The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Volkswagen unveils new SUV to win back buyers

    Volkswagen will unveil a battery-powered Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) at the Detroit auto show on January 11, according to company sources, part of a push into electric vehicles as it seeks to win back buyers in United States following its emissions test cheating scandal.

    The car will be a plug-in hybrid version of the Tiguan, the German automaker’s top-selling sport-utility vehicle (SUV), the two sources said last Friday.

    Analysts say Volkswagen’s core VW brand badly needs new models in the world’s second largest auto market to reverse a three-year decline in sales which fell 4.8 per cent in 2015 to 349,440 cars.

    Europe’s biggest automaker is putting increasing emphasis on electric cars following its cheating of diesel emissions tests, which analysts think could hit demand for diesel vehicles, and a focus on SUVs makes sense given their growing popularity.

    The sources said the concept model, following VW’s unveiling of an electric microbus at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas last week, would hit U.S. dealerships sometime after the planned release next year of a new midsize crossover vehicle and a long-wheelbase Tiguan.

    However, the German group is struggling to balance model development with the growing costs of its emissions scandal, a task made more difficult this week by a US lawsuit seeking billions of dollars in fines.

    The new Tiguan prototype integrates electric engines at the front and rear axles and boasts more off-road quality than the GTE concept version of VW’s fifth best-selling model launched at the Frankfurt auto show last September, the sources said.

    Still, demand for hybrid and electric cars has been dampened by cheap gasoline as well as limited range and high prices.

    US sales of hybrid and all electric vehicles plunged 16 per cent in the first 11 months of 2015 compared with the year before to 452,338 cars, the Electric Drive Transportation Association said.

    However, regulators are requiring automakers to sell more electric cars to curb greenhouse emissions and VW is keen to redouble efforts in the wake of its emissions scandal.

    “Perhaps VW was so successful building cars in a conventional way that the necessity to fully engage with several new aspects of mobility has not been recognised,” chief executive Matthias Mueller said last Wednesday. “That is now different.”

    VW plans to expand its MQB modular platform – the base for most of the group’s small and medium front-wheel-drive models – to build long-range plug-in hybrids and electric cars.

    It also aims to develop a new modular platform dubbed MEB for compact electric cars and light commercial vehicles and launch 20 battery-powered or plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2020.

    “We are developing entirely new and unique vehicle concepts especially for long-distance electric mobility,” VW brand chief Herbert Diess said.

     

    Research firm IHS Automotive forecasts the VW brand’s US sales may plunge another 13 per cent this year, before rebounding in 2017 with the help of SUV launches and steadily growing to 507,794 cars by 2020.

  • Ford sets new record with 1.1 million sales

    Ford sets new record with 1.1 million sales

    Ford has reported record sales of about 1.1 million vehicles in China last year.

    The Dearborn, Michigan, automaker said last Friday that its 2015 sales in the country were up  by three percent from the previous year as demand for small sport-utility vehicles there continues to grow.

    It also set a new monthly sales record in December, selling 124,768 vehicles. That’s up 27 percent from the prior-year period.

    Ford also tapped into China’s booming market for luxury cars with 11,630 Lincoln vehicles sold during the brand’s first full year in the country, where its entire SUV line-up is offered.

    Lincoln added eight more dealerships than expected for a total of 33 in the 2015.

    The company is aiming for 60 dealerships in 50 cities by year-end.

    Jiangling Motors Corporation, Ford’s commercial vehicle investment in China, reported a six per cent decline in annual sales and a 12 per cent drop in December sales.

    The company sold 253,359 vehicles in 2015, down six  per cent compared to 2014. December sales totalled 26,391 vehicles, down 12 per cent compared to December 2014 .

  • Volkswagen recalls Audi A3 Cabriolets

    Volkswagen recalls Audi A3 Cabriolets

    Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 904 model 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolets manufactured June 5, 2014, to April 1, last year.

    The recalled vehicles have a driver or front passenger seat whose cover may be incorrectly stitched, preventing the side air bag from properly deploying in the event of a crash.

    Improper side air bag deployment may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver’s and/or front passenger’s seatback cover, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in February.

  • Stallion opens showroom in Victoria Island

    Stallion opens showroom in Victoria Island

    Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited, authorised Hyundai manufacturer and product distributor, has inaugurated another avant-garde showroom that depicts the Hyundai DNA.

    It promises to integrate attractive pricing structure and riveting sales incentives with efficient service structure that can sustain the confidence of the motoring publics in the Korean engineered brand.

