The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Audi Q1 leads as Volkswagen Group unveils new wave of SUVs

    Audi Q1 leads as Volkswagen Group unveils new wave of SUVs

    The Q1 will be based on the platform that underpins the three-door Audi A3

    The new MQB platform from the Volkswagen Group is going to get plenty of iterations in the next year. It’s going to be underpinning a whole slew of small SUVs from the company. Audi, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen SUVs are all on the way, all aiming for the space below vehicles like the Skoda Yeti and Audi Q3.

    There should be considerable savings in both investment and time if they share the common platform, and those benefits should be passed on to consumers.

    The first vehicle to emerge in this programme is the Audi Q1, which we should see at the Geneva motor show in March 2016. The Q1 will be based on the platform that currently underpins the three-door Audi A3.

    There should be a range of engines offered by the VW Group, from 1.0-litre to 2.0-litre, from petrol to diesel, and there should be hybrid versions as well. Prices should begin between £14k and £20k for the different brands within the group.

  •  Aston Martin to release electric car in two years

    Aston Martin are known for making some of the most beautiful and powerful cars around, but they’re not famed for their fuel efficiency.

    The company’s looking to change that soon, with plans to release a completely electric car based on the petrol-powered Aston Martin Rapide Sedan at some point in the next two years.

    Speaking to Automotive News, Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer said that emissions and fuel economy legislation means that the company could soon find itself having to make less powerful cars to meet standards – something Aston and its customers don’t want to see.

    However, if they produce a zero-emissions car, they’ll also be able to work on their traditional offerings. As Palmer says: “If you want to keep making V-12 engines, then you’ve got to do something at the opposite end of the spectrum.”

    There’s no specifics yet, but the CEO told Automotive News that the company was looking at an all-wheel drive, 800 horsepower car with a 200 mile range.

    That’s a challenge to Tesla, who currently lead in the high-end electric car market. However, Aston Martin look likely to go even higher.

    Palmer didn’t give anything away about the price when speaking to the publication, but hinted it would be in the $200,000 to $250,000 range (£128,000 to £160,000)

  • Nissan fortifies Altima for improved services

    Nissan fortifies Altima for improved services

    With its Maxima-like look and unique features, the Altima really does give shoppers a viable alternative to the Camry and Accord. The new Altima remains one of the most engaging family sedans that targets people who want more out of life and do not want a conservative or dull midsize sedan, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    The 2015 Nissan Altima is a favourite choice among family sedans, delivering excellent fuel economy; a rare blend of comfort and exceptional capacity that compares to most premium sedans, says Edmunds.com, a leading online site for automotive information.

    The online resource described Nissan Altima as stylish, bold and aggressive with long body lines that distinguishes the Japanese engineered sedan from rivals like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima.

    Emerging from a total model change, the new Altima offers exceptional premium experiences and high technologies that could give mid-size sedans better value proposition and keep it fresh against rivals.

    Edmunds.com says while many manufacturers are offering different 4-cylinder engines with hybrids and diesels, the Altima sedan goes the traditional route by offering a base 4-cylinder and a V6, reaffirming Altima’s innovative features to reposition the car way ahead of competition.

    The Nissan Altima is mated to a lighter weight 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine with improved efficiency while the 3.5-litre V6 version delivers better fuel economy, placing the car way ahead of competitions.

    Both engines however drive Altima’s front wheels through Nissan’s next generation Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) that drives engine revs ahead of vehicle speed during strong acceleration and helps both specifications achieve tremendous fuel economy, the Japanese Automaker assured.

    Popular Mechanics, a United States classic magazine of popular technology affirmed this claim, stating in one of its recent publications that “the new Altima remains one of the most engaging family sedans, and its fuel economy approaches 16 kilometres per litre of gasoline (pms) for the 2.5 litre engine and 13 kilometres per litre of gasoline (pms) for the 3.5 litre engine, on highway driving.”

    The Altima’s driving dynamic which rarely sacrifices its mainstream family-sedan features conveys a measure of driving fun that is uncommon in the mid-size segment reaffirms Auto Trader.

    Some auto analysts have similarly applauded the distinctive features of Altima’s “multilink independent suspension and best-in-class continuously variable automatic transmission as a testimony to Nissan’s ingenuity, especially when benchmarked against premium sedans like the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series.”

    The Nissan Altima could in the coming few months, beat rivals like Toyota Camry and Honda Accord in a segment described as the toughest, where every automaker wants a slice of the pie, the analysts said.

