Category: Motoring

Toyota (Nigeria) Limited has launched the new generation Starlet at TNL Showroom, Lekki, Lagos.

The Starlet, TNL said, was a response to the yearnings of their customers that have over the years demanded an entry vehicle.

It is an ideal size to drive everywhere in Nigeria with agility. Auto lovers will enjoy the full Toyota experience with its comfortable cabin and advanced technologies that will delight your journey.

The Starlet, TNL said, is the best ally in the city.

TNL Managing Director Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo described the vehicle as a mini subcompact sport utility vehicle (SUV).

According to him, the Starlet comes with 150,000 kilometres or five years warranty; whichever comes first.

There are three variants of the 1.4 litre engine to cater to the preferences and pockets of the target segment. The available variants are Entry grade, Mid-Grade and High Grade. Other details and unique selling propositions of the vehicles include enhanced body design, luxury package, easy to maneuver and pleasurable cabin comfort, top class safety and green environment friendly.

The Starlet, from inception gradually evolved into an enviable mini subcompact (SUV) with modern technology, performance and quality with core Toyota DNA.

It possesses stable exterior body design with the Total Effective Control Technology (TECT). The body structure is built with high steel for solid body rigidity that results in solid absorption and dispersion of crash energy. It offers safety for occupants without compromising on efficiency.  With 345 litres of boot space–extendable to 756 litres with the 60:40 split rear seat folded flat, there’s always space for fun. And the cup holders and central console box are all ideal holders for phones or water bottles after a night out.

Feel the energy and sportiness that comes from its sleek and fluid lines. Its wide and low silhouette offers more stability at high speed with good ground clearance. With a turning radius of 4.9 m enjoy the agile turns even in congested places.

Some external features of the Starlet include headlamp, fog lamp, daytime running light, day and night electro chromic inside rear view mirror, chromic front grill for bold appeal.

Inside, the car boasts 4.2 inch-touchscreen audio system with four speakers and two tweeters, power switch with cruise control, auto door lock, auto air conditioner, push start, five occupants with headrests, seat height adjuster and automatic climate control.

Ade-Ojo, who was represented by General Manager Corporate Services Mr Bunmi Onafowokan, described the vehicle as “another masterpiece from the stable of Toyota”.

The Starlet, he said, is an elegant vehicle imbued with the quality, durability, reliability and style that the Toyota brand stands for.

He said quality after-sales service was an essential component of TNL’s business value chain, adding “we have consciously continued to improve on our after-sales service delivery and bringing such services closer to our teeming customers.”

The TNL boss announced that the auto giant would soon inaugurate a world-class Certified Service Centre (CSC) at Isolo, Lagos.

This facility, he said, has a body and paint section, a workshop and a parts section among other services available.

“With all sense of responsibility, I wish to note that this centre is second-to-none in Nigeria when compared to others, on the pedestal of equipment, highly trained manpower and exceptional service delivery. It is expedient to add at this juncture that this unique centre is a fertile training ground for our dealers’ technicians to gain hands-on experience. Toyota (Nigeria) Limited will not only continue to invest in the Nigerian Automobile Industry but also align with the aspirations of the Nigerian government to revolutionise the local Industry,” he said.

This year marked the 25th of TNL being in the auto business in the country, but Ade-Ojo stated that it would be marked in a low-key.

Ford has officially started delivering the Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition, the fastest and most-premium variant of the all-electric car. It is the final, most expensive, and ultra-premium variant of the Mustang Mach-E, sporting better performance than its three siblings with impressive range ratings near the 300-mile mark, making it a perfectly reasonable option for personal electrified transportation.

First deliveries began on Thursday in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, according to Mach-E Forum member 0t60-3.5, who posted photos of their brand new car just after delivery. The owner stated that it came in the late afternoon, and it was delivered two weeks earlier than expected, giving reservation holders the potential to expect early delivery. Artists in every genre have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns. Many have suffered from the physical restrictions that have been imposed, with galleries…

The 2021 Mustang Mach-E GT starts at $59,900, and pricing can go as low as $52,400 after incentives. With 270 miles of all-wheel-drive range and 3.8 seconds from 0-60 thanks to 480 horsepower, it is Ford’s most premium version of its first electric vehicle.

