The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Peugeot to set up factory in Morocco

    Peugeot to set up factory in Morocco

    French carmaker PSA Peugeot Citroen has announced plans to set up a factory in Morocco.

    The plant, possibly near the city of Kenitra, would have an initial production capacity of around 100,000 vehicles, the source said, echoing a report by Bloomberg news agency.

    A Peugeot spokesman said the group was currently focused on developing sales in Morocco before envisaging any industrial presence in the North African kingdom.

    “In the medium term, we are thinking about an industrial presence to accompany the development of our brands in the region,” the spokesman said, adding Morocco was one of the countries being considered.

    Reuters reported in November that Morocco, where Peugeot has outsourced research and development activities, featured among the projects of new boss Carlos Tavares as he seeks to increase the French carmaker’s footprint in lower-wage countries.

  • Audi to launch three new SUVs by 2020

    Audi to launch three new SUVs by 2020

    Audi is planning to launch three new Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) by the end of the decade, including a Q1 crossover, range-topping Q8 and one with electric drivetrain.

    This was revealed during the carmaker’s 126th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Neckarsulm. The cars are a few of the newcomers which will take its range to 60 models by 2020 – up from 52 in 2015. The company will invest €24billion (£17billion) in its facilities by the end of 2019, developing new technologies and increasing production capacity.

    New SUV models will arrive starting with the Q1 next year, which Audi confirmed in 2013 will be underpinned by the same platform used in the A3 and broaden the A1 family to include a crossover version. The Q8 – which will take on the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (soon to renamed the GLS) will follow in 2019 and is likely to share its platform with the new Q7 launching later this year.

    There are fewer details about the third SUV, which Audi says will be a sports-focused model featuring an electric drivetrain, due in 2018. This could denote fully-electric system similar to the forthcoming Tesla Model X, or possibly a plug-in hybrid or range-extender setup – both of which have been displayed in concept cars and production models.

    Audi says the newcomers will set out the foundations for ongoing growth. The carmaker delivered 591,000 cars in the first four months of the year and, with the new Q7 and A4 arriving during 2015, it expects this to be a record year.

  • Porsche out with ‘faster’ 911 GT3 R

    Porsche out with ‘faster’ 911 GT3 R

    Based on the powerful 911 GT3 RS production sports car, Porsche has designed a new customer racer for GT3 series around the world: The 911 GT3 R.

    Boasting more than 500 hp (368 kW) the new racing 911’s evolution is embodied through lightweight design, enhanced aerodynamics, increased efficiency, improved handling and further optimised safety, as well as the lowering of service and spare parts costs.

    Adapted from its road-going sibling but in a race track-formatted model, the 911 GT3 R features the distinctive double-bubble roof, and a wheelbase which has been lengthened by 8.3 centimetres.

    This ensures a more balanced weight distribution and more predictable handling particularly in fast corners. These important racing attributes are further enhanced through the application of lightweight solutions for the body, add-on parts and suspension, optimising the car’s centre of gravity.

    The lightweight body design of the 911 GT3 RS production sports car featuring an intelligent aluminium-steel composite, has proven to be the ideal basis for the race car.

    The roof, front cover and fairing, wheel arches, doors, side and tail sections as well as the rear cover, are made of particularly light carbon-fibre composite material (CFRP). All windows – and for the first time even the windscreen – consist of polycarbonate.

    Powering the new 911 GT3 R is a cutting-edge four-litre flat-six unit which is largely identical to the high-performance production engine of the road-legal 911 GT3 RS. Direct petrol injection, which operates at pressures up to 200 bar, as well as variable valve timing technology ensure a particularly efficient use of fuel.

    Moreover, the normally-aspirated engine offers significantly better driveability and a broader usable rev range. Power from the rear engine is transferred to the 310 mm rear wheels via a Porsche sequential six-speed constant-mesh gearbox. As in the GT road-going models of the 911, the driver changes gears via shift paddles conveniently positioned on the steering wheel.

