The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Govt advised on cargo truck, tanker accidents

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola has called for minimum standard of safety for all vehicles that carry cargo in and out of the ports including tankers that carry fuel which suddenly fall and erupt into flames.

    Fashola said it only means the cargo vehicles and tankers are either not built to the appropriate specification or something is wrong somewhere.

    The governor spoke during this year’s edition of the stakeholders’ yearly interactive session with the Lagos State government, entitled “An Evening with Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola.”

    The session, initiated by On Wheels Magazine, was held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Fashola said: “There is a multilevel governance structure (Federal, state and local) and each having its functions. The Federal controls the port and all that happens in it. And so with the structure on ground, the state cannot do anything. I have communicated with the National level, I have written to the Federal Government through the Minister of Transport and the Port Authority through the Ministry of Finance, the supervising Ministry. It all depends on the priority we place on life and safety as against money. There must be minimum safety in vehicles carrying cargoes in and out of our port. Same can be said of tankers that convey fuel because they just suddenly burst into flames killing and maiming people and destroying properties in the process,” he said.

    He said: “There is no city-state in the world that moves the volume of cargo that we move from the ports and tank farms across the country on our roads daily.

    The tonnage, he said, is too severe for the survival of the roads.

    “So, when we keep Lagosians moving as you see them, it only means that this government is performing only something near a miracle. For us, it is important that transportation is efficient. Yes, we have congestion, problems on our roads, but remember that it is the consequence of over 21 million people choosing to leave in the smallest land space in the country. As I tell people, there is no congestion in the desert,” he said.

    He described transportation as a linchpin of modern civilisation.

    “In fact, transportation assets are shared assets and that means you can’t own the road. The rule therefore is that when you don’t need to be on the road, don’t be on the road because we cannot work our way out of congestion. We can only work around congestion. But as a people, we still carry on business as usual. Some people still get into their cars just to go and just with a friend when they can use the phone. Once we recognise that the road is a shared asset and should only be used when there is no alternative. This will allow all of us who want to use those assets to share them in a very beautiful way,” said.

  • Honda unveils new motorcycle

    Honda unveils new motorcycle

    Honda Manufacturing (Nigeria) Limited has launched a new motorcycle – Dream 110.

    This is in continuation of the company’s determination to take over the two wheelers’ market largely dominated by Chinese manufacturer and Bajaj Boxer from Indian. Bajaj’s Boxer has a very strong brand name and it commands brand premium over Chinese model in Nigeria. Both Chinese and Indian manufacturer will now have tough fight from Honda, the Japanese auto giant.

    The presentation of Dream 110, held at the Ota, Ogun State office of the company, was witnessed by the company’s top officials, clientele, private and commercial motorcyclists.

    The country Managing Director, Osamu Ishikawa described the new motorcycle as the best for Nigerian market.

    Ishikawa said the vision behind the new Dream 110 motorcycle included excellence and user -friendliness.

    Honda, he said, has intensified efforts, both high quality and affordable products.

    “Our study has shown that the demand for personal user of motorcycle is increasing. The best motorcycle must also be affordable, economical and durable to withstand high terrain considering Nigerian road condition,” he said.

    He boasted that the new bike is elegant, comfortable and fuel efficient.

    Narrating the features of the new bike, Honda’s Sales Manager, Amos Ogoigbe, said the motorcycle, has 110 CC-engine and developed as a part of the strategy of low price, models for newly emerging markets with focus on ease of handling, fuel efficiency, elegance and durability while leveraging Honda’s global network to increase cost competitiveness.

    He said there is demand for more private motorcycles due to increase in the nation’s GDP yearly, hence the introduction of new product.

    Honda Dream 110, Ogoigbe said, is 20 percent better than Chinese models.

    “It is designed to take care of customers’ desire to have the best brand; security and safety are embedded. It has a shield that protects leg and feet from the muddy splash. It is the best personal motorcycle for lovers of two wheelers,” Ishikawa interjected.

    Honda has set 10,000 units sales target for the segment.

    The Managing Director admitted that the restriction of motorcycles in some parts of Lagos by the state government affected their sale last year but the company has devised means to address the situation.

    He, however, said Honda Nigeria is not introducing the 200CC-engine recommended by the state government anytime soon.

    “We are still studying the situation to understand its market viability. We have embark on producing products that are affordable compare to our competitors; it will be unwise for us to delve into 200CC-engine segment which will automatically catapulted the price into a thing that will be difficult for average users of the bike to purchase,” Ishikawa said.

