The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Katsina orders 34 Peugeot ambulances

    Katsina orders 34 Peugeot ambulances

    The Katsina State government has ordered for 34 units Peugeot Partner long Ambulances to enhance medical service delivery in the 34 local government areas of the state.

    This was made known when Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema received the Executive Management team of PAN Nigeria Limited, when they paid him a visit in his new office in Katsina.

    The governor said the state government would soon go into partnership with PAN in auto capacity building for youths in the state who are undergoing training in auto-related fields at the Katsina Youth Craft Village.

    The training, he said, would further broaden their scope and expose them to modern industrial development in auto engineering.

    Governor Shema noted that the youth would have the opportunity of being accredited by a world standard automotive firm.

    The governor also praised the efforts of PAN in marketing the product nationwide saying, “for one to survive in this competitive marketing world, he has to fashion a strategy for wining”.

    He pledged his support and patronage for the firm.

    Earlier, PAN Managing Director, Alhaji Ibrahim Boyi, said they were in the state to commiserate with the people of Katsina over the recent tragedy that befell the state which resulted in the loss of lives and properties, and also introduce the new Board to the governor whose state owns shares in the company.

    Boyi told the governor that the company has been repositioned to offer value to its customers in the areas of provision of affordable cars, and training in auto mechanic trade.

    He added that the company has also developed a concept called “Shade Tree Initiative” that is aimed at empowering the youth to own their workshop after undergoing training in modern auto mecha-tronics in the firm.

    He further solicited patronage from all tiers of government, urging them to key into the firm’s programme of youth empowerment.

    Boyi assured Peugeot customers of superior value for their patronage, saying that Peugeot brands are cost effective in maintenance apart from the quality guaranteed in the brand.

    The highpoint of the visit was a visit to the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Dr. Abdulmumini Kabir Usman and inspection of Katsina Youth Craft Village.

  • Audi A4: better performer

    Audi A4: better performer

    This year’s Audi A4’s turbocharged four-cylinder may not be the most thrilling engine in the world, but it can still pin you to your seat when you put the gas pedal to the floor. For the individual who desires more, the sport-focused S4 should be more than suffice. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO writes with agency reports.

     

    For the year, the Audi A4 produces 220 horsepower, up from 211 a year ago. A few more features, including Bluetooth and an iPod interface, are now standard.

    The Audi A4 has been so good for so long that it is easy to take this entry-level luxury sedan’s excellence for granted. Its styling is familiar but still attractive, while its cabin is what auto lovers come to expect from Audi in terms of elegant design and superior quality. The features list is generous, yet the A4 typically undercuts the prices on its German rivals. And while certain competitors are more memorable to drive, the A4 still finds a nice middle ground between the sport and comfort sides of the spectrum.

    For this year, the Audi A4 is even better. For beginners, the two-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine has been given a 9-hp bump up to 220. People used to scoff at the idea of a luxury sedan with only four cylinders, but it is actually pretty commonplace now, as the fuel economy benefits of a four-cylinder generally outweigh whatever social stigma you might feel for not getting a six-cylinder. Plus, with 258 pound-feet of torque on tap, the A4 will never be seriously described as slow. And, if demand is something quicker, the superb 2014 Audi S4 performance model is just a heftier car payment away.

    While the 2014 A4’s performance has been improved, the high-quality interior is still the car’s main draw. While perhaps not as visually interesting as some of its competitors, the A4’s typically German cabin nevertheless has a rich ambience. Add to it a decent-sized backseat and trunk and the Audi’s cabin is suitably practical as well.

    The car though does compete against some awfully impressive small luxury sedans. The BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class are chief among them, offering similar refinement and driving experiences. The Cadillac ATS, Lexus IS and Volvo S60 are also solid choices, while the new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class could be a more stylish, cost-effective alternative. Many of those competing models may be newer, better-looking or offer more value for money, but only the BMW could claim to be as well-rounded as the 2014 Audi A4.

     

    Body styles

     

    The A4 is offered only as a sedan, though the Audi Allroad is effectively the wagon version. There is also a higher-performance version of the sedan known as the S4. Both are reviewed separately.

    Trim levels are broken into three tiers: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Standard features for the Premium include 17-inch wheels; automatic headlights; front and rear foglights; automatic wipers; a sunroof; cruise control; automatic climate control; a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel; eight-way power front seats with four-way driver lumbar adjustment; leather upholstery; a dash-mounted Multi Media Interface, or MMI; Bluetooth phone connectivity; and a 10-speaker sound system with a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack, an iPod interface and satellite radio. Options include a navigation system (with voice controls and console-mounted MMI), a Cold Weather package (heated front seats and a 60/40-split folding rear seat) and an S line style package, which adds 18-inch wheels, xenon headlights and sportier exterior trim.

