The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Honda to recall 13,700 units motorbikes

    Honda to recall 13,700 units motorbikes

    The Indian two-wheeler unit of Japanese auto maker, Honda Motor Corporation at the weekend, said it will recall the CBR 150R and 250R motorbikes manufactured between July 2014 and June 2015.

    Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd did not disclose the total number of units that would be recalled, but someone directly involved in the matter, who declined to be named, said the company was recalling about 13,700 units. It is part of a global recall by Honda.

    The recall is a precautionary measure to check and replace the starter relay switch if it is defective.

    “It is suspected, sealant may have been applied incorrectly during assembly of the starter relay switch (which is a globally sourced part). This can increase resistance across main fuse, potentially interrupting the motorcycle’s battery voltage to the electrical system,” the company said in a statement.

    An interruption of the electrical system battery voltage could cause the engine not to start or stall while riding, and in extreme cases, the increased resistance in the main fuse could cause the starter relay to catch fire, the company said.

    It added that no such incident had been reported for vehicles manufactured in India.

    The concerned part will be replaced free of charge in the identified units irrespective of the warranty status of the vehicle across Honda’s India network.

  • Kia Motors sold 230,227 vehicles in July

    Kia Motors Corporation announced its July 2015 global sales figures (export sales, domestic sales and sales from overseas plants) for passenger cars, recreational vehicles (RVs) and commercial vehicles, recording a total of 230,227 units sold.

    In July, Kia posted year-on-year sales increases in the domestic Korean market (13.9 per cent growth with 48,202 units sold) and North America (5.8 per cent growth with 62,013 units sold).

    Cumulatively through the first seven months of 2015, Kia’s global sales totalled 1,667,575 units for a -0.9 per cent year-on-year decrease. Korea (290,784 units sold) and North America (408,750 units sold) have seen an 11.4 per cent and 4.0 per cent rise in sales, respectively, through July 2015.

    Kia’s bestselling model in overseas markets during July 2015 was the B-segment Rio (known as ‘K2’ in China) with 38,500 units sold. The Sportage compact CUV was the second best seller with 28,993 units sold, while the C-segment Cerato (known as ‘Forte’ or ‘K3’ in some markets), Optima D-segment sedan and Soul urban crossover followed with 22,691, 20,325 and 18,760 units sold, respectively.

    Meanwhile, Kia kicked off official retail sales in Mexico in July with 1,499 units sold through its initial network of 21 dealerships. This figure is more than double the previous sales mark achieved by any other automaker in its first month of sales in the country, according to data from Urban Science, a company specialising in data analysis for the automotive sector. Kia plans to add an additional 25 dealerships in Mexico by the end of 2015 to bring the total number dealerships to 46.

  • Most expensive car collection sells for $67m

    Most expensive car collection sells for $67m

    The most expensive single-car collection ever sold during one auction fetched more than $67 million, showing continued strength in the collectible car market.

    Twenty-five cars, all owned by an anonymous Florida collector, were sold last Thursday by RM Sotheby’s in a standing-room-only sale as part of the Concours d’Elegance auctions and shows in Pebble Beach, California. The sale total beat the previous record for a collection from a single owner of $65 million.

    The top car by sales price was a 1964 Ferrari 250 LM that went for $17.6 million.

    A 1998 McLaren F1 LM road version—one of only two built—fetched $13.75 million, marking the highest price ever paid for a McLaren at auction.

    The so-called Pope’s Ferrari sold for $6.05 million. The car, which was the last Ferrari Enzo produced, was given to Pope John Paul II in 2005. The pope never drove the car, but sold it for charity.

    A 1994 Ferrari F40 LM sold for $3.3 million, as did a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4.

    One of only 32 produced, this 1964 Ferrari 250 LM sold for $17.6 million at the Concours d’Elegance auction in Pebble Beach.

    This 1986 Ferrari Testarossa, featured in the 1980s hit TV show “Miami Vice,” is set to hit the auction block.

    A Koenigsegg CCXR that appeared in the movie “Fast Five” sold for $825,000.

