The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Range Rover Sentinel: supreme comfort, all-terrain capability

    Range Rover Sentinel: supreme comfort, all-terrain capability

    The new Range Rover Sentinel retains Land Rover’s huge breadth of capability and uncompromised levels of luxury and refinement. Though, available to order in sub-Sahara Africa markets, the Sentinel will make public debut at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) Show starting tomorrow at Excel, London, United Kingdom, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO.

    The new Range Rover Sentinel is the first luxury armoured vehicle to be fully engineered by Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), hand built at its Oxford Road facility, providing the highest levels of protection a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) can offer against a wide variety of attacks.

    The Sentinel is based on the standard wheelbase Range Rover Autobiography. It delivers the supreme comfort, command driving position and all-terrain capability of the Range Rover, while providing peace of mind – thanks to outstanding occupant protection and, outwardly, looking identical to the standard model.

    This mobile fortress is designed to withstand the most damaging and targeted of threats including penetration by 7.62mm high velocity, armour piercing incendiary bullets. This exceptional vehicle delivers lateral protection against up to 15kg Trinitrotoluene (TNT) blasts and defence against DM51 grenade explosions from both beneath the floor and above the roof.

    At its core is a specially developed six-piece armoured passenger cell, made of super-high-strength steel, providing world-class protection from attack. The standard glass has been replaced by multi-laminated armour privacy glass of optical quality, providing excellent clarity for the driver and occupants, while also delivering bullet protection.

    The Range Rover Sentinel is fully certified to VR8 standard against ballistic threats by QinetiQ, an independent organisation that was formerly part of the British Government’s Defence Establishment Research Agency.

    Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations, John Edwards described the Sentinel as one of the most extraordinary Range Rovers ever produced.

    According to him: “It has been expertly engineered by Special Vehicle Operations to provide class leading levels of protection to occupants against extreme attack, whilst retaining the Range Rover’s luxury and refinement with off road capability.”

    Sentinel retains the plentiful legroom of the standard model that comfortably seats two full-size adults in the rear. A payload of up to 650kg can be carried – thanks to revised dynamic stability control and ride stability control systems. The command driving position found in all Range Rover vehicles remains, giving the driver a clear and un-obscured view of the surroundings, particularly useful in the event of an attack.

    The suspension has been up-rated to ensure Range Rover’s legendary ride comfort and handling are retained, yet still delivers precise on-road dynamics to allow occupants to escape attack. The Sentinel has undergone the same testing as a standard production vehicle and retains the outstanding off-road capability for which Land Rover is famous.

    The Sentinel has an anti-tamper exhaust, a self-sealing fuel tank, auxiliary back-up battery and a split charging system. The 100mm opening in the driver’s window for document delivery ensures the vehicle is secure. The load space features anti-smash protective glass ensuring the cabin remains a safe house.

    When it is time to leave in a hurry, run flat inserts in the tyres – fitted to special 20-inch split rim alloy wheels – allow the vehicle to be driven even if the tyres are deflated. This system ensures that however determined the attack, the Range Rover Sentinel can use the considerable performance of its 250kW 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine in conjunction with a specially-calibrated ZF 8-speed automatic transmission to escape. In addition, 380mm front and 365mm rear ventilated disc brakes, both with high-density pads, ensure impressive stopping power when needed.

    If the worst happens and the main doors are blocked by an accident or an attack, occupants can leave the vehicle via the Emergency Escape System behind the rear seats. Despite this special security feature, the basic design is uncompromised and the Range Rover Sentinel is still equipped with the elegant split-level tailgate of the standard production vehicle.

    Optional protection features include under floor and under bonnet fire suppression systems, a customer configurable siren system, emergency service lights and an external speaker system to address people outside the vehicle from the safety of the cabin.

    The Range Rover Sentinel is unmatched in capability and protection by any third-party conversion. Externally, it is discreet and almost identical in appearance to the vehicle from which it is derived, with few visual clues as to what lies beneath the skin.

    A full driver-training programme is also provided to ensure drivers are capable of handling the vehicle to maximum effect in the most challenging circumstances.

    Despite the huge levels of security offered by the vehicle’s armour and occupant protection systems, the Range Rover Sentinel remains a Range Rover to the core. It delivers the same exceptional levels of luxury ride and comfort as a conventional Range Rover Autobiography. Customers can still choose from an extensive range of exterior paint colours; and Ebony, Ivory or Dark Cherry interior colour ways with leather headlining an option. A range of bespoke options is available on request.

