The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Road safety and election manifesto

    Road safety and election manifesto

    Without any doubt, any item that appears in election manifesto has become a focal point against which the success or failure of such a political party or government can be measured. Job creation has recently found its way into Nigerian election manifesto and for many years to come, it will continue to be one of the yardsticks for measuring the performance or non – performance of the Federal, State and Local governments in Nigeria.

    Consequent upon the increasing rate of road crashes and fatalities in Nigeria due to lack of proper co-ordination, it has now become expedient for more co-ordinated attention to be paid to Road Safety Management in Nigeria. This goes beyond the setting up of Road Traffic Management Agencies.

    Road crashes and fatalities cut across the rich, the poor, the old, the young, the high and the low. If a rich man is suffering from a terminal disease, he can still survive it with medical treatment no matter how expensive but if the same rich man is caught up in a fatal road accident, his money will not save him from death or deformity.

    Of all the communicable or non – communicable diseases in the whole world, road accident is the fastest to kill or maim human beings. Even the dreaded HIV/AIDS has cure or near – cure therapy. It therefore implies that Road Safety Management should be given the right attention it requires to prevent further waste of human and material resources in Nigeria.

    According to the current Health Minister in Nigeria, “Road traffic accidents have led to the death of men, women, boys, girls and even the unborn child, impacts negatively on our ability to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as most people affected are the youth. There is a need to halt this trend in order to attain the MDGs 4 and 5 aimed at reducing infant mortality and improving maternal mortality”.

    The National Focal Person for UN Decade of Action for Road Safety in Nigeria also affirmed that over 80 percent of injuries in Nigeria are traffic – accident related.

     

     

    According to the 2011 report by the Federal Road Safety Commission, there were 4,765 (four thousand, seven hundred and sixty five) recorded road accident cases. It is obvious that there will be several unreported and unrecorded cases of road crashes and fatalities particularly in the rural communities. Between December 19, 2013 and January 3, 2014, 480 (four hundred and eighty) accidents were recorded.

     

    Nigeria was recently ranked as having the second highest road traffic accident and fatalities among the 193 countries in the world. This ranking was also affirmed by Nigeria’s Health Minister (Nigeria records 162 deaths per 100,000).

     

    It was further affirmed that if no serious attention is paid to stem down this pandemic of road crashes and fatalities, the rate will increase by 65 percent by 2015 – 2020.

     

    I was moved to commence this advocacy when I sat down to analyze the short and long term consequence of road crashes and fatalities coupled with a recent statement by a Senior Officer of the Federal Road Safety Commission that the Agency is worried about the rising rate of road traffic accidents and fatalities in Nigeria. When a Defender is getting worried, the Defended should quickly embark on an alternative escape route.

     

    I use this forum to plead with the readers of this column to ponder on the following consequences of road accidents and fatalities so that together, we can advocate for more intensive and proactive approach to Road Safety Management in Nigeria.

     

    BASIC FACTS FROM THE FIGURES

    Whenever an accident claims the life of a Person; the following are some of the effects.

    (a)        The population of Nigeria is reduced

    (b)        A Breadwinner (present or potential) is lost thus fueling poverty in that family.

    (c)         A Leader is lost

    (d)        More Orphans are created

    (e)        Reduction in Human Capital

    (f)         A valuable Customer is gone forever.

    Think about the following Analogy:

    i.           BANKING – A bank customer is lost forever.

    ii.         TELECOMMUNICATION – A customer of telephone Lines, recharge cards, mobile or fixed wireless telephone and other accessories is reduced by one.

    iii.        EDUCATION – If the person is a Student, the school population has reduced by one person, no more school fees from that person. If the person is an adult, he or she cannot bear children that will enroll in school again. He cannot buy books again nor patronize other educational services again.

    iv.        RELIGION – The population of the religious Organizations is reduced by one. No more Tithes, Offerings and other contributions from that person again.

    v.          TEXTILE – A customer of textile materials, shoes, bags, etc is gone forever.

    vi.        AUTOMOBILE – A customer for vehicles, tyres, batteries, repairs, etc is gone forever.

    vii.       FOOD – A customer for food items, eateries, condiments, etc is no more.

    viii.      SERVICE – If the person is a service provider in any form, a gap has been created. Imagine what could have happened to computer software and philanthropy if Bill Gates died in a road accident 30 years ago.

    ix.         HOSPITALITY – The customer of Hotels and other hospitality / recreational service providers is dead and gone forever.

    x.          TRANSPORTATION – A customer of Airlines, Shipping and Road Transport Companies is lost forever.

    xi.         HOUSING – A Tenant or Landlord is gone forever.

    xii.       POLITICS – A political Leader is gone forever.

    xiii.      DEVELOPMENT – If the person is a Technocrat, a person that would have contributed significantly to the development of the Country is dead and gone forever. What would have been the situation in Nigeria today if today’s Captains of Industries died in road accidents about 30 years ago?

