The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Roads project: French agency assures speedy work

    Residents of Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) have been assured of speedy completion of  roads to be constructed in the council.

    At a stakeholders’ meeting with community leaders in the council hall, Bariga, representatives of the French Agency Development (AFD), the agency handling the project in conjunction with the Lagos State Government apologised for the delay.

    According to Bariga LCDA Executive Secretary Kolade Alabi, the meeting was meant to appraise the state of projects and chart a way forward.

    “Our meeting with the AFD representatives and the state government was to review the state of projects that has long been expected. That is why we invited leaders of the Community Development Associations (CDAs), traditional leaders and marketers to have firsthand information about the projects. We expect our people to go home and enlighten the residents that government is doing all it can to make life easier for them by reducing the stress the bad roads are esposing them to daily,” he said.

    He said the AFD representatives told the gathering that some logistic issues still need to be thrashed out before moving to site.

    “They should commence work on the roads by first quarter of next year,” he said. The agency projects in the council include the reconstruction of roads in  Awofodu/Onajimi/Ajiun streets, Kusa Street, Ilaje, Adewunmi Ayinke, Ososa Avenue/Ososa Crescent.

    “Also reconstruction of Ladilak Primary School, Ashogbon Primary Health Centre (PHC), construction of Ilaje PHC, construction of pedestrian bridge in Arobade, streets lightening amongst others.

    On completion, Alabi said the facility would improve the living conditions of the residents.

  • Kewalram, Isuzu to export locally-assembled trucks

    Kewalram, Isuzu to export locally-assembled trucks

    The National Automotive Policy received a boast last week when a Japanese automaker, Isuzu Motors Limited in collaboration with a Nigerian company, Kewalram Chanrai Group, has promised to start exporting locally-assembled trucks to West African countries.

    The two auto giants said work had started on the assembly plant site in Lagos, saying that the first set of locally assembled Isuzu trucks would be out in the second quarter of 2016.

    According to Kewalram Chanrai Group Deputy Managing Director, Mr Victor Eburajolo, the project would be financed by a subsidiary of the group, Koncept Auto Centre Limited, with technical support coming from Isuzu Motors of Japan.

    Koncept Autocentre General Manager, Mr Gaurav Kaul, expressed the possibility of exporting some of the locally assembled trucks to other West African countries.

    “We expect that by 2016, we should be fully operational and running. We’re starting with light duty trucks,” he explained.

    Kaul also said the company was interested in making long-term investments in Nigeria, adding: “As we have been doing in the last 100 years, we’ll continue on the growth path.”

    Eburajolo said the group, after securing the licence from the Federal Government for the project, had been in constant touch with the National Automotive Design and Development Council, giving it progress report.

    Eburajolo said the determination of the government to ensure the success of its auto policy paved the way for many automakers to establish vehicle assembly plants in the country.

    “We’re for the auto policy and are encouraged by the government. We’re in contact with the NADDC and we carry the council along on the project. Two weeks ago, its team was with us. We’re here to stay as Isuzu is known for quality products and we will maintain that standard with the new trucks to be assembled in Nigeria,” he said.

    He recalled that Isuzu used to be a major auto brand in Nigeria, occupying a reputable position because of its strength, durability and performance.

    Eburajolo said the Izuzu brand had been under the Koncept Autocentre in the past one year, enjoying exclusive showrooms and after sale service outlets different from the other brand being handled by the company.

  • Roads project: French agency assures speedy work

    Roads project: French agency assures speedy work

    Residents of Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) have been assured of speedy completion of  roads to be constructed in the council.

    At a stakeholders’ meeting with community leaders in the council hall, Bariga, representatives of the French Agency Development (AFD), the agency handling the project in conjunction with the Lagos State Government apologised for the delay.

    According to Bariga LCDA Executive Secretary Kolade Alabi, the meeting was meant to appraise the state of projects and chart a way forward.

    “Our meeting with the AFD representatives and the state government was to review the state of projects that has long been expected. That is why we invited leaders of the Community Development Associations (CDAs), traditional leaders and marketers to have firsthand information about the projects. We expect our people to go home and enlighten the residents that government is doing all it can to make life easier for them by reducing the stress the bad roads are esposing them to daily,” he said.

    He said the AFD representatives told the gathering that some logistic issues still need to be thrashed out before moving to site.

    “They should commence work on the roads by first quarter of next year,” he said. The agency projects in the council include the reconstruction of roads in  Awofodu/Onajimi/Ajiun streets, Kusa Street, Ilaje, Adewunmi Ayinke, Ososa Avenue/Ososa Crescent.