    The Hyundai Motors Nigeria Head of Sales and Marketing Jatin Nadkarni said this at a customer appreciation ceremony, remarking that the facility was fundamental to the harmonisation of ideals and reassessment of the Hyundai brand.

    Located among Nissan, Audi and Porsche showrooms on Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, the facility would ease access to Hyundai product range; sales and after sales service under a convenient atmosphere, Hyundai Motors Nigeria management assured.

    “This ultramodern 3s showroom is borne out of Stallion Group’s commitment to the Hyundai brand and particularly her dedication to the Federal Government auto policy direction to make affordable vehicles available to the teeming motoring publics,” Nadkarni said.

    “We are looking forward to unlocking the huge potential of the showroom which will give us great opportunity to present the Hyundai range to our valued customers in all its variety,” he added.

    A subsidiary of West African Conglomerate Stallion Group, the Hyundai Motors Nigeria avant-garde showroom follows Hyundai Motor Corporation adaptable module and concept design that is gradually being rolled out across Hyundai dealerships worldwide.

    Nadkarni said Hyundai is committed to becoming a lifetime partner in automobiles and beyond, adding that the Korean automaker offers top-quality best sellers that have won internationally acclaimed reputation.

    Intended as an architectural masterpiece of sort, the new showroom display area is imbued with crystal floor that can accommodate up to 10 vehicles with ambience and spacious climate controlled drive-through reception area with comfortable customer lounge that makes shopping a cinch.

    The ultramodern Hyundai Motors Nigeria facility is clad in white framed aluminium with seamless fusion of style and elegance that signifies Hyundai corporate identity.

    Customers would appreciate Hyundai unique hospitality at the reception with free WIFI access and interesting broadcasts on flat screen TVs while shopping for choice Hyundai cars, Nadkarni assured.

    He said customers can also savour the beauty of new model Hyundai cars in the showroom while their cars are checked-in for routine maintenance in the conviviality of the new showroom fitted with a quick service centre that can handle 25 cars per day.

    Meanwhile, the company has announced the introduction of attractive pricing structure that would fit all customers that aims to drive Hyundai engineered vehicles and endear the brand unique premium experience to customers.

  • GM Ignition switch set for trial

    General Motors will go to trial this month for what is considered to be the first “bellwether” case in the ignition switch fiasco.

    A United States judge rejected GM’s motion to dismiss the case, paving the way for a trial date of January 11.

    During the trial, a jury will hear the case of Robert Scheuer, who allegedly sustained injuries because of an ignition switch defect on his 2003 Saturn Ion. In May 2014, another vehicle forced Scheuer off an Oklahoma highway causing him to collide with two trees. Thanks to a faulty ignition switch, the airbags did not deploy, his suit claims.

    The Ion was one of a number of older cars recalled because they can slip out of the “run” position while in motion. In certain cars, the engine may stall and airbags may not deploy in a crash.

    GM started recalling 2.6 million cars last year to fix the defect, although the company has since admitted to knowing about the problem over a decade earlier. A victim’s compensation program headed by attorney Kenneth Feinberg tallied 124 deaths related to the ignition switches.

    The first GM ignition switch trial is only one of six bellwether trials scheduled for the year, reports Reuters. The results of these cases could determine the fate of future cases involving defective ignition switches.

  • Honda Cars, India reports profit after six years

    Honda Cars, India reports profit after six years

    The last time Honda booked a profit was in 2007-08, when it recorded a net profit, according to the company’s filings with the Registrar of Companies.

    After being in loss for six years in a row, Honda cars India booked a profit in 2014-15, mainly on the back of a 61 per cent jump in revenues.

    In 2013-14, Honda had recorded a net loss.

    The growth for the Japanese car-maker came from improved sales with the company’s second manufacturing plant going on stream during the year as well as its foray in to the diesel segment in India. Honda cars booked a growth of 40.7 per cent in its volume of domestic sale of passenger vehicles, taking its market share to 7.26 per cent in 2014-15 from 5.36 per cent in the previous year. In the same period, the overall passenger vehicle industry saw a modest growth of 3.9 per cent over the previous year.

    The company enjoyed a market share of over four per cent in the passenger vehicle market in India at the end of the year 2007-08. However, with the higher demand arising in the following years for diesel cars, Honda’s market share fell sharply to around two per cent at the end of 2011-12.

    The year also witnessed Honda’s entry into the multi-purpose vehicle segment in India with the launch of its mid-size stylish seven-seater Honda Mobilio. The Honda City which was launched in January 2014 also received good demand with over 1,00,000 sales in the 15 months by the end of March 2015.

