The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • 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

  • The tinted glass law

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has directed that vehicles with tinted glasses should be kept away from the roads except their owners are using them on health and security ground, and that these must be supported by permits from the office of the IGP.

    There have been hues and cries about this new directive. I think I need to air my view on it.

    First, the directive has once again confirmed the level of inconsistency in policy formulation and implementation in Nigeria. On March 7, 2011, there was an advertisement by the Ministry of Police Affairs and signed by the Minister (published in page 40 of The Nation entitled “Expiration of the Deadline on the use of vehicles with Tinted Glasses”.

    Paragraph 2 of the advert stated that “Commissioners of Police in the state and the Federal Capital Territory are now directed to begin physical apprehension and prosecution of offenders, beginning from Saturday, March 5, 2011, with the exception of those with factory-fitted tinted glasses. This is in line with the motor vehicles (prohibitation of Tinted glasses) Act which forbids the use of tinted vehicles on Nigerian Roads”.

    What then has happened between then and now that the new directive now says there is no more exemption to factory-fitted tinted glasses? Apart from the fact that the money spent on the former adverts were wasted, it re-affirmed inconsistency in the Police Administration.

    In the same advert, it was also stated that the “The public should also note that all permits and licences granted for the use of tinted glasses have been revoked”. Why, then, is the Nigeria Police Force saying that some categories of people should obtain permit? In a country where senators and even governors have been accused of sponsoring terrorism, who cannot be a security risk in Nigeria?

    Did I even hear that the cost of obtaining the tinted glass permit is N20,000?

    Is the objective to make it a revenue generating venture or a crime prevention drive?

    Now back to the main issues, vehicle technology is advancing daily even as criminals are advancing in their tactics. Let us look further into few more points.

    Most of the vehicles being manufactured today have factory-fitted tinted glasses, particularly the SUV. The main reason for fixing tinted glasses is not to hide the identity of the occupants, but to reduce the ray of light and heat in the vehicles.

    I don’t know whether the Nigeria Police Force knows that some of the factory-fitted tinted glasses have no transparent alternatives that one can fix if the tinted are removed?

    Is Nigeria more security-conscious than the United States of America?

    Why do they allow the use of tinted glasses? We are agitating for development everyday. Why, then, can’t we toe the line of America in security and surveillance?

    What is the data gathered by the Nigeria Police Force that linked the crime rate with tinted glasses? Sometime ago, the use of okada for commercial purposes was banned in some cities because of their use for crimes. Later, we heard that tricycles are now being used. Should we ban the use of tricycles? There is also an increasing rate of the use of Volkswagen golf cars for suicide bombing in Nigeria. Can we go further to ban the use of golf cars as well, though they have transparent glasses?

    One of the supporting points of the Nigeria Police Force is that vehicles with tinted glasses are

  • ABC Transport expands cargo operations

    ABC Transport Plc has expanded its cargo operations.

    This is to strengthen ABC

    Cargo Express.

    The company has started a sustainable re-fleeting programme by acquiring 12 brand new trucks for rapid delivery of goods across the nation and establishing a maintenance depot (in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos) dedicated to cargo trucks.

    In addition, ABC Cargo Express is opening new outlets for business, especially in Lagos.

    According to ABC Cargo Express Chief Operating Officer, Mr Kamalendu Ghosh, plans are on to fortify cargo operations in the north, with ABC Kaduna terminal as the hub.

    The cargo warehouse in Katampke, Abuja has been outfitted to accommodate large-scale consignment and third party warehousing.

    All these, Ghosh said, were aimed at increasing deliveries up north.

    “And with an adequate Goods-In-Transit insurance in place, customers of ABC Transport can enjoy more peace of mind whenever they have to transact cargo businesses,” he said.

    Ghosh said the company has installed a Java-based technology to enhance its e-waybill software, which not only enables the company to keep track of consignments, their movements and locations, but also disseminates SMS alerts/notifications to consignees for easy and prompt collection once their goods get to the specified terminal.

    This, he said, was expected to reduce delays, improve efficiencies in transactions and waybills and improve customer service on the whole.

  • FERMA upbeats on roads maintenance

    FERMA upbeats on roads maintenance

    The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has restated commitment to sustaining maintenance of all Federal roads nationwide.

    A member of the agency’s governing board, Otuekong Nkanga made the remarks in Asaba while addressing newsmen at the conclusion of his tour under the Rapid Road Recovery programme.

    Among projects Nkanga inspected were vegetation control and de-silting of drains along the Benin Bypass by workmen under the FERMA SURE-P Public Works scheme, cutting and patching of potholes along Benin – Ekpoma – Auchi – Okene road, construction of concrete lined drains at Ekpon along Ewu – Uromi – Agbor road, as well as overlay of carriageway of Agbor – Abraka – Amukpe road in Delta State.