    Standard Range Rover features such as Blind Spot Monitoring, Closing Vehicle Sensing and Surround Camera Security incorporating T-junction view also lend themselves perfectly to the duties this very special Range Rover is designed to perform.

    The Range Rover Sentinel is fully EU Homologated, available in the UK, Europe, South America, Africa and the Middle East with VR8 level certification. It will be available in Land Rover’s key sub-Sahara Africa markets, and customers can visit their nearest Land Rover dealership to register their interest.

     

  • KIA strikes strategic partnership with Uber

    With the growing popularity of urban culture and prevalence of hailing cab service in the metropolitan cities, Kia Motors Nigeria has entered into strategic partnership with Uber to provide lead generation software connecting riders to drivers in the area. The partnership is directly in line with the commitment to making the people become an Uber investor with an affordable state-of-the-art Kia model range.

    There is no gainsaying the fact that Nigeria has remained one of the commercial hubs of Africa with an estimated population of over 180 million. As the most populous African country in the world, the need to provide a seamless means of transportation system to meet the requirements of the public is germane and this has galvanised the strategic partnership between Kia and Uber.

    Globally, over 100,000 partner drivers are currently operating on Uber’s network. Uber is not only changing the way people connect with their cities, but also creating thousands of investment and work opportunities along the way.

    To make this a success in Nigeria, Uber is leveraging the low maintenance cost of Kia vehicles to increase the adoption of its services in the cities in which it has presence across the country.

    “In a bid to provide a stress-free transportation and provide investment opportunities for our teeming customers, we have deemed it necessary to partner with an internationally acclaimed technology company, Uber, which gives optimum value to customer satisfaction and a maximised return on investment for investors. The company has remained at the fore in creating a technology platform that is customer-focused,” Managing Director, Kia Motors Nigeria, Jacky Hathiramani said.

    Hathiramani added: “Uber’s technology continues to transform the way millions of people move around their city and our partnership with the company is to give people the best-in-class Kia model range that gives exhilarating experience to passengers on the go.”

    Uber is focused on building a service for hundreds of millions of Nigerians and creating investment opportunities. Premised on this, Kia’s leadership and experience in the auto industry will be crucial in helping the technological company accomplish their goals.

    As a part of the deal, interested Uber investors who do not want to make an outright purchase of the vehicle can avail the offer of an accessible financial scheme powered by Access Bank that gives 10 per cent equity contribution, competitive equated monthly instalment as low as N95,000 monthly, special pricing and flexible repayment tenure of up to 48 months.

  • Renault unveils ‘athletic’ pick-up truck

    RENAULT has released pictures of a pick-up truck concept called Alaskan that previews an actual production model, due to hit UK roads in 2017.

    Pick-ups account for a third of all light commercial vehicles sold in the United Kingdom (UK). They are now increasingly being bought for leisure reasons.

    The Alaskan is designed to appeal to the business market with what Renault claims is a strong chassis and high ground clearance.

    The cabin can accommodate five people and a payload in excess of a tonne can be carried in the load bed, which also has recesses to help fix cargo or equipment and storage bins.

    The intention behind the Alaskan’s design is to create an athletic, but robust vehicle that will appeal to both the business and leisure markets.

    The styling of the Alaskan concept sticks to the rules of the pick-up segment, including impressive dimensions and a visual sense of power and robustness

    These are evident in the sculpted styling of the sides and the prominent wheel arches, a front end with a ribbed bonnet, LED lights, different metal finishes, and a series of blue and yellow details on the likes of the door mirrors, brake callipers, wheel rim centres and the front tow hook.

    Laurens van den Acker, Renault’s chief designer, said: “The styling of the Alaskan concept sticks to the rules of the pick-up segment, including impressive dimensions and a visual sense of power and robustness.

    “At the same time, we have dialed in specific Renault cues in the form of an attractive, status-enhancing front-end design.”

    Under the bonnet, the Alaskan has the same four-cylinder, twin-turbo engine found in the Master range of vans.

    The production pick-up goes on sale in 2017 and will be built alongside the next Nissan Navara and a planned truck from Mercedes-Benz.

  • Tanker drivers and training need assessment

    Tanker drivers and training need assessment

    There is no doubt about the fact that the level of damages done by accidents involving tankers and other articulated vehicles is worrisomely high.

