BBC News, Friday, April 17, 1998
*The all-African dream machine
It's African, it's new and it's different. The latest - and the first - in the Z series, the Z-600, is the first ever all-African car, reports the BBC's correspondent in Lagos, Hilary Andersson.

It was designed and made in Nigeria for the family market and has a top speed of 140km (86m) an hour.

Ninety per cent of its parts are locally produced - it has a doorbell for a horn. And if it ever goes into mass production it will cost just $2,000 (£1,195), making it the most affordable car in Africa - and probably the world.

The Z-600's inventor, Dr Ezekiel Izuogu, says that many Nigerians simply cannot afford a car. He believes his home-grown machine will be an instant hit.

"The common man is very, very keen. He's very interested. Many of them have dreamt of having their own cars over the years," he says.

The car is already an icon in Nigeria. The prototype received a rapturous reception on the streets of the capital, Lagos.

But back at the workshop, Dr Izuogu is working on another idea designed to appeal to the "common man". He is adapting the engine to allow the Z-600 to double up as a lawnmower - or even an electricity generator.

Photo Above:- Curious Nigerians surround first Nigerian made car( Z-600 ) on display by the manufacturer Dr. Ezekiel Izuogu