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Transcript/ScriptUSAGM SHARE
((PLAYBOOK SLUG: NIGERIA AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
HEADLINE: A Nigerian Engineer Builds Luxury Cars
TEASER: Jerry Mallo crafts luxury vehicles from the ground up
PUBLISHED AT: 07/28/2024 at 3:44 pm
BYLINE: Gibson Emeka
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: ABUJA, NIGERIA
VIDEOGRAPHER: Emeka Gibson
VIDEO EDITOR: Emeka Gibson
ASSIGNING EDITOR: Africa Division Editors
SCRIPT EDITORS: Salem Solomon, KEnochs; Baragona
VIDEO SOURCE(S): VOA Original
PRODUCER: Omary Kaseko
PLATFORMS: WEB __ TV X RADIO X
TRT: 2:42
VID APPROVED BY: KE
TYPE: TVPKG/RADIO
EDITOR NOTES:
((INTRO))
[[An engineer in Nigeria is aiming to create a new industry for his country with his unique made-in-Nigeria car prototype. Emeka Gibson has this report from Abuja, narrated by Anthony LaBruto.]]
((NARRATOR))
Here in the heart of Jos, a city in the North-Central region of Nigeria, Jerry Mallo's dream of Nigerian-made vehicles is coming to life.
From sketch to prototype, from model to chassis, Mallo’s cars showcase his homegrown creativity and talent. After studying automotive engineering in London, Mallo returned to his native Nigeria in 2017, to chase his boyhood dream of becoming a car manufacturer.
((Jerry Mallo, Bennie Technologies Team Lead)) ((Male, in English))
“There is almost no vehicle component that we don’t have the raw materials within Nigeria or within Africa.”
((NARRATOR))
Mallo’s latest model, the Sternum, is a sports car built to handle Africa’s road and power infrastructure issues.
((Jerry Mallo, Bennie Technologies Team Lead)) ((Male, in English))
“It’s a vehicle designed for the African environment. At sports mode, you have just about 3 inches ground clearance, and with a press of a button from your dashboard, it switches to the off-road mode, where you have about 14 inches ground clearance. We also designed and built vehicles that store power that is capable of powering your house.”
((Mandatory Credit: Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Co.))
((NARRATOR))
Nigeria’s first domestically made car was the IVM 6490 A, launched in 2014 by Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing.
((End Mandatory Credit: Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Co.))
As an emerging economy, Nigeria's automotive industry relies heavily on imports. Homegrown brands are good for the entire country, says Abuja-based development economist Hauwa Mustapha.
((Hauwa Mustapha, Development Economist)) ((Female, in English))
“While jobs are being created, skills are also going to be upgraded. In fact, we are also going to have opportunities for new skills.”
((NARRATOR))
Automobile expert Joshua Samuel says a local auto industry can help other industries improve.
((Mandatory courtesy: Google Earth))
....For instance, revamping the huge but idle Ajaokuta Steel plant could boost the supply of raw materials to manufacturers like Mallo.
((Mandatory courtesy ends: Google Earth))
((Joshua Samuel, Automobile Expert)) ((Male, in English))
"If Ajaokuta starts working, just imagine, irons are wonderful. You will get iron that you can just…and they will mold it to your own specifications. Because it is your country. When you have robust industries in the country (such) as automobile(s), what do I need an old car for?”
((NARRATOR))
But it’s still early days for Mallo and his cars. His project faces big challenges like limited research resources and funding. Mallo launched the Bennie Sternum in February 2024 and is still waiting for the funds to get the product to the market.
But Mallo and his team of 50 young innovators believe their journey is about more than just building cars. It's about creating a future, where Nigeria's engineering capabilities can thrive and lead.
((For Gibson Emeka in Abuja, Anthony LaBruto, VOA News.))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
Subtitles / Dubbing AvailableNo
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateJuly 28, 2024 17:31 EDT
BylineGibson Emeka
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