     

    It is time to stop the wastage of the lives (Women, Leaders, Students, Traders, Policy Makers, Decision Makers, Farmers and other categories of people) on Nigeria roads.

     

    Road accident is preventable. It requires the co-operation and support of all and Sundry. Everybody (man or woman) has a role to play. The view that multilateral approach to road safety including Drivers education, Cyclists education, Pedestrian enlightenment and enforcement programmes among others is the sure antidote to Safety on Nigeria roads.

     

    I hereby plead with all the political parties in Nigeria to demonstrate their passion for fellow Nigerians by infusing Road Safety Management into their Manifestoes for implementation when voted into power thereby making the government much more responsive to the problems of Nigerians that voted them into power.

     

    I also use this opportunity to advice the President, State Governors and Local Government Chairmen to henceforth appoint Special Advisers on Road Safety to regularly monitor road safety issues and advice accordingly for effective proactive Executive Policies and Actions.

     

    Research has shown that this is the best approach that can more effectively enhance the accomplishment of drastically reducing Road Accidents and Fatalities in Nigeria. It also enhances effective co – ordination of all the Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies and other Stakeholders for the accomplishment of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety, Accra Declaration and the Vision 20:2020.

     

    A stitch in time saves nine.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Hyundai shines at auto awards

    Hyundai shines at auto awards

    Hyundai ix35 crossover and its acquaintance Veloster sport sedan were at the just ended Ninth Nigeria Auto Awards honoured with the ‘Most preferred executive SUV’ and ‘Best in design’ awards of the year.

    While the ix35 outclassed rival Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage and Ford Escape in the category, the Veloster had beaten BMW X6 to emerge winner of the coveted honour.

    Among some distinguishing qualities of the Hyundai ix35 is the interior quality which the panel of adjudicators described as comfortable fit and finish, with robust switches and blue backlighting that gives the interior a classy feel.

    Coupled with this is the car’s suspension which is designed to provide soft ride and absorb all but the biggest of potholes and bumps that drivers may encounter on the roads.

    The ix35 interior is adequately insulated and does a great job of filtering out tyre, road and wind noise, while the engines are reasonably powerful, smooth and quiet.

    Currently adjudged one of the best SUVs in the market, the ix35 comes with the most affordable price tags and some of the best equipment levels around.

    Hyundai Motors Nigeria Sales and Marketing Head, Mr Jatin Nadkarni, said: “ix35 is one of the most stylish in its class with sleek, sporty look that turns heads in a way you wouldn’t expect from a car with a Hyundai badge.”

    He said Hyundai ix35 comes in three choice specification levels (Elite, Active and Highlander) with 2.0 gasoline (petrol) engine that churns out 166bhp mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and fitted to 17 inch alloy wheels.

    On the other hand, Hyundai Veloster is an entirely fashionable funky hatchback three-door sport-like sedan (one on the driver side and two on the passenger side) uniquely designed for drivers who want something refreshingly different and stimulating – some of the criteria that perhaps informed the jurors’ decisions.

    The Veloster is equipped with a 1.6-liter four cylinder engine that produces 138 hp and 132 Ib-ft of torque and mated to a six-speed traditional automatic transmission.

    Also known as the “icing on the cake,” the Veloster looks like a regular two-door but when turned 180 degrees through, it looks like a four-door – thanks to the perfectly normal-looking rear door.

  • Jonathan hails Nissan on assembled vehicles

    Jonathan hails Nissan on assembled vehicles

    President Goodluck  Jonathan has applauded the initiative of Stallion Nissan Motors Nigeria (Stallion NMN) as he took delivery of the first five ‘Made in Nigeria’ Nissan vehicles produced at the company’s plant in Lagos.

    The vehicles,which include three Nissan Patrol SUVs, Nissan Almera (Sunny) saloon car and Nissan NP 300 pick-up, were handed over to the president in Abuja.

    President Jonathan said the first made in Nigeria vehicles are a demonstration of the proficiency of local investors’ aptitude to the potency of a genuine policy to revamp the automotive industry and leverage the status of the economy while enhancing job creation.

    “I am quite happy that Nissan has demonstrated the reality of exporting cars from Nigeria is possible which suggest we can soon as a nation export vehicles to other parts of the world,” says President Jonathan.

    He urged private sector investors to produce more products so the Federal Government can begin to delineate certain percentage of goods that can be produced locally.