    “Also reconstruction of Ladilak Primary School, Ashogbon Primary Health Centre (PHC), construction of Ilaje PHC, construction of pedestrian bridge in Arobade, streets lightening amongst others.

    On completion, Alabi said the facility would improve the living conditions of the residents.

  • Infinity opens new centre

    Infinity opens new centre

    A new tyre and battery services – Infinity Express Centre, has been opened by Fomas Integrated Services Limited.

    The facility, a franchisee of Infinity Tyres Limited, also offers computerised wheel alignment and balancing, tyre fitment, battery charging machine as well as reliable tyres, batteries and engine coolants.

    Managing Director of Infinity Tyres Limited, Arshi Chadha, while declaring open the facility said his company is committed to providing quality services to its customers. Recalling that his company has been providing tyre and related services in the country for over 30 years, Chadha promised motorists, who patronise the facility, the best technology in tyre and battery services.

    Infinity Tyres Limited Executive Director, Rajesh Chawla said the company is proposing to offer the business opportunity to more entrepreneurs in the future.

    The Council Manager of Mosan-Okuola Local Council Development Area, Mr Omoloju Abiodun, hailed the two firms for their vision in opening the centre.

    Aside enhancing technology transfer, the facility, he said, will provide jobs for some of the youths in the area.

    He reiterated the Council’s desire to continue doing business with the company and enjoined discerning motorists around the area to seize the opportunity of getting quality services.

    Fomas Integrated Services Limited Executive Director Mrs Anthonia Omaga said the company is out to offer personalised services to customers and will also offer free technical advice to needy customers.

  • Religious organisations and road safety education

    The World Health Organisation Reports revealed that about 1.4 million deaths and over 50 million injuries are attributed to road accidents every year globally with most of them occurring in African Countries (including Nigeria).

    Nigeria was recently ranked as the third country with the highest rate of accidents and fatalities among 193 countries and thereby declared one of the most dangerous countries to drive in the world.

    The above – mentioned status reports on Road Safety in Nigeria are worrisome and embarrassing thereby calling for drastic and down to earth proactive measures to effectively combat the menace.

    The death of a single person in a road accident has psychological, social, and economic effects on other road users, family members, Religious institutions, service providers, business organisation and governments.

    One of the effective proactive measures I want to encourage here is that all religious organisations should get more involved in road safety education in their assemblies.

    It has become more expedient now than ever for all Religious Organisations to be exposed to comprehensive education in Pedestrians safety, safe riding techniques, causes of road accidents and the rules for safe driving.

    Organising programmes on road safety on other days outside the regular worship time can never be as effective and well attended as having the lectures during the regular worship days. That is, religious organisations should have periodic lectures on road safety issues in place of the normal sermon (sermon – time in Churches, Mosques and other popular and well – attended religious gathering).

    Religious organisations must get more committed to reducing the number of widows, widowers, orphans and dependants through the reduction of the number of deaths and injuries on Nigerian roads by organising and supporting public education programmes on Road Safety in every part of Nigeria.

    The Federal Road Safety Commission and the Association of Driving Instructors of Nigeria (a coalition of driving schools in Nigeria) are willing and equipped to assist the religious organisations in providing quality road safety education to their congregation in any part of the country.

    We shall all give account of our actions and inactions concerning the prevention of deaths and injuries on Nigeria roads. A stitch in time saves nine.

  • Toyota records $10.35b profit in six months

    Toyota records $10.35b profit in six months

    With revenue up by nine per cent and net profit up by almost 12 per cent from a year ago, Toyota Motor Corporation appears stronger than ever and poised to ‘take advantage of Volkswagen’s slump by trying to win VW customers.’

    Toyota reported a half-year jump in profits last Thursday even as car sales declined in most regions, as it moves to cut costs and squeeze more productivity out of its plants worldwide.

    The world’s top automaker said its net profit rose nearly 12 per cent to 1.258 trillion yen ($10.34 billion) in the fiscal first half through September, with a weak yen also helping boost the bottom line. The company’s revenue for the period rose almost nine per cent from a year ago to 14.09 trillion yen ($115.78 billion).

    Toyota, however, sold slightly fewer cars globally at 4.98 million units, and trimmed its full fiscal year sales target.

    North America stood out as the one key region where demand was strong, after rivals Honda and Nissan also cited the giant market as a bright spot that helped offset a sluggish Japanese market.