  • MVAA introduces new scheme

    The Lagos State Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (LSMVAA) which was recently named the “Most Re-engineered-for- Service Agency in the Federation” has introduced a new user-friendly product and a state-of-the-art service.

    The product called Temporary Vehicle Tag (TVT) scheme is One-Stop Centre for vehicle licensing and documentation in the state.

    The centre, according to LSMVAA Permanent Secretary, Mr Akin Hanson, is designed to provide all the services and products of the agency from a single and highly efficient point.

    At the centre, which will run on an e-commerce environment, a customer will be able to start and complete all transactions relating to motor and driver products and services without leaving the building.

    Hanson said the scheme is first of its type in Nigeria and the West African sub-region. The MVAA plans to build a One-Stop Centre in each of the state’s five divisions.

    He noted that the centre will reduce the heavy customer traffic at MVAA’s 46 Vehicle Licensing, Driver’s License Centres and Rider’s Card Issuing Centres which are strategically located across the states.

    Hanson said: “All MVAA partners in the service delivery chain such as Courteville Business Solutions (AUTO-NET products), designated Banks, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), the Driver’s Institute and others, will have their offices located within the One-Stop Centre in a sequential arrangement which ensures that customers are able to move seamlessly through the various transaction stages.

    “The services will be dispensed from purpose-built cubicles in sequential order thus saving time and improving the efficiency of the process.

    Customers and applicants will be able to obtain registration forms, complete the forms, make payments, undergo driving tests, have their data captured, renew their vehicle papers and undergo other screening requirements within the One-Stop Centre.”

    He said well-trained personnel will ensure that customers are guided through their transactions from the screening of documents at the reception areas to the final point at every stage of the process.

    Hanson explained that the TVT will serve as a veritable and approved identification for vehicles pending their full registration.

    “The concept will allow the capturing of the data of such vehicles on the state’s robust vehicle database thus guaranteeing that tagged vehicles can be tracked in the event of security challenges, including theft. The introduction of the TVT derives essentially from the state government’s resolve to ease the pains of vehicle owners due to the delay they often experience in obtaining Customs papers necessary for full vehicle registration. It will be issued to applicants, sequel to the fulfilment of all approved registration conditions and requirements, except the production of Custom Duty Card,” he said.

    The TVT registration document carries a validity period of 30 days from the issuing date, in the first instance.

    Hanson said it is the practice in most developed and a few developing countries. “When a vehicle is purchased and before all the necessary documents are ready, it is the TVT that provides opportunity for the registration of such new vehicle to a certain level. With this arrangement, the items that may not be ready are the number plate and the vehicle licence. You can buy your vehicle, obtain TVT while waiting for the Customs papers instead of leaving the car somewhere at the risk of being stolen. You can get insurance with the TVT for 30 days, renewable for another 30 days after which a renewal will lapse. A vehicle can be bought today and used for a wedding the next day,” he explained.

  • Nissan to increase market share

    Nissan Motor Corporation has restated its plans to grow market share and consolidated operating profit in Nigeria by eight per cent by 2015, Mr Jimmy Dando, Director, Sub-Sahara, Nissan South Africa has said.

    Dando spoke in Lagos during the inauguration of a new national Nissan Sales Company, Stallion Nissan Motors Nigeria Limited.

    He said the initiative is part of Nissan’s global mid-term objective, Power 88 designed to reposition and expose the brand to customers in a consolidated and comprehensive way, while also expanding Nissan’s influence to new places.

    “Our business expansion plan is expanding Nissan and Nissan’s influence where we have not previously been present here in Nigeria,” he said.

    He also said Nissan will extend her co-sponsorship of the Africa Cup of nations to Nigeria to enhance the brand’s representation and value in Africa.

    “Our partnership with Stallion NMN will help us achieve these objectives and we are pleased to be working with a strong team in Nigeria, who is able to understand and serve our customers and respond to a complex market.”

    While recalling Nissan models such as the Urvan commuter bus and Datsun 120Y and 180Y saloon cars had in the 1970s and early 80s enjoyed unprecedented patronage, Dando said Stallion NMN is expected to reignite the brand in Nigeria, with a focused product introduction plan in the years 2013 to 2016.

    He said there would be series of launches of new model Nissan vehicles and minor changes including the GT-R and Juke which are coming to Lagos, while next generation Sentra, Tiida, Teana, Pathfinder and Qashqai are to be introduced this August.

