FIVA (the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens or international federation of historic vehicles) welcomes Nigeria to the growing throng of nations it represents, while India rejoins the FIVA community in another show of global camaraderie.
“The addition of the Automobile & Touring Club of Nigeria (ATCN) to FIVA’s membership is highly significant and will, we hope, trigger more and more African nations to join us in our aim of protecting, preserving and promoting historic vehicles worldwide,” said Gabriela Magureanu, FIVA Vice-President of Membership. “While our membership already includes such nations as Morocco and South Africa, we very much hope to see other nations from the African continent joining the fold, encouraged by the vibrancy of the Nigerian movement.”
The Automobile & Touring Club of Nigeria (ATCN) was established in 2009 and is now both the FIVA and FIA representative for Nigeria. It represents some 20 clubs, with around 300 individual members, who own historic vehicles of all ages that range from Mercedes-Benz and Rolls-Royce, to Peugeots, Volkswagens, Minis, and many more.
Says Ishaku Bamaiyi, Founder and President of ATCN, “The historic car scene in Nigeria is growing by the day, which needs encouragement. Our affiliation with FIVA will enable us to offer more to the community; for example, our club is interested in organising dedicated events such as an annual automobile parade. We also aim to create a division in the club to oversee training on maintenance, events and programmes, and attract some Nigerians to invest in a historic vehicle museum.”
Meanwhile, the good news for the international historic vehicle community continues with the announcement that India is rejoining FIVA, after the membership of the Indian federation lapsed earlier this year. Now, however, a small but very active young group from Calcutta, Classic Drivers Club, has joined FIVA. It’s hoped that other relatively small Indian clubs will also join over the coming years and – in the long run – band together to create a new Indian federation.
Concludes Tiddo Bresters, President of FIVA: “It is excellent news that not only is the historic vehicle movement continuing to spread throughout the world, but enthusiasts from nations around the globe are joining together to protect our shared heritage.”
Photographs are free to use for editorial purposes only.
Where possible, please credit:
For the India picture – photocredit: Deepanjan Sarkar
For the Africa picture – photocredit: Ishaku Bamaiyi