Read Also: On Nigeria’s first solar-powered electric vehicle

 

The Mach-E has started to hit its stride with delivery figures this year and was recently ranked as the fourth-most popular electric vehicle in terms of sales figures, trailing only the Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, and Chevrolet Bolt EV, respectively. Ford expected the car to be delivered in early fall 2021, but it has beaten these delivery projection dates by a considerable margin. A feather in the cap of Ford’s electric vehicle programme with the early deliveries, the company has placed an elaborated focus on the electrification efforts that it has outlined on several occasions this year.

The interior of the Mach E- GT Performance Edition differs slightly from the car’s other variants. Ford has installed “Sport-Style Front Seats with ActiveX Seating Material” for a more premium look and feel. After already highlighting the white-knuckle performance specifications of the car, the luxury interior that is more premium than its predecessors certainly gives the car a reasonably more “expensive” feel. Still, it also incentivises buyers to potentially dig a little deeper into their pockets for a more premium interior.

More deliveries are sure to happen in the coming weeks, so we can expect more details regarding the Mach-E GT Performance shortly. The Mach-E has been a favorable EV among many of its owners, with only minor bugs and issues reported by many of its drivers. Ford is expanding its electric vehicle lineup as well, so the Mach-E will have some electrified siblings with the F-150 Lightning and E-Transit van next year.

Nigeria’s drive towards renewable energy as substitute to the environmentally harmful fossil fuel has received a remarkable boost following the design and construction of a solar-powered electric vehicle by Zaria Academy Centre for Innovation and Renewable Energy (ZACIRE).

Code-named Munyegal Z20E, the technological breakthrough has been acknowledged by the Federal Government which recently presented a patent certificate to Zaria Academy through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

The certificate bearing patent number NG/P/2021/5, was personally presented to the Chairman of Zaria Academy, Dr. Haroun Adamu, by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo.

The minister praised the institution for its commitment to the development of renewable energy in the country.

Giving a brief insight into the project, Dr. Adamu said Munyegal Z20E was designed, simulated and constructed by a team at Zaria Academy to address the economic challenge posed by the rising cost of petrol and key into the global quest for a renewable energy.

Read Also: Volkswagen displays sporty electric SUV

 

The car was built with 90 percent metal as a teaching aid involving a mechanical and electrical technique.

Munyegal Z20E is propelled by DC (direct current) electric motors using electric energy in rechargeable batteries as power source to move about.

Zaria Academy’s solar-powered electric car project is in tandem with efforts being made by the Nigerian government through the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) to ensure that the country is not left behind in the global quest for a renewable energy.

The NADDC recently commissioned solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations at the Usman Danfodiyo University in Sokoto (UDUS) and the University of Lagos, while a third one is expected to be opened soon in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

Honda’s fast-paced renewal of its line-up will be complete with the introduction of the next-generation CR-V, likely in 2022.

Hot  on the heels of the reinvented Jazz, Civic and HR-V, the largest model in the Japanese brand’s European portfolio will be redesigned to bring it into line with the smaller models and distance it from the current car, which is itself a subtle evolution of its predecessor.

The CR-V has already gone hybrid-only in line with Honda’s plan to go all-electrified in Europe by the end of next year, it is expected that the sixth-generation car would be more of a visual and material reinvention, rather than a complete technical overhaul. It is highly likely to be underpinned by an evolved version of the current car’s Compact Global Platform, as is its new Civic sibling.

The current CR-V’s 2.0-litre e:HEV petrol-electric set-up, therefore, will no doubt be retained, while a smaller system based around a 1.5-litre combustion engine could be introduced, as has been the case for the Civic, Jazz and HR-V.

