On this report, VICTOR AYENI writes about how automotive sellers improve vehicles, the alternatives of the enterprise, and the challenges confronting it
Chidera Jude stood to his ft with a shiny smile on his face; his proper hand was outstretched for a handshake whereas he held his cell phone in his left hand.
A buyer had simply walked into the store of the 34-year-old and he was warmly acquired by his workplace assistants.
Jude, whose store is in Berger, within the Mile 2 space of Lagos State, professionally upgrades vehicles from one mannequin to a different and likewise sells automobile spare components.
Because the automotive upgrader mentioned together with his buyer on that Thursday morning when our correspondent visited his store, the world swelled with patrons who needed to buy spare components.
Jude instructed Sunday PUNCH he had been within the enterprise of upgrading autos for greater than 5 years.
“The first function is to boost their aesthetics and make them look model new. We improve autos from one mannequin to a different as our clients request by altering their engine or some outdated spare components to make that automotive mannequin more moderen with out the proprietor having to buy a brand new one fully, which might be far costlier.
“We have now upgraded many luxurious automobiles; typically we convert the manufacturers. For instance, we have now upgraded a Gx470 Lexus right into a Landcruiser Prado 2021 mannequin. We have now upgraded a Toyota Prado 2010 mannequin inside to a 2022 mannequin and we have now transformed a Lexus Gx460 2010 right into a 2021 Gx460 mannequin.
“The perform of changing or upgrading automobiles is solely to chop value and acquire the identical or comparatively identical satisfaction as a result of the mannequin from one 12 months to a different doesn’t all the time contain a change within the engine or gear transmission capability. Lexus Lx570 2010 mannequin has the identical engine capability because the 2020 mannequin.
“Toyota Prado 2010 has the identical engine capability because the 2020 mannequin and the Lexus Gx460 2010 has the identical engine and equipment transmission capability because the 2020 mannequin. The identical applies to the Toyota Hilux 2010, which has the identical engine and equipment transmission capability because the 2020 12 months mannequin,” he defined.
Breaking down the levels concerned to our correspondent, one other automotive upgrader within the space, Nelson Okigwe, famous that car modification was not restricted to automotive fashions.
He mentioned, “Apart from the automotive fashions which we improve or convert, we additionally revamp varied components of the automotive, each the inside and exterior. We revamp the seat, roof, dashboard, steering, gears, headrests, and even doormats.
“Every of those processes has its worth and it varies with every upgrader you patronise right here. However it’s best if you already know who you might be coping with and there’s mutual belief to be able to get issues carried out at an inexpensive worth.”
Serving totally different functions
Ladipo Market, Mushin, is likely one of the main hubs of auto spare components sellers in Lagos. On any given day, it’s a beehive of actions, a spot the place many automotive upgraders and converters have their workshops.
A 32-year-old spare components supplier available in the market, Obidi Ikenna, identified that automotive upgrading and conversion weren’t as novel as most individuals thought.
He mentioned, “Folks have all the time utilised them for various functions. These whose automobiles had been badly broken in street accidents come to us, in addition to those that merely need a greater style in what they need their automobile to appear to be.
“It’s the latest consciousness created by social media that has made extra individuals learn about this transformation. Lots of the automotive upgraders right here in Ladipo have created social media accounts to showcase their works and persuade the general public that it’s a reputable enterprise and it truly is.
“What I feel is the problem is the dearth of formal schooling among the many firm house owners. They may know the technical know-how however they lack the academic background to uphold that information.
“Automotive converters mainly work with us spare components sellers. In instances the place some clients choose to patronise us as an alternative for these components, they arrive to us. So, as you may see it’s a legitimate enterprise enterprise. It isn’t aimed to rip-off or deceive individuals.”
One other automotive upgrader, Damian Anazodo, mentioned, “We are able to make a 2007 automotive mannequin appear to be a brand new 2020 automotive mannequin and the aim of every improve is to make the automobile look higher or carry out higher.