    These vehicles are packed with innovative features that reflect Nissan’s passion for bringing accessible technology to a broader audience, said Mr. Dando.

    Managing Director, Stallion NMN, Mr Pavir Singh, had also noted that the inauguration of the Nissan facility in Gbagada Lagos is the first step in the company’s commitment to providing an extensive and world-class automotive experience to customers in Nigeria.

    The Stallion Group, owners of Stallion NMN, has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s economy with investments in warehousing, factories, showrooms and workshops, and its automobile subsidiary accounts for 20 per cent of the local automobile market share.

    Mr. Singh said: “Stallion NMN has a firm belief in the Nissan brand and wishes to re-connect local motoring public with Nissan’s heritage of solid engineering ingenuity and aesthetic values.”

    He added: “Through our network expansion plans and strong focus on ongoing development of our sales and service teams, Nigeria’s customers can expect consistent and innovative sales and service solutions.”

     

  • The tinted glass law (2)

    I want the Nigeria Police authorities to enrol for some lessons with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to learn how people conceal contrabands in vehicles with transparent glasses. It is only fools that will keep dangerous weapons openly on the seats or booths of vehicles. What happens to the delivery vans that have no window at the back? What happens to container vehicles and other trucks completely sealed up?

    Should they now cut open the sides and back of the vehicles and containers to fix transparent glasses to enable the Policemen see the contents? Wait a minute, have we not heard of policemen that trailed and robbed motorists of their valuables after discovering cash and other properties in the process of searching their vehicles? What shall we do about this? How did the so-called dangerous weapons enter into Nigeria? Can’t something be done about this?

    •The Joint Tax Force in the Northern part of Nigeria use a method which I think the Nigerian Police Force can borrow a leaf from. As the motorists are approaching the checking points, they must wind down all their glasses whether tranparent or tinted to enable them see the occupants clearly. Is this not better than placing a ban on factory fitted glasses?

    •Now that factory -fitted tinted glasses is the new technology, should the government place order for Nigerian specs with transparent glasses so that the automobile manufacturers can dedicate special lines of production for Nigerian vehicles alone.

    •It is expedient for THE Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to do a brief study of the difference in the level of transparency between the factory- fitted tinted and manually filmed glasses

    •The fact that there is an act on tinted glasses does not mean that the law is perfect in view of the fact that we don’t have Nigeria – made vehicles .This is another testing ground for the National Assembly ,The Civil Rights Activists and the Labour unions .In a matter of days,we shall know the caliber and intersts of the Assembly men ,Labour unions and human right activists we have in this Country.Nigerians are waiting to hear their views.

    •What is the difference between a vehicle with transparent glasses that moves in the night and a vehicle with a tinted glass that move in the day or night?

    •Should I say that our IGP should take an official trip to any of the countries using tinted glasses such as the United States of America or Benin Republic near us here to study how they have been controlling their crime rate?

    I also want to suggest that officers of the NPF should be properly exposed to the right training in security,surveillance and counter-surveillance techniques.It is not a matter of tinted glasses but having the requisite skills for crime control.Gullotine (cutting of the head)is not the best prescription for headache.

    I hereby suggest that the new directive on tinted glasses be suspended and be subjected to professional brainstorming and public debate.The National Assembly should also seat to review the Act to reflect the realities on vehicle technology.

    After the law ,there is commonsense .Whenever a law is made ,we should not always take it as it is ,but merge its implementation with the realities of life.For example,the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) should not have anything to do with training of drivers of Organisations.The role of FRSC should purely be as that of DSA in Britain and ADTSEA in America which design curriculum of driving schools ,set standards and monitor the driving schools for compliance to ensure the accomplishment of the objectives.

  • Govt advised on cargo truck, tanker accidents

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola has called for minimum standard of safety for all vehicles that carry cargo in and out of the ports including tankers that carry fuel which suddenly fall and erupt into flames.

    Fashola said it only means the cargo vehicles and tankers are either not built to the appropriate specification or something is wrong somewhere.

    The governor spoke during this year’s edition of the stakeholders’ annual interactive session with the Lagos State government, tagged “An Evening with Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola.”

