The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • 2015: 10 most efficient automobiles model

    Gasoline prices fell at the end of 2014, but it doesn’t mean they will stay that way for 2015. For now, the only way to guarantee that one won’t be spending a ton of monthly budget on gasoline is buying one of the most efficient cars in the market.

    As you might guess, most are of the electrified variety, though one plug-in hybrid did make the list. Here are the 10 most efficient automobiles of the 2015 model year, according to the EPA ratings on Fueleconomy.gov. Only vehicles with a 2015 model count for this list. Any ties in fuel economy ratings were decided in favour of the vehicle with the higher city rating.

    10. Chevrolet Volt

    Chevy has a 2016 Volt in store for the Detroit Auto Show, but for now the 2015 model is efficient enough to claim 10th place for the 2015 model year. With 63 miles per gallon in the city and 61 miles per gallon in highway driving (for combined electric and gas use), the Volt remains a standout in economy. Its 38 miles of electric range give it the longest range of any plug-in hybrid for 2015.

    9. Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive

    At 85 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in the city and 82 miles per gallon in highway driving, the Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive is a remarkable performer for a vehicle with 251 pounds-feet of torque. To guarantee the electric B-Class reduced emissions over its life cycle compared to a gasoline B-Class, independent testing agency TÜV made a detailed analysis of the two cars. The results proved emissions were reduced by 24 per cent on the EU electricity grid and 64 per cent on a hydroelectric grid. Electric range for the B-Class is 87 miles.

    8. Ford Focus Electric

    Ford’s low-volume electric model remains one of the country’s most efficient vehicles. The 2015 model is rated at 110 miles per gallon equivalent in the city and 99 miles per gallon in highway driving. Electric range is clocked at 76 miles. New 2015 Focus Electric models do not improve upon the prior model year’s numbers, but the prices are lower now than they have ever been. A Focus Electric now sells at $29,170.

    7. Kia Soul

    In terms of overall economy, the 2015 Kia Soul EV ties the Focus Electric at 105 miles per gallon equivalent. For this list, the Soul EV gets the edge because of its impressive 120 miles per gallon in the city. After all, even with a range of 93 miles, these cars are basically city vehicles. Until they cross the 300-mile benchmark, we’ll continue to give the benefit of the doubt to electric vehicles with excellent city economy. For the record, a 2015 Soul EV gets 92 miles per gallon equivalent on the highway.

    6. Smart Electric Drive Coupe (tie)

    People can make fun of Smart cars for a variety of reasons, but fuel economy is not one of them. Two Smart models tied for fifth and sixth place among the most efficient automobiles of the 2015 model year. The Smart Electric Drive coupe is rated at 122 miles per gallon equivalent in the city and 93 miles per gallon on the highway. (If driving this car on the highway, please be very careful.) It all adds up to a combined 107 miles per gallon equivalent and 68 miles of range.

    5. Smart Electric Drive Convertible (tie)

    Drop the top on your cute little Smart Electric Drive and you have another fuel economy star. Just because you have the wind blowing through your hair doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a kilowatt of efficiency. You still get the 107 miles per gallon equivalent and 68 miles of range. You just do it in a sexier package. Who needs a Ferrari or a 2015 Mustang convertible? OK, maybe there are millions of people who prefer these cars, but in your Smart cabriolet you’ll never pay for gas again.

    4. Nissan Leaf

    In terms of efficiency, availability, value, and performance, there is no comparison for the Nissan Leaf. Holding down fourth place with 114 miles per gallon equivalent combined, the Leaf remains one of the two most-efficient cars that people can buy in auto markets across the country. (Others known as compliance cars often just sell in Oregon and California.) Perhaps this combination drove the Leaf to shatter the electric vehicle sales record in the United States in 2014.

    3. Fiat 500e

    Speaking of compliance cars, the Fiat 500e is “available only in California and Oregon at select Fiat studios.” For those with access, the little guy gets a remarkable 116 miles per gallon equivalent combined, which makes it second-best on the U.S. market. City driving is rated at 122 miles per gallon, while electric range is set at 87 miles by the EPA. Highway driving yields 108 miles per gallon, according to the EPA.

    2. Volkswagen e-Golf

    With a combined 116 miles per gallon equivalent, the 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf tied the Fiat 500e with its overall rating. For this list, it gets the edge with the 126 miles per gallon equivalent in city driving and its conservative estimate of 83 miles in electric range. Bravo to the e-Golf for opening up availability to at least 10 U.S. markets.