“We don’t must be in Lagos to supply these companies. I reside in Abuja however my firm is in Lagos and we nonetheless get a lot patronage from individuals. Importers depend on us in addition to people whose automobiles want overhauls on account of harm.”
Describing automotive change as ‘facelifting,’ a Nigerian on-line spare components depot, Ladipoexpress, acknowledged the totally different causes automotive house owners sought the method.
“Automotive producers themselves discharge facelifted autos as new fashions and genuinely on the off probability that they will try this. That is to extend revenue. That is typically why most sellers replace their autos. They do such to amplify revenue. Placing further bills on an overhauled automobile is easier when the automobile is up to date.
“They convert automobiles with a purpose to cowl up accident marks. That is yet another motivation behind why just a few sellers and importers determine to revamp autos. That is typically for importers who buy rescued automobiles. As a substitute of supplanting the harmed components, significantly the lights and grille with the primary components, they merely do an overhaul.
“They accomplish that to have better-looking automobiles. The purpose of that is yet another important and fascinating level when it’s good to redesign your automobile. The place do you anticipate to get the up to date components from? There are people that utilise our close by further half advertisers just like the one we have now in Ladipo, Lagos.
“There are just a few individuals that truly buy theirs from exterior the nation and afterward have them despatched to Nigeria. The place you buy your up to date components relies on the diploma of the redesign it’s good to full, the time you’ve got, and afterward your money,” the web site mentioned.
Public nervousness
Regardless of the technological prospects of car conversion, some Nigerians have expressed scepticism about it.
A pc engineer, Abiodun Balogun, expressed doubts in regards to the validity of automotive conversion.
“I do know it’s a good enterprise mannequin however after I noticed one the place they made a 2010 Prado appear to be a 2020 mannequin, I began to have belief points about automotive upgrading.
“This automotive upgrading pattern in Lagos is likely to be enjoyable till once they begin to discover that armed robbers are utilizing it to alter the id of stolen automobiles and I do know that is occurring,” he added.
Additionally expressing his scepticism, an auto supplier, Bamidele Malik, famous that the enterprise might pose an issue for potential automotive patrons.
“Lexus IS has been upgraded by individuals to make it appear to be a third-generation automotive with bigger grilles, and by implication, it now appears to be like costlier than it truly is.
“They’ve additionally upgraded Lexus LX570 from a 2010 mannequin to a 2018 mannequin and so they have additionally upgraded its inside to have a Tesla display, in order that makes potential clients cautious of scams whereas buying these autos.
“There may be one other automotive mannequin improve which I discover fairly ridiculous, the Vary Rover Sports activities. They make the 2010 mannequin appear to be 2019 however you may simply spot the distinction based mostly on measurement. Prado is actually essentially the most face-lifted automotive mannequin in Nigeria. Inside numerous hours, they will improve each its inside and exterior from a 2008 to 2022 mannequin. This makes it a bit troublesome for purchasers to belief us as a result of they may not have the ability to inform which is which,” he lamented.
An auto engineer, Wahab Opeyemi, defined that individuals might know if a automobile had undergone a facelift in the event that they in contrast its exterior options to these of earlier years.
“Upgrading a automobile doesn’t change its registration or chassis quantity neither is there any must receive a special paper for it, so the worry individuals exhibit relating to that’s unfounded.
“Folks can decide if their automotive is a facelift mannequin by trying up the 12 months and mannequin of your automotive on-line and evaluating its exterior options to the earlier mannequin 12 months. They will additionally seek the advice of the proprietor’s guide or upkeep information, which can present details about the precise options of their automotive.
“An upgraded automotive mannequin might have a special manufacturing date or a special Car Identification Quantity from the earlier mannequin 12 months. So, potential automotive house owners can examine the VIN with their supplier to confirm the precise specs of their automobile.
“Automotive upgrading is just not unhealthy in itself. It was a observe that was adopted so individuals would keep away from shopping for newer automobiles, however I have to let you already know that even automotive producers like Toyota Highlander, Toyota Prado, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class improve their fashions. The distinction is that they use extra superior know-how such that these fashions are higher than the sooner ones,” he added.
