CIG Motors
CIG Motors is a Lagos-based exclusive distributor of five Chinese automotive brands (GAC, JMC, Dongfeng, FAW, Wuling) in Nigeria and Africa, operating vehicle sales, CKD assembly, after-sales service, and the LagRide e-hailing and EV charging platform serving consumers, fleets, and government.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersLagos, Nigeria
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What CIG Motors does
CIG Motors Company Limited is a privately held Nigerian automotive distributor and a subsidiary of Choice International Group, founded in 2013 and headquartered at 146B Ligali Ayorinde Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The company holds exclusive representation rights for five Chinese automotive OEMs — GAC Motor, JMC Motors, Dongfeng Motors, FAW Group, and Wuling Motors — across Nigeria and broader Africa, distributing passenger vehicles (GA4, GS3, GS4, GS8, M8), commercial vehicles (JMC Vigus 1, Grand Avenue; Dongfeng M3 Plus, 1 Ton Truck), and electric models (Wuling Bingo, YEP, Mini EV E50). Its operations extend into local CKD vehicle assembly at facilities in Lagos (Ogba, Ikeja) and Abuja, with 2,000 GAC units assembled to date, alongside after-sales service centers and an authorized genuine spare parts network.
The company operates a vertically integrated platform-plus-services model. Technical infrastructure spans CKD assembly lines, a proprietary LagRide e-hailing platform (a wholly-owned subsidiary), and planned EV charging infrastructure (five mega charging stations under the Lagos State JV). Revenue is generated through one-time new vehicle sales, recurring fleet leasing income, transaction-based spare parts and after-sales service revenue, and a $100 million vehicle financing scheme ('Drive to Own') underwritten by UBA targeting 3,500 drivers over 48-month terms.
CIG's go-to-market spans enterprise fleet sales to government and corporate buyers, direct-to-consumer showroom sales through the GAC Motor showroom in Lagos, and partnership-driven channels including the LagRide ride-hailing franchise model and celebrity brand ambassadors (Davido, Funke Akindele). Active customer segments include individual consumers, fleet operators, government bodies (notably Lagos State), and commercial vehicle buyers, with a reported 89% customer recommendation rate. A 2024 joint venture with Lagos State Government and Ibile Holdings introduces 1,000 EVs and EV charging infrastructure, positioning the company at the intersection of vehicle distribution, local manufacturing, and e-mobility services in West Africa.
CIG Motors firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- CIG Motors
- Legal name
- CIG Motors Company Limited
- Website
- https://cigmotors.com.ng
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- CIG Motors is a Lagos-based exclusive distributor of five Chinese automotive brands (GAC, JMC, Dongfeng, FAW, Wuling) in Nigeria and Africa, operating vehicle sales, CKD assembly, after-sales service, and the LagRide e-hailing and EV charging platform serving consumers, fleets, and government.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
CIG Motors industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Automotive Distribution and Assembly
- NAICS
- Motorcycle, ATV, and All Other Motor Vehicle Dealers (441227), Motor Vehicle Manufacturing (3361)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Motor Vehicles & Motor Vehicle Parts & Supplies (5010), Services-Auto Rental & Leasing (No Drivers) (7510), Wholesale-Motor Vehicle Supplies & New Parts (5013)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Light Electric Vehicles (NEVs/LSEVs/Quadricycles) Manufacturing (IMACAOAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Truck & Commercial Vehicle Electrification Manufacturing (eAxles/Battery Packs/Fuel Cells) (IMACABAK), Specialty Vehicle Leasing/Rental (Refrigerated, Tanker, Flatbed, Utility/Service Bodies) (TLABAHAE), EV/Hybrid Aftermarket Parts & Accessories Distribution (Batteries, Charging Components) (TLAKAOAG)
Keywords
Where CIG Motors is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Lagos
- HQ country
- Nigeria
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices3 records
Markets served
CIG Motors business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Vehicle Sales: Sale of new vehicles including GAC Motor, JMC Motors, Dongfeng Motors, FAW Group, and Wuling Motors brands. The company operates as exclusive representative for these Chinese automotive brands in Nigeria and Africa market.
