2013-02-21 09:09:06 - Recently published research from Business Monitor International, "Nigeria Autos Report Q1 2013", is now available at Fast Market Research

It is possible that 2013 may come to be viewed as a significant turning point in the fortunes of Nigeria's auto industry and a moment of danger for auto importers. The Nigerian government seems as if it is finally beginning to shoulder a serious role in encouraging - and protecting - domestic production. This has been mainly prompted by figures showing that capacity utilisation rates in the domestic auto industry have fallen to 10%. Nigeria, which has an annual demand of around 300,000 vehicles (new and used) also has an auto production capacity of 140,000, a figure which greatly overshadows actual output.

The new auto policy as it currently stands rests on a few key pillars. First, the Nigerian government will

begin to make it more difficult to import fully built units (FBUs). Second, the Nigerian government has issued a directive prohibiting federal ministries, departments and agencies from purchasing cars assembled outside of Nigeria. Finally, the government aims to provide assistance in securing reliable, low-interest credit lines. The Bank of Industry is set to be recapitalised by the federal government to allow such an expansion in credit for auto companies.


Full Report Details at
- www.fastmr.com/prod/536517_nigeria_autos_report_q1_2013.aspx


It is, of course, too early to pass verdict on these policies that have only just begun to be implemented in early January 2013. The past history of Nigerian economic policies indicate that this may well be a fool's errand, yet this time the government seems to have a better sense of proportion and is focusing on incremental change, beginning with greater local assembly of imported vehicle kits.

For auto importers in Nigeria, this new policy could pose a serious threat. Higher tariffs on fully built units will eat into margins and drive up prices, inevitably putting some out of business. Should the policy fail this damage is likely to be temporary as the government slowly backtracks, but if it shows signs of promise the government is likely to double down on protection and local production supports, a move which could potentially more than half the size of the imported car market before the end of the decade.

The growth of Nigerian vehicle imports continued in 2012, with the country reporting a 15% increase in imports in the first half of 2012. This growth is slower than in 2011, though this is to be expected as the previous year's figure represented something of a rebound from the global slump in car purchases following the global economic crisis. It is expected that car imports will continue to grow as the Nigerian economy is expected to enjoy another year of impressive economic growth in 2013.

Report Table of Contents:

Executive Summary
SWOT Analysis
- Nigeria Auto Industry SWOT
- Nigeria Political SWOT
- Nigeria Economic SWOT
- Nigeria Business Environment SWOT
Global Overview
- UK Boosts Europe, But Favourites Still Outperform
- Table: Passenger Car Sales 8M12
- Incentive Boom For Japan, US Powers On
Regional Overview
Industry Forecast Scenario
- Table: Nigeria Autos Historical Data & Forecasts, 2009-2016
Macroeconomic Forecast Scenario
- Table: Nigeria - Economic Activity
Competitive Landscape
Company Monitor
- Africa Is Growth Market For Mahindra
Company Profiles
- Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN)
- Toyota Nigeria (TNL)
Country Snapshot
- Table: Nigeria's Population By Age Group, 1990-2020 ('000)
- Table: Nigeria's Population By Age Group, 1990-2020 (% of total)
- Table: Nigeria's Key Population Ratios, 1990-2020
- Table: Nigeria's Rural And Urban Population, 1990-2020
BMI Methodology
- How We Generate Our Industry Forecasts
- Automobile Industry
- Sources

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Business Monitor International (BMI) offers a comprehensive range of products and services designed to help senior executives, analysts and researchers assess and better manage operating risks, and exploit business opportunities, across 175 markets. BMI offers three main areas of expertise: Country Risk BMI's country risk and macroeconomic forecast portfolio includes weekly financial market reports, monthly regional Monitors, and in-depth quarterly Business Forecast Reports. Industry Analysis BMI covers a total of 17 industry verticals through a portfolio of services, including in-depth quarterly Country Forecast Reports. View more research from Business Monitor International at www.fastmr.com/catalog/publishers.aspx?pubid=1010

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