A Nigerian car web site, Naijauto, highlighted a number of the drawbacks related to automotive upgrading.
“Everytime you improve your automotive in Nigeria, it routinely loses its worth however you received’t know this until you might be about to resell. Used automobiles in Nigeria get closely scrutinised when a possible purchaser comes to select them up.
“For example, within the case of a 2007 Lexus upgraded to a 2014 mannequin; the again now appears to be like older than the entrance and there are annoying gaps on the physique of a badly face-lifted Lexus SUV in Nigeria. These evident gaps and clearances simply make the entire automobile look ugly. Additionally, such gaps can simply let water droplets into pointless components of the automotive throughout rainfall.
“Once you improve your automotive in Nigeria, it doesn’t make it the kind of automotive that persons are looking out to purchase anymore. Imagine it or not, a number of the automobiles with the worst resale worth can typically promote even sooner than upgraded automobiles in Nigeria.
“In all honesty, upgraded automobiles on the market in Nigeria received’t be the primary choice persons are prepared to select besides when they’re additionally in love with the concept of upgraded automobiles too.
Numerous face-lifted automobiles can’t be reversed regardless of how exhausting you attempt. Even once you attempt to reverse it, these components you narrow would make it inconceivable. In case your automotive is meant to change into a high-value traditional automotive in 10 years’ time, you may by no means declare that title on your automotive as a result of it has been face-lifted,” the web site mentioned.
Nevertheless, a automotive upgrader, Daniel Oguadi, argued that there have been some automotive upgrades that is likely to be prevented and a few that posed little or no drawback.
“I don’t advise individuals to alter the total dashboard of their automobiles. This isn’t a very good observe and it has some negative effects.
“Once you change your dashboard, you tamper closely with the onboard wiring system of your automotive and this would possibly result in quite a lot of error codes in your dashboard, which implies you’re going to get a really defective automotive on the finish of the improve.
“I’ve noticed that that is widespread with Mercedes-Benz and Lexus automobiles that had been subjected to upgrades. The automotive house owners need the identical dashboard and cockpit as the most recent mannequin so the mechanics get to work by changing the dashboard components with the most recent designs. It usually doesn’t finish nicely.
“I additionally advise my clients to keep away from automotive upgrades that require slicing the metallic components of their automotive. Any improve that requires your automotive chassis is normally a nasty facelift on your automotive. Earlier than getting carried away with the attainable finish end result, bear in mind the saying that you simply can not put a very good constructing on a nasty basis. As soon as the muse is unhealthy, then there’s no level in any respect in your entire course of.
“Additionally, once you lower a automotive’s chassis or skeleton, you’ve got diminished the security score of the automotive. In case of any accident, the automotive is not going to prevent as a result of you’ve got sacrificed all that for appears to be like,” he acknowledged.
Automotive redesigning in different climes
Sunday PUNCH gathered that in a number of nations, digital know-how is commonly employed within the manufacturing and upgrading of vehicles.
In China, car ultimate meeting factories are managed by digital techniques which offer correct and orderly meeting of components ready prematurely.
The nation has deployed digital applied sciences to empower the transformation and upgrading of the auto trade, which has contributed to its financial progress.
Based on a improvement report on China’s digital financial system launched in 2022, the value-added output of the digital financial system in Guizhou elevated by 20.6 per cent 12 months on 12 months in 2021, and the expansion price was 4.4 per cent factors greater than the nationwide common, rating first within the nation for seven consecutive years.
In Germany, totally different phrases are used for automotive upgrades. It’s variously described as automotive tuning, efficiency upgrades, and design modification.
Automotive modifications, both efficiency mods or appears to be like and design, usually want permissions. Based on the German Street Visitors Act and Authorisation of Automobiles for Street Transport, solely three sorts of modifications require such permissions.
German authorities are anticipated to approve the automobile kind change, assess if it could pose a hazard to street customers, and monitor if the exhaust or noise behaviour has deteriorated.