    However, some of the solutions being proffered by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and some state governments are not correctly articulated. Those measures amount to putting the cart before the horse and cannot significantly reduce the crashes involving articulated vehicles in Nigeria. Proper problem diagnosis must always precede the announcement of solutions which willeventually fail.

    Going down the memory lane, articulated vehicles have been plying Nigerin roads for at least 30years now despite the fact that there is no single driving school that has a tanker or trailer to train the drivers as affirmed by FRSC. In Nigeria as at today, there are over 100,000  articulated vehicles plying Nigerian  roads. Out of the over 200,000 drivers handling the articulated vehicles, not up to 4,000 of them were involved in accidents in a year which boils down to two percent.

    This brief analogy tells us that if these whole lot of driver have been moving the vehicles safely without going to driving schools, then the major challenge of the drivers of articulated vehicles is not in teaching them how to operate the vehicles but in the management of the drivers by their employers and in the drivers’ ability to effectively co– ordinate their driving.

    If driving schools should buy trailers for the training of drivers, they will need to embark on behind– the – wheel instruction for example, from Lagos to Kano for comprehensive hands -on training. The diesel or gas used will be about N50,000.00.

    How much will the driving schools charge such an individual and how many people can afford to pay?

    How many VIOs have trailers and well-built driving range for the testing of such drivers in Nigeria? None for now! The purchase of articulated vehicles by Driving schools, VIOs and FRSC is not the focal issue now. Prevention education by driving schools backed up by thorough tests on the part of the VIOs and unbiased enforcement and prosecution by FRSC Officers holds the ace.

    The result – oriented actions I expected the FRSC and State governments to take is to embark on a deep research on how the trailer drivers have been successfully learning how to operate the vehicles without going to formal driving schools? What were the challenges they encountered in the process? What problems or damages did they cause in the process of learning to drive? What are the problems they are still battling with and the effects on road safety?

    Objective investigation should be conducted to know the actual factors that caused each accident involving articulated vehicles (Investigation, Recording and Reporting). Answers to the above – mentioned questions will pave way for effective solution to the accident crisis. Such reports may be in soft copies only, to save cost.

    Within the past four years, I have been involved in interacting and training some drivers of articulated vehicles and I found out that the factors responsible for their involvement in road accidents is not that they did not know how to operate or move the vehicles. Rather, their major challenges include the following:

    1. Lack of deep understanding of the vehicle characteristics, vehicle dynamics and driving forces such as the effects of gravity, centrifugal force, centripetal force, kinetic energy, inertia, hydroplaning, and road banking on the movement of articulated vehicles.
    2. Inadequate attention to the use of the weapon of driver diary and fatigue management by their employers.
    3. Inadequate knowledge of the drivers on fatigue, sleep debt, chronic fatigue syndrome and allied challenges such as high blood pressure and diabetes among others.

     

    1. The usually unresolved controversy between the Drivers and their Employers on Brake management, Load management, Speed management and Road worthiness of vehicles.
    2. 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 – accreditedDriving 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 computerized 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.

     

    End.

  • Frankfurt motor show: Peugeot to parade music-based car

    Other automakers will be asking Peugeot to turn down the stereo, as the upcoming Frankfurt motor show will feature what is billed as the first music-based concept car, wrapping tech from a company called SubPac in the Fractal electric roadster.

    SubPac is a technology that takes delivery of sound to a new level by integrating tactile-bass technology into the four seats of the concept roadster, promising an immersive music experience for the driver and passengers. The underlying tech itself is available as a wearable backpack or a chair-back unit, translating low frequency-sound into a tactile experience. The patent-pending technology promises a new experience for gamers, music lovers, Disc Jockeys (DJs), producers and drivers.

    Peugeot’s Fractal concept has been designed with SubPac tech in mind, incorporating the Tactile Bass system in to the four seats of the electric roadster. As an EV, it promises not just a more immersive music experience but also the ability to alert other road users of its approach by producing sounds specific to its status, deceleration, cruising speed and, of course, acceleration.

  • Ford announces new sales director

    Ford announces new sales director

    Ford has announced the appointment of Rob Crouse as Director, Sales for Middle East and Africa (MEA) to continue the acceleration of sales growth in the Middle East, North Africa, South Africa and Sub-Saharan African markets. Crouse will be based in the company’s MEA regional headquarters in Dubai.

    In his new role, Crouse will report to Kalyana Sivagnanam, Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford Middle East and Africa.