    The aerodynamics of the 911 GT3 R also follow the example of the road car. The distinctive wheel arch air vents on the front fairings increase downforce at the front axle.

    Measuring two metres in width by 40-centimetres in depth, the rear wing lends aerodynamic balance. From its 911 RSR big brother, the GT3 R has adopted the concept of the centrally-positioned radiator.

    By eliminating the side radiators, the position of the centre of gravity has been improved, the radiator is better protected against collision damage and the venting of hot air through louvers in the front cover is also greatly improved.

    The brake system of the 911 GT3 R has also benefitted from further modifications and, thanks to increased stiffness and more precise control of the ABS, is even better suited to long distance racing. At the front axle, six-piston aluminium monobloc racing brake callipers combined with ventilated and grooved steel brake discs with a diameter of 380 millimetres ensure outstanding braking performance.

    Fitted at the rear axle are four-piston callipers and discs measuring 372 millimetres.

     

  • Implementation of National Council on Transport communique

    Implementation of National Council on Transport communique

    In the same vein, the Council also approved the establishment of a standing Committee to be headed by the Federal Ministry of Transport with Membership drawn from the states of the six geo-political zones and other stakeholders to Monitor the implementation of Council decisions by States and other transport –  related MDAs at least twice a year before each Council meeting beginning from the year.

    Shortly after the October, last year National Council on Transport conference at Enugu, I sent a letter to the Minister for Transportation, urging him not to relent in taking the necessary steps towards the speedy implementation of the above resolutions so that there will be commendable results to present at this year’s National Council on Transport Conference scheduled to hold in Sokoto.

    It is, however, regrettable that as at February, this year, the Federal Ministry of Transport has not called the proposed stakeholders meeting to deliberate on the resolutions thereby delaying their implementation.

    Peradventure, the honourable Minister is deeply involved in the electioneering campaigns.Be that as it may, I would like the Ministry and all the stakeholders to know that innocent lives are perishing on the Nigeria roads everyday and every step that needs to be taken to reduce the rate of road accidents and fatalities must be taken with the degree of urgency required because life has no duplicate and the youths who form majority of road accident victims are the future leaders of this great Nation.

    In all sincerity, no excuse is tenable for the delay in the result-oriented implementation of all the resolutions of the National Council on Transport meetings. I hereby use this medium to once again appeal to the Minister for Transport, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), State Vehicle Inspection Officers, Association of Driving Instructors of Nigeria and other relevant Stakeholders to swing into action without further delay in ensuring the total implementation of the above-mentioned resolutions (resolutions 5 and 9 in the Syndicate Group A on Land Transport and Resolution 4:18 in the Communique of the 2014 National Council on Transport conference).

    A stitch in time saves nine.

     

  • Porsche opens customer centre

    Porsche Cars North America officially opened its new $100 million Porsche Experience Centre (PEC) and headquarters in Atlanta last week, with the 27-acre complex becoming the brand’s largest investment ever outside Germany.

    Showcasing Porsche’s innovation, forward-thinking and performance-driven ethos, the industry-first facility is complete with a driver development track, classic car gallery, restoration centre, human performance centre, driving simulator lab and a fine dining restaurant. A state-of-the-art business centre features 13,000 square feet of conference and event space while the experience centre has been specifically designed as a destination for the public, automotive enthusiasts and Porsche customers.

    An estimated 30,000 guests are expected to visit the uniquely designed Porsche Experience Centre each year. Visitors and corporate groups can enhance their driving skills, utilise meeting space in the fully-equipped business centre, view classic Porsche automobiles or dine at Restaurant 356, aptly named after the first production Porsche. The 1.6-mile Driver Development Track runs through the courtyard of the facility and includes six instructor-led driving modules. The Handling Circuit, Off-Road Course, Dynamics Area, Low Friction Handling Circuit, Low Friction Circle and the only Kick Plate in North America are designed to demonstrate the engineering and technological capabilities of Porsche models.