Read Also: MTN: 20 Honda HRV cars, others for customers

The new front end is the most obvious differentiator compared with the current CR-V, with its wide-format hexagonal grille flanked by slimline LED headlights, but specific details remain obscured on test cars by bulky camouflage at this early stage. However, the latest images suggest the new car will be wider and longer than its predecessor, likely in an effort to put more distance between the two SUVs Honda sells in Europe.

Meanwhile, a straighter roof line and flatter back end are likely to increase room in the optional third row, which would make the CR-V a more obvious competitor to the Kia Sorento and Seat Tarraco.

Expect a completely overhauled infotainment system to be the centrepiece of the new SUV’s interior, which will follow Honda’s newer models in adopting a minimalistic and “human-centred” design.

Honda has yet to officially preview the new CR-V or give details about its unveiling, but given development timeframes for recent models, one would expect to see the wraps come off it around mid-2022 ahead of a market launch towards the end of that year.

 

 

Toyota has sold its 50 millionth Corolla, cementing its position as the world’s most popular model, the automaker’s Australian unit said.

Over 54 years, 1.5m of the 50m have been sold in Australia, with many assembled locally, initially by Australian Motor Industries (AMI) which was subsequently absorbed into Toyota Australia.

Australia was the first export market for the Corolla when 15 examples of the small 1.1-litre KE10 two-door sedan left the factory in Japan in November 1966.

They went on sale in 1967.

Sales across the Tasman began in 1968 with New Zealand’s Campbell Motor Industries assembling the four door sedan under contract to importer Consolidated Motor Distributors (CMD). The factory and distributor were eventually bought out by the Toyota Motor Corporation to form Toyota NZ and the former assembly plant today reconditions and prepares used Toyotas imported from Japan for sale through TNZ’s dealer network.

Toyota Australia sales, marketing and franchise operations chief Sean Hanley said the success of Corolla was built on its quality, durability and reliability.

The Managing Director, Nissan’s Africa Regional Business Unit, Mike Whitfield, has urged Nigeria and relevant African nations to put in place Automotive Industrial Development Plan towards unlocking the economic benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Whitfield, also the president of the Association of African Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), in a statement, lamented that fewer vehicles were owned in Africa than anywhere.

According to him, while Africa accounts for only 1.3 per cent of the world’s vehicles, the continent comprises 17 per cent of the globe’s people with motorisation rate is 42 per 1 000 individuals, compared to the global average of 182.

He said: “The biggest problem is that 80 per cent of the African vehicle fleet is second hand, imported from the United Kingdom, the United States and Japan.  “Quite frankly, the vehicles that are brought into the continent are not made for either our road severity or the quality of fuel that is available. As a result, the people who sell them have to alter the engines by disabling the sensors and removing the catalytic converters, creating vehicles that become the worst polluters on the road. There are no warranties, nor spares, so there’s no way of maintaining the integrity of the safety features that the vehicles were originally equipped with. There are no spare parts, so plans have to be made to use alternatives, further compromising the efficiency and capability of the vehicle.

“They are cheap in the short term, but incredibly expensive in the long term, as it’s almost impossible to get spare parts.  And because there’s no warranty, it’s almost impossible to get the short-term asset financing that is common elsewhere in the world to buy new vehicles.

“That explains why, for the indigenous auto assemblers, it is incredibly difficult to create a viable automotive market outside of government and corporate purchase, simply because it is cheaper to import second hand cars.”

As a way out, Whitfield urged Nigeria and other concerned African nations to without delay, put in place automotive industrial development policies and programmes.

He stressed that the said policy, when put in place, would create incentives for OEMS and automotive manufacturers, to set up assembly plants in those countries, transferring skills, industrialising and diversifying their economies.

He explained: “Developing auto policies to create indigenous automotive industries, further underpinned by auto pact to ensure that economic trade regions within Africa, allows for sustainable intra-continental trade. It will also create a very real continental powerhouse empowered to export vehicles to the international market, as South Africa’s automotive industry is currently doing.