    “India emerged as the fourth largest market for Honda globally during 2014-15 and holds great potential for future growth as well,” the company’s directors report said.

    In 2014-15, Honda has further expanded its presence in the market with its re-launch of premium hatchback Jazz in July this year. The year is also expected to have the launches of the B-RV, a compact SUV based on an extended Brio platform as well as the new generation Civic and Accord.

  • Nissan takes 14 cars to Tokyo auto show

    Nissan takes 14 cars to Tokyo auto show

    Nissan is heading to the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon show with no less than 14 cars, all specially created to be showcased at the event.

    Nissan is set to display quite an impressive number of modified models at the most important tuning event in Japan, with no less than 14 special cars being created for the show. At Nissan’s crowded stand, 13 customized versions of their production vehicles will be displayed, plus the Motul Autech GT-R racer that won the series championship in the 2015 SUPER GT GT500 class.

    It is not an exclusively manly stand, as three of the models were created in collaboration with the French fashion designer Lolita Lempicka. The Micra/March, Versa/Note and Juke Lolita Lempicka Concepts feature a two-tone white and black exterior, with a possibility for these to be produced in a limited edition series.

    The Nismo performance division will be represented by the X-Trail/Rogue SUV and Serena minivan featuring performance upgrades, along with the GT-R Nismo N Attack Package and Note Nismo S.

    Other cars on show will include the Leaf EV with an Aero Style kit, Sentra S Touring (sold in Japan as the Sylphy), Dayz Bolero and Rider, and Elgrand Rider Black Line.

  • Unveiling redesigned Honda Pilot

    Unveiling redesigned Honda Pilot

    Despite being more spacious and functional than most of its competitors, the Pilot is actually smaller and lighter than other crossovers. This relatively low weight combines with a stiffer structure to make the 2016 Honda Pilot impressive, controlled and less cumbersome, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    The redesigned 2016 Honda Pilot has a new styling that more closely matches the smaller CR-V.

    Big and blocky on the outside but underneath just a roomy, family-friendly crossover, the previous-generation Honda Pilot, perhaps, tried a little too hard to look like something it wasn’t. This time around, the fully redesigned 2016 Honda Pilot has a more traditional crossover appearance. It’s probably a more honest approach, and it’s backed up by new improvements that have made this third-generation Pilot a better choice for a three-row large crossover than ever before.

    Honda focused much of its attention to the Pilot’s interior, which is more modern, more refined and easier to see out of. The Pilot was always roomy and versatile, but extra leg and headroom in the third row, in particular, makes it friendlier for passengers of all sizes. There are also more bins and cup-holders for personal items. Up front, a new eight-inch touchscreen interface brings the Pilot up to date in terms of technology features and controls. The screen, standard on all but the base LX, gives the Pilot’s dash a clean look, though it’s not intuitive or responsive to use as some other touchscreen systems.

    The rest of the cabin benefits from improved, softer materials and additional acoustic materials that quell noise. Honda also adds a top-of-the-line Elite model this year that is loaded with such features as a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs and a heated steering wheel. Even if you don’t get the Elite, though, Honda is offering a new collection of safety features (available on all but the base LX) that includes forward collision mitigation and lane departure prevention.

    The ride and handling are also improved thanks to a stiffer structure made with more high-strength steel and a weight reduction of about 250 pounds. The smooth ride is worthy of a luxury car, and although handling still isn’t sporty, it’s controlled and the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system provides impressive traction around corners (not to mention snow, mud or sand). The reduced weight also teams with a pair of new transmissions and 30 extra horsepower to raise fuel economy and provide more willing thrust.

    As a result of the 2016 changes, the Honda Pilot is now one of the best large crossovers. However, there are several strong choices. The Toyota Highlander has been top-rated choice with strengths that closely mirror those of the well-rounded Pilot. If space is major concern, the Chevrolet Traverse can’t be beat. The wagon-like Ford Flex is equal parts stylish and versatile, while the Hyundai Santa Fe stands out for its value. Each are worth a look, and while we will need more time with the new Pilot to declare it a class leader, its well-rounded attributes (not to mention Honda’s reputation for reliability and high resale values) make it seem like a pretty good place to start when searching for a large family SUV.

     

    Body Styles

    The Pilot is a three-row crossover SUV. It is offered in LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and the new Elite trim levels. All seat eight people with the exception of the Elite, which has second-row captain’s chairs that reduce capacity to seven.

    The new Pilot has a new trim level, the Elite. It comes packed with every feature as standard.