  • New Mercedes-Benz CLA: Powerfully dynamic

    New Mercedes-Benz CLA: Powerfully dynamic

    Driving pleasure and efficiency needs not be mutually exclusive. The same is true of breathtaking design and world-class aerodynamic drag values. In all four areas, the new Mercedes-Benz CLA sets the benchmark in the medium-size category, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO.

    While the classic Mercedes-Benz CLS – whose design concept has generated more than its fair share of imitators since its debut in 2003 is still enthralling the world, further design development has given birth to the unmistakable looking Mercedes-Benz CLA. The powerfully dynamic design and interplay between concave and convex surfaces give the CLA its striking features.

    The authorised distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, Weststar, is set to introduce this four door coupe with its breathtakingly sporty proportions into the auto market. Drivers and passengers are bound to be drawn to its prominent features which include, the bonnet embedded in the front end with power domes and the diamond radiator grille. The light modules and LEDs behind the headlamp cover glass have been arranged in such a way as to create the characteristic “flare effect” for the daytime driving lights and indicators. This light signet defines the car’s energetic appearance and shapes a new Mercedes face.

    According to Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz cars, “the CLA is a car that does not confuse mid range with mediocrity. Its powerful design underscores the sporty side of the Mercedes-Benz brand.”

    The gently sloping roof contour and the pronounced, hallmark curvature of the rear window provides the CLA with a coupé-style character from the rear, too. The athletic impression from the rear results from the drawn-in C-pillars in conjunction with the shoulder muscle over the rear wheel arch linings. The tail lights are framed by the muscular lines of the shoulders which extend into the rear end, the horizontal orientation of the lights emphasising the rear’s powerful and aesthetic breadth.

    A large panoramic sliding sunroof is optionally available. This sunroof consists of a fixed polycarbonate cover at the front, a moving element made of mineral crystal and side trims to match the glass look.

    The interior design also contributes to the very special feel of Class. This is due to the selection of high-quality and the available combinations of materials.

    The instrument panel incorporates five round vents. The outer rings of the round vents have a high-quality electroplated silver-chrome finish. The airflow direction is governed by a galvanised insert that reveals a meticulous attention to detail. The free-standing display screen features a black piano-lacquer-look front panel in combination with the flush-fitting silver frame of the extended COMAND Online multimedia system.

    The CLA is fitted with integral seats in the front and rear, underscoring its sporty character. The rear bench seat emphasises the outer seats (2+1 seater). Coloured contrasting stitching is available, according to the selected interior appointment options. A fibre-optic cable in the opening between head restraint and backrest is optionally available as part of the ambient lighting.

    The standard equipment of the new CLA-Class is particularly generous with its air conditioning, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel plus 12 function buttons, steering column adjustable in height and longitudinal direction, green-tinted heat-insulating glass, Audio 20 CD radio with dual tuner, colour display and MP3- WMA- AAC-capable CD drive, six speakers as well as Aux-in socket and USB interface in the centre armrest for external audio and video devices, A colour display between the two large dials in the instrument cluster is likewise standard ex-factory for the CLA.

    In keeping with its sporty positioning, the CLA is available with high-torque turbo engines, sports suspension and the optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The technical highlights of this new design icon include a new world record in aerodynamics for series production automobiles (Cd value: 0.22) and numerous driving assistance systems, including the further-developed Collision Prevention Assist which is able to warn the driver of an obstacle from a speed of 7 km/h and to initiate precision braking when the driver steps on the brake pedal. Established assistance systems, such as the Blind Spot Assist and Adaptive Highbeam Assist, are also available.

    The CLA comes with the Direct Steer system. This electromechanical power steering offers improved feedback to the driver in comparison to conventional systems and makes an important contribution towards overall efficiency, as the steering assist function only requires energy when the steering wheel is actually turned. Additionally it enables various steering assistance functions which are activated by the ESP control unit.