    “We thank Nissan for making the best of the new automotive policy which is part of our agenda to strengthen the private sector and make it a hub for job creation. Government alone can’t create jobs,” President Jonathan affirmed.

    Stallion Group Chairman Stallion Group Mr Sunil Vaswani, who led a delegation of Nissan, thanked the president and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment for appropriating the automotive policy, describing it as a historic step towards industrial and economic rejuvenation.

    He said the vehicles are designed in line with global standards for product and technology.

    “The Stallion’s automobile facility located along Lagos – Badagry Highway in Lagos can produce 45,000 vehicles annually,” he said.

    He added: “We are on track to expand our investments and further stimulate the growth of a complete auto industry eco system as envisaged in the new policy.”

  • ABC wins another award

    ABC wins another award

    ABC Transport Plc has won the “Transport Company of the Year”award at the Nigerian Auto Awards in Lagos. The event was organised by On-Wheels West Africa and is in its ninth edition.

    ABC Transport won in the category of road transportation, having been nominated alongside known bus operators. The honour was bestowed on ABC Transport in recognition for its innovations and immense contributions to road transport development in Nigeria.

    Meanwhile, ABC Transport will be honouring over 200 drivers and attendants at its forthcoming Accident-free award ceremony in Owerri, Imo State. The Accident-free ceremony is a yearly event organised by ABC Transport to reward drivers and attendants who did not record any accident within a year. On that same day, ABC Drivers’ Training Academy (DTA) will be graduating no less than 250 drivers at its inaugural convocation ceremony.

    The Academy, which is certified by Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has the mandate to train prospective drivers as well as re-train experienced drivers on defensive driving, among others.

     

  • China to take off six million vehicles on road

    China’s government plans to take six million older, polluting vehicles off the road this year in an effort to revive stalled progress toward cleaning up smog-choked cities.

    The plan also calls for filling stations in Beijing, Shanghai and other major cities to switch to selling only the cleanest grades of gasoline and diesel.

    The order comes after China failed to meet official pollution-reduction goals for 2011-2013, the statement said. It said vehicles registered before 2005 that fail to meet cleaner emissions standards will be “phased out,” though it did not say how.

    It called the country’s environmental situation “extremely grim.”

    China has about 240 million vehicles on the road, and half are passenger cars, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

    China is the world’s biggest auto market by number of vehicles sold. Sales rose 15.7 per cent last year to 17.9 million vehicles. Sales growth is slowing but analysts still expect an increase of eight to 10 percent this year.

    China’s major cities are smothered in eye-searing smog. The country has some of the world’s strictest emissions standards, but authorities have refrained from enforcing them until now to avoid forcing older, pollution-belching trucks off the road and hurting small businesses.

    The announcement suggests authorities have settled that conflict in favour of environmental protection following reports on the mounting health and economic costs of pollution.

    Plans call for retiring five million older, polluting vehicles in Beijing, the nearby port of Tianjin and the deltas of the Yangtze River, around Shanghai, and the Pearl River, around the southern business center of Guangzhou, according to the statement. It gave no details on where the remaining 1 million vehicles due to be taken off the road were.

    Taxi fleets and public buses in major cities have been required to switch to cleaner-burning natural gas or battery power. The government is promoting development of an electric car manufacturing industry.

    City governments in Beijing, Shanghai and other major cities have imposed curbs on new vehicle restrictions in an attempt to reduce smog and traffic congestion.

  • Nissan unveils new Pathfinder

    Nissan unveils new Pathfinder

    Unlike the past three generation models and the nameplate’s 28-year history, the new Nissan Pathfinder casts aside its truck-like off-road roots for a more sophisticated, comfortable, car-based and family-ready crossover SUV.

    Better explained, the Pathfinder has traded off its previous Navara-sourced ladder frame underpinnings in favour of a bitumen-bias unibody structure with an ultra-flexible seven-seat cabin.

    Stallion NMN Managing Director Parvir Singh described it as “Perfect match for families.”

    Nissan says the new Pathfinder adapts to the needs of consumers by breaking away from its “proper off-roader” status to become urbane-friendly SUV with far more refined proposition yet offering a dramatically improved ride quality and fuel economy than its predecessor launched in 2004.

    The previous Pathfinder was a rugged truck-like – adept off-roader with remarkably towing capabilities but Nissan has transformed these characteristics to an SUV with comfortable cabin, improved fuel economy and aesthetically appealing looks.

    That is why the new Pathfinder is built on a unibody structure shared with the equally new Infiniti JX crossover with a sliding second-row seat that can tilt and fold forward even with a child seat in place, making access to the adult-friendly third row much easier.