There are greater than 400 automotive tuning and efficiency companies registered in Germany and details about the modifications is remitted to be mentioned with the inspection firm or officers on the automobile registration workplace.
In Japan, Toyota launched a programme to permit house owners of sure older Toyota and Lexus fashions to have their autos modernised or upgraded with the present know-how and supplies.
This service, based on Motor Illustrated, was provided by the corporate’s Kinto Mobility division and goals to maximise the lifetime of autos already on the street as an alternative of scrapping them in favour of a brand new automobile, which is extra environmentally pleasant.
Within the nation, clients can select to have a number of the newest know-how added to their automobiles, together with many lively security techniques.
For instance, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert might be fitted, in addition to kick sensors to activate the ability tailgate when the motive force’s arms are full.
Within the United Arab Emirates, automobiles can solely be legally modified or upgraded, in any other case, motorists who make unlawful modifications to their autos might be fined.
Based on the nation’s Federal Visitors Legislation, motorists who modify their automobiles or engines could also be fined Dh1,000 (N213,964), and so they could also be slapped with 12 site visitors black factors.
UAE rules state that automotive engine modification can solely be carried out so long as it complies with the given emission and noise requirements. If the brand new engine requires extra energy than the unique engine, then the automotive’s seat belts, entrance, and rear brakes must be upgraded as nicely.
Whereas South Korea is commonly nicely disposed in direction of automotive tuning, automotive house owners should obtain pre-approval and tuning examination on 15 automobile constructions and gear of a complete of 28 objects.
The nation’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, nonetheless, exempt approval for a number of items of apparatus similar to energy switch models and lighting techniques and eased tuning requirements for two-wheeled autos.
In the UK, automotive modifications are additionally anticipated to be carried out solely throughout the ambit of the legislation, in any other case, the motorist’s automotive is asserted unlawful to maneuver on roads and its insurance coverage is invalidated.
Based on UK rules, the modified brakes have to be put in by an expert engineer, and large bore exhausts are prohibited on account of further emissions.
The nation’s authorities monitor the automotive’s spoiler to make sure it has no sharp edges and is fitted securely to the bodywork of the automotive so it received’t detach whereas driving and the neon mild tubing should not be on present.
In South Africa, automotive improve legal guidelines are fairly liberal as far as the modifications are legitimate and the fitment of manufacturer-approved equipment don’t have an effect on the guarantee of autos.
Sustainable surroundings required
A mechanical engineer, Amos Awojide, instructed Sunday PUNCH that the automotive upgrading trade was confronted with the problem of a hostile enterprise surroundings.
He mentioned, “Lots of the automotive upgraders discovered the enterprise; they don’t seem to be principally mechanical engineer graduates however they practice individuals. I see it as a doubtlessly nice enterprise that may present jobs for teenagers who want to be educated in it. I do know some automotive converters who’ve singlehandedly educated dozens of younger males.
“Truly, they want a beneficial surroundings with a purpose to maintain their enterprise. For instance, a number of the spare components they use are sourced from different nations, and if there’s a coherent international coverage in place it would assist their companies to thrive and create room for technological improvement.
“However there’s a unfavorable tendency for the federal government to focus on reputable enterprise house owners in Nigeria with a number of taxation which kills their companies. Taxation is sweet nevertheless it needs to be truthful and relevant to all.
“There are a lot of rich businessmen and ladies on this nation who don’t pay taxes; the companies ought to go after them, not the people who find themselves nonetheless looking for their ft within the hostile financial surroundings we have now right here.”
Awojide added that the nation wanted to manage the method of automotive upgrading with a purpose to shield it from unlawful operations.
“There’s a want for regulatory companies to guard automobile upgrades from abuse. Not all people desires to be seen in a 2021 automotive externally however a 2011 automotive internally, so there must be a steadiness even whereas the enterprise is a reputable one.
“These authorized checks and balances will be sure that clients usually are not shortchanged by buying automobiles whose fashions have been modified and it’ll additionally make it straightforward to determine these doing the facelift for reputable functions and people who do it for criminal activity,” he mentioned.