    Sivagnanam said: “It is with great pleasure that we can announce Rob Crouse in his new role as Director for Sales for the MEA region. With more than 20 years experience in sales with Ford, Rob is the perfect choice for building on our sales success in the region.”

    Crouse, the former General Manager Marketing and Sales at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) is responsible for overseeing the MEA business unit’s growth and performance in vehicle sales in his new role. In his former role, Crouse was responsible for servicing the needs of all the existing clients and expanding Ford’s consumer base whilst supporting the introduction of new vehicles into the South African market.

    Under Crouse’s leadership, the Ford Ranger in South Africa ended July 2015, with sales volumes increased by 38.3 per cent over the same month last year. Overall, the total FMCSA volumes continue their upward trend, with total sales year-to-date up by 46 per cent.

    “I’m excited to be part of the team that is going to transform the MEA region to deliver solid market share growth and happy customers who are delighted with our products and services, while meeting the challenges of the region’s varied customer needs to deliver a world class experience with the Ford brand,” said Crouse.

    “I am looking forward to the all-new experience in these culturally diverse markets that make up this fascinating region of the world,” he added.

     

  • Weststar to unveil new Mercedes AMG GT

    Weststar to unveil new Mercedes AMG GT

    The new Mercedes-AMG GT adopts numerous Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive systems that are recognised in the new
    S-Class. The standard equipment includes collusion prevention assist plus, adaptive brake, attention assist, tyre pressure monitoring systems and optional extras, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    After many years of development, the wait is finally over. Since the Authorised Distributors of Mercedes-Benz Nigeria,

    Mercedes-AMG GT (C 190) 2014, Studio, interior: Exclusive nappa leather AMG red pepper/black; trim: AMG carbon-fibre matt
    Mercedes-AMG GT (C 190) 2014, Studio, interior: Exclusive nappa
    leather AMG red pepper/black; trim: AMG carbon-fibre matt

    it doesn’t come as a surprise that they will soon launch the sports coupé into the Nigerian market. The AMG GT carries the Mercedes-Benz racing car heritage and conveys the essences of the performance brand AMG. The car is a product of supreme craftsmanship and engineering, in which this unique sports car embodies the passion for outstanding performance and dynamism in its purest form.

    The creative interaction of diverse design elements lends the coupé a superior, self-confident front: the three-dimensional diamond radiator grille, with central Mercedes star, a broad louvre and lettering, stands in the centre of the front end. LED High Performance headlamps with stylised “eyebrows” as daytime running lamps, side lights and indicators, as well as three separate high-beam reflectors lend the GT its characteristic look. The A-wing with front splitter in the lower third of the front apron, a characteristic feature of AMG vehicles, makes the sports car appear low-slung and wide. ‘Coke bottle’ shape is one of many words that have been used to describe the innovative design of the AMG GT; all modern Mercedes feature the ‘Coke bottle’ theme, the GT being the most extreme example. The long bonnet with its pronounced powerdomes, the greenhouse which has been moved far back, the large wheels and broad tail end add to the vehicles distinctive look.

    In addition, the interior design also embodies maximum emotion and sensual purity. The model features radically low, sporty proportions, which creates a unique sense of spaciousness. Anyone opening the door of the AMG GT will discover an exciting interplay between the deep, sloping dashboard and a dominant, arched high centre console; a design which evokes emotions and impresses with its perfection, which was achieved by the brand using the finest materials and workmanship.

    The vehicle is everything one would expect from an authentic Mercedes-AMG sports car. From the characteristic styling and the motorsport technology to the optimum weight distribution. The drive system tailored to consistently delivering driving dynamics perfectly complements this set-up. The model also offers the perfect design and engineering combination to produce an amazing performance on the road as it uses technological DNA of the Mercedes-SLS AMG – one of the most successful cars in recent years.

    The Mercedes-AMG GT embraces the ‘one man, one engine’ philosophy; this philosophy has guided AMG’s approach to manufacturing and is the reason why every AMG engine is hand built from start to finish by one of the AMG master engine builders. The newly developed AMG 4.0 litre V8 bi-turbo engine was developed specifically for the Mercedes GT model and seals the AMG driving experience. The unique eight cylinder engine is the newest member of the BlueDIRECT engine family and boasts outstanding power delivery performance figures, on par with motor racing, lightweight construction as well as high efficiency and environmental compatibility. The engine responds immediately with power right from lower revs and delivers outstanding performance-top figures such as 3.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and a top speed of 310km/h, combined with the outstanding driving dynamics will undoubtedly translate into extremely fast laps.