    1. Chevrolet Spark EV

    General Motors book ends the list of most efficient 2015 cars with the Chevy Volt and Chevy Spark EV, the best performer in economy for the model year. Like several cars on this list, the Spark EV is one of the compliance cars that give GM a way to sell more cars in California, US largest auto market. Available in Oregon as well as the Golden State, a Spark EV is rated at a combined 119 miles per gallon equivalent and gets up to 82 miles of electric range.

    Where do EV standouts Tesla and BMW stand with their respective 2014 models? The 2014 Tesla Model S is rated at a combined 95 miles per gallon equivalent, which would best the Mercedes B-Class ranked ninth for 2015. As for the BMW i3, its 124 miles per gallon combined rating (137 city MPGe) make it the most efficient vehicle for sale. It just doesn’t have a model wearing a 2015 badge.

  • Video captures woman driver’s disastrous petrol station blunder

    Video captures woman driver’s disastrous petrol station blunder

    Close Circuit Television (CCTV) footage captures woman driver’s disastrous attempts to line up her 4×4 with fuel pump at petrol station

    And embarrassingly, it takes her an astonishing five attempts to park her car with the cap on the correct side.

    Captured on CCTV footage, a security worker was heard laughing as he records the woman makes blunder after blunder.

    The clip, posted on YouTube, has racked up more than six million views in less than four days.

    It begins as the woman drives into a station in Leicester, United Kingdom and emerges from her vehicle only to spot the cap is on the wrong side.

    But hilariously, she drives around and emerges again on the wrong side, repeatedly failing to spot her mistake.

    It takes five tries over a three-minute period for the woman to realise her error, perform a three-point turn and finally fill up her tank.

    But at least she got there in the end.

    The rounds

    The woman driver comes into the petrol station and quickly realises her fuel cap is on the wrong side

    She proceeds to drive around to the other side, only to come out and realise her cap is still on the wrong side

    Third time lucky? She comes around yet again but still doesn’t spot the problem.

    The footage, captured on CCTV, shows her go around a third time and a security work can be heard giggling

    Her fourth attempt is yet another fail, but her amusing blunder racked up six million views on YouTube

    But the fifth time proved the charm as the woman finally spots her mistake and does a three-point turn

  • GM caps 2014 with new truck, SUV recalls

    General Motors capped a troubled year by recalling nearly 84,000 vehicles in the United States, the company said, lifting the number of total 2014 recalls to 84.

    The latest call for drivers to return flawed cars covers GM’s popular fleet of trucks and sport utility vehicles from the 2011 and 2012 model years, as well as vehicles from 2007 to 2014 that may have been repaired with defective parts.

    Potentially affected vehicles include certain Chevrolet Silverado light-duty and heavy-duty pickups as well as Avalanche, Tahoe and Suburban; GMC Sierra light duty and heavy-duty pickups, and Yukon and Yukon XL; Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT.

    According to the company, there appears to be an issue with the ignition that may force it to get stuck, although no crashes or injuries have been associated with those models.

    The remaining two recalls covered 56 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickup trucks built between September and October of 2014. A separate order covered 152 of the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC 1500 pickup trucks over concerns the rear axle shaft may fracture while the vehicle is being driven.

    Less than 500 vehicles are expected to be impacted by the new recall. According to GM, the total number of vehicles affected worldwide are just over 92,000.

    While significant, the last recalls of the year are on an order fall smaller than the 2.6 million vehicles GM was forced to recall, after an ignition-switch problem created a legal and public relations firestorm for CEO Mary Barra.

    More than 40 deaths were linked to the problem, and the recall was delayed after a decade of internal discussions about the problem.

  • Coscharis unveils the new BMW X4

    Coscharis unveils the new BMW X4

    Coscharis Motors Limited, the distributor of BMW models in Nigeria has unveiled the new BMW X4 at its Victoria Island office in Lagos, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    Described by BMW as a “Sports Activity Coupe,” the X4 combines the elevated ride height and all-wheel-drive capability of a crossover with the striking sheetmetal of a coupe.

    Detractors claim that it’s a worst-of-both-worlds vehicle that marries the performance and efficiency-diluting weight of a SUV with the impracticality of a coupe. On the other hand, for supporters, the X4’s distinctive styling more than makes up for those drawbacks.

    And distinctive it most certainly is, with a sharply tapered roof, creased hood and upswept character lines. Only the front end, with headlights that flow into BMW’s signature kidney grille, betrays the X4’s close relationship to the more utilitarian X3.