    Standard features of the LX model include 18-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, active noise cancellation, and a 60/40-split folding third-row seat. Electronic features include a seven-speaker sound system, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB port.

    The EX model adds automatic headlights, fog lights, LED running lights, heated mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, the Honda Lane Watch blind-spot camera, three-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power adjustable driver seat (with two-way power lumbar), the eight-inch touchscreen interface, HondaLink smartphone-enabled features and an upgraded seven-speaker sound system with two additional higher powered USB ports, satellite radio and Pandora Internet radio control. Also included is the Intelligent Traction Management system that adds a Snow mode for the front-drive version and Snow/Sand/Mud modes with AWD.

    The EX-L gets a sunroof, a power tailgate, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery, one-touch sliding second-row seats, a four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, heated front seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

    The top-of-the-line Elite model further adds 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, automatic high-beam headlight control, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross traffic alerts (replaces LaneWatch), automatic windshield wipers, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs (reduces maximum seating to seven people), a heated steering wheel and HD radio.

     

    Powertrains

    Every 2016 Honda Pilot comes with a 3.5-liter V6 good for 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. LX, EX, and EX-L models are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the Touring and Elite get a nine-speed automatic with steering wheel shift paddles and an automatic stop/start system.

    Front-wheel drive is standard. The optional all-wheel-drive system not only sends power front and back, but also between the left and right wheels for improved handling. On EX trims levels and above there are also Snow, Mud and Sand settings that maximize the effectiveness of various vehicle systems in low-traction scenarios.

    Honda says it expects estimated fuel economy ratings to be 22 mpg combined (19 city/27 highway) with front-drive and the six-speed. They are 23 combined (20 city/27 highway) with front-drive and the nine-speed. Opting for all-wheel drive lowers each estimate by 1 mpg.

    When properly equipped, front-drive models can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while AWD models can pull 5,000 pounds.

     

    Safety

    Standard safety features of the 2016 Honda Pilot include antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and a rearview camera. The Honda LaneWatch blind-spot camera is standard on the EX, EX-L and Touring, while the Elite gets a blind-spot warning system with rear cross traffic alerts. The Touring and Elite also come with front and rear parking sensors. Available for EX and EX-L and standard on Touring and Elite is the Honda Sensing package that includes forward collision warning, a forward collision mitigation system with automatic braking, road departure intervention, and lane departure warning and intervention systems.

     

    Interior Design and Special Features

    The 2016 Honda Pilot has the most versatile interior this side of a minivan. There is a multitude of handy bins and twice as many cupholders as seats, while the maximum cargo capacity of 83.9 cubic feet is competitive with most competitors. Importantly, the area behind the third row benefits from a removable floor panel that frees up a useful amount of storage space when all seats are in use.

    A special feature for the Pilot are second-row seats that tilt and slide forward with the push of a button (standard EX-L and above). It’s handy since it reduces the strength and effort needed to move the seat, but the resulting pass through area is still on the small side of the segment. Many competitors still make it easier to climb into the third row, but once back there, those in the Pilot should find more room than most. Two adults of most sizes or three kids will find generous headroom and decent legroom.

    The 2016 Honda Pilot’s second-row seat slides forward for entry to the third-row seat. Access is still a little tight, though.

  • Locally-assembled Chinese brands hold road test

    Locally-assembled Chinese brands hold road test

    Zahav Automobile has held a road test for its products. During a tour of the firm’s plant at Ikotun-Egbe, a Lagos-suburb, journalists experienced the performance, road handling, fuel efficiency and adaptability of the locally-assembled Chinese vehicles, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    Zahav Automobile Company, which assembles and distributes Chinese designed-Changan and BAIC passenger cars, Stallion badge Force, Foton Tunland pickups, minibus and vans in Nigeria, has held a road test for its products.

    Its plant employs 45 indigenous technicians and experts in one shift to produce vehicles that are 20 per cent cheaper than their Korean rivals.

    Some of the models engaged in the test include 1.5litre Baic S3 DVVT, 1.5litre Baic M20 (aka Kembo), the1.5 tonne Mitsubishi engine powered Foton Tunland pick-up; 1.6litre Changan EADO executive sedan, and Foton View CS2 (18-seater bus).

    The Changan CS35 City SUV was, particularly, an icing on the cake, delivering strong upright appearance and smooth side lines that can best be likened to prominent sport character of cross-country/City SUV.

    Styled by Italian designer Dambrosio Luciano, the Changan CS35 is designed with rich layer wrapped-capsule and well-groomed interior including barrel-type instrument cluster and a 3D suspended centre console with black leather steering wheel.