    The model weights an impressive 1615 kilogrammes – a benchmark in the sports car division. The chassis and the body that are made largely of aluminum, are both lightweight without compromising on strength or a low centre of gravity. The whole structure has excellent bending and torsional stiffness for permanent resistance to elastic deformation and as a result, the vehicle is highly dynamic despite its minimal weight.

    “The new Mercedes-AMG GT is a sports car in its purist form”, says Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design Daimler AG.

    “Breathtaking proportions, powerfully sculpted surfaces and flowing lines turn the new AMG into a contemporary sports car which embodies the spirit of the glorious Mercedes sports cars.

    The Mercedes-AMG GT adopts numerous Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive systems that are recognised in the new S-Class. The standard equipment includes collusion prevention assist plus, adaptive brake, attention assist and the tyre pressure monitoring systems and optional extras. One feature being the Adaptive High-beam assist which makes night driving even safer as the system adjusts the headlamp range automatically to the distance of oncoming traffic/vehicles in front with their lights on – this provides the driver with the ideal headlamp range at all times.

    The reversing camera is a visual aid that makes reverse parking and other reversing manoeuvres much easier. The system switches on automatically when reverse gear is engaged and shows the area to the rear of the car on the head unit display. Other optional features include pre safe system and Blindspot Assist.

    The Mercedes AMG GT comes in 11 colours and production of the model starts in August, meaning the car will be available at Westststar and its authorised dealerships from October.

     

  • Nissan to invest £100m in UK plant

    NISSAN has confirmed that it will build its next-generation Juke crossover model at its Sunderland plant, a decision that will require a further £100 million invested in the factory and secure the jobs of 34,00 people.

    The Juke– originally launched in 2010 – was the 10th best-selling car in the United Kingdom last year with 39,263 sold. It is already built in Sunderland alongside the Qashqai, all-electric Leaf and Note.

    In addition, the next Juke will be designed at the Japanese carmaker’s studios in London’s Paddington and developed at its European engineering HQ in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, which will ensure that the model continues to appeal to the tastes of drivers in the UK and Europe.

    The next-generation, due in 2016, will be built on a new platform shared with Renault and feature more efficient engines and new technology.

    With the next generation Juke now confirmed for future production, customers can be assured that Nissan is going to remain the benchmark in the crossover segment for many years to come

    Nissan Europe chairman, Paul Willcox said: “The Juke’s unique design is one of the reasons Nissan is now the undisputed crossover leader, underpinning five consecutive years of sales growth in Europe.

    “This announcement also gives security to our Sunderland plant beyond 2020, which the team has earned through many years of hard work and their ability to continually raise the bar on quality.”

    The Sunderland factory has an annual output of over 500,00 cars, making it not only the biggest in the history of the UK car industry, but also larger than the whole of the current Italian car industry, according to Prof David Bailey from Aston Business School.

  • Range Rover Sport HST: Unique chassis, higher performance

    Range Rover Sport HST: Unique chassis, higher performance

    The 2016 model Range Rover Sport brings customers more choices when it comes to performance and technology. Additionally, Land Rover’s most dynamic model gains a new variant in the Range Rover Sport HST, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    The HST enhances the high performance Range Rover Sport driving experience, thanks to its up-rated 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol engine that produces 280kW and 450Nm – 30kW more than the current supercharged V6 model. Unique chassis settings and bespoke design features complement its higher performance.

    The bold new Range Rover Sport HST is identified by its unique exterior design – with a striking black theme – and interior enhancements, all of which give the high performance luxury Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) a distinctive and dynamic appearance.

    The HST is fitted with Stealth Pack lamps front and rear, which feature non-reflective surrounds and combine with a Santorini Black contrast roof and a new spoiler to give the luxury SUV a purposeful profile.Distinctive21-inch alloy wheels feature an exclusive dark satin grey finish, highlighting the up-rated 20-inch brake discs and eye-catching red brake callipers. Larger 22-inch Stealth alloy wheels are available as an option.

    The bonnet and front wing vents, grille and fog lamp bezels – all feature a glossy black finish, echoed by the ‘Range Rover’ lettering on the leading edge of the bonnet and rear tailgate. Sculpted body-coloured lower door panels and additional vent detailing on the bumpers are also fitted.

    In common with other Dynamic Range Rover Sport variants, the HST wears a red Sport badge at the rear, complemented by unique HST badging on the front wing vents.