    Altima has a fantastic sporty handling, making it more fun to drive than most affordable midsize cars just as its standard four-cylinder engine provides plenty of power for passing and merging highway.

    On the other hand, the V6 engine delivers robust acceleration with a responsive automatic transmission (continuously variable transmission) that operates seamlessly, giving a smoother and lag-free drive when viewed against competitions.

    Altima’s modern and attractive styling with first-rate materials make the car’s cabin one of the nicest in the class with features like ‘Nissan intelligent key and NASA-inspired zero gravity seats – proven to reduce fatigue

    Nissan intelligent key lets you tap a button on the door handle or trunk to unlock while the key stays in your pocket or purse, and subsequently allows you start your car from up to 100 feet away while you turn-on the a/c to cool down the Altima before it’s time to get in.

    Inside the car, Altima’s rear seats have generous legroom, and the trunk size of 436 litres is ambitious for the class.

    Other features include Smart Phone Connectivity (Bluetooth) and a USB/iPod input, leather upholstery, a rear-view camera, premium BOSE audio x 9 speakers, 3D display, Xenon Lamps, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).

    The Altima is distinctively tailored for “Stylish and confident individuals as well as responsible adults seeking personal and professional fulfilment on their terms. This class of people want more out of life and do not want a conservative or dull midsize sedan,” Amit Sharma, Stallion NMN head of sales and marketing said.

     

  • The ‘fallen’ CEO

    The ‘fallen’ CEO

    •BMW boss collapses at auto show

    German luxury BMW Chief Executive Officer Harald Krueger collapsed last Tuesday during a news conference at the Frankfurt auto show and was helped off stage by staff. His condition was not serious, the company said later.

    Krueger stumbled backward and fell on his back during the first five minutes of the presentation of the BMW’s latest models.

    Staff members rushed to help Krueger back on his feet, and he rubbed the back of his head, looking stunned as he was lifted up and led off stage by staff.

    BMW spokesman Maximilian Schoeberl said over the public address system: “I’m a bit lost for words. BMW will try to redo the press conference at a later stage.”

    Schoeberl said the 49-year-old Krueger had been travelling a lot recently, and was not feeling well ahead of the presentation but decided to go ahead with it.

    Schoeberl said Krueger, who took over as BMW’s CEO in May, was seen by a doctor following the incident, who recommended that he cancel his other appointments for the day and rest at home.

    “His condition is not worrisome, they’ve ruled out anything serious,” Schoeberl said.

    The IAA auto show opened for a press tour. Alongside Volkswagen and Daimler, BMW has a prime place in the huge exhibition, where more than 1,000 exhibitors are showing their latest models.

    In early trade in Frankfurt, BMW shares were up 1.03 percent to 86.22 euros.

    Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, commonly known as BMW or BMW AG, is a German automobile, motorcycle and engine manufacturing company founded in 1916. BMW is headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany.

     

  • Kia showcases bulletproof Quoris

    With a different beat and an enhanced armoured technology against ammunitions attacks, Kia Motors Nigeria has created a niche in the super-luxury market with the introduction of the shatterproof, grenade resistant, opaque anti-blast armour, and protective coated reinforced bulletproof Quoris for high-net-worth individuals and government officials.

    The bulletproof Kia Quoris currently selling at N39.6m has enjoyed an impressive outing and gained momentum amongst top chief executive officers and government officials. It’s armour-plating is rated as one of the best bulletproof cars in the country with a sniper resistant roof fitted with special steel and shatterproof glass.

    “The armoured luxury sedan handily gets a turbo-charged 3.8-litre V6 and boasts enough protective capability to defend against rifle fire from military weapons, hand grenades, explosive charges, amongst others. High-tech fibres and enhanced materials are used to implement the armouring process with top notch installation techniques to provide greater protection and exhilarating experience for our well-heeled, security-conscious customers,” Sandeep Malhotra, Chief Commercial Officer, Kia Motors Nigeria said.

    Kia Quoris armoured luxury sedan provides an exceptional level of protection from the impact of collisions for all occupants and is outfitted with high-performance run-flat-tire inserts.  The springs, shock absorbers, role and torsion bars and brake system are replaced with updated parts.  The ratings of the components are measured to provide the optimum balance in handling so as not to affect the overhaul driving dynamics of the reinforced luxury sedan from the standard model.