    Targeting existing family favourites such as Toyota Prado, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX – 9 amongst others, the new Pathfinder adopts a 260-horsepower 3.5-litre V6, matched to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

    And justifiably lighter than its predecessor, weighing 500 pounds – one factor in fuel economy estimates of 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway and 22 combined, the new Pathfinder crossover SUV is currently ranked one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in a class that includes the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander.

    Though the Pathfinder has given up some towing capacity to its forbear, but it can still tow 5000 pounds – an appreciable weight for a midsize, seven-passenger crossover whose primary duty, especially in Nigeria, won’t stray from pulling a mere cruise boat.

     

    Body styles

     

    The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder R52 crossover SUV is available in four trim levels: S, SV, SL and Platinum but only the ‘S’ (base) and ‘SV’ are available in the local market, Stallion NMN, Nigeria authorized Nissan distributor affirmed.

    Standard equipment on the ‘S’ includes 18-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, keyless entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, a height adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split second-row seat (slides, reclines and folds); a tilt-and-telescopic steering and a six-speaker sound system with six-CD changer.

    The ‘SV’ adds automatic headlights, keyless ignition/entry, an eight-way power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a 7-inch colour multi-information display, a rear-view camera and an upgraded audio system with a single-CD player with satellite radio and a USB/iPod interface.

     

    Performance

     

    The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 good for 260 hp and 240 pound-feet of torque. A CVT and front-wheel drive are standard. An optional all-wheel-drive system automatically apportions power between the front and rear axles as needed or allows the driver to lock in a 50/50 ratio.

    According to auto expert, EPA, its fuel economy estimates are 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 19/25/21 with 4WD.

     

    Safety

     

    Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

     

    Interior design and special features

     

    The new Pathfinder’s cabin is elegantly crafted and boasts quality materials as the luxury Infiniti JX brand, given the variety of rich finishes and easy to reach intuitive controls.

    Coupled with this is the seat comfort up front which is as good as the second row that slides and reclines to optimise comfort for passengers or cargo space.

    Access to the third row seat is eased by the second row’s tilt and slide feature, which can be used even when a child seat is in place. The third row seat offers enough headroom for 6-foot passengers, and maximum cargo space stands at 79.8 cubic feet.

     

    Engine/Transmission

     

    And under the bonnet, the Pathfinder is equipped with the tried-and-tested 190kW/325Nm VQ35 3.5 litre petrol V6 engine across all variants, with a CVT auto as the sole transmission. However, official combined fuel consumption is 9.9L/100km for 2WD models and 10.2 for 4WD.

     

  • Lafarge introduces speed limit trucks

    Lafarge introduces speed limit trucks

    To control over speeding by its drivers, Lafarge has introduced trucks with particular speed limit to its haulage contractors.

    Lafarge WAPCO General Manager (SC) Olufemi Ransome-Kuti made this known at the launch of the Lafarge Drivers’ Academy at Lafarge Estate in Arigbajo, Ogun State.

    Ransome-Kuti said 80 per cent of the violations recorded are linked to over speeding, hence the need to procure trucks that would not drive beyond a particular speed limit.

    The event featured presentation of certificates to 30 drivers that graduated from the academy.

    “This set is just for the take-off, 1,500 drivers are expected to be trained by the academy. This is one of the measures taken by Lafarge to reduce accidents on the roads. We also control what they do outside, with monitoring functionality of the engine while driving through in-built device. Drivers tend to loose their mind and join peer group used to over speeding, so, we are trying to be one step ahead of them,” he said.

    Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Lafarge WAPCO Mr Joe Hudson said the company’s road safety performance is the best in the country.

    Having achieved this, Hudson said the company is looking forward to beat the international standard.

    The academy, he said, is critical to achieving the best for Lafarge drivers.

    Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, called on other organisations that are into haulage to emulate Lafarge or partner with the company to reduce accidents on the roads.

    Represented by Olusegun Asekhamen, Senator Umar said the need for sanity on the roads is topmost priority of the ministry.

    He said efforts are being made to reduce pressure on the roads by modernising the railway sector that would cater for bulk cargoes.

    He described Lafarge initiative as laudable, saying the need for proper training of the drivers can never be over emphasised.

    “Most accidents on our roads are the direct results of carelessness, bad habit, and poor judgments on the part of our drivers which have resulted in colossal loss of lives of our people…” he said

  • PAN starts assembly of vehicles next month

    PAN starts assembly of vehicles next month

    PAN Nigeria Limited Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Ibrahim Boyi, said the assembly of Peugeot in the country will begin next month.

    Boyi made this known at the just concluded Auto fair in Lagos.

