Category: Motoring

  • Chevrolet Trailblazer shines at Auto Fair

    Chevrolet Trailblazer shines at Auto Fair

    The latest model of Chevrolet Trailblazer Sport Utility Vehicle solely distributed by CFAO Motors in Nigeria, asserted its dominance at the Abuja Motor Fair. It also marked 10 years of Chevrolet’s impressive back to back appearance at the annual automobile festival in the federal capital city, having debuted in 2004.

    As the star SUV of the motor show, Chevrolet Trailblazer was prominently positioned at the pavilion of CFAO Intermotors, a division of CFAO Motors whilst visitors took turns to appreciate its body, engine compartment, the dashboard, the classy interiors and several other ensembles of the vehicle. The general conclusion of the visitors at the fair was that it is the SUV to have, being a lifestyle, family, business and all-roads automobile.

    The Trailblazer has a 6-speed automatic with a sequential shift override, a very smooth gearbox and remarkable performance-based fuel economy. Its excellent visibility and large mirrors, double wishbone front and Five-Link coil spring rear suspension ensure that its driving power remains in the hand of the driver. It is fitted with 245/70R18 tyres, four-wheel disc brakes to deal with the necessity of a sudden stop.

    The body is made up of large dual-port grille, carved bumpers, clamshell hood, flowing side crease, wide-floodlight headlamps, power windows and wiper stalks.

    The 7-seater SUV has a noiseless 2.8 litre engine with 200 horsepower at 3,800 rpm and 500 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. This power is unequalled in its category anywhere in Nigeria.

    Confirming the notable presence of Trailblazer at the fair ground, the Head of Intermotors Division of CFAO Motors, Mr Ladi Abiodun said the Trailblazer was specially positioned for Nigerians who do not want to bother about any transportation problem.

    “Whether the road is smooth or rough, whether traffic is light or heavy, whether the destination is far or near, Chevrolet Trailblazer delivers with pleasurable comfort and assured safety. Having introduced the SUV to Nigerians a few months ago, we have a few units left which visitors to our pavilion could pick at a good discount during the motor show only,” Abiodun said.

  • Kia unveils locally assembled Rio

    Kia unveils locally assembled Rio

    KIA Motors Nigeria has unveiled its Made-in-Nigeria vehicles at the just concluded Abuja International Auto Fair at the Eagle Square in Abuja with N1.98 milion price tag.

    Delivering to its brand slogan of “The Power to Surprise,” the auto giant said the unveiling is in fulfillment of the promise made to Nigerians that the locally assembled KIA will be available before the end of the year.

    The Made-in-Nigeria KIA vehicles, which included the Rio, Cerato and Optima were unveiled by Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide.

    Oloye Akinjide, who later had a test drive of the Optima, expressed joy and congratulated KIA Motors for the feat.

    She described the car as “the People’s Car”.

    Upon exiting the car after the test drive, the Minister said “Wow, Beautiful ride, Very smooth…..this is a Great Car” and she was thrilled with admiration for the KIA SOUL by saying the model is “incredibly built to complement the youth and the women”.

    The flagship model of Kia, the Quoris also caught the flair of the minister when she was shown around the luxury sedan by Mr. Sandeep Malhotra.

    The stylish compact Rio, Optima and Cerato with thoroughly contemporary and distinctive styling, coupled with maximum versatility and cutting-edge safety and convenience features are truly innovative cars.

    KIA staying true to its commitments offers full style and curvaceous elegance that perfectly captures the glamour of the present. The award-winning cars are engineered and designed to be an expression of individuality. Loaded with smart technologies, generous levels of convenience and safety equipment, they are as dependable and practical as they are desirable and distinctive.

  • Porsche replaces lock bracket

    Porsche replaces lock bracket

    As a precautionary measure, Porsche is replacing the lock bracket on the front lid of 4428 two-door sports cars worldwide. This is because for some vehicles of the 911 Carrera, Boxster and Cayman model series, it is not possible to guarantee that the bracket meets the specifications in the long term. However, to date there have not been any incidents (such as unintentional opening of the front lid).

    The problem was discovered during in-house quality checks and was immediately corrected. The owners of the precisely identified vehicles will be contacted directly by their responsible Porsche dealer.

  • Stallion begins free Nissan service

    Stallion begins free Nissan service

    Stallion Nissan Motors Nigeria (NMN) has begun its third nationwide free service campaign with comprehensive 80-point check-up during a two-week car care clinic from Novemer 3 to ovember 15.

    The campaign slated for designated Nissan cars up to 2012 model year is aimed at extending the advantages of Nissan excellent services to customers and delivering world-class consumer experience to Nissan growing clientele as the yuletide approaches.

