impetus with specific reference to the push by the Federal and Lagos State Governments. The Joylong CNG is a cleaner-burning fuel, producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants compared to petrol; quieter engine operation which reduces noise pollution and enhances smoother driving experience, he stated. 

“Furthermore, the long term plan is to commence the assemblage of these Joylong CNG buses at the existing Coscharis Assembly plant. Historically, our very first locally assembled vehicle in Nigeria at our former Ikeja Assembly plant was the Joylong bus brand which you all witnessed then over 10 years ago. “Likewise it will be of interest to note that we equally have plans to offer our market the electric model as well in the future. “However, these current Joylong buses utilise bi-fuel systems, therefore are switchable from Petrol to Gas simply by a push of a button on the dashboard. 

“As usual and expected of us to deliver a seamless peace of mind beyond the purchase of these Joylong buses, our aftersales team commitment has been on for training and retraining of our staff in other to position them adequately for the maintenance and repairs of these CNG models.

“Highlighting the importance and benefits of a CNG model for fleet and individual ownership are enormous. The innumerable benefits of running a CNG fleet include cost effectiveness with the Joylong CNG buses offering an average cost savings of 30-50% compared to sole reliance on petrol; less engine wear and tear which helps to increase the engine’s lifespan due to cleaner fuel and less maintenance requirements due to fewer oil changes and filter replacements.

“Though the Joylong CNG model is a first for Coscharis, the durability of the petrol Joylong buses have been tested and trusted over 7 years as the current fleet of the Company’s Staff buses are entirely Joylong models. These current models are 18 seater capacity on petrol engine