    The Board member said the agency has completed several intervention projects including bridge repair and reconstruction as well as major potholes and cracks through direct labour works and contracts.

    He said the tempo of operation will be sustained to ensure the achievement is not compromised by the impending rains.

    According to him, the current FERMA Board has resolved that its members would routinely monitor all FERMA works all over the country to ensure they meet specifications, as well as adding value to the national economy.

    Nkanga solicited support of all stakeholders towards implementation of the 2007 FERMA Amendment Act, especially the 5 per cent fuel users’ charge 40 per cent of which accrues to FERMA and the remaining 60 per cent to established State road maintenance agencies.

    According to him, to continue to rely solely on budgetary allocation for road maintenance as is currently the case falls short of international best practices in road maintenance management and the requirement for maintaining the 34, 100-km Federal roads which have been neglected for several years.

    He enjoined Nigerians, especially road users, to make proper use of the roads by desisting from all road abuses, especially overloading of articulated trucks, dumping of refuse on roads and drains, as well as wrong and dangerous parking of trucks and tankers on the highway.

     

  • New Haval 5, Wingle unveiled

    New Haval 5, Wingle unveiled

    CFAO CICA Nigeria Limited, distributor of Great Wall range of vehicles has unveiled two new models – the Haval H5 SUV and the upgraded Wingle Pick Up. These vehicles are already on display at CFAO CICA showrooms nationwide.

    Mastering urban fashion trend, enjoying dynamic passion life, Haval H5 is a new developed city SUV based on the mature Haval SUV platform. The exterior design is smart and the sharp headlights. The H5 adopts a design of streamline and muscular appearance with exquisite beauty of curves. The radiator grille gels well with the lower air dam and on the lower part of the bumper are round fog lamps. From the side, the SUV looks great with a high waist line and the oversized wheel arches which cover the big 17inch rims. The hood flows seamlessly into the waistline while the prominent contour line under the door handle extends from the front wheel arches to the rear of the vehicle. Encompassed with high reliability, high security, low fuel consumption and high emission standard, everything looks well put together and the H5’s strong proportions disguise its origins.

    Equipped with a Mitsubishi sourced 2.4-litre petrol engine which develops 200/2500-3000 Nm/rpm of torque, the SUV is available with a five speed manual transmission. There is also a low range gearbox which proves useful for off road use.

    CFAO CICA Nigeria Commercial Manager Idris Siyaka, described the Haval H5 as Great Wall’s “icing on the cake.”

    “It is trendy and would definitely change people’s perception of SUV’s in Nigeria,” he said.

    Continuing, Siyaka said, there is a prevailing sense of ruggedness coming from its chassis, and the amazing pliancy of its suspension makes it extremely suitable to be used as a workhorse that one can punish without remorse.

    On the upgraded Wingle Pick Up, Siyaka explained that Great Wall has raised the quality of its vehicles to highest standard in their segments with array of quality materials.

    “Great Wall wants to be recognised as a premium brand, hence it has improved in quality with the brand Philosophy of focus, dedication and specialization. Drivers with high taste for details are also expected to fall in love with the Wingle admirable interior materials as well as intuitive controls and extensive number of standard and optional features that distinguishes the new pickup,” he said.

  • Honda begins free Check-up

    The Honda Place (THP) has commenced free check-up camp for customers with old and new Honda models at three locations.

    They include Lagos, Abuja and Port-Harcourt.

    The company’s Head of sales and marketing, Mr. Deepak Daryanani said the check-up camp will offer a comprehensive 40-point check-up and a thorough examination of the engine, suspension, transmission, electrical system, under-body, AC, exterior among others.

    Daryanani added that the check-up camp would also avail participants’ series of discounts on products and services.

    He listed some of these offers as special discounts on old models; parts and labour charges, full body spray and up to 50 percent discount on wheel alignment and balancing.

    Other incentives are 25 percent discount on parts for models earlier than 2005 though excluding service parts and 15 percent discount on parts for 2006 – 2008 Honda model years.

    He said the objective of the campaign is to provide the best of products and services while also availing customers an unprecedented value-added experience.

    “The services are designed to help customers rediscover the value of their cars and appreciate the commitment of the dealership to the brand,” he said.

    Customers, Daryanani said, would be trained on fundamental ways to maintain their vehicles and keep them in top shape to avoid needless breakdowns.

    “The training will include regular and routine inspection of car, tips on managing emergency situations as well as driving tips and safety features,” Mr. Daryanani added.