“Another compelling reason for Africa to start building its own vehicles and trading within its regions is that, in less than 30 years’ time, the vehicles that Africa has been accustomed to, absorbing from the rest of the world for so long, will be electric. The dilemma is that Africa will not be ready.What we should be doing is working towards this, helping to industrialise our continent, preparing for that transition by developing an automotive sector that creates real mobility solutions for a continent with the youngest population and a growing middle class which is rapidly urbanising. That same automotive industry will also have to keep abreast of international developments, policies and trends so that the vehicles we produce here will be as desirable to foreign markets as they are locally.”

 

Volkswagen has spent the last couple of years working overtime to ramp up production of its electric vehicles (EVs), with the goal of making 1.5 million EVs by 2025. Last week, the German automaker unveiled one of the new vehicles it hopes to use toward this goal: a fully electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) called the ID.5 GTX.

The automaker is marketing the ID.5 GTX as the intersection of efficiency and “elegant athleticism,” with four-wheel drive, two electric engines, and a range of up to 497 kilometers (about 309 miles). The SUV is set to make its “near-production” debut at the IAA’s Munich Motor Show in early September.

Besides the obvious (that very odd orange-and-yellow camouflage paint job on pre-production models), the ID.5 GTX is notable in that it’s the first SUV to use Volkswagen’s proprietary Modular Electric Drive (MEB) matrix. The company has been developing the MEB system since 2015, and it’s now central to Volkswagen’s EV lineup.

Volkswagen hasn’t shown any of the ID.5 GTX’s interior yet. Auto lovers likely have to wait for its full unveiling next month for that — but what Volkswagen’s shown of the exterior was very sleek and modern as expected from an EV of this quality in 2021.

The front of the car uses IQ.Light LED matrix headlights, which Volkswagen said generate an “intelligently controlled high beam” for a “likable” look. There’s also a light strip up front with illuminated honeycombs on both sides of the SUV.

Overall, Volkswagen definitely leaned into a sportier look. The ID.5 GTX is meant to be a continuation of the company’s GTI, GTD, and GTE lines, and, as such, it’s meant to represent the brand’s “new athleticism.”

The world is very ready for electric vehicles. Even the United States, generally a bit lax on the side of electric vehicle reform, has set itself a goal of producing at least 50 percent zero-emissions vehicles by 2030, and electric charging points form part of the infrastructure bill passed this week.

In Germany, where Audi is headquartered, upwards of a million charging stations should be available across the country by the end of the decade, and the European Union is set to ban all fossil-fuel vehicles by 2035.

Volkswagen’s goal is for 70 percent of its sales to be all-electric vehicles by 2030. More broadly, the company hopes to be entirely carbon-neutral by 2050.

The first all-electric VW vehicle, the ID.4, went on sale in the U.S. earlier this year at a starting price of $40,000, but the ID.5 GTX, with its sporty trim and handling, will likely be a bit more expensive.

 

 

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

 

The Federal Government is incorporating electric vehicles policy into the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) Bill now before the National Assembly.

The Director-General, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Jelani Aliyu, expressed optimism that the NAIDP bill would be passed into law before the end of the year.

He spoke during the Sixth Training and Workshop of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) in Lagos.

Represented by Assistant Director, Public Relation Deaconness Felicia Oyebolu, the DG, who reiterated that electric vehicles remains the future of auto globally with many countries setting target for migration into electric vehicles, said Nigeria is also toeing similar path.

The DG, who spoke at the workshop with the theme, “Migration to electric vehicles and gas-powered Vehicles; Opportunities & Challenges for Nigeria,” said the EV is being incorporated into the NAIDP which he assured would be passed before the end of the year.

According to him, a lot of developments like the EVs as well as gas-powered vehicles are springing up as the government fine-tunes the auto policy bill.

He said the new developments would be incorporated in the NAIDP.

On the charging stations for electric vehicle, the DG stressed that it is not the business of the Federal Government to put charging stations in the nooks and crannies of Nigeria.

The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, said the adoption of electric vehicles would reduce the dangerous emissions from fossil fuel vehicles, mostly second hand flooding the market.