    The Premium Plus comes standard with the cold weather and S line packages and further adds keyless ignition/entry, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, tri-zone automatic climate control and driver seat memory functions. The MMI Navigation plus package has the Premium’s navigation system, but further adds front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, Bluetooth audio connectivity and Audi connect (enhanced Web-based navigation, information and WiFi access). Also optional are a blind-spot monitoring system and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system.

    The Prestige includes all of the above as standard plus adaptive xenon headlights. Exclusive to the Prestige is the optional Driver Select package, which adds adaptive cruise control, adaptive steering and adjustable vehicle settings known as Audi Drive Select. A power rear sunshade is also available.

    Optional on both the Premium Plus and Prestige is the Sport package, which adds a sport-tuned suspension and front sport seats. Also available is the Audi Exclusive Line Interior package that adds upgraded leather upholstery and special interior trim. The Black Optic package features 19-inch wheels and gloss black exterior trim.

     

    Performance

     

    The car is powered by a two-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) are standard, while all-wheel drive is available with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Audi estimates that any of these powertrain variations will bring the A4 from zero to 60 in 6.2-6.6 seconds, which would be an average time for this class.

    EPA-estimated fuel economy is 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined with FWD and the CVT. It drops slightly to 22/32/26 with AWD and the manual transmission, and then further to 20/29/24 with AWD and the automatic.

     

    Safety

     

    The Audi A4 comes standard with antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. A blind-spot warning system is optional on the Premium Plus and standard on the Prestige. Rear seat airbags are optional on all trims, while the Prestige can be equipped with an adaptive cruise control system that warns the driver and primes the brakes should it detect an impending collision. Front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera are optional as well.

    In Edmunds brake testing, an A4 with summer tires came to a stop from 60 mph in 108 feet. This is excellent, though typical of a premium-brand car with summer tires.

    In government crash tests, the A4 received a perfect five stars in every category, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave last year’s A4 the best possible score of “Good” in the moderate-overlap frontal offset, side and roof-strength tests. It did receive the worst rating of “Poor” in the IIHS’s new small-overlap frontal offset crash test, but few cars have been subjected to this test, and a majority received similarly low ratings.

     

    Interior design

     

    The 2014 Audi A4 features one of the best cabins in its class. The interior’s austere design lends an air of adult seriousness, while the top-notch materials send a message of sophisticated refinement.The use of real leather as standard equipment also gives the Audi an advantage over its competitors from BMW and Mercedes, which use premium vinyl.

    Even though the A4 is considered a small entry-level luxury car, the interior space is more akin to a midsize sedan. Rear outboard seats provide enough head- and legroom to comfortably accommodate a typical adult. The 12.4-cubic-foot trunk is only average in size.

    Infotainment functions are controlled by Audi’s MMI. This consists of a small knob surrounded by buttons that together control menu on a central screen. Overall, it is an effective interface, though some audio functions are buried in menus and, in practice, one found BMW’s iDrive and Mercedes’ COMAND systems a bit more intuitive to use. Also, A4s without navigation have the MMI controller located on the dash instead of the centre console, which isn’t as convenient to operate.

     

  • Nissan SUV tows plane

    Nissan SUV tows plane

    Nissan recently accomplished a fresh milestone as the Y62 Nissan Patrol towed a 170-tonne Iiyushin cargo plane down 55 metres at Sharjah International Airport, UAE.

    Authorities say this record is unprecedented yet and has thus earned the Nissan Patrol Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records.

    The record, according to the authority, eclipses previous attainment in 2006, when a slightly modified Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDi towed a 155-tonne Boeing 747 through a distance of 150 meters.

    The 170-tonne Iiyushin II-76 plane including fuel and cargo weighs over 170-tonnes – approximately 62 times the kerb weight of a standard Y62 Nissan Patrol.

    The Iiyushin II-76 plane is known as one of the world’s toughest cargo planes and it is designed to deliver cargo, take-off and land in some of the world’s most extreme environments.

    Nissan claimed a standard production Y62 Patrol was used for the attempt, adding that the only modification done was on a towing hitch compatible with the aircraft to connect the car with the aircraft’s pushback ring.

    Managing Director, Nissan Middle East Mr Samir Cherfan, said: “Nissan celebrates another landmark day with its second Guinness World Record. The overwhelming response has been the inspiration for the historic events and the achievement will motivate us to ensure we deliver ‘Innovation that excites’ in everything we do.”