    Powered by a 1.6litre Blue Core brand aluminium engine and mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox, the CS35 is passionately attractive with contemporary technologies such as DVVT, DOHC, low friction, light weight and STT to enhance fuel economy and reduce C02 emission.

    The CS35 cabin is also distinctively insulated to reduce road noise to as low as 38.5db (decibel) to ensure quieter and comfortable internal driving environment while the ergonomically wrapped seats are able to give full support to the driver/passenger’s waist and legs.

    Addressing reporters at the plant, Zahav Automobile Company Quality Assurance Manager, Kavi Kumar, said: “Zahav was conceived to cater for value line automobile brands such as Foton, Jimbei, Baic and Changan brand of vehicles.”

    Kumar said the plant, which was built with installed capacity for 12, 000 vehicles yearly  produce 20 per cent of its installed capacity owing to inadequate demand, adding that the Ikotun-based Zahav plant would be in full swing soon as the Federal Government wholly implements the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) with definitive restrictions on used import vehicles.

    The quality assurance manager also said: “the Changan sedan was designed by Italian Carminati Stefano and currently produces 2.8 million cars per annum to rank among foremost selling vehicles in China while the BAIC Group who recently acquired Swedish SAAB technology for styling and power-train is rated No. 5 largest automotive groups in China.”

    Kumar said the Zahav plant would cater for the demands of the upwardly mobile, middle income earners and start-up businesses without sacrificing quality, elegance and durability.

    Also, the Zahav automobile range is a perfect choice for work and leisure, the Zahav Automobile Company Head of Sales and Marketing, Sanjay Rupani, said: “Though the vehicles are of Chinese extraction, they all inherit the DNA of renowned automobile manufacturers – Daimler Automotive Company and Cummins Engine Company.

    Rupani described the vehicles as ergonomically designed with ideal mix of style, practicality and attractive lines like the American and Japanese styled cars to woo discerning drivers who want exceptionally trendy kind of vehicles.

    “These vehicles are ergonomically designed with extraordinary precision to deliver quality, resilience and high sense of value,” Mr. Rupani affirmed.

    He said: ‘’Chinese engineered BAIC, EADO and Changan passenger cars as well as Stallion badge Force and Foton Tunland pickups, minibus and vans are already sold and marketed as the strongest automobiles in world emerging markets and China.’’

    The Zahav Automobile assembly plant, which began operations last year, has assembled 265 vehicles, Mr. Rupani added.

    Occupants would similarly find the more than 30 storage spaces in the car, a rare opportunity to preserve their belongings especially when travelling and the car offer additional safety attributes.

    Rupani assured customers of excellent aftermarket service, saying: “We have stocked sufficient parts to cater for aftermarket and the vehicles are backed with three years or 100, 000km warranty.”

  • SCOA seeks support for auto assemblers

    THE Federal Government  and corporate organisations have been asked to support  genuine assemblers of automobiles.

    Chairman SCOA Nigeria Plc, Mr. Henry Agbamu,  made the call in Lagos while receiving an eight-man delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) countries. They include Nigerians and three representatives from the ECOWAS led by Mr. Traore Kalilou.

    The team also visited the SCOA MAN Trucks Assembly Plant.

    He said the support was needed because the industry is capital intensive.

    Group Managing Director /Chief                  Executive Officer SCOA Nigeria PLc Dr. Massad Boulos said the SCOA MAN Assembly Plant, which is a mix of Semi- Knock Down (SKD) and Complete Knock Down (CKD), has a production capacity of 3000 units per year, depending on the shifts.

    He noted that the capacity also depends on whether the plant is using one or two assembly lines, adding that the assembly of trucks is different from assembly of passenger cars or buses because it is more complex.

    “The trucks are assembled without welding. But after the assemblage, there are other fabrication works that will be done to create jobs. These are done at another location which will generate more employment. This is why trucks are different,” he added.   Boulos, who described the automotive policy by Federal Government as a welcome development, said the policy would increase local content as well as create auxiliary works that can provide locally produced components.

    He expressed confidence that soon component providing companies that have left Nigeria would return to operation as the industry is being boosted by the new policy.

    “The government has put in place some forms of soft loans to assist the assemblers.  But our consumers will also need such soft loans too. Also, there is need to put in place custom duties that will protect the local industry and its consumers. The idea of producing locally is to create job and promote local production,” Boulos added.

    Kalilou said the team wass happy with what they saw, especially the implementation of the automotive policy.