    Japanese automakers have benefited from healthy growth seen in the U.S. market with low interest rates, although the Federal Reserve’s plans to raise rates, possibly next month could dent consumers’ appetite for new cars. Meanwhile, the weaker yen has made them relatively more competitive overseas and inflated the value of repatriated overseas profits.

    Sales have been sluggish in their home market, however, after a sales tax rise last year dented consumer spending and as younger urban residents delayed buying a vehicle.

    “The steady performance in North America is offsetting stagnant sales in emerging economies in Asia, especially Indonesia and Thailand,” said Yasuo Imanaka, analyst at Rakuten Securities. “The weak yen is also helping Toyota and other Japanese automakers generate profits.”

    Toyota is locked in a neck-and-neck race with crisis-hit Volkswagen to again claim the title of world’s biggest automaker — a crown it has held for several years. The Japanese firm took a slight lead in the first nine months of 2015, as its German rival battles a huge emissions cheating scandal.

  • Kia Motors donates Rio to Lagos govt

    Kia Motors donates Rio to Lagos govt

    Kia Motors Nigeria has donated Rio to Lagos State government as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility.

    The donation, according to Jacky Hathiramani, Kia Motors Nigeria Managing Director, is to impact on the operating communities.

    “We foster a framework for collaboration with the government and recognise local initiatives for expanding the involvement in social contribution initiatives for the state. We are proud to partner with the Lagos State government for the actualisation of the state’s mega city project by advancing the frontiers of the industrialisation of the state with our assembly plant in the state,” Hathiramani said.

    Permanent Secretary, Office of the Chief of Staff, Abiodun Bamgboye, who received the car on behalf of government, said government will always provide an enabling environment for the success of the local businesses.

  • Volkswagen Emissions Scandal: CPC gives seven-day ultimatum for report

    Volkswagen Emissions Scandal: CPC gives seven-day ultimatum for report

    The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Volkswagen Nigeria to provide information on the status of its vehicles in relation to the emissions cheating software, which has reportedly affected 11 million cars worldwide.

    CPC, in a letter to the automaker signed by its Director-General, Mrs Dupe Atoki, said “the attention of the Council has been drawn to some publications wherein Volkswagen has admitted the allegation that certain illegal “defeat device” software was installed in Volkswagen vehicles to cheat emission test. The resultant effect of this on the environment and quality of these cars is of great importance to the CPC.

    “The publications also indicated that Volkswagen had admitted that vehicles with 1.2, 1.6, and 2.0 litre EA 189 engines are all affected, (i.e. Golf, Beatle, Jetta and Passat models).”

    CPC noted that Volkswagen has a huge market in Nigeria, with many customers who may currently be in possession of the affected models.

    The council requested Volkswagen Nigeria to within seven days of the receipt of its letter make available to it the number of affected vehicles in Nigeria (if any), steps taken to inform and sensitise consumers and efforts being made to facilitate quick recall of such vehicles in the country.

    CPC said its directive was pursuant to the powers of the council to compel manufacturers to give public notice of any hazard inherent in their products.

    CPC’s action came on the heels of a scandal that the auto manufacturer’s diesel car engines were found to contain software that can cheat pollution tests, making them seem cleaner than they actually are.

    Around 11 million vehicles worldwide manufactured between 2009 and 2015, including 5 million VW cars, 2.1 million Audi, 1.2 million Skoda, 700,000 Seat and 1.8 million vans, are confirmed to have been built with these so-called “defeat devices.”

  • Roads project: French agency assures speedy work

    Roads project: French agency assures speedy work

    Residents of Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) have been assured of speedy completion of  roads to be constructed in the council.

    At a stakeholders’ meeting with community leaders in the council hall, Bariga, representatives of the French Agency Development (AFD), the agency handling the project in conjunction with the Lagos State Government apologised for the delay.

    According to Bariga LCDA Executive Secretary Kolade Alabi, the meeting was meant to appraise the state of projects and chart a way forward.

    “Our meeting with the AFD representatives and the state government was to review the state of projects that has long been expected. That is why we invited leaders of the Community Development Associations (CDAs), traditional leaders and marketers to have firsthand information about the projects. We expect our people to go home and enlighten the residents that government is doing all it could to make life easier for them by reducing the stress the bad roads are espousing them to daily,” he said.

    He said the AFD representatives told the gathering that some logistic issues still need to be thrashed out before moving to site.