    For the CLA 180, which will be available at any of the Mercedes-Benz dealership network, the petrol engine displacement of 1.6 litres, covers an output spectrum of 90 kW (122 hp) and 200 Nm of Torque. CLA-Class accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds and has a top speed of up to 210 km/h. The fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures of 5.4 l/100 km,

    All engines feature the ECO start/stop function as standard. The engines are combined with a six-speed manual transmission or with the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission, which reconciles comfort and sportiness in inimitable fashion.

    With optimum fuel consumption, low emissions and the world’s best Cd value for a series production vehicle of 0.22, the CLA-Class sets new benchmarks in efficiency in the medium-size category.

    “Driving pleasure and efficiency need not be mutually exclusive. The same is equally true of breathtaking design and world-class aerodynamic drag values. In all four areas, the CLA-Class sets the benchmark in the medium-size category”, stated Professor Dr Herbert Kohler, Chief Environmental Officer at Daimler AG.

  • Coscharis launches Discovery Sport

    Coscharis launches Discovery Sport

    SInce 1948, land rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true ‘breadth of capability’ across the model range. defender, freelander, discovery, range rover sport, range rover and range rover evoque each define the world’s 4×4 sectors, with 80 per cent of this model range exported to over 170 countries.

    However, since its revelation in september 2014, land rover has amassed 15,000 orders for the new discovery sport, with 10,000 orders taken before the vehicle was available to test drive.Currently, Discovery Sport is available in 175 markets, which includes Nigerian market – courtesy Coscharis Motors.

    Last Thursday, the discovery sport was formally presented to the auto lovers.

    Oriental Hotel on Victoria Island was agog with automobile stakeholders gathered for the launch of  Discovery Sport.

    Coscharis group president Dr Cosmos Maduka said the company is proud to be among the first in the Sub Sahara Africa market to achieve the feat.

    According to him, the new vehicle combines exquisite designs with innovative technologies and exceptional safety features.

    According to him, “the Discovery Sport is loaded with innovative technologies and delivering high levels of practicability, luxury, style and efficiency; it is the next chapter in the life of the discovery family.9900

    “As it has been done with all preceding models, the Discovery Sport is ingrained with a compelling combination of off-road capability and on-road dynamics. The interior spacing, seating arrangement and safety innovations make the discovery sport an ideal family vehicle, while the extensive use of intelligent lightweight materials, start and stop technology and an efficient powertrain reduce fuel cost and environment impact. These are evidently critical factors considered in our market.” Maduka said the new model’s sleek design, aerodynamic silhouette, legendary land rover capability and flexible interior add to its uniqueness.

    Following up on the heels of the successful introduction of the design direction of the range rover model range, the discovery sport is equipped with a similar range of class-leading designs, technologies, innovations and safety features, all of which has led to the discovery sport being awarded with a five star euro ncap rating.

    With so many first, the new discovery sport is the world’s most versatile and capable premium compact suv, featuring a 5+2 seating (optional) in a footprint no larger than existing 5-seat premium suvs.

    “Our intention,” Maduka said “is to position the Discovery Sport as the leading and preferred premium compact suv within the next two years. Consequently, the focus is to project it as a fleet variant and our retail sales directed at hard working and ambitious young executives and entrepreneurs in their late 20s and mid 40s.”

    According to Gerry Mcgovern, land rover design director and chief creative officer; the “…challenge has been to combine premium design with exceptional versatility; the two attributes must work in harmony.” this was achieved in the new Discovery Sport. “discovery sport’s dynamic design will resonate on an emotional level with consumers, and this vehicle is more versatile than any other premium compact suv on the market.”

    Though there is the 2.2 diesel engine, the discovery sport is equipped with a range of four-cylinder turbocharged si4 2.0-litre petrol engines for our market, which is dominantly petrol based. this all-alloy petrol engine features stop-start technology, high-pressure direct injection, low-friction internal components and smart regenerative charging for outstanding performance and economy.

  • Hyundai Motors appoints dealer in Uyo

    Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited has expanded its dealership with the appointment of Uyo-based vending and aftermarket shop, Enebros Motors Limited as the company’s fifth agent including Warri, Awka, Anambra State and two dealerships in Lagos.