Oyeyemi, represented by the Lagos Sector Commander, Olusegun Ogungbemide disclosed that 80 percent of vehicles are second hand.

“Some of them are as old as 30 years and when they come in, we embrace them as new vehicles, we subject them to the same activities that the new vehicles are being subjected to, not minding the costs,” he said.

He said: “This migration is so important to Nigeria, especially in the area of health. Many people are in the hospital in Lagos, but they wouldn’t have been there if our atmosphere has been sanitised.

“The closest to it in Lagos was during the lockdown when we had few vehicles on the roads. The commissioner for health testified to it when I visited him. During the lockdown, 70 to 80 per cent of vehicles with all these emissions were erased from the system with the exception of the articulated vehicles.”

 

 

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

 

Coscharis Motors Plc, a subsidiary of Coscharis Group, has unveiled locally-assembled Renault automobile models – Koleos, Duster and others – in Lagos.

The Koleos was designed with a sense of detail and personality enhanced by its sleek appearance and athletic curves.

Behind its chic urban styling, Koleos has the DNA of a true 4X4. The all mode 4×4-i technology allows drivers to select the transmission mode that the vehicle will need to be at home on dirt, mud or sand as it is on tarmac.

Koleos comes with a range of driver assistance technologies including active emergency braking, blind spot detection system, easy trunk access and R-Link 2 media system.

For Duster, auto lovers can choose from 1.6-litre to two-litre engine but whichever engine, it is built with a robust off-roader looks. With the superb ground clearance, the Duster is a practical and durable vehicle for the road.

The interior of the All-new Duster reflects its generous, adventure-seeking nature. The spacious cabin is bright and reassuring. The driver and passenger seats provide plenty of support to ensure your comfort wherever you go. The upholstery features a high-quality finish, as does the dashboard, where particular emphasis was placed on ergonomic design.

Simple and intuitive, the multimedia system Media Nav with touching screen allows you to navigate through all the various functionalities: navigation, phone, radio, Aux/USB ports and Bluetooth® connection to listen to your favourite music.

It also comes with hands free card to lock and unlock the doors from a distance as well as assist to start the air-conditioning before getting into the car.

At the unveiling, the Coscharis Group General Manager, Marketing and Communications, Abiona Babarinde said: “If you recall in July 2019, we announced our partnership with the Renault Group to represent their auto brands in Nigeria.We equally showcased our ultra-modern Semi-Knocked-Down Assembly Plant located at our Group Head office in Awoyaya, Lagos. As at today, we are excited to say that Coscharis Motors has since been rolling out two name plates of the Renault Brand, namely Renault Logan and Renault Duster, from the assembly plant. These two locally assembled nameplates are among the five models that include Renault Kwid, Renault Koleos and Renault Oroch respectively on display here today under the Renault brand.”

The Director-General, Nigeria Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Dr. Jelani Aliyu said: “I am excited to see that Coscharis Motors has assembled these vehicles in Nigeria.The NADDC and other relevant agencies of government are willing to support you to do more in this regard. I commend and congratulate the leadership and entire Coscharis team and their Renault partners for this great feat and assure the company of government support towards the growth of local assembling of more Renault models in your plant.”

Coscharis Motors reminded the market of the ongoing ‘Giveaway’ promo for any of the Renault Kwid and Renault Koleos bought, saying it that attracts a free Abro generator, five per cent discount, free insurance, free vehicle registration and free vehicle service for the first two service. This is coupled with the ease of purchase through flexible finance schemes from Coscharis Mobility, Polaris Bank and other upcoming finance institutions that are finance partners to Coscharis Motors.

Coscharis Motors also showcased Renault Logan. With redesigned front and rear end panels featuring the new Renault brand light signature, New Renault Logan is a beauty to behold.