    It’s a different story inside, at least as far as design is concerned, as everything one can see and touch in the X4 is essentially lifted straight from the X3. That’s hardly a bad thing, though, as it means there’s premium materials, an attractive dashboard and a comfortable driving position. Simple, effective and old-fashioned white-on-black analog gauges contrast with BMW’s latest iDrive infotainment system, which has evolved over the years into one of the most user-friendly interfaces for controlling entertainment, navigation and climate control functions. Redundant controls composed of conventional knobs and buttons provide an alternate means of accessing often-used features.

    No doubt, Nigerian lovers of the German machines, BMW, have something new to look up to as they prepare for the New Year.

    Coscharis Motors Limited, the representative of the brand in Nigeria, unveiled the new product in Lagos on Friday with the expectation that the new X4 would increase its share in the premium segment of the nation’s automobile market.

    According to the President/Chief Executive Officer, Coscharis Group, Mr Cosmas Maduka, the introduction of the car is expected to widen the BMW market share within Nigeria and globally.

    Maduka, who spoke through the General Manager for the BMW brand at Coscharis, Mr Sola Adigun, said the X4 had been equipped with adaptive light control, driving dynamics control with ECO PRO mode and twin power turbo inline four cylinders.

    “The new BMW X4,” he said “stands in the gap for both X5 and X6 and it provides a unique combination of sporty and elegant coupé design, excellent versatility, space and the hallmark BMW sheer driving experience. The BMW X4 is designed that is obviously spacious with an excellent functionality.

    “However, this does not adversely affect the car’s dynamic appearance. It is simply a car with intelligent innovations.”

    According to the Coscharis boss, the X4 (F26) is not just the best-selling manufactured in the compact executive class, but also the first car made in this segment to offer no less than four different body variants: Saloon, Touring, Coupe and Convertible.”The range increased with the advent and launch of the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo late last year,” he stated.

    The BMW X4 is new for the 2015 model year, and it doubles down on the German automaker’s success with the X6 – its first foray into the hazy world of coupe-like crossovers. Assembly takes place at BMW’s United Staes facility in Greer, South Carolina, alongside the X3, the X5 and the X6.

    With its slicked-back roofline and choice performance upgrades, the X4 is targeted at drivers who might shop for a Porsche Macan or a Range Rover Evoque, possibly even a Lincoln MKC.

    The General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Services, Coscharis Group, Mr Abiona Babarinde, said the introduction of the new car at this period was deliberate as it was meant to coincide with the end of the year.

    “This is the time when many people change their wardrobes and decide the type of clothes, shoes and other accessories they want to buy as they prepare to celebrate the Christmas and the New Year. That decision also includes the automobiles,” he said.

    He said the company was not deterred in the launch of the new vehicle by the economic crunch in the country following the recently rolled out austerity measures by the Federal Government in reaction to the falling global prices of crude oil.

    Babarinde said, “It is an emotional car; and notwithstanding the price and the economic situation in the country, people who are attached to beautiful automobiles will always ask for the BMW,” he said.

     

    Interior

     

    Its elevated seat position offers a perfect view of the exclusive, clearly designed interior.

    It has a standard-feature sport leather steering wheel and a sporty-shaped gear selector lever that convey a dynamic impression.

    The new car, according to its manufacturer, has unique surround sound and an outstanding sensation of space, adding the ambience in the BMW X4 satisfies even the highest demands. “Depending on your personal taste, you can add extra touches with top-quality wood trims or a cool metallic look,” it states.

    The elevated seat position in the BMW X4 offers a perfect view of the exclusive, clearly designed interior.

    The standard-feature sport leather steering wheel and the sporty-shaped gear selector lever convey a dynamic impression in an instant.

     

    Exterior

     

    The car has an independent self-image and this is evident as soon as people set eyes on it.

    BMW says its striking front is characterised by a solid stance, a powerful kidney grille and large air inlets. It also has integrated double-round headlights with a full led technology as an option.

    Its sporty bumpers, muscular wheel arches and broad shoulder line further show the X genes of the sports activity coupé.

    From the side, the dynamic contours of the coupé roof line and the characteristic two-part crease line are evident.

    At the rear, the powerfully sculptured bumpers and led lights round off the vehicle’s proportions.

     

    Engine performance

     

    It comes with 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder petrol engine with 225 kW (306 hp). This produces a maximum torque of 400 Nm.

    The intelligent innovations package comprising TwinScroll turbocharger with valvetronic, double-vanos and high precision injection not only enables the BMW X4 xDrive35i to unleash its power, but is also responsible for its efficiency.