    Announcing this incentive in Lagos, Stallion NMN General Manager, After Sales Service, Mr Srinivasa Jayaram, said: “the free service campaign is a thorough examination of the engine, transmission, electrical, under-body, Air Condition, exterior et al with series of discounts on mechanical and body repairs.”

    Stallion NMN will extend the services to three other locations including Lagos, Abuja and Port-Harcourt, where customers will be availed of Nissan car wash, special discounts on oils, select accessories, consumables and other value added services.

    Jayaram said: “We recognise the importance of excellence both in the quality of our vehicles and in after sales service.”

    Stallion NMN in May last year appointed Nissan national sales custodian and has moved swiftly to reposition the brand as Nigeria’s foremost automobile.

  • Fed Govt to resuscitate automotive  industry

    Fed Govt to resuscitate automotive industry

    The Vice President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo, has reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government in restoring the declining fortunes of the automotive industry in the country. He said the present administration will continue to ensure the promotion of manufacturing and assemblage of automobiles as a strategy of launching Nigeria into the class of car manufacturing nations.

    Sambo spoke at the opening ceremony of the 16th Abuja International Motor Fair at Eagle Square in Abuja, saying that there is necessity to move Nigeria from an automobile consumer nation to producers.

    Sambo, represented by the Minister of State, FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide, said all hands must be on deck to achieve this goal.

    “Our achievements in sports and our success in the fight against Ebola Virus Disease are great testaments to what we can accomplish if we work together. We hope that very soon, Made-in-Nigeria cars will jostle for space in motor fairs both in Nigeria and globally, along with the Toyota, the Hondas and Peugeots of this world,” he said.

    The Vice President said the motor fair offers an insight into the shape of things to come in the industry especially with the present government’s resolve for a paradigm shift in the sector.

    Sambo noted that restoring the automotive industry has a part to play in the economic development of any nation. “This includes its capacity for employment creation, GDP contribution and Small, Medium and Micro-Enterprises (SME) development,” he said.

    FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed noted that the Abuja International Motor Fair has the potential to bolster the efforts of the FCT administration towards the realisation of the Abuja Urban Transportation Master Plan and the making of a smart city.

    He urged the dealers and other stakeholders in the automobile marketing industry to evolve a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) strategy for developing the area, saying that the FCT administration is willing to partner with interested investors in this regard especially using its Land- Swap model of infrastructure development to fast-track development in the FCT.

    Director–General, National Automotive Council, Mr Aminu Jalal, an engineer, stated that Tokunbo vehicles that flooded the Nigerian automotive market after the liquidation of nearly all the local assembly plants and components manufacturing companies would soon become a thing of the past.

    This, he said, is because the investment in the automotive industry in Nigeria has opportunities in the manufacture of vehicles, spare parts and components.

    “Presently some Assembly Plants have commenced production in the country. They include Peugeot Nigeria in Kaduna, National Trucks Manufacturers in Kano, Stallion Nissan Motors Nigeria Ltd in Lagos, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Ltd in Nnewi, Zahav Automotive Company Nigeria Ltd in Lagos and VON Automobile Nigeria Ltd in Lagos.

    He said the new policy is also expected to boost the revival and expansion of petrochemical and metal/steel sectors; conservation of huge foreign exchange presently being used for vehicle imports; opening of automotive training centres; building of new vehicle manufacturing plants and price reduction on brand new Nigerian made cars to about N1.5million.

    “The new automotive development policy would also salvage the honour and tastes of Nigerians in increased flow of investments for the development of the automotive industry in Nigeria; proactive tariff differentials targeted at encouraging local production; government’s patronage of products of local assembly and operation of vehicle purchase schemes, among others,” he said.

     

  • Showcasing locally assembled Hyundai Grand

    Showcasing locally assembled Hyundai Grand

    The Hyundai Grand i10 is an elegant family sedan that comes in two likeable variants with 5-Speed manual and 4-Speed automatic transmission powered by 1.25 Kappa Dual VTVT engine respectively.

    The Grand responds to every expectation with alluring cabin colour, textures and shape that lend it a sport appeal that could easily make any large car envious.

    From whatever angle you view the car, it is evident the Hyundai Grand was crafted to meet utmost degree of needs.

    The Grand is a whole new level of art + innovation which ordinarily gives the car an unimaginable feel.

    Powered by dual CVVT Kappa 1.25litre all-aluminum engine that emits quiet and smooth operation, the Grand i10 will delight drivers looking for exceptionally low weight cars that maximise fuel consumption.

    Manufactured only in petrol variant for the Nigerian market, the Grand offers light weight and robust five-speed manual transmission and four-speed automatic transmission that enhance smooth and accurate gearshift for optimum performance.