- Vehicle Assembly: Assembly of vehicles from CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits at facilities in Lagos and Abuja. Includes production of commercial vehicles, buses, and passenger vehicles.
- Car Leasing: Fleet leasing services for corporate and individual customers requiring transportation without vehicle ownership.
- Spare Parts and After-Sales Service: Sale of genuine spare parts and maintenance services. CIG Motors is the only authorized source for genuine spare parts of GAC Motor and other brands under its portfolio.
- Vehicle Financing: Partnership with UBA for vehicle financing scheme 'Drive to Own' enabling drivers to finance vehicles with low equity payments over 48 months.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | Monthly | Drive to Own financing scheme |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
CIG Motors product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CIG Motors distributes and locally assembles (CKD) passenger and commercial vehicles from Chinese OEMs (GAC Motor, JMC Motors, Dongfeng Motors, FAW Group, and Wuling Motors) across Nigeria and Africa. It sells these vehicles through showrooms, fleet/enterprise channels, and the LagRide e-hailing platform, while supplying authorized spare parts, after-sales service, vehicle leasing, and EV charging infrastructure.
Product overview
CIG Motors operates as an exclusive premiere distributor of multiple Chinese automotive brands (GAC Motor, JMC Motors, Wuling Motors, Dongfeng Motors, FAW Group) within Nigeria and Africa, operating a platform-plus-services model. The core product portfolio consists of passenger vehicles (GAC GA4, GS3, GS4, GS8, M8), commercial vehicles (JMC Vigus 1, Grand Avenue, Dongfeng M3 Plus, 1 Ton Truck), and electric vehicles (Wuling Mini Ev E50, Bingo, YEP). These are distributed through vehicle assembly operations (CKD assembly in Lagos and Abuja), a nationwide dealership network, and the proprietary LagRide e-hailing platform. Supporting services include spare parts supply, warranty/maintenance plans, after-sales service centers, EV charging infrastructure, car leasing, and vehicle financing partnerships.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- LagRide: Smart taxi scheme and e-mobility service operating in Lagos, Nigeria
- GAC Motor
- JMC Motors
- Wuling Motors
- Dongfeng Motors
- Chief Diana Chen Foundation
Products and services
- GAC Motor Passenger Vehicles Premium passenger vehicles from China's GAC Motor distributed exclusively by CIG Motors in Nigeria and Africa; models include GA4, GS3, GS4, GS8, and M8 sedans and SUVs.
- JMC Motors Commercial and Passenger Vehicles Commercial and passenger vehicles from Jiangling Motors Corporation Group distributed by CIG Motors in Nigeria; lineup includes Vigus 1 pickup and Grand Avenue.
- Dongfeng Motors Commercial Vehicles Commercial vehicles from Dongfeng Motor distributed by CIG Motors in Nigeria; lineup includes M3 Plus and 1 Ton Truck, with EV passenger van assembly from imported kits.
- Wuling Motors Electric and Conventional Vehicles Affordable electric and conventional vehicles from Wuling Motors distributed by CIG Motors in Nigeria, including Bingo203 & 333, YEP, and Mini EV E50.
- CKD Vehicle Assembly Operations Completely Knocked Down (CKD) vehicle assembly at facilities in Lagos and Abuja, assembling vehicles from imported kits for GAC and other represented brands, including the first 2,000 units of GAC cars.
- LagRide Smart Taxi and E-Hailing Platform Proprietary smart taxi and e-hailing platform developed in partnership with Lagos State Government and Ibile Holdings, integrating EV transportation with booking and ride management technology.
- Vehicle Sales (Retail Showroom) Direct sale of new vehicles (GAC, JMC, Dongfeng, FAW, Wuling) to individual consumers and fleet buyers through showrooms and authorized dealers across Nigeria and Africa.