    The sale marks a success for the newly formed partnership between RM and Sotheby’s, and is expected to set the tone for the rest of the sales in Pebble Beach this week. More than $400 million worth of classic cars will be auctioned in Pebble and Monterey, California, as part of the Concours d’Elegance week.

  • Kia Motors assembly plant in good shape

    Kia Motors assembly plant in good shape

    There was a palpable air of excitement throughout the facility tour of the multi billion naira state-of-the-art assembly plant of Kia Motors Nigeria, in Lagos where over 20 journalists of leading media houses in the country visited the plant to see the equipment and the brand’s assembly process. There is no gainsaying the fact that, Kia has remained one of the major brands in  the country with its year-on-year phenomenal rise that has galvanised the brand into a monumental feat in the Nigerian auto industry following the unveiling of the plant in the first quarter of the year.

    Reinforcing the company’s unwavering commitment to the industrialisation of Nigerian economy and its great contributions to the success of the auto policy,the Chief Operation Officer,Gitesh Yagnik said Kia has invested heavily in the assembly plant. Its state-of-the-art technologies are arguably at par with any renowned plant. The plant now prides itself on the production of nine models and their respective trims in the country with over 2500 units rolled out since its launch in April, 2014.

    The sprawling complex has been built to the high standard of Kia Motors Corporation. Culminating in several months of construction, installation of technologically advanced equipment and the training of its staff have snowballed into its first assembly lines that assembles Kia models, such as its best-selling Kia Rio, Cerato, Optima, Sportage and the all-new 2015 Kia Sorento recently unveiled globally amongst others are all products from the plant.

    In tandem with all automobile assembling/manufacturing plants in new market practice globally, the plant kicked off with semi knocked down where painted and trimmed bodies are shipped from an established plant in one box, mechanicals in another, join the two, add some locally sourced transmission fluids, air conditioner gas and the host of others.

    With no prejudice and utmost transparency to help in alleviating the rate of unemployment in the country, over 85 per cent of the employees are sourced locally from top Nigerian universities.

    Speaking at the tour, the Chief Operation officer, Gitesh Yagnik pointed out that the plant house over 100 engineers drawn from Nigerian universities and had undergone a top notch intensive training program and capacity development before been employed into the plant.

    “We now have 150 trained and qualified engineers that can be compared to international standard and over 50 support staff running the operational and assembly process cycle of the plant”.

    Yemisi Onanuga, the Supply Chain manager, who conducted the tour, gave a holistic and professional insight of the plant’s facility and assembling process.

    Apparently, the plant is people-focused. “We believe our strength is in our employees rather than machines” the Chief Commercial Officer, Sandeep Malhotra, said.

    He further alluded to the fact that the success of the plant is premised on Nigeria’s auto policy. According to him, for the industry to be revolutionised and contribute significantly  to the country’s IGR, the government needs to stay true to the policy and clamp down on the unchecked influx of imported used cars, popularly known as “Tokunbo” vehicles.

     

  • Equipment firm appoints local distributor

    FYB, the world largest suppliers of OE (Original Equipment) and Aftermarket Shock Absorbers and Struts has appointed APT (auto parts technology) as official distributors in Nigeria.

    KYB is introducing OE to Nigeria’s evolving market to help restore confidence in the aftermarket segment of the country’s automobile market and essentially, reinstate vehicles’ original handling and control.

    A part of KUNECH Group, owners of AutoNation Africa, a leading automotive service company, APT seeks to synergies with Tokyo-Japan based KYB to restructure Nigeria’s aftermarket with OE supplies and increase vehicle and plant performance beyond original handling and control.

    KYB is a $4.2 billion worth global manufacturers of a variety of world class ride control products used as original equipment and replacement parts in automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, specialty vehicles, buses, aircraft, railroad cars and agricultural applications.