    Enebros Motors will cater for the growing Hyundai clientele in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and provide sales and technical support to customers in neighbouring Oron, Eket and other Niger Delta communities.

    At a sign-on ceremony in Uyo, Hyundai Motors Nigeria Head of Sales and Marketing Jatin Nadkarni said the investiture was in line with Hyundai business expansion plan to guarantee seamless access to valued automobile products and services with the provision of higher level customer satisfaction and enhanced hospitality.

    Nadkarni urged the dealer to embrace Hyundai’s global vision of ‘Life time partner in automobiles and beyond’ by moving one step closer to customers and extending its role beyond being a simple sales and service shop to become customers’ lifetime companion.

    “It isn’t enough to be Hyundai certified dealer but you must be constantly focused and embrace the brand best practice for high level performance,” he said.

    While also encouraging the new dealer to value the basic principle of maintenance and improvement as standard ways of working throughout an organisation, Nadkarni said: “Our aim is to provide customers with best-in-class products and services and look forward to a long lasting and successful association.”

    Enebros Motors Limited Chairman, Elder Enefiok Udoh applauded Hyundai Motors’ resilience and decisive response to her request for representation in the Niger Delta, pledging allegiance to industry best practice and create exceptional awareness for Hyundai products and services in the fledging Akwa Ibom market.

    Elder Udoh also promised to provide efficient after sales facility for existing customers in Uyo, Oron and Eket.

    “We discovered in our survey that most customers who drive Hyundai vehicles here and in neighbouring communities are confronted with challenges of after sales and in most cases, they travel all the way to Port-Harcourt or Calabar for mere servicing but now that we are here we can bridge the gap.” .

    “We are ready to collaborate with Hyundai Motors to develop a local brand that could in future place Nigeria on the global map of technologically inclined,” he said.

  • Ford to hold Ranger Odyssey Africa Challenge

    The Ford Motor Company, in association with its accredited dealer in Nigeria, Coscharis Motors, has announced call for entry into this year’s edition of the Ranger Odyssey Africa Challenge.

    The third edition of the Ranger Odyssey will see a total of 20 contestants navigating through the extremely challenging north-western region of Namibia on a 12-day expedition.

    The adventure starts off at Spitzkoppe and travels through Palmwag, Khuwarib and the barren and unforgiving Desolation Trail that follows the Huab River to Desolation Valley.

    “The Ranger Odyssey is a unique event that gives dynamic individuals with a spirit for adventure the chance to see some of the most spectacular parts of Africa,” says Tracey Delate, General Marketing Manager, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA).While the life-changing experience is an exceptional prize in itself, there is also the allure of the grand prize which includes the use of an Odyssey-spec Ranger for a year, along with R5 000 or its naira equivalent (in case a Nigerian emerges winner) worth of fuel per month.

    General Manager Marketing and Corporate Services, Coscharis Motors, Abiona Babarinde said Ford is offering Nigerians, with an adventurous spirit, the opportunity to experience the adventure of a lifetime through the Ranger Odyssey. “The Ranger is built for the tough, and through this competition, Ford aims to bring together a group of people across the continent who have adventurous spirit to experience the best Africa has to offer.”

    He explained that in preparation towards the Namibia competition, Nigeria will hold an antecedent event on May 29.

  • KIA unveils locally assembled Sorento

    KIA unveils locally assembled Sorento

    The new KIA Sorento assembled in Nigeria, is redesigned with a sleeker, more sculpted exterior; it has a wider stance and longer wheelbase for even more versatile cabin space with available seating for up to seven. Kia Motors Nigeria unveiled the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) at the just concluded Lagos Motor Show last week. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports

    The 2015 Sorento guarantees comfort.  It has a spacious cabin with clean, modern styling. It is driver-focused, featuring a 14-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. From Nappa leather seat trim to the quality soft-touch materials, the Sorento is premium comfort everywhere you go.