- Car Leasing Vehicle leasing services providing flexible mobility solutions for corporate and individual customers who need vehicles without ownership.
- EV Charging Stations Electric vehicle charging infrastructure, including five planned mega charging stations and energy management systems for the Lagos e-mobility rollout.
- Drive to Own Vehicle Financing Vehicle financing scheme launched with United Bank for Africa, enabling drivers (especially LagRide operators) to own vehicles through low-equity monthly payments over 48 months.
- Genuine Spare Parts Supply Authorized supply of genuine spare parts for GAC Motor and other portfolio brands, served through the distribution network across Nigeria.
- After-Sales Service and Warranty Plans Comprehensive warranty and maintenance plans plus after-sales service centers offering engine servicing, bodywork solutions, mobile on-the-go repairs, and early bird assistance.
Quantifiable outcome
- 89% of Customers Recommend CIG Motors
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use CIG Motors
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
CIG Motors technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
CIG Motors partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- Lagos State GovernmentcoreGroundbreaking joint venture to revolutionize e-mobility in Lagos by introducing 1,000 electric vehicles, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and positioning Lagos as a leader in green transportation. Partnership includes construction of five mega charging stations and development of e-mobility infrastructure.
- Ibile HoldingscoreJoint venture partner with Lagos State Government and CIG Motors for e-mobility initiative. Managing Director Tobi Lawal highlighted environmental and economic benefits of the partnership focused on building a brighter and more connected future for Lagos residents.
- DavidoflagshipBrand partnership with award-winning artist David Adeleke (Davido) to drive youth inclusion in sustainable mobility. Partnership included rebranding of CIG Motors to CIG Mobility and activation of discount sales campaigns targeting young consumers.
- Hangzhou Vocational and Technical CollegeminorChinese educational institution supporting Chief Diana Chen Foundation's scholarship program for 25 Yaba Tech students to study automobile engineering in China for 18 months.
- Yaba College of TechnologyminorNigerian educational institution partnering with Chief Diana Chen Foundation and Hangzhou Vocational and Technical College for scholarship program sending 25 mechanical engineering graduates to study automobile engineering in China.
- Chinese Consulate General in LagosminorConsul General Yan Yuqing supported the Chief Diana Chen Foundation scholarship initiative, underscoring bilateral Sino-Nigerian relations in education and technology transfer.
- FilmOneminorPartnership with Nigeria's biggest film distribution business for exclusive event celebrating Funke Akindele's box office success. GAC Motor Nigeria presented a brand new GAC GS4 Luxury SUV to the actress.
- GAC MotorcoreExclusive premiere representative of GAC Motor brand in Nigeria and Africa market since 2013. Manages distribution networks, showroom operations, and introduction of seven GAC Motors models.
- JMC Motors (Jiangling Motors Corporation Group)coreExclusive partnership for Jiangling Motors Corporation commercial vehicles including Vigus 1 and Grand Avenue models in Nigerian market.
- Dongfeng MotorscoreExclusive partnership for Dongfeng Motor commercial vehicles including M3 Plus and 1 Ton Truck in Nigeria. Also collaborating on EV passenger van assembly from imported kits.
- FAW GroupcoreExclusive partnership for FAW Group vehicles in Nigerian market as part of portfolio of five major Chinese automotive brands represented.
- Wuling MotorscoreExclusive partnership for Wuling Motors including Bingo 203 & 333, YEP, and Mini EV E50 models in Nigerian market.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
CIG Motors competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM): Nigerian-owned automotive manufacturer and assembler with plants in Nnewi. Most direct peer: also produces/distributes vehicles domestically in Nigeria, competing for government fleet contracts and the same local-assembly policy tailwind that benefits CIG.
- Coscharis Motors: One of Nigeria's largest multi-brand auto distributors (Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, etc.) with assembly, parts and after-sales. Closely comparable in scale of distribution, parts, and after-sales service footprint to CIG, but skews Western OEMs vs. CIG's Chinese OEM tilt.