    The varied uses and application of KYB products and equipment demonstrate her commitment to helping create a safer, more efficient and more comfortable society APT National Parts Manager Tushar Gomase said

    Addressing parts marketers at the inauguration of APT headquarters in ASPAMDA Plaza, Trade Fair Complex Lagos, Tushar urged them to do away with old habits and embrace world class standard, adding that: “We are proud to be associated with KYB and together we will transform Nigeria parts’ market and restore confidence of plant and vehicle owners as well as independent garages in parts sourced locally.”

    APT already has a large stock of OE including batteries, filters, cooling systems, brake pads with linings; suspensions, engine parts, belts, lubricants and tyres sourced from KYB and other well-known manufacturers based in Korea, Japan, and Indonesia.

    The company similarly has several accredited parts’ dealers at the popular Ladipo, Idumota and Obalende markets in Lagos and Ibadan, Oyo State with plans to appoint dealers in Kano, Abuja, Benin City, Onitsha and Port Hartcourt by September.

    Tusshar said: “The Safety of Nigerians is the company’s top priority and we are committed to supplying standardised OE parts to traders in these markets and consistently invent proactive communication strategies to discourage stocks of substandard and fake parts.”

     

  • Ranger Odyssey winner emerges tomorrow

    Twenty contestants and a convoy of 17 Ford Rangers have completed an arduous 12-day 2 000km off-road expedition through the extremely remote and rugged Damaraland and Kaokoland regions of northern Namibia during Ranger Odyssey 2015 which ended in Windhoek last week.

    There were many highlights during the trip, including travelling through Desolation Valley, the infamous Khuwarib, dust holes, Crowther 4×4 Trail and camping at the base of Brandberg – each just as spectacular as the last. The convoy also traversed many of Namibia’s main rivers including the Huab, Omaruru, Hoanib and Hoarisib River.

    The route officially started at Spitzkoppe, and contestants travelled via Palmwag, Khuwarib and Desolation Valley to the final destination point at Brandberg campsite where the final two days were spent beneath the highest mountain in Namibia. The terrain varied dramatically during the course of the trip, from smooth dirty roads to soft river sand, suspension-testing rough and rocky 4×4 trails through the mountains leading into barren planes that stretch as far as the eye can see.

    Each day the contestants were assessed and scored by the instructors, Ford representatives and media crew on a wide variety of aspects, including 4×4 driving, camp etiquette, communication and leadership skills, special tasks,as well as their overall demeanour throughout the trip.

    The competition also featured two elimination phases. The two lowest scoring contestants were eliminated on July 27 and a further three departed on the 30th. Contestants’ votes also counted for a portion of the scores in each round, plus were factored into the final results.

    “The final 15 contestants have come through 12 challenging days in some of the most remote and unforgiving conditions of northern Namibia,” says Tracey Delate, General Marketing Manager, Ford Motor Company of Sub-Saharan Africa.

    “Each one of the contestants has given it their all and we have been really impressed with the enthusiasm, energy and spirit that each person brought to Ranger Odyssey 2015.

    “Ultimately there will be only one winner but everyone heads home today as a winner in their own right, having experienced a true life-changing adventure through some of the best parts of Namibia,” Delate commented.

    The Ford Ranger has been the real star of the show having conquered some of the most arduous and challenging conditions in Africa. The performance of the Ranger has been truly exceptional throughout, taming even some of the toughest obstacles. Overall, the Ranger proved that it is indeed built for tough.

    During the trip contestants proposed their own corporate social responsibility initiatives. The winner of the humanitarian project was Jacobus Muller, who won the contestants’ combined pot of “Ranger Odyssey Dollars” to get his proposal off the ground for a self-sustaining crèche powered and watered by a windmill system – after all, changing lives is what Ranger Odyssey is all about.

    The winner of Ranger Odyssey 2015 will be revealed at a Ford event in Sandton tomorrow. The ultimate prize: an Odyssey Ranger for a year, plus the equivalent of R5 000 fuel per month.

