By Adaobi Rhema Oguejiofor
KIA Motors and Portland Gas Nigeria Limited have signed an agreement targeted at ensuring the installation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) systems in all brands of KIA automobiles. The installation, which has already started, will continue to be carried out at the newly opened Portland Gas Green Park in Ojota, Lagos.
This was revealed by the Managing Director of KIA Motors, Mr. Jacky Hathiramani, while speaking at the opening of the facility, recently in Lagos. He said that the celebration is not just for a new facility, but a shared commitment to a greener tomorrow, noting that the Portland Gas Green Park in Lagos is set to play a key role in shaping the future of the energy and transportation landscape of the country, beginning in Lagos.
In his words, “from CNG Generators to the Conversion Center, Autogas Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), Electric Vehicle Charging System, Auto Conversion, and the Training Academy; this facility represents a comprehensive approach to alternative energy solutions.
“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Portland Gas, focusing on integrating a secondary power system into Kia’s vehicles. This collaboration aims to make our vehicles hybrid through modifying CNG Kits, which is a significant step towards a greener, and cost-effective automotive future.
“The CNG fitment process involves installing a secondary power system into existing Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles to make them hybrid. Once CNG retrofitment is done, you can drive your vehicle both on gasoline or CNG.”
Hathiramani further called for massive adoption of CNG, adding that the product has many benefits for individuals, households, businesses and the nation’s economy. While listing the benefits, he said that CNG is generally more cost-effective than traditional fuels and that the conversion to CNG can lead to significant cost savings for vehicle owners and operators over time and also help to mitigate the impact of fuel price fluctuations.
The KIA Boss stated that CNG combustion is cleaner, resulting in less wear and tear on the engine components, which can lead to a longer lifespan for vehicles, thereby lowering maintenance costs and enhancing overall vehicle durability. He observed that CNG is known for being a cleaner and more environment-friendly fuel compared to traditional gasoline, as it produces lesser emissions during combustion, contributing to improved air quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
According to him, “in partnership with Portland Gas, we plan to offer the conversion of the existing fleet of over 100,000 units of Kia vehicles to CNG, as well as millions of other vehicles on the road.
“Dana Motors, the distributor of KIA automobiles in Nigeria, has been at the forefront of providing innovative automotive solutions to the Nigerian market since its inception.
“Since we started assembly operations in 2014, where we have an installed capacity of assembling 18,000 units annually, our commitment to local content and job creation has been unwavering.
“Together, we strive for excellence in providing top-notch products and services to our customers. This partnership with Portland Gas goes beyond conventional collaboration. It’s about reshaping the automotive industry and driving the adoption of cleaner technologies”.
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Portland Gas Limited, Folajimi Lai-Mohammed, while speaking at the event, said that the groundbreaking ceremony marked the commencement of a journey which holds the promise of a greener, more sustainable future.
According to him, “The soil we turned today symbolizes not just the foundation of bricks and mortar but the foundation of our commitment to pioneering advancements in alternative energy solutions. The success of Portland Gas is intricately woven with the threads of collaboration, teamwork, and shared dedication to environmental stewardship. As we embark on this transformative venture, let us carry the spirit of today’s celebration forward”. “Let this groundbreaking ceremony be a beacon of inspiration, motivating us to reach new heights in our pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. Together, we will continue to push boundaries, break new grounds, and lead the way towards a cleaner, healthier planet”, he added.
In addition, the Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Portland Gas Limited, Michelle Ejiofor, noted that the groundbreaking ceremony of the project embodied and symbolized the organization’s physical commencement of construction and the inception of a transformative initiative that will shape the landscape of alternative energy solutions. He explained that Portland Gas has long been dedicated to pioneering advancements in CNG and the project is a testament to its unwavering commitment to sustainable practices in the energy sector.
According to him, the success of the organization is a collaborative effort and collective vision of the positive impact it will have on the environment, economy, and the communities it serves.