Each product goes through stringent quality checks, and the company is transparent about its sourcing, providing warranties and official documentation to back its claims of authenticity.
The spare parts industry in Nigeria is a vibrant yet challenging market, marked by a significant presence of counterfeit components that can jeopardise vehicle performance and safety. As car ownership increases, so does the temptation to cut costs with cheaper, fake parts, which often leads to costly repairs down the line.
To gain insight into the inner workings of this vital sector, we spoke with Mohamed Taleb, the general manager of Winpart by CFAO, a leading provider of automotive spare parts. In our conversation, he shared valuable perspectives on the company’s history, its innovative strategies for meeting customer demands, and exciting plans for the future.
What’s the Winpart Story – How Did It Come About?
Winpart by CFAO is a Multi – Brand aftermarket automotive spare parts and lubricant distributor owned by CFAO Mobility, distributing top-quality certified spare parts sourced directly from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to fleet maintenance companies, retail stores, independent repair workshop networks, and end-users. Established to provide high-quality, genuine automotive spare parts in Nigeria, Winpart aims to fill a critical gap in the market, where counterfeit and substandard parts are rampant. The idea was born from a need to provide a more transparent, reliable source of spare parts, leveraging CFAO’s extensive experience and global partnerships in the automotive sector. Winpart has positioned itself as a one-stop shop for spare parts and lubricants, offering original parts and lubricants directly from reputable manufacturers such as KAVO, BOSCH, DENSO, MOTUL LUBRICANTS, BARDAHL, VALEO, KYB, BILSTEIN, PHILIPS, TORQUE TYRES, MICHELIN TYRES, etc.
What Has Been the Key to the Winpart Growth and Success in the Nigerian Market So Far?
Several factors contribute to the Winpart growth in Nigeria. The company’s focus on providing only genuine spare parts has built trust with both individual car owners and businesses. Partnerships with top-tier global manufacturers ensure product quality, while CFAO’s established network gives the brand credibility. In addition, Winpart prioritises customer satisfaction through reliable delivery, competitive pricing, and responsive customer service. These efforts, combined with an expanding digital presence, have allowed the company to reach a broader audience across Nigeria.
How Do You Ensure That the Winpart Spare Parts Are Both Original and Affordable for the Average Nigerian Customer?
Winpart leverages its relationship with global manufacturers and its parent company CFAO to source parts directly from trusted suppliers. Winpart by CFAO provides original parts at competitive prices. Furthermore, the company employs bulk purchasing strategies, offer credit limit of 30 days to registered customers and efficient logistics to reduce operational costs, which translates into affordability for customers. Frequent promotions and loyalty programs also offer Nigerian customers the chance to purchase quality parts at discounted prices, making essential car repairs more accessible.
What Distinguishes Winpart from Other Spare Parts Providers in Terms of Customer Experience, Product Quality, and Pricing?
Winpart’s commitment to offering only genuine spare parts sets it apart in a market where counterfeit products are widespread. The company’s rigorous quality control ensures that all parts are sourced directly from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). This guarantees longevity and performance, reducing the likelihood of future breakdowns or costly repairs for customers. Additionally, Winpart focuses on providing excellent customer service, from a seamless order to efficient delivery and after-sales support. In terms of pricing, Winpart is able to offer competitive rates due to its direct relationships with manufacturers, ensuring affordability without compromising on quality.
How Do You Manage Your Supply Chain to Ensure the Availability of a Wide Range of Spare Parts, Especially During Periods of High Demand or Economic Uncertainty?
Winpart relies on an agile, well-integrated supply chain to maintain a steady inventory of spare parts. The company works closely with the suppliers to forecast demand and optimise stock levels. By employing a robust logistics network and strategically placing warehouses across Nigeria, Winpart ensures that spare parts are available even during periods of high demand. In times of economic uncertainty, the company mitigates risks by diversifying its supplier base and leveraging CFAO’s global infrastructure to absorb supply chain disruptions, ensuring customers can still access essential parts.
How Do You Handle Customer Concerns Regarding Counterfeit Products, and What Steps Do You Take to Build Trust in the Authenticity of Your Offerings?
Winpart tackles the issue of counterfeit products head-on by offering only OEM-certified spare parts. Each product goes through stringent quality checks, and the company is transparent about its sourcing, providing warranties and official documentation to back its claims of authenticity. Customer education is also a key focus, with the company regularly informing buyers on how to identify genuine parts and avoid counterfeit products.
What Role Has Technology Played in the Scaling of Winpart, and Are There Any Upcoming Innovations You Are Particularly Excited About?
Technology has been a critical enabler for Winpart scaling efforts. The company’s e-commerce platform allows customers to browse, order and purchase spare parts from the convenience of their homes, offering a seamless and user-friendly experience. With Winpart cross-referencing technology, rest assure that the spare parts required with the customer sending his or her VIN with the orders. Partnership with Kwik, advanced logistics company helps optimise delivery routes and ensures order arrives on time. In the near future, Winpart plans for an augmented reality feature, allowing customers to virtually inspect parts, cross-referenced and know the exact parts for his or her vehicle.
What Are Your Thoughts on the Current State of the Automotive Spare Parts Industry in Nigeria? Where Do You See the Most Potential for Growth?
The automotive spare parts industry in Nigeria faces significant challenges, including the prevalence of counterfeit products and inconsistent supply chains. However, the demand for genuine, high-quality spare parts continues to grow as more Nigerians recognise the value of investing in the longevity of their vehicles. There is also a growing need for online retail platforms that simplify the purchasing process. Winpart sees potential growth in expanding its digital platform, improving customer education on the benefits of using OEM parts, and increasing partnerships with fleet management companies, Retailers and workshops to further penetrate the market.
How Important Are Partnerships to Your Business, and What Kind of Partnerships Are You Looking for to Continue Growing Winpart?
Partnerships are central to Winpart business model. The company’s success is built on collaborations with leading automotive brands, enabling it to offer a wide range of genuine parts. Winpart is continuously looking for new partnerships, especially with manufacturers, logistics companies, etc. to enhance its service offerings. Partnerships with fleet management companies, Retailers and workshops are also crucial, as they help Winpart distribute parts more efficiently and provide after-sales support. The company is actively seeking partners who share its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction to scale its operations further.
Looking Ahead, Where Do You Envision Winpart by CFAO in the Next 5 Years, Both in Terms of Market Leadership and Innovation?
In the next five years, Winpart envisions becoming the undisputed leader in Nigeria’s automotive spare parts market, known for reliability, innovation, and customer trust. The company aims to expand its digital platform and offer more technology-driven solutions to streamline customer experiences. Winpart also plans to widen its geographical reach in Nigeria. By fostering more strategic partnerships and continuing to focus on customer satisfaction, Winpart will remain at the forefront of the industry, setting new benchmarks in quality and service delivery.