New Renault Logan has five generous seats to comfortably accommodate all your passengers. Enjoy useful and smart new storage areas, including a phone pouch and a front passenger side net pouch. There’s a new 12 V output in the rear for charging your devices. There’s also a 1/3-2/3 split-fold rear bench seat and a spacious boot to transport everything you need in the way that suits you. Combine utility and pleasure for a journey you’re sure to love. Depending on the version.

Logan’s ground clearance level (155-164mm) enhances its capacity to cope with extremely poor road surfaces (potholes, cobbles, uneven surfaces. The mechanics, bodywork (opening panels), air conditioning/ventilation system and passenger compartment all specially designed to cope with certain countries’ environments where dust is omnipresent. Logan has an excellent thermal comfort standard (the vehicle is designed to deal with “extremely hot” conditions.

For Renault Kwid, there’s plenty of headroom, legroom and elbowroom for the driver plus up to 4 passengers.There are ingenious storage spaces everywhere.

The Renault KWID’s class-leading boot space of 290L can be extended up to 1100L, making it the perfect partner for a long road trip.

Customers can also personise their vehicle with a pack connect that offers you the possibility to integrate a black front grille with a chrome embellisher, a chrome ring around the fog lamps and a black pearl color for side mirrors.

Customers can contact our dealer outlets across Nigeria or visit www.renault.com.ng for pricing and specification listings.

We also offer trade-in options so that customers can upgrade to newer models by trading in their current vehicles.

Babarinde reassured on the company’s aftersales commitment stating: “Coscharis is fully equipped to handle all after-sales – services and repairs timeously with the original spare parts. We are continually confident to simply delight our customers with the Renault brand as the exclusive franchise owner in Nigeria.”

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

 

Coscharis Motors Plc, a leading auto firm, has unveiled the Ford Trucks brand of Heavy Duty Commercial Vehicles (HDCV) at the 15th Lagos Motor Fair at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Powered by an Ecotorq 12.7L automatic transmission engine, producing up to 2150 Nm of torque and up to 430 PS power among other features, Ford Trucks are available in 4×2, 6×4 and 8×4 Construction and Tractor series,

Coscharis Group General Manager, Marketing and Communications, Abiona Babarinde, said the trucks will help to fill identified transportation gaps in the areas of logistics, haulage, construction and refuse disposal among others.

The trucks, he said, were built to handle both short and long distance transportation challenges with the toughness and capability that is required to face any given task.

“More importantly, you can trust Coscharis Motors to be there for you in terms of all sales and aftersales services support, including spare parts, for the trucks,” he said.

Coscharis Motors General Manager, Sales for Ford Trucks, Helyn Osandu, said: “To help our customers purchase the Ford Trucks with ease, Coscharis Motors has arranged flexible finance schemes from Coscharis Mobility, Polaris Bank and other upcoming finance institutions that are finance partners to Coscharis Motors. These partners will help customers purchase the trucks with equity contributions as low as 20 per cent of the price of the trucks, while the balance is spread over a period of time.”

Ford Trucks, with almost 60 years of experience in truck manufacturing and product development for international markets, had earlier announced that they were confident that Coscharis would represent them well in the Nigerian trucks market.

In the words of the Vice President of Ford Trucks, Serhan Turfan, “we believe that Coscharis will represent our brand in Nigeria excellently by building on our steady presence in the region and this is why we have committed to the new facility in Lagos, which is an important milestone for our operations in Nigeria.”

An automotive consultant, Julie Chi-Nwaoha, who test-drove the truck during the launch, said: “The physical appearance of the truck looks intimidating but when I handled it, the flexibility of the steering and gear, together with the accessibility of the control buttons on the dashboard was outright reassuring that I was absolutely in control of the truck. Also, after hours of hard work, if I want to rest, there is a sleeper behind the driver’s seat. I could lay there on the bed and have a good rest.”

During the launch of the brand, which was witnessed by relevant industry players, including the Director-General of the Nigerian Automotive Design and Development Council, Dr Jelani Aliyu, Coscharis Motors, featured two products from the Construction Series, namely, tipper and concrete mixer; and another two from the Tractor Series, namely the Tractor head and garbage collector.