    The Grand’s aerodynamic designed bumper reduces forward air flow resistance while the rear spoiler effect enhances fuel economy and driving stability.

    Hyundai Grand does not compromise on safety. The makers used structural safety that utilises anti corrosive steel, ring structure application to enhance the rigidity and body robustness of the Hyundai Grand and its Anti-lock brake system (ABS) prevents skidding and retains the car’s steer ability on slippery surfaces. This mechanism also enables stable braking and restricts wheel lock-up during panic braking.

    Jatin Nadkarni, Head of Sales and Marketing, Hyundai Motors Nigeria, a division of Stallion Group said, Hyundai Grand i10 was the proceed of the recently inaugurated National Automotive Industrial Plan.

    He said the Hyundai Grand i10 has proven a point that a comfortable and spacious car doesn’t have to be cumbersome.

    “And that was Hyundai Motors’ conviction when it went to the drawing board to design this exceptionally cultured family sedan that would soon become the toast of most automobile freaks in the country,” Nadkarni said.

    “The world,” he said, “is changing every day, so we decided to also change the way people communicate with each other by introducing the Hyundai Grand – a car that lets you share a new language with the world.”

    The Grand shows a sharp styling with a whole new level of innovation that attest to the brilliantly crafted exterior.

    The newly designed clear headlight clusters for instance, not only look good, they improve night vision and on-road visibility with extra safety.

    Hyundai Grand is equipped with chrome-coated radiator grille positioned to perfection to project strong presence.

    The outside mirror repeaters are aerodynamically sculpted while the outside mirror is ornamented with LED repeaters for enhanced looks and safety.

    Inside the car, the front and rear seating ergonomically designed bucket type front seats gives the car a premium feel with spacious and cushioned rear seats while the adjustable headrests assure ample support and comfortable seating.

    This is in addition to the liberal boot space that could accommodate your weekend luggage with bench folding function that provides an extra flat load space.

     

  • Kia partners FCMB on finance scheme

    Kia partners FCMB on finance scheme

    KIA Motors has signed agreement with First City Monument Bank (FCMB) to offer an auto loan to interested buyers.

    With this partnership, KIA Motors Nigeria and FCMB are looking forward to developing financing options that will help customers own KIA brand from as low as N47,400 monthly repayment plan. The customers are presented with flexible payment plan options, free insurance, FCMB goody bag, and free vehicle registration. Weaved into the scheme is the standard five year warranty on all KIA vehicles.

    Speaking at the media launch, the Deputy Marketing Manager, KIA Motors Nigeria, Peter Ayewoh said “the alliance with FCMB has gone through a rigorous perusal aiming at giving the very best in auto financing scheme to customers.”

    He noted that the scheme will strengthen KIA’s foothold in the country and consolidate its leadership position in the automobile retail industry.

    Executive Director, Lagos and South West, FCMB, Mr Olufemi Bakre explained that the partnership was borne out of an alliance between the two institutions.

    “FCMB has been a well acclaimed industry leader in consumer loan offering and this finance scheme is a viable alliance aimed at furthering the frontiers of delivering an exceptional customer experience,” he said.

  • Road safety: Unemployment and terror attack victims’ funding

    Road safety: Unemployment and terror attack victims’ funding

    How tell me, how many jobs have been created as claimed by these Government Agencies? Where are the people the jobs were created for so that we can visit them to see if they were truly and genuinely empowered.

    The Honourable Minister for youth development recently announced that the Ministry has empowered about 10,000 (ten thousand) youths in the past 14 years. Is there anything to boast about in this record? Industrial Training Fund (ITF) that empowered over 40,000 (forty thousand) youths in less than 2 years is currently taking steps to improve on the record. Let someone ask the Honourable Minster how many youths have remained unemployed in the past 14 years in Nigeria?

    Secondly, what is the percentage of those they claimed to have empowered to the number of youths currently unemployed and underemployed in Nigeria? Nigeria Universities and other educational institutions churn out millions of youths annually to join this long list of unemployed and underemployed youths. What happened to the Dangote job creation committee’s blueprint?

    Whether we believe it or not, the terror attacks in Nigeria no matter the name it is called is a product of unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria because an idle mind is the devil’s workshop and an idle hand is a ready tool in the hands of the devil.

    My candid advice to the Federal Government, State Governments, Local Governments, Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Private Sector Organizations, Religious Organizations, Civil Society Organizations and High Networth Individuals in Nigeria is to join hands to set the priorities right and address the root cause of the problem of insurgency and allied vices in Nigeria. No matter the billions of naira spent on addressing the effects, it will make no meaningful impact until the root causes are objectively and effectively addressed once and for all.

