Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN), the official maker and seller of Peugeot vehicles in Nigeria, is making waves again as it aims to reclaim its top spot in the auto industry.

This time around, DPAN has kicked off the assembly of the GT model of the popular Peugeot 3008, which has been a hit globally, racking up awards and commercial success with its various versions.

Equipped with a 1.6-liter high-performance turbo engine, the Peugeot 3008 GT adds to the lineup from the modern assembly plant that opened a few years back in Kaduna.

The new 3008 GT joins the ‘Made-in-Nigeria Peugeot’ family, which already includes the well-loved 301 sedan and the spacious 5008, a seven-seater known for its stylish design and cutting-edge tech features.

Once you get behind the wheel, you’ll appreciate the driver lumbar adjustment and massage seat. Ready to hit the road? Just press the start button, and you’ll hear the smooth purr of the engine paired with an Automatic Transmission system.

The Bluetooth telephony feature is super handy, helping you avoid the common ‘phoning-while-driving’ issue, which is a major traffic violation in Nigeria, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

For those long highway drives, the cruise control lets you maintain a steady speed without having to keep your foot on the gas.

As a premium trim of the Peugeot 3008 SUV, the new GT model being assembled by DPAN comes with auto headlights, fog lamps, daytime running lights, a sunroof that slides, and stylish 17-inch alloy wheels.

Just like its older models, the 3008 doesn’t skimp on safety features, whether active or passive, designed specifically for the needs of Nigerian drivers and road conditions.

The car comes packed with impressive safety features, including at least eight airbags for full protection of everyone inside, lane departure warning, an electric child safety system, and both visual and audible rear parking assistance.

It also boasts an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to prevent wheel lock-up during braking, an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) to help avoid skidding and maintain control, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBFD) that adjusts braking force to each wheel based on how the vehicle is loaded.

The 3008 GT showcases Peugeot's signature I-Cockpit, featuring a 12.3” head-up display, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a multifunction steering wheel for a seamless driver experience.

Inside, the atmosphere is cozy thanks to the auto dual-zone air conditioning, a cooling glove box, a high-quality CD/MP3 sound system with an aux input, and rear power windows.

Umar Isa-Kaita, Chief Commercial Officer at Dangote Peugeot, recently announced plans to launch the Peugeot Landtrek 4×2, a rear-wheel drive pickup truck, into the light commercial market.

This vehicle is powered by a robust 2.4-liter engine and is known for its durability. There’s also a 4×4 version that might be introduced later.

Isa-Kaita mentioned that DPAN is in talks with various auto companies to expand Peugeot's sales and after-sales network by adding dealerships across Nigeria.

This move aims to improve the visibility and accessibility of the latest vehicles throughout the country, while also ensuring that Peugeot owners receive excellent after-sales support.

Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited is a partnership involving billionaire Alhaji Aliko Dangote through his company, Dangote Industries Limited, along with the Kaduna, Plateau, and Kebbi State Governments, and Stellantis Group, which is the parent company of Peugeot.

The launch of the 3008 GT and the new Landtrek is part of the commitment made by the company when they introduced the 301 back in January 2022.

Ibrahim Isa Gachi, the Managing Director, promised that models like the Landtrek, 3008, 5008, and the new 508 would soon hit the market, following the success of the 301.

With extensive experience in Nigeria's automotive industry, Gachi believes that with the ability to assemble 120 different Peugeot vehicles daily (operating two shifts), DPAN will gradually bring the Peugeot brand back to prominence in Nigeria's auto market.

The iconic French lion logo was once the leading brand in Nigeria's automotive scene from the 80s to the early 90s, but a tough economic climate and inconsistent policies allowed fully built-up vehicles from Asia to take over.