    The bulletproof Kia Quoris charts a new course of fortified sedan with pre-fabricated opaque armour components and elegant style.

  • Petroleum Varsity unveils eco-friendly Nigerian race car

    Petroleum Varsity unveils eco-friendly Nigerian race car

    The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, last Thursday unveiled the “Delta Cruise”, a marathon car.

    It was built by the university’s Electrical Electronic and Mechanical Engineering students.

    The car was designed and built to participate in the Shell Eco Marathon, which holds next month in South Africa.

    FUPRE’s Vice Chancellor Prof Akin Ebadode urged the students to build two more cars for next year’s event, to be held in Rotterdam, Holland.

    The vice chancellor expressed optimism that in a few years, students of the university would manufacture car engines.

    He hailed the students for building a near-total Nigerian car.

    According to him, the Shell Eco Marathon, which he said has grown into a world-wide competition, began in 1937 by young Shell engineers who were building cars that could go long distances with little fuel.

    “It is the start of a new beginning that will usher peace into the university and the entire Uvwie kingdom. It was only last year it took place in Africa. On May 27, this team was raised and challenged to build this vehicle. We hope that the students will build two cars for the 2016 Shell Eco Marathon, one for the prototype and one for the urban drive,” Ebadode said.

    Earlier, the team manager of the FUPRE Eco Marathon, Egujakpo Efemena, a 400-level student of the Department of Electrical Electronic Engineering, stated that the car was built strictly according to the Shell Eco Marathon specification, with a dimension of 110 by 90 by 275 centimetres, with its basic components built with locally made materials.

    Those present at the event include Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Emmanuel Sideso, Gen. O. E. Obada (rtd.) among others.

  • FERMA kicks off Northeast roads’ repairs

    FERMA kicks off Northeast roads’ repairs

    The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Dauda Kigbu, has kicked off a special intervention programme for five Northeastern States (Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, and Yobe states), under the umbrella of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), with Bauchi State as the operational headquarters of the taskforce.

    The programme, which was launched in Bauchi by the Permanent Secretary, is to address the dilapidating state of road infrastructure in the region because of security challenges.

    Kigbu said: “This presents our modest contribution for the ravaged area and the people will be happy. The Northeast in particular is facing serious security challenges and these challenges have impacted a lot on the infrastructure therefore we need to complement the government’s work by bringing in our team to fix the road infrastructure to improve the free movement of people, goods and services”. The effort of the agency is to bring succour to the people of the region. The activities of the insurgence have created hitches in  repairs operation. Hence, road network is characterised with blown up bridges, washouts and multiple potholes.

    FERMA Managing Director Gabriel Amuchi, at the flag-off ceremony said: “This is done to minimise the total collapse of road network in the zone. We have inaugurated a task force to concentrate on recovering the road in the North Eastern areas that are safe to ensure that we do not get to a level of total breakdown of communication, movement of goods and services.

    The committee comprises of 12 members, headed by Mr Garba Mubi, Executive Director, Roads Maintenance Management Services (RMMS), tagged ‘Special Task Force on Highways Maintenance in North East Zone’.

    The Permanent Secretary urged the taskforce to be prudent in the management of resources as it is the only condition for which additional resources will be provided.

    In addition, the Permanent Secretary inspected FERMA’s maintenance repair works in Nasarawa, Bauchi, Gombe and Plateau States respectively.

     

  • Fiat Chrysler recalls 1.7m Ram trucks

    Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling about 1.7 million Ram pickups.

    According to a report from the Detroit Free Press, the company is recalling recent-model trucks to check or repair wiring harnesses, steering components and airbags.

    The recalls affect the Ram 1500 as well as larger trucks.

    Three separate recalls were issued, the largest of which involves around 1.1 million pickups sold in North America, according to the report. The recalled trucks could have a wiring harness in the steering wheel that wears out, causing the truck’s airbag to go off.

    The wiring issue affects 2012-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups and 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs, according to the report.

    FCA has said they’re aware of two injuries caused by the issue.

    About 190,337 Ram heavy-duty trucks were recalled for steering component issues. That recall affects 2013 Ram pickups, 2014 Ram 2500/3500 pickups and 3500 Chassis Cabs.

    The third recall is for 2014 and 2015 Ram 1500 Quad Cab pickups to check the side-curtain airbags.

    Repairs to recalled vehicles will not cost the owners.