    According to him, PAN has all it takes to compete with other companies in assembling cheaper but quality products in the country.

    The company, he said, will start with the  assemblage of 301, followed by 508 and 408 within the next 16 months.

    Boyi said the only way to gain market share is to offer something different and worthwhile.

    He promised that the new PAN management would do all it could to return the company to its glorious past when it churned out 90,000 vehicles daily.

    PAN, he said, is giving the new auto policy top priority.

    “By 2015, we will start full CKD assembly, and this will generate the most local content. So, it is a great opportunity for people that want to ride on the back of this policy. PAN is already working with the association of auto component manufacturers to create clusters and the Minister of Transport has been informed that we are ready to work with auto component manufacturers that show enough seriousness in our cluster in Kaduna,” he said.

    He reiterated that the objective of the new auto policy is to encourage local production; local development of skill and manpower; for employment and create local opportunity.

    “We are fully in support of the policy and we want to assure everybody, including those who may not like the policy, that the policy will only do one thing, naturally help improve the Nigerian people. Despite all the opposition and the fear that the policy will generate, we will be able to create more opportunities for our people and all will translate into better and cheaper products,” he said.

    Boyi lamented the increasing proliferation of fake spare parts in the market.

    According to him, there are about 70 to 80 per cent fake spares in the market.

    “The chance of you buying original spare parts is only 20 or 30 per cent. We are concerned that those customers, who buy PAN vehicles, get full value from the vehicles. Strategically as an organisation, we are concerned about the provision of spares. A lot of companies suffer this problem. Cost of ownership of vehicles has been so much mainly because of the incidences of fake spare part in the market. We want to ensure the integrity of after sales, because Peugeot brand is known as vehicles that anyone everywhere can maintain. We will like to bring that back into our system,” he stated.

  • ABC Transport wins award

    ABC Transport wins award

    ABC Transport has received the Most Innovative and Impactful Transport and Logistics Company in Nigeria award at this year’s Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Award held at MUSON Centre, Lagos.

    The award was in recognition of ABC’s outstanding services in land transportation.

    ABC Transport Head, Customer Service (western region), Mrs Ijeoma Onyekwuo, thanked the organisers for recognition of key industry players. 

    “We accept this award as a strong vote of confidence from our customers who have remained ever loyal. We are very grateful to them and like to reassure them that we will intensify efforts to consistently surpass their myriad of needs and strive to build a world class road transport company in the West African sub-region,” she said.

    The company has opened a new office in Ikorodu, Lagos with plans to commence operations from Ikorodu to the ast and South-south.

    Customers of ABC transport who reside within the Lekki/Ajah/Epe axis can now access ABC Sprinter to Owerri and Port Harcourt routes.

  • US fines General Motors $35m in safety case

    US fines General Motors $35m in safety case

    United States safety regulators fined General Motors (GM) $35 million last Friday for taking a decade to disclose defects with ignition switches in small cars that are now linked to at least 13 deaths.

    It is the maximum penalty that the government can impose. But the amount is less than a day’s revenue for GM, based on the $37.4 billion it took in during the first quarter, and safety advocates were quick to question its effectiveness.

    As part of an agreement announced by the Transportation Department and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), GM also has agreed to government oversight on safety issues, and to report safety problems much faster than in the past.

    NHTSA has been investigating GM’s delayed recall of 2.6 million older small cars with defective ignition switches. GM has acknowledged knowing that the switches had problems as early as 2001, but it didn’t start recalling the cars until February this year. The department said in a statement that GM agreed that it was slow to report the problems.

    The company says at least 13 people have died in crashes linked to the problem, but trial lawyers suing the company say the death toll is at least 53. Ignition switches on Chevrolet Cobalts and Saturn Ions can slip out of the ‘‘run’’ position and shut off the engine. That cuts off the power steering and brakes, potentially causing drivers to lose control. It also disables the car’s air bags.

    Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, at a morning news conference in Washington, said the government will not accept a company failing to notify regulators about safety defects.

    ‘‘Literally silence can kill,’’ he said. ‘‘GM did not act and did not alert us in a timely manner. What GM did was break the law.’’

    Acting NHTSA Administrator David Friedman said that a previously undisclosed 2009 memo from a parts supplier to GM clearly stated that the ignition switch problem could disable the small cars’ air bags, which clearly is a safety problem.

    ‘‘This is information that General Motors had from their supplier that General Motors never shared with us,’’ he said.

    Had the government possessed this information, it would have sought a recall at that time, Friedman said. The safety agency has been criticised for not requiring GM to recall the small cars despite numerous complaints from owners.

    Automakers are required to report safety defects within five days of discovering them.