  • Why Frsc and road safety are failing in Nigeria

    Why Frsc and road safety are failing in Nigeria

    Considering the fact that Nigeria is among the 10 countries with the highest rate of road accidents and fatalities in the world (number two among 193 countries) coupled with the rate at which lives and properties are wasting away on Nigerian roads, there is a need to urgently examine where we got it wrong and take proactive steps to get it right and place Nigeria as one of the 10 Countries with the safest roads worldwide.

    Before listing my 23 workable recommendations, I want to summarise the background information and problem analysis as guides to the suggested antidotes.

    The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) was established in 1988 (27 years ago) as the lead Agency for Road Safety in Nigeria by Decree No 45.

    FRSC later subjected the Decree to amendments (1992,2004,2007 and 2012) thereby accumulating many more functions, a case which I usually refer to as overloading of functions (biting more than it can chew or swallow) thereby breeding inefficiency and ineffectiveness in many ramifications to the extent that several misleading errors and costly omissions were passed and published in the current Nigerian Highway Code without being noticed nor promptly corrected by the Corps. Three years after sending a letter to FRSC authorities, pointing out the obvious errors and omissions, more copies are still being produced without effecting the correction of the embarrassing portions which they promised to correct in their responses to my letters. Several of the FRSC’s statutory functions have either been left undone or inadequately done thereby keeping the rate of road accidents and fatalities high in Nigeria as at today.

    FRSC also published codes for verifying genuine Driver licence but have turned to money swallowers. If you input the code to know if the licence you are holding is genuine, the Network provider will deduct N50 from your account but no result will follow and the money will not be refunded. Another fraud or prank on innocent citizens? I have tested it and FRSC has not made any public pronouncement  to stop people from using the non-functional code.

    The errors in the offences and penalties sheet of FRSC also give room to fraud, bribery and corruption on the part of FRSC officers and motorists, yet the loopholes have not yet been removed from the sheet three years after the FRSC Authorities assured me that they will effect the corrections in response to my letter to the immediate past Corps Marshal (Mr Osita Chidoka).

    Within a span of six years, I have written over 15 letters to the authorities of FRSC and also had over 10 personal discussions with different cadres of officers of the Corps, offering various observations and advice but over the years, I have discovered that FRSCAuthorities detests consultations and resists advice thereby exhibiting the know-it-all attitude, The non-reception to external ideas and comments is part of the contributing factors to the Corps’ performance and the persistently high rate of road accidents and fatalities in Nigeria,

    The N1.5billion (one billion, five hundred million naira) grant given to FRSC by the World Bank about two years ago was sufficient to make a significant impact in the reduction of road accidents and fatalities in Nigeria.

     

  • Jaguar XE launched in strange environment

    Jaguar XE launched in strange environment

    In an unfamiliar terrain, Coscharis Motors unveiled the all new Jaguar XE in Lagos. The launch was held at the Eko Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos before a gathering of Information Technology (IT) experts. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO was there 

    It is the first of a new generation of cars to be launched on Jaguar’s state-of-the-art-all new Aluminium Intensive Architecture; the lightweight aluminium construction that creates an incredibly strong body.

    With so many firsts, the new Jaguar XE is the most advanced, efficient and refined sports saloon car that Jaguar has ever produced.The latest in an illustrious bloodline. Instantly recognisable as a Jaguar, it feels like a Jaguar, it drives like a Jaguar –XE is a Jaguar to its core.

    The Jaguar XE is designed as an extraordinary everyday vehicle that combines the legendary Jaguar sporting character with systems that empower the driver and enhance the driving experience.

    No wonder, Coscharis Motors decided to move away from the traditional way of unveiling new vehicles. This time, the auto giant showcased the all new Jaguar XE before a hi-tech audience including young people operating in the different fields of technology.

    The launch took shine off the various events lined up for the two-day Tech+ 2015 event, which was sponsored by MTN Nigeria and Connect Marketing Services.

    The avenue was an innovative technology conference and exhibition that featured live demonstrations of the latest digital products and services with hands-on practical workshops facilitated by renowned IT experts.

    It was held at the iconic Eko Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.