    Unique chassis settings deliver an even more focused driving experience and sharper responses, without compromising the vehicle’s trademark comfort and refinement. Detail changes to the suspension reduce body roll and deliver enhanced agility.

    To highlight the HST’s high performance capabilities, Land Rover’s engineers have devised a unique Terrain Response set-up for the vehicle. It features a Dynamic mode that optimises the suspension, Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) and other electronic systems to suit on-road driving. This feature provides more controlled electronic damping and a more responsive throttle pedal, while enhancing gearshifts and steering response to match the change in vehicle character.

    Inside, the HST is finished with a duo tone seats trimmed in luxurious Oxford Leather. In combination with a contrast fascia, all-Ebony door trims and centre console and standard Ebony headlining, they create a unique environment. The high quality leather upholstery is available in four Ebony/colour combinations, along with an all-Ebony option.

    Bespoke HST badging on the dashboard, carpet mats and the TFT instrument panel highlight the luxury model’s high performance focus. The sporty cues extend to Noble-plated paddle shift gear levers on the steering wheel and distinctive bright ‘Sports’ pedals, while the aluminium interior trim features a textured ‘Sports’ finish.

    Upgrades across the range

    The Range Rover Sport line-up continues to offer breadth of capability, with dynamic on-road capabilities and Land Rover’s renowned off-road abilities. Customers wishing to take their Range Rover Sport off beaten track can now do so with more confidence, with the availability of Land Rover’s innovative All Terrain Progress Control (ATPC) system, on all SDV8 variants.

    Dubbed ‘cruise control for off road’, this system lets drivers set a speed with which they are comfortable – ranging from 1.8km/h to 30km/h – while they only need to provide steering input. The vehicle’s systems will optimise traction and drivetrain settings, allowing for effortless progress on difficult terrain.

    ATPC joins host of new and improved convenience features that also come to other models in the line-up. These include a new, improved Surround Camera System that utilises a high-resolution camera for crisper graphics and enhanced clarity. This also introduces Rear Junction View, which uses the Surround Camera System to significantly improve rearward visibility when reversing out of parking spots. An integrated washer jet for the rear camera ensures clarity at all times and in all conditions.

    The new Gesture Tailgate provides hands-free access to the luggage area. Sensors in the rear bumper let customers use their feet to gesture and open the rear tailgate. Placement of the sensors allows this to be achieved from either side of the vehicle when approaching from the kerbside.

    Further automation includes Automatic Access Height. While previously controlled manually, the new system automatically lowers the vehicle once parked. Depending on conditions the system will lower the vehicle by as much as 50mm, for improved entry, exit and loading items in the rear.

    Customers will also benefit from an increased range of personalisation options and an extended range of accessories. The Range Rover Sport will be available with three new paint options, and a total of seven interior colour-ways. Extended leather is now an option, and HSE, HST and SVR models will be fitted with climate seats as standard. A new Carbon Fibre Pack is also available, offering a sporty finish on side vents, tailgate trim, door mirror covers, a front grille surround, and fog lamp bezels, with bonnet vents finished in high-gloss lacquer.

  • Kaduna partners PAN in youth empowerment

    Kaduna partners PAN in youth empowerment

    Kaduna State government has partnered PAN Nigeria Limited in the area of youth empowerment.

    The state governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai said this when the board of PAN Nigeria Limited paid him a visit at his office.

    The governor informed the team that his administration is committed to the development of the youth through skills acquisition programmes, and explained that the state is currently partnering capacity building organisations, such as PAN Learning Center (PLC) to train youths in automotive repair skills.

    The governor, who was represented by the state Chief of Staff, Mrs Hadiza Bala Usman, said government will help in the advocacy for the legislation of the new automotive policy introduced last year by the Federal Government to ensure its sustenance and positive impact to the Nigerian auto industry.

    He promised that the state would patronise Peugeot products as long as the products are competitive in terms of cost effectiveness and superior value for money which are part of the principles of the new administration’s policy.Earlier in his speech, PAN Nigeria Limited Managing Director Alhaji Ibrahim, took time to reel out the history of PAN, its status then and now in the Nigeria’s auto market

    Boyi said it was painful to see the company that was thriving as the leading indigenous auto company both in terms of sales and employment opportunities, now strives to regain its position.

    The implication of which according to the him, led to privatisation and so many job cuts from the initial over 4,000 workforce in the early 80s, to about 300 now on its payroll.