  • Toyota unleashes RAV4

    Basking in the euphoria of its success last year, Toyota (Nigeria) Limited (TNL) has unveiled the new generation RAV 4 for auto lovers.

    Guests at the Zinnia Hall of the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island last Friday had a feel of the new mid size Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).

    The SUV has been upgraded with trendier exterior, spacious interior and is bigger than the former ones.

    Speaking shortly before the unveiling, TNL Chairman, Chief Michael Ade.Ojo, described the new SUV as another trail blazer.

    “Indeed, it is a remarkable package of safety, comfort and performance in equal proportion. As a matter of fact, the all new RAV 4 will not only fulfil your mid size SUV expectations, it will avail you value for your hard earned money,” Ade.Ojo said.

    He said the car is another masterpiece from the stable of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) in Japan to the Nigerian market.

    Chief Ade.Ojo reminded the gathering how TNL expanded their model portfolio by introducing the Fortuner Fabric seat option into the market.

    “We did not stop there we closely followed this up in the second quarter of last year with the unveiling of the new Avenza to meet the demand of the multipurpose vehicle segment. In realisation of the customer fervor that greeted this series of introductions, we took a step further by making the leader seat variant of the Fortuner available complementing it with Hilux automatic transmission which instantly became the icing on the cake in the pick up segment.”

    “Our ultimate goal in this direction, he said, includes increasing the option available to our customers in the SUV segment and generally stimulating healthy competition in the market place.”

    He stated that introduction of series of state-of-the-art models at regular intervals is a key part of TNL corporate philosophy.

    “This tradition of excellence is informed by our resolve as a responsive and proactive organisation to meet our customers’ cravings for products and services that match current trends both in the global and local markets,” he said.

    Describing the RAV4 as a key Toyota model which evolved from the rich heritage of Toyota unmatchable superior quality engineering, Chief Ade.Ojo said the rich history of the car imbues it with a treasure house of attributes peculiar only to its siblings.

    While lamenting the lull in the business climate, he restated Toyota’s determination to continually raise the quality of after sales service delivery to customers to sustain high confidence level value of their brand.

  • New twist to traffic decongestion

    New twist to traffic decongestion

    The N30 billion World Bank and France Development Agency’s expansion project of the Ikorodu road is part of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority’s (LAMATA) plans to extend BRT service from Mile 12 to Ikorodu town. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO writes.

    The Mile 12-Ikorodu road extension is not only to improve the Ikorodu Road network, but to extend the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service from Mile 12 to Ikorodu Town, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) Director of Public Transport, Olugbenga Dairo has said.

    The corridor covers a distance of about 13.5kilometres. It is designed to be a median-running (middle) BRT with bilateral bus station configurations linked to pedestrian bridges for access. The project on completion next year will extend BRT network to approximately 36km from Ikorodu to CMS.

    The population of people living in Ikorodu, Dairo said, is increasing daily and this has caused a high demand for public transport.

    Dairo said the existing public transport is inadequate, unsafe and operate in an informal sector.

    The low and middle class status of residents of Ikorodu and the deteriorating nature of the existing transport infrastructure, he said, necessitated the extension.

    He said the project on completion would improve mobility along the Ikorodu road corridor by providing high quality, low cost, environmentally friendly public transportation system.

    The project is characterised by dedicated bus lanes; three interchange terminals (at Mile 12, Agric Bus Stop and Ikorodu); modern bus depot/garaging facilities; fully enclosed accessible bus shelters with step-free; gap-free boarding facilities; pothole free traffic lanes with multiple u-turning opportunities and grade separated pedestrian crossing facilities.

    The running of the BRT, he said, will feature off board electronic ticketing system; use of high capacity modern bus fleet; high frequency bus operation; effective monitoring and enforcement of BRT regulations; safe and secure public transport system.

    Promising at least 20 minutes reduction in waiting time for passengers on queue, Dairo said: “Not only that, the project will create no less than 2,000 direct jobs and 5,000 indirect jobs and 16 per cent reduction in Co2 and 50 per cent reduction in public transport related accidents.”

    He said there will be 15 bus stations – seven on either side with one at Mile 12.

    The station, he said, is designed to be integrated with pedestrian footbridges. “The bus stations will be located at Mile 12, Owode-Onirin; Irawo; Majidun; Ogolonto, Agric and Aruna. We have provisions for concrete side drains and extension of pipe and box culverts. We are going to construct new bridges at nine locations – single and double lane bridges. Likewise, there will be provision of lay-byes for other public transport services with U-turns at 12 locations (six per direction),” he stated.

    On how the immediate communities are buying into the idea, Dairo said the stakeholders have been properly briefed on the development the project would bring into the areas.

