In 2016, Olumide sold his first car on Instagram through a post. Almost a decade later, we sit inside a Toyota Avalon, outside his car lot, at 15 Hogan Bassey Crescent, Surulere, Lagos. From this seeming car capital of Surulere, DDO Autos has established a notable reputation among its peers. When asked about his choice of location, Olumide explained, ‘Surulere just felt like home. I conducted my first set of deals here, and it was both welcoming and conducive, so it seemed right to build from there.’
Durojaiye Daniel Olumide, popularly known as ‘DDO,’ is the CEO of DDO Autos, a car dealership based in Lagos, Nigeria. Prior to starting DDO Autos, Olumide worked directly with a car dealer in Ota, Ogun State. ‘We would go to Cotonou, buy cars on request, and deliver them to the owners,’ Olumide recounted. However, in 2015, ex-president Muhammadu Buhari closed the borders between Cotonou and Nigeria, making it difficult to transport cars. This development made business so difficult that his boss closed shop and relocated, leaving Olumide with two options: start his own dealership or find another job. He chose the former.
‘The first reason I started selling cars was that I have loved cars since I was a kid. In primary school, I would count the number of Toyota Corollas, Camrys, and Carinas I saw on the road,’ Olumide shared. For car lovers, this is a familiar story, as the passion often feels innate. As DDO grew older, his love for cars only deepened. He began driving at a very young age and relished the thrill of being behind the wheel.
That passion eventually led him to sell cars, primarily for the opportunity to drive different models. Selling cars also provided a reason to embark on long road trips to deliver vehicles to customers. ‘If I can get paid good money for doing what I love, then why not?’ Realising that being employed as a driver wouldn’t provide the freedom or financial benefits he sought, he opted to start buying and selling cars.
‘There’s a lot of car dealers around. What really sets you apart?’ I asked him. ‘I pamper my customers,’ he replied with a confident smirk. ‘When you get a car from DDO Autos, I can assure you that 99% of the time, you will not have any problems or complaints.’ The 1% chance of issues, he explained, stems from unforeseen circumstances beyond his control. He also emphasised after-sales services, saying, ‘Throughout your time with the car, we recommend the right services and experts. If you have questions, you come to us. We’re always here.’
For DDO, transactions are typically quick. On several occasions, he has posted a car for sale, only to have it purchased within an hour—sometimes even before it gets to the showroom. ‘My fastest transaction was selling a car the same day I bought it,’ he said. He recalled instances where customers transferred money at odd hours, such as 2 a.m., because they couldn’t wait to secure the vehicle.
However, transactions can also be unpredictable. ‘Some potential buyers come with their mechanics to inspect the car and test drive it. Then, they return with family or friends for final approval. If everyone agrees, the deal is sealed; if not, it’s on to the next,’ he explained. On the other hand, some buyers make swift decisions, paying for cars without even starting the engine.
From experience, DDO has developed a knack for identifying serious buyers. ‘More than 50% of the time, I can tell who is ready to buy, who is just pricing for fun, and who is simply making inquiries,’ he said. Nonetheless, he treats everyone with the same respect, assuming they might eventually become a customer.
One memorable experience involved two customers who initially seemed unserious. They arrived to purchase a 2017 RX-350 but ended up buying a Venza as well. Despite the significant additional cost of the Venza, they paid for both cars and drove them home the same day. ‘That’s the kind of day you hope for, every day!’
Of course, not all transactions end smoothly. He’s had customers return cars because their spouses or family members disapproved. ‘Some might say their wife doesn’t like the color, or their big brother thinks it’s not time to buy a Benz and suggests a Toyota Camry instead,’ he said.
In Nigeria, Toyota models remain the most popular, followed by Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. ‘Cars have seasons,’ DDO noted. ‘At one point, people were buying 2008-2010 Camrys, but now 2014 Camrys and Avalons are in demand. It comes and goes.’ He added that trends are often influenced by ‘what is going on in the streets.’ For example, while many initially avoided the 2015 Hyundai Sonata, its popularity surged after a few buyers took the plunge and shared positive experiences.
When asked about recommendations for first-time car buyers, DDO suggested any model year of the Toyota Corolla within their budget. ‘The Toyota Corolla is fuel-efficient, easy to maintain, and has affordable parts. After gaining experience with the Corolla, buyers can move on to other cars of their choice,’ he said. He also advised first-time buyers to educate themselves about car maintenance to avoid being overcharged by mechanics. ‘Find a trusted dealer, as they are often the best resource for resolving issues with a newly purchased car.’
Away from first-time buyers, DDO believes some luxury vehicles are underappreciated in Nigeria. ‘The G63 AMG Benz is a beast, offering speed, reliability, and ruggedness, but Nigerians mostly use it for luxury,’ he said. Similarly, he praised the Lexus GS 350, which he feels matches the performance of the more popular ES 350.
All things considered, being a car dealer in Nigeria appears to be an exciting and rewarding career. DDO has managed to turn his passion into a thriving business, a goal many aspire to achieve.
