Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company (IVM) is the premier private indigenous vehicle manufacturing company in Nigeria. Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company (IVM) was commissioned by His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at Nnewi. IVM is part of the Innoson Group of Companies founded by the visionary Chairman and Nigerian industrialist, Chief. Innocent Chukwuma, Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).[3] Chief Innocent Chukwuma, unveiled its new cars – IVM Umu, IVM Umu and IVM Uzo- manufactured at the company’s Nnewi plant in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria in 2013.

History

In February 2007, Chukwuma embarked on what some analysts perceived then as a mission impossible, when it incorporated INNOSON Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited (IVM), to produce sundry commercial automobiles, utility vehicles and passenger cars, in collaboration with a consortium of Chinese auto manufacturers.[3]

With the public display of some of the vehicles at the 2nd Nnewi International Auto Trade Fair held at the Beverly Hills Hotels (Gabros Sports Complex) in the last quarter of 2009, IVM did not only silence the critics but made a bold statement about its readiness to achieve the avowed mission of being the first (indigenous) automaker to produce truly Nigerian vehicles that are affordable and reliable.

IVM is today a success story which has attracted effusive commendations and awards from various quarters, including the nation’s seat of power. While opening the plant on October 15, 2010, President Goodluck Jonathan not only hailed Chukwuma for the courage of venturing into an industry many ran away from, but also assured him of government’s patronage from the government.

Product Line

IVM introduces automotive products from China, Japan and Germany, building on local assembly successes by Hyundai and Nissan. Its product line includes heavy-duty vehicles, middle and high-level buses, special environment-friendly vehicles. The company carries out optimization design and assembly according to west African road condition so as produce suitable products at affordable prices.

The company also provides good services for repairs and parts supply. All these actions are engineered to meet the customers’ special requests, attain the highest possible performance and safety standards and also make the vehicles suitable for the West African market.

80 per cent of the parts used in building the cars were locally sourced, heralding the emergence of a local car manufacturing industry that will, in the nearest future, serve the region. Already, the company has disclosed its plans to take its brand to neighbours in West Africa, with the Republic of Benin and Ghana on its radar. The company had earlier impressed with its trucks and buses.

The range of Innoson vehicles is already enjoying patronage locally, unlike in the past when indigenous manufacturers were stifled by the lack of appreciation of their products. Across Africa, locally-made goods are beginning to earn respect and desired patronage through quality assurance and competitive pricing.

Manufacturing locations

Nnewi plant: Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) factory in Nnewi. Includes a plant office, main factory, and outdoor crane.