- Elizade Nigeria: Major Nigerian auto distributor and assembler for Kia/Hyundai etc., with vehicle assembly capacity at its Ile-Oluji plant. Directly competes with CIG on Korean-Chinese passenger/SUV and assembly positioning.
- Mikano Motors: Nigerian distributor and assembler for Peugeot and other brands via Mikano Group. Comparable as a country-scale multi-brand distributor with assembly operations pursuing government and fleet deals.
- Nord Automobiles: Nigeria-based distributor focused on Chinese passenger vehicles (BAIC, etc.) with CKD assembly. Most head-to-head Chinese-brand peer, competing for the same Chinese-OEM-driven volume and the same Lagos/Nigeria dealer networks.
- Stallion Group (Stallion Motors): Nigeria's representative for Honda, Hyundai and other Asian OEMs with nationwide dealer and assembly footprint. Substitutable dealer channel to CIG for Asian-brand consumer and commercial vehicle buyers.
Regional players
- IVM/Innoson JV with SAIC (IVM/GAC-aligned): Various Chinese-OEM consortiums entering Africa (e.g., BAIC Africa, Geely/Proton Africa channels). These compete with CIG for distribution rights and overlap on import channels and government fleet bids across ECOWAS.
Broad incumbents
- CFAO Group (automotive division): Pan-African automotive distributor with Toyota, Suzuki and other franchises across West and East Africa. Incumbent regional peer at greater scale, competes with CIG on multinational fleet, government and B2B contracts across Africa.
- GAC Motor International (overseas arm): Chinese OEM parent of the marque that CIG distributes. Closely tied to CIG via the exclusive rep agreement; relevant as it controls product roadmap, EV launches (Aion series), and could bypass CIG if it shifts to direct Africa distribution.
Emerging players
- Moove (ride-hailing/vehicle financing): Africa-focused vehicle financing and ride-hailing mobility platform providing driver financing to Uber/Bolt drivers. Comparable on the financing-for-drivers side of LagRide and the UBA Drive-to-Own pool, with overlapping market in Nigerian urban mobility.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
CIG Motors social profiles
Digital presenceCIG Motors financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
CIG Motors leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
CIG Motors subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
CIG Motors funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
CIG Motors M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about CIG Motors
What does CIG Motors do?
CIG Motors distributes and locally assembles (CKD) passenger and commercial vehicles from Chinese OEMs (GAC Motor, JMC Motors, Dongfeng Motors, FAW Group, and Wuling Motors) across Nigeria and Africa. It sells these vehicles through showrooms, fleet/enterprise channels, and the LagRide e-hailing platform, while supplying authorized spare parts, after-sales service, vehicle leasing, and EV charging infrastructure.
Is CIG Motors a public or private company?
CIG Motors is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was CIG Motors founded?
CIG Motors was founded in 2013. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is CIG Motors based?
CIG Motors is headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, in the Africa region.
How does CIG Motors make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Vehicle Sales are the primary driver. The others are vehicle Assembly, car Leasing, spare Parts and After-Sales Service and vehicle Financing.
Who are CIG Motors's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), Coscharis Motors, Elizade Nigeria, Mikano Motors, Nord Automobiles and Stallion Group (Stallion Motors). IVM/Innoson JV with SAIC (IVM/GAC-aligned) is listed as a regional player. Broad incumbents are CFAO Group (automotive division) and GAC Motor International (overseas arm). Moove (ride-hailing/vehicle financing) is listed as an emerging player.
Does CIG Motors have an API?
No public API is recorded for CIG Motors.
What industry is CIG Motors in?
CIG Motors's product category is Automotive Distribution and Assembly. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMACAOAC, Light Electric Vehicles (NEVs/LSEVs/Quadricycles) Manufacturing, with a secondary code of IMACABAK, Truck & Commercial Vehicle Electrification Manufacturing (eAxles/Battery Packs/Fuel Cells). Its NAICS code is 441227 and its SIC code is 5010.