Cheers as Carmudi, Car Dealers Share Success Stories

Following Carmudi Nigeria’s frantic efforts in bringing convenience to lovers of cars, the leading online car listing in Nigeria on Thursday organized a tour of the United Berger Market in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, Christian Keller, managing director, Carmudi Nigeria, said that based on their findings, for a long time, Nigerians were subjected to drive around major cities all in search of the right car to suit their budget and taste, but since the emergence of Carmudi.com.ng they are able to sit in the convenience of their homes, offices or any other locations and search through thousands of new, used (Tokunbo) and Nigerian used vehicles to buy – all quality-approved.

Keller said that the tour was part of activities to show the impacts Carmudi has made on car dealers using its platform in about 24 years of their partnership.

He said that Carmudi’s entrance into the market has offered both sellers and buyers choices and no longer restricted to car sales in their immediate environment and to the dealers they already know well, “as we have taken time to attract a large population of independent car dealers and individual car sellers to our site and verify all these dealers and sellers in a bid to build a large car market network and strengthen trust which is commonly lacked amongst buyers and sellers. In the past, people had to reach out to friends and it takes some months to get them purchase a car”.

He added that it is now Carmudi’s focus on harnessing the resources of the immediate community and bringing recognition of such places to the world.

The tour created avenue for stakeholders to meet with the Chairmen and other dealers to discuss the issues that affect the used car market in Nigeria such as Government policies, the economy, exposure etc as well as take a tour of the market and talk with the dealers.

Speaking to Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, Mr. Metche Nnadiekwe, president, United Berger Motor Dealers Association, shared the impact of Carmudi’s operations on their business, thus:

“The world is changing and we have to change our business pattern to especially embrace the world of technology. We are enjoying the partnership with Carmudi because they are helping to sensitize the customers using the power of the internet.

“In their beck and call they can communicate with customers in Anambra, Kaduna, or from any part of the country. Since we entered into partnership with Carmudi a lot of activities have been going on here. That’s why we are happy. Simple say that their operations are pluses to our businesses. Before now, we never believed that Nigerians could go to the internet searching for car to buy, call to confirm with you and probably visit the depot to make purchases. We commend their efforts.

“Before now, activities in the market were somehow slow, but since the partnership started, we leveraged the outreach to get connected to the customers.

“Aside that, we can buy or place orders to American firms for cars through the internet too. It makes the business convenient and efficient, removing a lot of middleman interfaces that had in the past caused people pains”.

However, Nnadiekwe said they believe that with better Government policies in place, the process will boost their business.

“Last time we had meeting with the Minister of Trade and Investments a lot of issues were discussed and he promised us that any policy to be implemented will be in phases to allow the stakeholders time to adapt. For instance, the new import tariff on cars, we know the policy was meant to aid local manufacturers, but they are not going to start manufacturing in quantity that will serve everybody at the moment. In as much as we are diversifying, looking out for better approach to do business, it is our collective will that government policies will not be skewed against us”.

He also advised customers who buy cars through online platforms to always double-check with Carmudi and the sellers to avoid playing into the hands of fraudsters.

Also speaking, Arnaud Devigne, managing director, African Internet Group, Classified, said that they have penchant commitments to actually impact the emerging market by helping businesses and startup achieve their goals.

“That is why engage local people anywhere we are established. From what the car dealers are saying, you could see the happiness in them that the platform has helped them to change their business processes, attract customers and keep making more customers,” he said.

Devigne added that Carmudi’s footprints in the market are testimonies of the transformative power of the internet.

“At AIG we simplify processes in internet usage; for instance in Carmudi, making buying easier and better. The buyer will just browse through our list of dealers and sellers who offer purchase support and incentives such as: warranty, price negotiation and installment payment. One thing is clear; we do not charge you to access dealer or seller information,” he added.

United Berger Market also referred to as Africa’s largest automobile market for used cars has over 10,000 vehicles valued at several billions of Naira.

The market which was officially recognized in 1993 as one of Africa’s Largest used car market grew to become the largest in Africa.

The market presently has over 500 registered car dealerships and produces annual revenue of up to 3 billion naira according to reports.

There has also been a steady increase in automobile sales in Nigeria.

Reports showed a 300% increase of automobile sales between 2010 and 2013 in Nigeria thus creating a vibrant market for used cars.