    Fondly called the ‘Hero of all Terrain,’ the Y62 Nissan patrol is mated to an advanced seven-speed automatic transmission and a sophisticated, electronically controlled, all-mode 4X4 system with 298kw and 560Nm from a 5.6litre naturally aspirated V8 engine.

    The Y62 Nissan Patrol is one of the Nissan models scheduled to roll out of the VON Automobile plant in Lagos Nigeria next month.

  • Traffic signs crisis

    On Monday, October 14, 2013, I received a text message from one of the Telecoms service providers in Nigeria which states thus:……… Text REG to 746 to check your SIM registration status. Register before June 30, 2013 (2013 when we are already, in October) or you will be disconnected. Will it be out of way if I say that it is the service provider itself that has been disconnected from reality? What shall we say if a service provider is not updating its data regularly. No wonder, their services are not yet catching up with the increasing demands. Hence the poor networks and communication all around.

    In the same vein, there are lots of confusion concerning the traffic signs and road markings installed in various parts of the country. In the course of my research, I observed the following:

    •The use of traffic signs that are not even in the Nigeria’s “revised” highway code. This is common among the road construction companies.

    •Traffic signs with shapes different from the shape specified in the Highway Code

    •Traffic signs with colours different from what is specified in the Highway Code

    •Warning signs positioned too close to the object of caution.

    •Road markings wrongly laid down. For example, the use of broken lines at points where there should be solid lines.

    •Traffic signs with wrong information (Wordings).

    •Absence of road signs and markings at some points where they are expedient.

    •Malfunctioning traffic lights without alternative traffic control in some heavy traffic areas.

    •Delapidated traffic signs crying for repairs, painting or refurbishing and road markings already fading off.

    •Traffic signs already overgrown and covered by road side bush.

    In view of the above among others, I hereby suggest the following urgent actions:

    •Establishment of an urgent Highway Code review Committee which should comprise of the Representatives of the Federal Ministry of Works, Federal Ministry of Transport, Federal Road Safety Commission, State (and FCT) Vehicle Inspection Officers, Association of Driving Schools/Instructors of Nigeria, Driving Standards Agency (UK) and United States Ministry of Transport among others. The objective will be to review the current highway code so as to correct the errors therein and add other missing information.

    •The Federal Ministry of Transport or the Federal Road Safety Commission should organise a workshop for all the state Ministries of Transport and Ministries of Works with the aim of teaching them the road signs and also emphasise the need for uniformity and compliance to avoid confusing the road users.

    •Unbiased and uncompromised implementation of regular re-training of all categories of drivers and vehicle owners before the renewal of the national driver license (3 years interval). This has become necessary because of past low emphasis on the right driver education in Nigeria. There is no doubt about the fact that there is a very wide knowledge gap among all categories of drivers in Nigeria, including the VIPs. Vehicle Technology and the driving environment are dynamic thereby calling for regular updating of drivers knowledge to ensure effective and safe vehicle control in every driving condition. The contents of driver training also needs to be improved upon to attain the expected positive attitudinal changes.

    The above suggestions call for urgent and proactive actions to drastically reduce the rate of accidents and the consequent loss of irreparable lives and valuable properties.

  • Coscharis harps on safety

    Coscharis Group has canvassed use of genuine spare parts as part of measures to ensure safety on the roads.

    Its Group Chairman, Dr Cosmas Maduka, spoke at a seminar for the firm’s dealers, key stakeholders in the business, including the Lagos Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Chidiebere Nkwonta.

    The event was aimed at addressing after-sales challenges of the firm.

    It has as theme Safety on our roads – Imperative of genuine spare parts.

    To achieve this, especially with its Ford brand, Coscharis Motors, in partnership with Ford sub-Sahara Africa (SSA), launched what it called Certified Parts Wholesale Dealer (CPWD) network.

    Maduka, represented by the Executive Director, Special Duties, Cosmas Maduka (Jnr), noted that with sales increase of the Ford brand, there has been an increase in demand for spare parts and after-sales services.

    Explaining the rationale for the CPWD initiative, Maduka noted that some of the firm’s customers live in or operate their businesses in remote areas of the country and as such, have no easy access to the company’s facilities whenever they have issues bothering on spare parts. A situation, he claimed, has led to patronage unscrupulous spare parts dealers who end up selling counterfeit and sub-standard spare parts to customers in need. He regretted that the use of counterfeit products has exposed some motorists to untold and avoidable hazards including breakdowns, parts failure, accidents and sometimes leading to loss of property and or lives.

