One year after it was established, the promoter of Diverse AutoCare Centre, situated in the Edo State capital, Benin City, Engr. Gregory Utomwen Ogbeifun has reiterated his desire to produce the first ever Edo State electric car.
He also made public his desire to convert vehicles presently using premium motor spirit (PMS) to the ones using gas and electricity at what he called “affordable cost” to interested customers.
Ogbeifun, a renowned indigenous ship owner stated this recently in Benin City at the formal unveiling of the centre one year after it started operations.
The unveiling of the centre which attracted dignitaries from far and near including stakeholders in the maritime sector of the economy was among other events organized to commemorate Ogbeifun’s 71st birthday.
His words: “My vision for Diverse AutoCare Centre Limited is to work with the National Automotive Design and Development Council in pioneering the conversion of conventional vehicles from fossil fuel to electric vehicles and ultimately manufacturing the first made in Edo State electric car.”
The Director-General, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Jelani Aliyu performed the formal unveiling of the facility which is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment to attend to the needs of customers.
Apart from diagnostic machines, post lifts, AC services and recharge equipment, paint oven, paint mix bank installed by Miswa United Kingdom, and a state-of-the-art automated alignment machine, the centre also boost of a collision jig, professional multipurpose tool box sets and assorted diagnostic equipment.
Ogbeifun who is the Chairman of the STARZS Group was full of praise for the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki for his support for the establishment of the centre in the state.
He also lauded the governor for establishing Edo jobs initiative which has provided numerous job opportunities for the people of the state, especially the youths.
According to him, Obaseki has created a business-friendly environment for investors and particularly the establishment of the Edo Production Centre, a business hub with requisite infrastructure to support small and medium scale businesses.
The ship owner specifically lauded the governor for giving Diverse Auto Care Centre a land allocation for the expansion of operations from its present location.
His words: “We are particularly grateful for the recent land allocation to us measuring about 3000 square meters across the road from this centre. This new facility which we are leasing on a long term will enable us to expand our business as the present location has become too small. The facility will be focused more on repair and maintenance of diesel engine driven automobiles.
“We are mostly interested in the National Automotive Design and Development Council campaign for the transition to cheaper and cleaner means of fueling vehicles using auto-gas as well as your concern in ensuring that Nigeria is not left behind in the automotive industries across the world, including the transition from the use of petroleum to auto-gas–powered and electric vehicles (EVs). To that extent, we are open to partnering with NADDC in this and other projects of the Council dear to the Nigerian government.”