    The session, initiated by On Wheels Magazine, was held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Fashola said: “There is a multilevel governance structure (Federal, state and local) and each having its functions. The Federal controls the port and all that happens in it. And so with the structure on ground, the state cannot do anything. I have communicated with the National level, I have written to the Federal Government through the Minister of Transport and the Port Authority through the Ministry of Finance, the supervising Ministry. It all depends on the priority we place on life and safety as against money. There must be minimum safety in vehicles carrying cargoes in and out of our port. Same can be said of tankers that convey fuel because they just suddenly burst into flames killing and maiming people and destroying properties in the process,” he said.

    He said: “There is no city-state in the world that moves the volume of cargo that we move from the ports and tank farms across the country on our roads daily.

    The tonnage, he said, is too severe for the survival of the roads.

    “So when we keep Lagosians moving as you see them, it only means that this government is performing only something near a miracle. For us, it is important that transportation is efficient. Yes, we have congestion, problems on our roads, but remember that it is the consequence of over 21 million people choosing to leave in the smallest land space in the country. As I tell people, there is no congestion in the desert,” he said.

    He described transportation as a linchpin of modern civilisation.

    “In fact, transportation assets are shared assets and that means you can’t own the road. The rule therefore is that when you don’t need to be on the road, don’t be on the road because we cannot work our way out of congestion. We can only work around congestion. But as a people, we still carry on business as usual. Some people still get into their cars just to go and just with a friend when they can use the phone. Once we recognise that the road is a shared asset and should only be used when there is no alternative. This will allow all of us who want to use those assets to share them in a very beautiful way,” said.

  • Honda Civic: sleek, energetic

    Honda Civic: sleek, energetic

    The previous generation Civic has always performed well in the driver power survey and, as lots of technology has been carried over straight from the old car, it is expected that the new 9th generation car would do just well as its predecessor, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    The Honda Place Nigeria has joined the rest of the world to unveil the ninth-generation Honda Civic that was recently face-lifted to incorporate upscale features such as sleek, energetic and aerodynamic design with a new ECON button that adjusts throttle response and air conditioning to improve fuel economy.

    In a chat with motoring journalists in Lagos, The Honda Place Head of sales and marketing, Mr Deepak Daryanani, said the previous-generation Honda Civic had a revolutionary look, but Honda has chosen evolution for this latest model.

    The Civic, according to him is also smoother and sleeker in shape with curvy wheel-arches and longer front and rear overhangs.

    This is in addition to the LED lights that run across the front and are standard across the range.

    The tail of the Civic, however, retains the split screen of its predecessor with the lights incorporated into the split, but a windscreen wiper has been added.

    On the inside, the cabin material and switchgear has been improved while the digital dashboard is simplified so that it’s easier to read.

    Available in two –trim levels, LX and EX, the entry level LX comes equipped with automatic air-con, USB connectivity and 16-inch alloy wheels while the EX adds luxuries like cruise control, front fog lights, dual-zone climate control and Bluetooth and panoramic sunroof.

    A mock test drive after the product familiarization meeting reveals that the new Honda Civic strikes a good balance between fun and comfort – courtesy of the new smooth electric power steering system and fluid-filled rear suspension bushes, which soaks up bumps convincingly.

    Coupled with this are the slippery aerodynamics that helps resist wind noise, so it is pretty quiet on the motorway.

    The previous generation Civic has always performed well in the driver power survey and, as lots of technology has been carried over straight from the old car, it is expected that the new car would do just well as its predecessor.

    As for safety, Daryanani said Civic has a maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating, adding that every Civic comes fitted with a full complement of airbags, as well as LED daytime running lights, ESP and ABS as standard. The EX model gets adaptive cruise control and a Collision Mitigation Braking System, which uses radar to detect imminent collisions at low speeds.

    Daryanani said only the 140bhp 1.8-litre petrol engine with a five-speed automatic transmission system will be available in the local market.

    Talking practicality, there’s plenty of room for adults in the back – thanks to the car’s generous dimension of 4,300mm long, 2,065mm wide and 1,590mm tall.

    “The clever rear bench ‘Magic Seat’ is also still there; this means that you can fold the seats flat when you want to carry longer items, or flip the seats up cinema-style when you want to transport taller loads,” Daryanani said.

    Daryanani said: “The Civic has always been cheap to run, and this latest version is no different. All of the engines are economical. You can get the 1.8 litre to post 28/29kmpg and emit 137g/km. And with strong residual values across the range, you’ll get a lot of your money back come resale time.”

  • Lagos issues 79,161 new number plates

    No fewer than 79,161 new number plates have been issued by the Lagos State government to vehicles registered in other states of the federation in the last one year.

    Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, said the Lagos State Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA) was responsible for issuing the plates.

    He spoke at a ministerial press briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Lagos.

    He said the MVAA commenced the second phase of revalidation of old number plates of vehicles registered in other states of the federation to Lagos State number plate Autoreg platform some months ago and had issued 79,161 new number plates to replace the old ones.

    On the Clients’ Representatives (CR) Scheme, Opeifa said since it began operations, the MVAA had taken various measures to eliminate touting and faking of its products, saying that in 2010, the agency broke a new ground in its mandate when it introduced its CR.

    He said: “The scheme, a creative piece of social re-engineering recognises former “licensing agents” who were empowered to operate legally on behalf of their clients in obtaining products and services of the agency, having gone through rigorous security screening.”The scheme has been applauded for its convenience and has instantly generated 363 jobs for hitherto unemployed men and women, thereby improving their economic wellbeing as well as taking services of the agency to the doorsteps of individuals and corporate organisations who have in the past relied on touts in processing their vehicle documents and other services of the Agency,” he explained.

    The commissioner said government had evacuated 4,300 abandoned and disused vehicles from Lagos roads in the last one year, but lamented that recent survey by the Community Development Association/Community Development Committees under the supervision of the Ministry of Rural Development had again in the last three months identified another 4,632 vehicles abandoned on the over 9,100 roads in Lagos State.

  • Assembly warns tricycle operators over reckless driving

    The lagos State House of Assembly has warned members of the state three-wheelers association to caution their members to desist from reckless driving.

    Its Chairman, Committee on Transportation, Commerce and Industry, Hon. Bisi Yusuf, gave the warning during a meeting with the executive members of the association at the Assembly Complex in Alausa, Ikeja.

    Yusuf, who represents Alimosho 1 Constituency, said he would arrest any tricycle operator who disobeys traffic laws passed by the assembly.

    He noted that most of the gridlock witnessed on the highways were caused by tricycle operators who make U-turns in unauthorised places.

    The lawmaker appealed to the association to ensure that their parks are kept clean, urging them to educate their colleagues on the traffic law.

    “No responsible government will make law and see its people violating it without an appropriate sanction,” Yusuf said.

    He charged the operators to report any strange faces in their parks to security agencies.

    Yusuf said the government has spent so much on security, adding that it is the responsibility of everybody to collaborate with the government to tackle security challenges in the state.

    A member of the Committee, Hon. Muyiwa Jimoh, urged the association to set up a task force to monitor its members in their various designated parks.

    Responding, the state Administrative Secretary of the association, Mr Luqas Olaore, assured the committee that their observations would be implemented.

    He promised that the association would collaborate with the government in tackling insecurity.

  • Stallion opens new centre in Sokoto

    Governor of Sokoto State Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamako has praised the the Stallion Group for opening its new multi-brand automobile facility in Sokoto, describing the initiative as another stride towards the socio-economic transformation of the state.

    Wamako, who was accompanied by top government functionaries and the representatives of the Sultanate, to the inauguration of the centre, said: “We welcome you unequivocally and pledge you won’t regret investing in this state.”

    He enjoined the group to take advantage of the huge treasures in the state and diversify its investments.

    The coming of Stallion, he said, was the result of reciprocal calls on investors to explore the huge resources of the state, adding: “This initiative is the beginning of a fruitful and prosperous relationship with the organised private sector.”

    Stallion Motors Limited Managing Director, Mr Parvir Singh, said the company is ready to collaborate with the government to transform the region to an ultramodern commercial centre.

    Singh said Stallion was mindful of the commercial and traditional significance of the ancient city in the annals of history.

    He noted that the company has bolstered her image to a global brand with reputation for excellence.

    He said: “We are expanding our network to cater for customers, irrespective of their locations. Stallion Motors Multi-Brand automobile facility is a complete one-stop shopping arcade, covering all aspects of vehicle ownership and providing seamless access to quality service.

    “The first of its kind in the region, the facility is an entirely multi-brand automobile precinct uniquely designed to provide sales, service and spare parts for about 10 different automobile brands marketed and distributed by the company.”

    Incorporated 40 years ago, Stallion Group has grown from its modest start into a fledging multi-business conglomerate, becoming one of sub-Sahara largest.

    “This is in addition to several multinational representations in eight African countries with unrestrained involvement in commodities, agri-business, food, industries, automobiles and services,” he added