    While it is quite unusual to launch a vehicle this way, Coscharis Motors President / Chief Executive Officer Dr Cosmas Maduka acknowledged that doing so was to showcase the edge Jaguar XE had over its competitors.

    “We must remark that the Jaguar car we are launching today is also an unusual vehicle. A special pick out of the pack with the latest Jaguar innovation, technology, powertrain and design that cuts across gender,” he said.

    The Jaguar XE is a compact executive car manufactured by the British manufacturer Jaguar. The global launch of the 2015 model was in March 2014 at the Geneva Motor Show, and its production was said to have begun in April this year.

    According to him, only a Jaguar promises a distinct combination of performance and seduction to give auto lovers a unique, utterly rewarding driving experience; advanced power-trains with roaring exhaust soundtrack; sublime agility and instinctive steering; with innovative technology and craftsmanship both exterior and interior wise.

    “I must emphasise that you are not just among the first to officially view the Jaguar XE in Africa but the very first in Nigeria. I am sure as soon as you see the Jaguar XE, you will want to hit the road,” he said.

    The Jaguar XE is the first of a new generation of cars to be launched on Jaguar’s state-of-the-art, all new Aluminium Intensive Architecture; the lightweight aluminium construction creates an incredibly strong body.

    Coscharis said it is positioning Jaguar XE as the leading and preferred premium compact sports saloon within the next two years.

    Consequently, the focus is to project it as a fleet variant and retail sales directed at hard working and ambitious young male and female executives and entrepreneurs in their late 20s and mid 40s.

    “We have come to know that Jaguar customers are people who want to be different. The Jaguar XE amplifies this. It immediately catches the eye, standing out from the completion because of its upscale proportions, which makes it look crouching and ready to pounce on the road,” Maduka said.

    The Jaguar XE comes in five models which include the XE R-Sport (2.0L), XE Supercharged (3.0L), XE Pure (2.0L), XE Prestige (2.0l) and XE Portfolio (2.0L).

  • Land Rover unveils Celebration Edition Defenders

    Land Rover unveils Celebration Edition Defenders

    LR_DEF_LE_Heritage_070115_01_(101580)Order books have opened for the new Celebration Edition Land Rover Defenders.

    Land Rover fans who have been waiting for these special models can now visit dealers to secure one of the 60 units that will be sold in Land Rover’s key sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) markets. Two variants will be made available: the Defender Heritage Edition and the Defender Adventure Edition. With such limited availability, buyers can be assured that they will own truly rare and special versions of the Defender.

    The Heritage Edition is inspired by early Land Rover models. It mixes nostalgic design cues with modern creature comforts, and is immediately identifiable through its distinctive Grasmere Green paintwork and a contrasting white roof. Additional heritage touches include a classic design grille and HUE 166 graphics, recalling the registration plate of the first ever pre-production Land Rover (nicknamed ‘Huey’). SSA markets will get 15 Heritage Edition Defenders in the 110 Station Wagon body style, and 15 in the 90 Station Wagon body style.

    The new Adventure Edition is aimed at Land Rover customers who relish the great outdoors and embrace the Defender’s ‘go anywhere, do anything’ attitude. It comes fitted with additional under-body protection and Goodyear MT/R tyres to boost the Defender’s already class-leading all-terrain capabilities. Unique decals and a leather-trimmed cabin ensure the Adventure Edition stands out from the Defender crowd. Of the Adventure Edition Defenders allocated to SSA markets, 10 will be in the 90 Station Wagon body style, while 20 will be in the 110 Station Wagon body style.

    These limited edition Defender models can be ordered at Land Rover or Jaguar Land Rover dealers across the country, and the first units will be delivered in September 2015. Pricing will be confirmed closer to availability.

    Heritage Edition

    The Heritage Edition evokes the history of the Defender as a modern interpretation of the famous HUE 166 Land Rover – the first pre-production Series I vehicle, nicknamed ‘Huey’, which dates back to 1947. Traditionalists will appreciate the Grasmere Green metallic paintwork, Alaska White roof, heritage style grille, headlamp surrounds and heavy-duty steel wheels. Other nostalgic additions include the silver front bumper with black end caps while clear indicator lenses and Indus Silver door hinges also set the Heritage Edition apart. Body-coloured wheel arches and mudflaps bearing the Heritage logo also feature.