    “We have come to the understanding going by the rate at which the brand is growing in our market, that we cannot provide all the after-sales needs all by ourselves. This gave rise to collaborating with spare-parts dealers in the market to make genuine Ford Motorcraft Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) spare-parts available to customers who may have need for parts from time to time,” he said.

    Maduka explained that Coscharis Motors past invested a great deal in after-sales facilities, to tackle the menace.

    Nkwonta, in his presentation, reiterated the dangers of using fake spare parts and the consequent loss of human lives.

    Yearly, he said, over 1.2 million people are killed in road crashes around the world, while 20-50 times that number suffers from serious injuries.

    He said: “Currently, 3,300 deaths and over 66,000 serious injuries occur each day from road crashes, affecting lives of not only the victims, but also those close to and also perhaps financially dependent upon them. Road Safety requires not only driver fitness but vehicle fitness. A well maintained vehicle not only speaks volumes about the owner, but will protect the owner on the road.

    “It is important that we address the importance of vehicle maintenance using genuine parts for road safety and create awareness of preventative steps in properly maintaining our vehicles, thus underlining the importance of using genuine spare parts.”

    The FRSC Lagos Sector Commander listed the advantages of original parts to include safety and reliability, non-negative effect on vehicle’s re-sale value as the longevity of original parts and accessories will help to avoid excessive wear-and-use expenses thus saving life and money.

  • Koncept seals Isuzu dealership with GM

    Concept Autocentre Limited, a subsidiary of the Kewalram Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with General Motors for the marketing of Isuzu brands in Nigeria.

    The General Manager of Koncept Autocentre, Gaurav Kaul, said the firm was created to handle the Isuzu business with GM.

    Deputy Managing Director, Kewalram Chanrai Group, which has Koncept as subsidiary, Victor Eburajolo, said the brand was returning for the better.

    Eburajolo recalled that Isuzu was a major auto brand in the country, occupying a reputable position because of its strength, durability and performance.

    “We want to bring it back and push it to its enviable place among other vehicle brands,” he said.

    According to him, the Isuzu brand would have exclusive showrooms and after-sale service outlets different from other brand being handled by the company.

    “We will not use the Mitsubishi facilities; we are building the showrooms and after-sale outfits for the Isuzu,” he noted.

    President/Managing Director of General Motors, Africa, Mr. Mario Spangenberg, said the American automobile-manufacturing firm was happy with its new agreement with Koncept.

    He also spoke on the possibility of setting up an assembly plant in Nigeria in line with the objectives of the auto policy of the Federal Government.

    He said they were studying the new policy on the matter.

    “We need a clear understanding about the policy before making any investment; we have not made any commitment; we are investigating what the legislative position will be and we shall evaluate it,” Spangenberg said.

    Beside, the two firms are not foreclosing the establishing of an assembly plant aimed at manufacturing the vehicle in line with the automotive policy.

  • Hyundai partners FirstBank

    Hyundai partners FirstBank

    Hyundai Motors Nigeria has announced another sales offer in partnership with First Bank PLC to enable customers to experience Hyundai’s cutting-edge technology.

    The offer, which is tagged ‘Always first with Hyundai’ promises seamless transaction, starts from as low as N47, 000 monthly instalment for Hyundai model, including the i10, Accent, Elantra, Sonata, iX35 and Santa-Fe.

    Announcing the offer in Lagos, Mr Jatin Nadkarni, Head, Sales and Marketing, Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited said: “We understand the evolving needs and preferences of our customers going by the overwhelming requests we have received to inaugurate another sales offer that would enable desiring customers own and drive Hyundai engineered vehicles.”

    Nadkarni said the objective of the campaign was to provide the best of Hyundai products and services to customers seeking to experience Hyundai cutting-edge technology.

    Prospective customers, he added, is to contribute only 10 per cent equity of whatever vehicle model of choice and would thereafter enjoy up to 48 months tenor at designated equal monthly installments.

    The offer also assures free vehicle registration and first three services free-of-charge in line with Hyundai Service Schedule.

    Hyundai last year inaugurated similar campaign to reaffirm Hyundai’s ‘live brilliant.’

    Nadkarni recounted the offer was part of the dealership effort to implement Hyundai’s brand essence of ‘Modern Premium’ designed to help customers including fleet and individual patrons to procure Hyundai vehicles without hidden charges.

    “The offer is exclusively seamless without any hidden charges and is open to individuals and fleet buyers,” he said.

    He explained that the offer is open to all, including those without account with FirstBank but wants to take advantage of the scheme to procure any Hyundai vehicle of choice.