    “They should commence work on the roads by first quarter of next year,” he said. The agency projects in the council include the reconstruction of roads in  Awofodu/Onajimi/Ajiun streets, Kusa Street, Ilaje, Adewunmi Ayinke, Ososa Avenue/Ososa Crescent.

    “Also reconstruction of Ladilak Primary School, Ashogbon Primary Health Centre (PHC), construction of Ilaje PHC, construction of pedestrian bridge in Arobade, Streets lightening amongst others.

    On completion, Alabi said the facility would improve the living conditions of the residents.

  • Hyundai launches ‘global luxury’ Genesis

    Hyundai launches ‘global luxury’ Genesis

    Hyundai Motor has announced an all-new global luxury brand – Genesis – that will deliver ‘human-centered’ luxury through a range of new models that feature the highest standards of performance, design and innovation, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    The new Hyundai Genesis is a brand that would compete with the world’s leading luxury car brands. Refined performance, athletic elegance in design and human-focused, are part of innovations that elevate the Genesis brand.

    Created for a new generation of discerning consumers, Genesis will be a stand-alone brand that operates alongside the company’s popular Hyundai Marque. Capitalising on its success in the fast-growing global car market, Hyundai Motor will launch six new Genesis models by 2020 to compete with the world’s most renowned luxury car brands.

    The name – Genesis, – which also means new beginnings, hints at the new values and standards that, the brand will bring to the global luxury car market. Initially on sale in the Korean, Chinese, North American and Middle Eastern luxury car markets, the Genesis brand will expand its reach to Europe and other parts of Asia as the model range grows to full strength.

    Setting the brand’s cars apart from competitors, innovation will begin with the consumer, with customer requirements directing development. This philosophy echoes the vision of Hyundai Motor to be a ‘lifetime partner in automobiles and beyond’, with the ‘Modern Premium’ brand direction of Hyundai reinterpreted for the new Genesis Marque.

    The Genesis brand seeks to create a new definition of luxury, one that will provide a new platform for future mobility centered on people. By anticipating human needs at every touch point, Genesis models will embody four key aspects: Human-focused innovation, refined and balanced performance, athletic elegance in design and hassle-free customer experience.

    “We have created this new Genesis brand with a complete focus on our customers who want smart ownership experiences that save time and effort, with practical innovations that enhance satisfaction. The Genesis brand will fulfil these expectations, becoming a market leader through our human-centered brand strategy,” said Euisun Chung, Hyundai Motor Company Vice Chairman.

    Genesis models will boast outstanding driving dynamics and design, with innovations tailored to closely-meet the needs of customers. The new model line-up will distance itself from the traditional technological overload of brand-focused competitors, concentrating instead on a personalised, hassle-free customer experience. Continuing the customer-oriented approach that flows through every Genesis model, sales and service staff will provide rapid and attentive service to customer’s requests.

    To elevate and differentiate the Genesis brand from Hyundai, a distinct design identity, emblem, naming structure and customer service offering is being established.

    Genesis models will be badged with a new wing-type emblem, redesigned from the version used on the current Genesis model to create an even more luxurious look. This emblem firmly cements the Genesis models as a collective family of luxury models under the Genesis nameplate.

    The Genesis brand will also adopt a new alphanumeric naming structure. Future models will be named by combining the letter ‘G’ for Genesis with a number, 90, 80 or 70 etc., representing the segment.

    Woong Chul Yang, Head of Hyundai Motor R&D Center and Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor said: “The Genesis models will provide technological innovation, excellent driving performance and luxury to customers. Every Genesis model will be created with the needs of our customers in mind, so the resulting car will perfectly meet their needs without any unnecessary burden or excess.”

    Fitted with the latest proactive safety technologies, intuitive convenience features and IT connectivity, Genesis models are engineered to provide excellent ride comfort while retaining confident sportiness.

    To develop a distinctive and differentiated design for the new Genesis brand vehicles, Hyundai Motor has created a Prestige Design Division. From mid-2016 Luc Donckerwolke, who was previously responsible for the design of Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, SEAT and Skoda models at the Volkswagen Group, will lead this new division alongside his role as Head of the Hyundai Motor Design Centre. The work of the new Prestige Design Division will be overseen by Peter Schreyer, as part of his group-wide design responsibilities as President and Chief Design Officer (CDO) of Hyundai Motor Group.

    “In creating the design signature of Genesis brand cars, we set out to display confidence and originality, creating highly desirable products that present new charm through innovative styling and proportions,” Schreyer said.