‘Peter Obi Inspired Me To Manufacture SUVs, Pick-Up Vans’ – Innoson Chairman 

Chukwuma stated this in a press conference with journalists on Tuesday in Nnewi, Anambra State.

Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, Chairman of Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing (IVM) Limited, has named former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, as the major person who inspired him to manufacture SUVs and Pick-Up vans to support indigenous merchandise during his administration, in response to the growing demand for locally made vehicles across the country.

On Tuesday in Nnewi, Anambra State, Chukwuma said this in a press conference with journalists.

As Governor, he revealed that, “Mr Peter Obi placed orders for 500 SUVs, 700 buses and 500 pick-up vans and that helped us a lot because he does not owe, he even paid us in advance.”

“Even when there were several criticisms that the vehicles might not be durable, he squashed the thought and charged me to prove them wrong with the production.”

“Honestly, it was a breakthrough for me in the business that piloted me to the vehicle manufacturing market as more kinds of vehicles have been manufactured thereafter.”

In response to the country’s foreign exchange (forex) situation, Chukwuma stated that his company is planning to become a producer of vehicles for use across the African continent, a development he claims will relieve pressure on the Stock Exchange Market.

He also said to have broadened his product line to include the latest SUVs, wagons, and commuter buses, among other vehicles.

“I need to correct one impression. While a lot of automobile companies in the country are assemblage plants, ours is a manufacturing plant. We source most of our components locally. And that is the edge we have over others. If I see a local company that will add value to what we are doing through the production of components, I will patronize them”

“My plans for the next five years is to see IVM everywhere in Africa.”

Chukwuma responded to a question about the challenges he faces in growing his company,  “Challenges can never stop; people will always have challenges day by day, but the most important thing is that each time it comes up, my people put heads together and we surmount it. I don’t think there is a challenge we will see and not surmount. Our driving force is ideas; it is not about the volume of investments, if ideas are there, you can use small money to do big things.”

He went on to say that the Innoson Group now employs well over 7200 people, with the IVM accounting for 1700 of them and the rest split between Innoson tech, Innoson leather works, and Innoson plastics.

He went on to say that the Governor Obiano-led administration’s emphasis on industrial clusters had also aided the power sector, and that, “it is also an opportunity for people to produce more components for me; that will help.”

“However, it should be noted that this industry is not only for governors but everybody. Everybody should know that Innoson Vehicles are manufactured in Nigeria; let everybody see it as our own thing,” he added.

Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s victory in the recently concluded Anambra State Governorship election also brought joy to the Innoson Chairman, describing it as “a huge blessing and gift to Anambra people.”