    What is the Government doing about the increasing rate of drug addiction in Nigeria?

    What is the Government doing about ethnicism and religious discrimination even in the civil service system? Attention is shifting to Ebola virus again now.

    I hereby advice the Government to wake up and decisively deal with the Ebola of Road Infrastructure decay, Unemployment and Drug Addiction among others in Nigeria to avoid situations worse than terror attacks in the country.

    The fact still remains that the terror of today could have been avoided several years ago if the appropriate proactive actions have been taken.

    The Government at all levels need to be more proactive now than ever before. A stitch in time saves nine.

  • ‘VON can produce local needs’

    ‘VON can produce local needs’

    VON Automobile multivehicle assembly plant said its facility along Lagos – Badagry Expressway can at present meet the country’s vehicular demand.

    With its current production capacity of 50,000 vehicles annually, Mr Parvir Singh, Group Managing Director (automobile division) Stallion Motors Limited, owners of the facility said the plant has an installed capacity for 100,000 vehicles.

    “We can convincingly produce 50,000 vehicles annually even though we are constrained to produce what the market requires at the moment,” he said.

    He applauded the National Automotive Industry Development initiative, describing it as an economic thrust with proclivity for improved GDP.

    He stated that Stallion NMN, the authorised Nissan sales company has done remarkably well since the dealership was inaugurated 18 months ago.

    “We have experienced favourable growth indices and sales volumes due to favourable patronage by our valued customers and we are convinced very soon Nissan will assume its rightful place on the automobile sales chart,” he said.

    The Nissan marketing company made sales projection of 6,000 units by the end of 2014 sales year.

    Singh listed other achievements of the dealership within a spate of one year as the commissioning of an ultramodern Abuja facility; inauguration of archetypal made in Nigeria Nissan vehicles such as Nissan Almera / Sunny; NP300 Pick-up and high end Nissan Patrol SUV.

    Other accomplishments are the introduction of expanded Nissan line-up with the addition of iconic models like GT-R and 370Z with exciting B, C, D, SUV and LCV (light commercial vehicle) segment vehicles including Almera / Sunny, Sentra, Altima, Pathfinder and Urvan commuter bus – the largest Nissan line-up ever in the country.

    He pledged Stallion’s commitment to world-class consumer experience, promising to continue to supply best Nissan products and services to growing Nissan clientele.

    Meanwhile, the dealership has formally announced a change in the name of its celebrated midsize family sedan previously known as Teana in the market to Altima in harmony with the product image worldwide.

  • Conference, road safety and national development

    Conference, road safety and national development

    Why on earth should the Nigeria police officers leave their primary jobs to be helping state governments to arrest motorcycle riders or prosecute offenders of state government traffic laws, arresting drivers not using seat belt, looking for expired driver licence with little or no attention to the security of Nigerians in their domain if it is not for personal financial gains?

    Current and potential farmers have heard too much theories about how good and rewarding agriculture is but what stops the Federal Ministry of Agriculture from approving five model farmers in each state of the Federation, finance them, monitor them, create local and international markets for their produce so that the whole nation can see how truly profitable and rewarding farming is and how it’s used to generate employment by the model farmers. This demonstration will encourage other farmers and prospective farmers to courageously step into the terrain and enjoy the local and international markets already created and widened to accommodate more farmers and generate more benefits for job creation and growth of the economy.

    What is wrong if it is agreed that any vehicle with factory – fitted tinted glass must always have their windows down whenever they are moving on the road since the glasses cannot be replaced. Criminals are even the fastest to get police permission to use tinted glasses. What then are we talking about? A conference deliberation on effectively proffered solution to this problem.

    The Federal Ministry of Agriculture is boasting that their fertilisers are being distributed adequately to farmers but is anyone talking about the effects of the fertilisers on the health of the consumers of the produce of these Farmers?

    This year alone, road accident has killed far more than the number of people killed by Ebola all over the world from 1976 to October 2014, thereby making road accident far more deadly and calling for more attention than the dreaded Ebola Virus disease.

    If we are really sincere and committed to reducing the rate of road accidents and fatalities in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Transport must be organising an Annual National Conference on Transportation and the resolutions must be taken seriously for implementation by the Federal, state and local governments, their agencies as well as other stakeholders concerned in the overall interest and development of Nigeria.

    The Federal Ministry of Power is saying that 4,500 megawatts of electricity will be available in Nigeria this year. But has the same ministry carried out a need – analysis to determine which Town or City in Nigeria needs more regular electricity to make sufficient impacts in manufacturing, production or service delivery that will make sig