    According to Nadkarni, “The Hyundai experience begins from the moment a customer walks into any Hyundai Motors’ showroom to apply.

  • Firm wins award

    Firm wins award

    Nigerian Breweries Plc has honoured a provider of modernised fleet management solution, Joza Global Logistics, at its Customer Forum and key transporters category Award Nite.

    Joza won the Overall Best Transporter Nationally in the year.

    NB Managing Director Nicholas Vervelde led other top management staff to present the award to Joza’s Managing Director Usiakpor Emmanuel.

    Vervelde thanked NB’s customers and other stakeholders for keeping them atop with their various brands as premium market leaders.

    He promised to continue rewarding outstanding customers.

    Joza, who also picked the same award in 2012, has over 1,000 employees.

    The firm has fleet of over 400 units of various trucks ranging from Man diesel, Howo, Foton, Daf trucks, noted as the number one in fleets income earning.

  • GM, CFAO to re-introduce Isuzu

    GM, CFAO to re-introduce Isuzu

    The Isuzu brand of trucks that once rule the auto market in the country is set to return, courtesy of a partnership between General Motors and CFAO.

    President/Managing Director, GM Africa, Mario Spangenberg made this known during a visit to CFAO Corporate Office on Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The event featured the inauguration of Adeola Odeku Chevrolet Isuzu showroom in Lagos and the cutting of a cake.

    CFAO Nigeria Managing Director Olivier Levigne, said Isuzu offered an extensive product line-up to meet customers’ needs, boasting of its robustness and dependability, incorporation of the latest technologies and high-quality materials as well as powerful and efficient engines.

    “Isuzu pick up truck is a very competitive truck and it is doing very good in South Africa and we expect to do well in Nigeria as well,” he said.

    Levigne said that Isuzu cabs were renowned for their corrosion resistance due its sophisticated treating and painting technologies on the market.

    CFAO Motors, he said, has concluded plan to launch the new Isuzu and Trailblazer automobile brands into the market.

    Isuzu and Trailblazer automobile vehicles are built by General Motors with its six of its internationally renowned brands, such as Chevrolet, Mitsubishi, Iveco, DAF, Aveo and Fuso.

    Spangenberg described Isuzu as competitive and designed to meet the African demand.

    “All our vehicles and spare parts sold through our network are covered by automakers’ warranties. We are present in 39 areas where we use our first-rate knowledge of the local terrain to provide our partners with ideal conditions for entering often-fragmented market,” he said.

    He expressed confidence in the sales team, noting that CFAO Automotive ensures that vehicles and spare parts were available.

    “Our network is part of an efficient supply chain and we have invested $30 million spear parts depot in South Africa so that both vehicles and spare parts are readily available in all corners of Africa to satisfy customer requirements everywhere. We are constantly striving to be better and this is why we continually invest in expanding and modernising our points of sale, training our sales and technical teams, and upgrading our plants to boost performance,” Spangenberg noted.

    GM, he said, was also set to build a training centre for technicians who will provide high quality after-sales service, in the country. It will also offer test drive as an option for its potential customers.

     

  • Winners emerge in Toyota contest

    Winners emerge in Toyota contest

    Toyota (Nigeria) Limited (TNL) has announced winners of the yearly Toyota Dream Car Art Contest.

    The event took place in three different geographical zones of Nigeria among pupils in the Junior Secondary Schools and Primary school pupils.

    Out of the over 1000 participants, a panel of Creative Arts professionals selected eight best entries.

    The winners, accompanied by their parents/guardians and art teachers, were at the prize and certificate presentation in Toyota’s office in Lagos to receive certificates of excellence from the General Manager Corporate Services, Mr Bunmi Onafowokan who represented the duo of the Managing Director Mr Chandraskeker Krishnadas Thampy and the Executive Director, Mr Kunle Ade Ojo.

    In addition to the certificates, the children were presented with lap tops and other beautiful corporate gifts.

    Speaking on behalf of the winners, Master Tomide Olunloyo, described Toyota as a standard setter in Nigeria.

    Toyota, he said, has been engraved in his mind.

    He thanked the company for providing the platform for him and other contestants to showcase their talents.

    TNL Public Relations and Advert Manager, Mrs Bukunola Ogunnusi wished the participants the luck.

    She expressed optimism that, at least, one of the entries would bring out a winners when the result is announced in May in Japan.

    Winners in each category are sponsored to Japan to attend the award, which will feature presentation of Special Jury’s Award as well as Finalist Award by the President Toyota Motor Corporation.