    The X4 is equipped with innovative and easy to operate features. For instance, its Comfort Access system makes it possible to open the vehicle doors and start the engine without having to use the car key.

    The key, which may be in one’s trouser pocket or in a briefcase, is automatically recognised upon approaching the car. Once the door has been automatically unlocked, the driver can get in and start the engine by pressing the Start/Stop button.

    The Comfort Access system also includes the Smart Opener function. An integrated sensor detects a short, directed wave of the foot below the rear bumper and the tailgate opens and closes automatically without being touched.

    The Comfort Access system relies on key authentication to ensure security.

    The standard-feature sport leather steering wheel and the sporty-shaped gear selector lever convey a dynamic impression in an instant.

  • GAC Motors opens ultra-modern facility

    AC Motors, one of the leading Chinese automobile manufacturers has demonstrated its strong resolve to compete in the Nigerian automobile market by opening an ultra-modern three S facility in Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The Chinese auto maker, represented in Nigeria by CIG Motors, before the completion of its new facility was operating from the Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island and has taken part in the annual Abuja and Lagos Motor shows, as well as private exhibitions at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

    Speaking at the unveiling the chairman of CIG Motors, Mrs Diana Chen explained that GAC brand of automobiles are produced to the highest industry standard to compete with leading Japanese and European models.

    Mrs Diana boasted that CIG will deliver unique services to Nigerians.

    “We are very confident with the standard and quality of automobiles the CIG Motors intend to deliver to Nigerians having seen that Nigerians love quality things including automobiles,” she said.

    She disclosed that the company has started a holiday promotion by offering 20 per cent discount on any GS5 SUV or GA3 1.6 litre engine saloon model bought during the period.

    CIG Motors Sales and Marketing Director, Mr Kayode Adejumo, stated that GAC brand of vehicles will give value for money with the most advanced technologies imputed.

    According to him, the first set of models unveiled into the market are GS5 2.0L engine, the mid luxury SUV, currently the flagship and the GA3 1, 6L saloon vehicle. CIG, he added, is set to offer the highest standards and quality of service with genuine spare parts available for all the vehicles.

    “Apart from having the highest safety rating of 5 NCAP stars, it is one of the leading vehicles in passive safety with the most advanced technology applied,” Adejumo said.

    The GAC flagship, GS5 SUV is powered by a 2.0 litre engine and loaded with array of features that are only seen in luxury brands. The near luxury sport utility vehicle is competitive priced despite it array of feature.

    A high level of comfort is experienced in the GAC with generous legroom, head room and luggage space, while the double fork independent suspensions ensure smoother ride on uneven surfaces.

    According to Adejumo, CIG Motors, has opened sales and after-sales facility as part of the steps towards achieving its plans to launch itself fully into the Nigerian auto market as a way of getting Nigerians.

  • Meet Bentley’s new Grand Convertible

    Meet Bentley’s new Grand Convertible

    As if there weren’t enough things in the world that one want but probably can’t afford, Bentley decided to pile it on. The ultra-luxury car maker recently debuted its new Grand Convertible, which just might become the world’s ultimate top-down vehicle. At its core, the Grand Convertible is a Bentley Muslanne Speed, complete with a 530-horsepower 6.75 twin-turbo V8 engine that tacks on a whopping 811 pound-feet of torque. This car is the paramount of engineering and sophistication, and the only downside is that it will be a tad bit out of the price range of average consumer.

    “We are eagerly awaiting the response of our customers to this car. We will ensure that this car — if it reaches the roads – will be a highly exclusive, extremely limited collector’s piece,” said Bentley Chief Executive Officer Wolfgang Dürheimer.

    Dürheimer made the statement at the car’s unveiling at the LA Auto Show.

    “This concept demonstrates Bentley’s ability to create a pinnacle convertible Grand Tourer, while embodying elegance beyond compares. With this car, we combine the opulent Mulsanne experience with the full sensory indulgence of open-air touring, continuing to unite luxury and performance in new ways,” he stated.

    The Grand Coupe will continue its promotional tour following the LA Auto Show, and head to Miami for Art Basel, where it will likely garner even more consumer excitement.

    For comparison, the car’s soon-to-be greatest rival, the Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, sells for around half a million dollars. While the car itself is still in the concept phase, all signs point toward production in the near future.

    “It’s a production-ready concept,” Corey Proffitt, a Bentley North American spokesman, told The New York Times.