  • Apollo Tyres wins Asian CSR awards

    At an award ceremony held recently in Bangkok, Thailand, the Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) announced Apollo Tyres as the winner of the ASIAN CSR Awards 2015 under the Health Enhancement category. Apollo Tyres was chosen as the category winner from 134 entries from 12 Asian countries. Thailand’s former Deputy Prime Minister, Pridiyathorn Devakula, presented the award to Apollo Tyres Ltd President and Chief business Officer, Sunam Sarkar.

    Apollo Tyres has been awarded for the continued and meaningful engagement with its stakeholders and adopting a unique Public Private Partnership (PPP) model for the implementation of its HIV-AIDS initiative, including sexually transmitted infections (STI).

    From customers to employees, to the supply chain partners – up and downstream – the company has invested substantial resources in the wellbeing of all its stakeholders. For ensuring longevity and widespread benefit of this initiative among the target population in India, Apollo Tyres has entered into strategic partnerships with government bodies, as well as, listed companies.

    “Our first Health Care Centre was established in 2000 at a large transhipment hub on the outskirts of Delhi,” Sarkar said.

    “At that point of time, this Health Care Centre looked at the awareness and prevention of HIV-AIDS and general health within the commercial vehicle community. Over the years, this initiative has grown to 25 community focused Health Care Centres in India, each of which treats nearly 200 patients per month.”

    In the 2014-15 fiscal year, Apollo Tyres’ Health Care Centres treated over 3,305 patients for sexually transmitted infections and over 54,168 patients for general health issues; while over 39,990 people underwent counselling on HIV-AIDS; 15,458 underwent voluntary testing for HIV-AIDS, of which 111 were tested HIV positive. Since launch of the HIV-AIDS awareness and prevention initiative, team Apollo has reached out to 2,701,978 people under this initiative.

    Apollo Tyres Health Care Centres are staffed by doctors, paramedics, counsellors and outreach workers. They provide consultation, STI and HIV-AIDS testing and treatment and counselling services to those working in the road transport industry.

  • Tanker drivers and training need assessment

    Tanker drivers and training need assessment

    The usually unresolved controversy between the drivers and their employers on brake management, load management, speed management and road worthiness of vehicles.

    1. Lack of in-depth knowledge of the components, workings, effects and dangers of alcohol, energy drinks, cannabis, and other forms of psychoactive drugs (including some categories of prescription drugs) as well as the effects of sex – in – transit and the use of sex enhancement drugs on driving.

    If FRSC, state governments and driving schools in Nigeria buy one million tankers and other articulated vehicles for the training of drivers, it will not solve 10 percent of the problems. Rather, it will result to a waste of resources unless the above – mentioned challenges are adequately and effectively addressed.

    I also want to suggest that all the transport companies that are operating fleets of articulated vehicles should be allowed to use their experienced drivers to train the newly employed drivers on how to drive or operate the vehicles as they have been doing in the past. They should also have driving range. The popular training system hitherto used includes accompanying the new drivers in journeys for hand – on training which is good. To become trailer drivers, they must have known how to drive smaller vehicles like buses with reasonable driving experience.

    All the articulated vehicle owners must however be compelled by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and state governments to send all their drivers to  FRSC – accredited driving schools for mandatory capacity building training programmes where they will be deeply taught the above – mentioned topics among others and issued with “Certificate of Competence” by the driving schools (to be renewed annually).

    Arrested traffic offenders should be fined and promptly sent to driving schools for correctional training programmes without any iota of compromise.

    Driving schools however need to complement their training with computerised simulators designed for drivers of articulated vehicles, videos and other relevant driver education resources to enhance the effectiveness of their training programmes. Driving schools will surely be able to do this if their training opportunities currently being hijacked by the FRSC and some state government agencies are totally left for them to run.

    What is much more needed now is a result–oriented stakeholders forum which will include the Ministries of Transport (Federal & State), FRSC, VIOs, Association of Driving Instructors of Nigeria(the Umbrella Body of the Driving Schools in Nigeria], Transport/Haulage Companies and the various Transport Companies to proffer the short–term and long-term solutions to the challenges. The previous exclusion of driving schools from the stakeholders’ meetings is a very costly error which needs to be promptly corrected to achieve the desired goals.

    Without any iota of doubt, I am very confident that these prescription will drastically reduce and eventually eliminate the accidents involving the Drivers of articulated vehicles in Nigeria.