    “Do not forget that 265 buses would be deployed on the corridor which would transport no fewer than 160, 000 passengers daily. The surrounding communities would benefit more. That is why we are taking them seriously on this project. We have held series of stakeholders’ meetings and community forums to constructively engage the diverse stakeholders on the project and I can say we have been able to secure the stakeholders buy-in into the project,” he said.

    Residents of Ikorodu and environs who groan under the scorching sun due to the ongoing work are asking for a quick completion of the project.

  • Nigerian hotels, govt and road safety

    Nigerian hotels, govt and road safety

    In the course of my business, I have touched every state in Nigeria and I have lodged in several hotels including five star hotels.

    In virtually all the hotels that I have used at one time or the other, I noticed one common factor, “the waiting game.”

    By “waiting game”, I mean a situation where hotel managements wait until customers complain before they put some faulty facilities right if at all they put them right.

    There is a particular hotel in Abuja that I used thrice within a period of two months. As at the third time, I deliberately requested for that same room only to discover that the same faulty facility had not been fixed after several complaints from me and several other clients. Why on earth must they wait for customers to complain?

    It is expected that every hotel management should have a system whereby routine inspection is carried out on all the rooms and facilities with the goal of fixing the faulty ones without waiting for customers to complain first.

    Now relating this experience to Nigerian roads and road furniture, a trip to several roads in all the states will bring up a question which the passenger of a commercial bus once asked, “are government officials not plying this road?”

    It is expected that the Federal, state and local governments should institute a system whereby a particular department in the Ministry of works or other relevant organs will be responsible for carrying out a routine inspection of all the roads (trunk A, trunk B and trunk C as the case may be) with the aim of identifying the failed portions so that immediate action can be taken to prevent more damage to the road as well as prevent the loss of lives and properties.

    Why on earth should any well-meaning government wait for public outcry on any road before taking palliative measures?

    Let us come to the home front. Is there any responsible father that waits for his children to start crying for food before he makes provision for their feeding? The difference here is that the father knows that it is his responsibility to supply the needs of his children. The opposite is, however, the case in governance.

    The government does not believe that it owes Nigerians any obligation. The government believes that whatever they do for the citizens is a privilege to them and not a right or obligation. Whose money is being used to repair the roads?

    It is time now for governments at all levels to wake up to their responsibilities of paying more attention to the conditions of all the roads with the goal of making provisions for temporary and lasting solution to the roads. There are some road conditions that just one bag of cement with a little gravel can put right and thereby save the lives and properties that would have been wasted in such places.

    My question again, “why wait till the people cry out before you perform your responsibilities as the government?”

  • Trucks, vehicle manufacturer set for auto fair

    Manufacturers and distributors of commercial vehicles and trucks have affirmed their readiness to delight customers of their segments with the best of commercial vehicles and trucks at the forthcoming motor show.

    This is to keep the pace with the growing demand for durable and efficient commercial vehicles and trucks by logistics and business entrepreneurs in the country. The eight Lagos Motor Fair and Autoparts Expo Nigeria, organised by BKG Exhibitions Limited and SENEXPO International Fairs, will holds at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island next month.

    Some of the categories of commercial vehicles and trucks set to be at the venue of the event included: light and heavy duty trucks, tractor heads, tippers, trailers heads, tankers, cargo trucks, garbage trucks, 30-seater commercial Buses and pick-ups.

    Leventis Motors, distributor of Volkswagen and Eicher brands, National trucks Manufacturers (NTM), the nation’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer and, First Automobile Workshop, distributor of FAW Trucks and buses are among companies warming up to showcase the best and latest from their stables.

    According to the Chairman organising committee, Mr Ifeanyi Agwu, the aforementioned had agreed to continually create and consistently provide relevant, affordable and dependable automobiles to the Nigeria and ECOWAS markets for safe and convenient transfer of goods and people.

    Agwu said: “These giants of truck distributorship in Nigeria while announcing their readiness to storm the fair arena with their wide range of heavy and light duty trucks, revealed their determination to unveil the best of the truck world to visitors at the fair.

    Another category of automobiles where keen contest will be highly at play is the luxury car and bus sections. On parade, there will be the latest from Toyota Nigeria Limited, Stallion Motors will parade its multi brands of Honda, Audi, Porsche, Hyundai, Skoda, Mahindra and Volkswagen products, while KIA Motors will showcase the latest in the KIA family etc.

    “From the lubricant section, Mobil, Oando, Coin Ventures and Lubcon Limited will be exhibiting the best in engine oils and transmission fluids. International Energy Insurance (IEI) will lead the financial sectors while Rosabon Nigeria Limited will showcase the best in Fleet Management and the chief regulator of automotive sector in the country, the National Automotive Council (NAC) will lead the government sector at the event.”