    “No final decision on production has been made, though. The business is using L.A. and Miami appearances to gauge dealer and customer feedback in our two largest convertible markets,” he noted

    While it’s certain to turn a lot of heads and create a good amount of buzz in the auto world, the pressing question really regards where the new Grand Convertible will fit in. Really, all it boils down to is how Bentley plans on introducing a car that very few people can afford into an auto market that is being dominated by sales of pickup trucks, cheap commuter cars and economical compact SUVs.

    As mentioned previously, Bentley is taking aim at its chief rival, Rolls Royce. On Rolls Royce’s side of things, they already have the Phantom Drophead Coupe on the market, which is currently the US$ 500,000 ultra-luxury convertible leader. By introducing the Grand Convertible to compete with the Phantom, Bentley is taking a stab at a market segment that has really, up to this point, gone mostly unchallenged. Now that it’s been on the market, dominating the ultra-luxury convertible segment since 2008, this may be the perfect chance for Bentley to jump in and swipes some market share.

    But how about the rest of the Bentley line up? With the lack of a marquee convertible model, the Grand Convertible will be a welcome addition that will augment what the company has to offer. Though it’s really an offshoot of the Mulsanne, the new addition extends Bentley’s reach on the market. Right now, the Flying Spur, the Continental and the Mulsanne are the only current production models that Bentley produces, so by expanding on that, execs are hoping to improve sales.

    It’s also worth mentioning that the Grand Convertible isn’t the only new addition coming to the Bentley family. The company is also in the midst of a new SUV project, which is still mostly under wraps. While the convertible will open a few new doors, adding an SUV to the fold will really shake things up, and give the world what is likely to be one of the most powerful and expensive sport utility vehicles on the planet.

  • Easy Ride donates to Juvenile Centre

    To some, motorbike riding is a form of recreation, but for Easy Ride Motorcycle Club, Lagos, there is more to it than just getting on a fancy motorcycle and cruising round town.

    On Sunday, December 21a, members of Easy Ride Motorcycle Club engaged in a charity ride geared towards donating gifts to the residents of Juvenile Welfare Centre IN Mushin, Lagos, as a way to remember the less-privileged in the society in the spirit of Christmas.

    The event was the fourth in a series of annual donations to charity homes. But what made 2014’s event different from previous years’ was that the club adopted the Juvenile Welfare Centre and unveiled a plan to refurbish it. It also disclosed a proposal to adopt two children and sponsor their education.

    As a first step, the club agreed to carry out the immediate change of the centre’s leaking roof, fix its broken generator and repair its grounded bus.

    Some of the items donated to the centre include TVs, mattresses, toys, clothes and foodstuff, and while handing them over on behalf of the club, a member of its Board of Trustees, Adeyinka Olugbode said the endowment was a way to say ‘Thank you to God’ for eventful years spent by the club’s members and to celebrate the season with the less-privileged.

    He also said the charity ride was another way to develop the culture of good riding in Nigeria.

    “It was a very eventful year for Nigeria and the club as well. We want to celebrate the season with the less privileged in the society that is why we organised an event like this. This will show that someone somewhere cares for them and they are not alone. The donation to the less-privileged started four years ago and we thank God we’ve been able to sustain it,” Olugbode said.

    Another member of the club’s Board of Trustee, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya said the essence of the ride was to give back to the society.

    “The Christmas is all about giving and we all know that it is not just about eating and having fun alone. Easy Ride Motorcycle Club is made of professionals. Most people believe that people who ride bikes are not ‘responsible’ but I can tell you that all members of Easy Ride are professionals and God-fearing. We are very responsible. We do the right thing in the right way.

    “A lot of us work in organisations where we do Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and there is no way we cannot apply that here (Easy Ride Motorcycle Club). This is not the first time we are doing this.

    We have visited different centres before.

    “In essence, we want to show love to the less-privileged. Kudos must be given to members of the (club’s) executive. They we’ve done well in leading the club,” Badejo-Okusanya said.

    The officer in charge of the centre, Mrs Alausa Afusat, Deputy Superintendence of Police (DSP), who was full of joy, thanked the club for its kind gesture.

  • Pre -licence renewal driver training

    Without any iota of doubt, majority of Nigerians currently holding the National Drivers Licence did not undergo the normal Basic Driver Training (for Learners) in the Driving Schools thus having limited knowledge of what driving actually entails. Majority of the men and women driving in Nigeria today do not know all the traffic signs, road markings and signals. Neither do they know several other factors responsible for road accidents. Hence the high rate of accidents and fatalities in the country.