    With a different beat, the KIA brand of vehicles has continued to exceed the expectations of customers in the world over, KIA Motors Nigeria has brought to the public and teeming customers the iconic all new 2015 made-in-Nigeria Kia Sorento delivering on its promise to locally produced Kia vehicles in the country.

    For over a decade now, Kia has remained the leading Korean brand in Nigeria by offering the best in class cutting-edge technology at an affordable price.

    The all-new Sorento, showcased for the first time at the 2014 Paris Motor Show in October, has continued to reel in different awards globally for its outstanding and iconic automotive technology which include the prestigious iF product design award and reddot award 2015. The Sorento unites the classic poise of an SUV with a premium look and feel that is particularly tangible in the cabin. It offers the very highest design quality and excellent value for money.

    It is one highly stylised, modern utility vehicle with improved handling and dynamic power.

    With the available Dynamax™ All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system, the Sorento delivers a smooth, refined drive even on rough roads. It presents two engine trims to fully customise your experience. Engines range from the fuel-efficient 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with its impressive performance to the 3.3-liter V6 AWD which offers 5,000-pound towing capacity.

    The third-generation Sorento Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) received the ‘Top Safety Pick’ award by achieving a ‘Good’ rating in every one of the IIHS’s demanding tests, thanks to an even stronger body shell and a wide array of passive and active safety equipment.

    This is the latest accolade from a globally-respected crash safety organisation – the all-new Sorento has already been awarded the maximum five-star crash safety rating by Euro NCAP. The car’s passenger compartment came in for particular praise for remaining stable in the event of a collision, and offering good protection for passengers of different physiques, no matter where they were seated in the car.

    The Sorento is among the safest models in its class and received accolade from IIHS – a highly respected vehicle safety institution.

    Comparing the new Sorento to its predecessor, the mid-size SUV improved its ‘Photochemical Oxidants Creation Potential’ (POCP) by nearly 13 per cent. POCP measures the amount of smog created by a vehicle’s manufacturing process and by the vehicle itself throughout its life.

    The new Kia Sorento is a stylish and practical SUV with exceptional versatility and practicality. The smoother, swept-back profile and deeply sculpted surfaces give the Kia Sorento a lithe, elegant appearance. The spacious interior follows the horizontal lines of the overall design concept and delivers a luxurious look and feel with top-quality materials throughout the cabin.

    The new Kia Sorento, which comes with seven seats, has a longer wheelbase and provides more passenger room than its predecessor. The luggage area is larger, and thanks to the sliding, 60:40-split seat row it is even more versatile, holding up to 1,732 litres.

    It has a powerful and efficient 270 ps engine with four-wheel drive fitted with Kia’s new Dynamax™ All-Wheel-Drive system with torque vectoring. High-tech specifications and a range of premium features including the rear camera and smart parking system that makes it easy to manoeuvre and park. Smart Key entry with Push Button Start makes it outstandingly easy to get in and drive the sporty Sorento.

    Mood lamp, led combination rear lamp and illuminated Door Scuff adds to the interior luxury feel of the SUV. Other unique features that make the Sorento stands out for other SUV in the country with its six speed automatic drive and a touch screen sound system with six premium surrounding speakers. Aligning with Nigeria’s densely populated urban centres that are characterised with traffic logjams; the Sorento Eco Mode helps minimise the fuel consumption.

    The structure of the new Sorento is significantly stronger, thanks in large part to the more widespread use of ultra-high tensile steel (UHTS). The previous-generation model was made up of 24.4 per cent UHTS, while the body shell of the new model consists of 52.7 per cent UHTS, aiding the integrity of the car’s core structure in the event of an impact and also improving torsional rigidity by 14 per cent.

    The new Sorento also boasts a range of safety assistance technology. The new model’s standard-fit Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system ensures the car remains stable when simultaneously braking and cornering, particularly on low-grip surfaces, by carefully controlling both the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and electric motor-driven power steering. Both systems are activated as soon as the car’s sensors detect a loss in traction, helping the driver to remain safely in control of the vehicle.