    Externally, the finishing touch comes in the shape of aluminium heritage style badging to the front grille and rear bodywork, which is inspired by the designs fitted to the Series I and II models. HUE 166 graphics also adorn the front wing panels.

    While the exterior pays homage to the earliest Land Rovers, the Heritage Edition features a host of modern creature comforts and luxurious finishes inside. They include perforated leather outer steering wheel rim and gear lever, Bright Aluminium trim for the air vents, door handles and door locks, and Almond Resolve Cloth seat facings bearing the heritage logo and detailed with HUE 166 tags.

    Durable rubber floor mats and a padded cubby box between the front seats ensure the Heritage Edition is as functional as it is distinctive.

     

  • Hyundai showcases Naija-made Grand Xcent

    Hyundai showcases Naija-made Grand Xcent

    The B-segment made-in-Nigeria Hyundai Grand Xcent passenger car is continuing to excite and attract patrons with penchant for budget car with efficiency and practicalities of a mid-size sedan, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    Introduced into the market in February, the B-segment made-in-Nigeria Hyundai Grand Xcent passenger car has demonstrated that a comfortable and spacious car doesn’t have to be cumbersome but rather, cultured and practical to deliver value for money.

    Powered by an all-aluminum 1.25-litre Kappa Dual VTVT capacity engine, the Grand Xcent is quiet and smooth with exceptionally low weight materials to maximise fuel consumption.

    The Grand Xcent is Hyundai Motors Nigeria second indigenously assembled budget car after a similar model – the Grand i10 – which was launched last November.

    Mated to a five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmission which the makers described as an entirely new level of art and innovation, the new Hyundai Grand Xcent would appeal to an appreciably sized family and companies in search of functional pool car.

    The Grand Xcent is imbued with comfortable bucket-type front seats and ergonomically designed rear seats with adjustable headrests and ample support that gives the car a premium feel.

    Interestingly, the Grand Xcent 1.25cc engine is amazingly responsive and gets off to a fantastic start without sacrificing the brilliant aerodynamic appeal that makes the car the best entry level sedan yet.

    Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited Head of Sales and Marketing Jatin Nadkarni said the company was delighted to introduce another B-segment car to cater for the need of a highly important market segment that wants affordably priced functional and reassuring saloon car for their daily travels.

    He attributed the success of the Grand Xcent to the Federal Government’s National Automotive Industrial Development Plan, which he described as a motivation for introducing a truly people’s car that caters for a new market segment that craves for efficiency and practicality.

    “This car responds to every expectation with alluring cabin colour, textures and shape, yet sporting an appeal that could easily make large car envious,” Nadkarni said.

    The car also shows sharp styling with a whole new level of innovation that attests to the luminously crafted exterior that leaves an everlasting impression on all those who ride in it.

    This is in addition to the Xcent clear headlight clusters which doesn’t only look good but improves night vision and on-road visibility with extra safety and a chrome-coated radiator grille positioned to guarantee strong presence.

    Also striking in the Grand Xcent is the lib-eral boot space that could accommodate your weekend luggage with bench folding function that provides an extra flat load space.

    The car similarly comes equipped with precision designed bumper that reduces forward air flow resistance just as the rear spoiler effect combines to enhance fuel economy and driving stability.

    Hyundai, however, does not compromise on safety, especially when viewed against the structural safety that utilises anti corrosive steel, ring structure application to enhance rigidity and body robustness.

    The Grand Xcent may yet remain the most attractive budget car for field marketers and young couples looking for versatile and fashionably outstanding car with extraordinary features and affordable price tag.

    ‘The car is equipped with precision-designed bumper that reduces forward air flow resistance just as the rear spoiler effect combines to enhance fuel economy and driving stability’