    Likewise, those that passed through Driving Schools can in no way be taught everything they need to know about driving. For example, there are over 200 rules of Defensive driving and there is no way any Driving School can cover all, not to talk of several other topics on the personal and occupational health factors, Vehicle dynamics, Vehicle technology, Road and road furnitures, Adverse driving conditions, Driving forces, Traffic offences, Security and surveillance among others.

    Learners are only exposed to the basic Theory, Practical and Hazard perception lessons within the time they can spare for their training.

    Naturally, knowledge acquisition or education is a systematic and progressive task. Just as we have Kindergarten, Nursery, Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Institutions as progressive steps in knowledge acquisition. We must also have an established phases of learning for all categories of Drivers and Vehicle Owners to enable each and everyone have good knowledge of driving and allied factors bearing in mind that the fact that we were not exposed to fundamental training on road safety in our primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.

    The recent introduction of the Graduated Licensing System is a good step in the right direction and there is the need to make good use of this opportunity to ensure  that the safety culture is imbibed by each and everyone, no matter the status.

    The rate of road crashes and fatalities is high in Nigeria and many continue to be high unless we all get committed to the practice and promotion of the safety culture.

    Considering the dearth of knowledge during the learning stage, it has become expedient for all categories of Drivers (including Drivers of Own vehicles) to be subjected to intensive pre-licence renewal re-training programme to further entrench the safety culture into them. This regular and mandatory re-training programme will ensure that every Driver in Nigeria is equipped with the knowledge and skills required for safety on all Nigeria roads.

  • Range Rover Sport SVR shows agility

    Range Rover Sport SVR shows agility

    Land Rover has released sensational footage of the Range Rover Sport SVR being put through its paces. In the dramatic film, Mike Cross, Chief Engineer Vehicle Integrity, Jaguar Land Rover, demonstrated the adjustability, poise and outstanding body control of the fastest and most powerful Land Rover ever produced.

    He explained how the Range Rover Sport SVR’s sophisticated drive train and advanced four-wheel drive chassis technology deliver supreme high speed handling characteristics as he laps the Rockingham circuit in the UK.

    The blisteringly fast SVR has been created by Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations team and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. Power comes from a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine developed to produce 405 kW and 680Nm of torque.

    As the footage shows, the Range Rover Sport SVR takes this level of performance in its stride, displaying superb on-the-limit balance, even with its comprehensive range of electronic traction and stability aids turned off.

    The video shows the inherent balance of the Range Rover Sport SVR chassis without the intervention of traction or stability aids.

    Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations has the responsibility within Special Operations to create a range of high performance production models for both Jaguar and Land Rover, vehicle personalisation products and low volume, high value Limited Edition models for both brands.

  • CFAO partners Yamaha on motorcycles manufacture

    CFAO partners Yamaha on motorcycles manufacture

    CFAO and Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd have announced the signing of an agreement to form a joint venture in Nigeria. The venture will be owned at 50 per cent by CFAO and 50 per cent by Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. It will benefit from distribution rights to manufacture and distribute Yamaha motorcycles in Nigeria, the leading market in Africa with over one million new motorcycles sold per year.

    The new company will be named CFAO Yamaha Motor Nigeria Ltd. (CYMNG). The premises, including an assembly plant, will be based in a CFAO multi-activity site in Lagos. Scheduled to begin  operation in summer 2015, the factory has a production and sales target of 70,000 motorcycles in 2018.

    Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of motorcycles with a presence in about 200 countries, will contribute its manufacturing and marketing expertise.

    The company is a world-leading producer of motorcycles, marine products, power products and surface mounters. The company’s diverse business and wide variety of products are built around its proprietary technologies focused on small engines, fiberglass-reinforced plastics and electronic control. Yamaha Motor conducts global development, production and marketing operations through 140 subsidiaries and equity-method affiliates in 30 countries.

    With a strong and longstanding presence in Nigeria and an extensive network in 20 cities and towns in the country, CFAO boasts in-depth knowledge of the local market, distribution networks and customer needs.

    CFAO already imports and distributes Yamaha products in 16 other countries in Africa.

    It is a front-ranking specialised distributor and preferred partner of major international brands, serving the high-potential equipment, healthcare and consumer goods markets in Africa and the French overseas territories. CFAO has operations in 37 countries – including 34 in Africa – and seven French overseas territories. The group had a headcount of 11,600 at the end of 2013. In 2013, CFAO generated consolidated revenue of €3,628 million and recorded recurring operating income of €269 million. It is a 97.8 per cent-owned subsidiary of TTC (Japan).