Category: Motoring

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Jelani Aliyu will be a special guest at the forthcoming Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) workshop.

The event, slated for July 29, 2021 with the theme ‘’Migration from petrol to electric and gas-powered vehicles; opportunities and challenges for Nigeria,’’ will be held at Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja Lagos.

NAJA Chairman Mike Ochonma, said was aimed at providing a robust refresher course for auto reporters to enhance their performances in auto journalism, especially in view of the new electric car technology that is gradually being accepted by many countries.

“The need for training and retraining cannot be over emphasised, especially in the 21st century which is largely driven by the knowledge economy.

“Given the challenges of the times, NAJA’s resolve to continually equip members across the nation with relevant skills, and acquaint them with modern trends, tools and techniques for enhanced and effective performance, is further demonstrated through this upcoming seminar.”

By Ambrose Nnaji

An indigenous energy firm OMAA has unveiled vehicles that would run on gas.

OMAA presented the country’s first locally assembled natural gas-powered buses at the Nigeria International Petroleum Summit (NIPS) in Abuja.

Its founder, Chinedu Oguegbu, said the company was starting up with energy mobility, which were vehicles going on compressed natural gas and gas powered generators.

He said the company was committed to maximising Nigeria’s potential in the area of gas utilisation.

“This is the beginning of a trend that will revolutionise not just the automotive industry, but the energy industry. The nation is transiting to a gas-powered economy and OMAA’s goal is to drive this and accelerate it. We have our products on display ranging from generators including the ones that are already using petrol.

“We construct buses that are rugged, customisable and adapted to Nigerian roads, as well as gas-powered solutions to foster sustainable energy usage in homes and commercial buildings.

“We have conversion kits that can make you now to switch to using LPG, which is safer and commercially viable. So, you save money when you switch to gas,” he said

According to Oguegbu, Omaa vehicles are assembled in Igbo-Ukwu, Anambra State.

“Not only are our vehicles assembled by local talents, our facility also includes a training centre which has the ambition to provide subsidised training in gas conversion technology to at least one hundred participants,” he stated.

He appealed for the Federal Government’s support, saying: “If the government supports the industry, we are going to see more people employed; we see more growth and development. The African Continental Free Trade is already in force, what that means is that our borders are going to be progressively opened. Before now, there’s no assistance, but we are seeking government support in providing access finance bases, also for expansion of the manufacturing plant in the state, we need to grow, we need to expand our standard, we need to do a lot more,” giving single digit low interest funds will go a long way to making sure that we remained in business,” Oguegbu insisted

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

The Public Transport Owners of Nigeria Association (PTONA), and one of its affiliates, the Association of Luxury Bus Transporters of Nigeria (ALBON), have described the alleged kidnap of passengers travelling on board Young Shall Grow Motors, GUO Transport and Ezenwata luxury buses, as “fake news.”

The associations said the ‘news’ was a conjecture that is could upset the peace of the nation, and should, therefore, be disregarded.

The Public Relations Officer of PTONA, who doubles as Managing Director/CEO of Rahony Travels Limited, Paul Okoghenun, explained that at no time were buses belonging to the said companies hijacked, explaining that no traveller in any of their vehicles had been kidnapped.

Vice President, ALBON, who is the Financial Secretary, PTONA Chief Nonso Ubajaka, said the fake news was the handiwork of mischief-makers.

Ubajaka, who is the Executive Director of Izu Chukwu Transport, said he was in touch with the transport firms mentioned in the story, and was, therefore, in a position to confirm that there was no hijack or kidnap incident involving their vehicles.

PTONA said: “We believe that the social media post concerning the alleged hijack and kidnap emanated from unscrupulous elements. We, therefore, call on the members of the public to disregard the post and go about their normal businesses. Our customers should be rest assured that we, working with security personnel, are always out to protect their interest.”

The managements of Young Shall Grow Motors Limited, GUO Transport and God Bless Ezenwata, have also confirmed that their buses were neither hijacked nor involved in any incidents lately.

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

The multi-franchise holder and assembler of heavy, medium and light, duty trucks and mini bus company, Transit Support Services Limited (TSS Motors), has introduced the Asiastar luxury bus models to its range of commercial vehicle productions.

The new brand and models were unveiled at the Ikeja Sheraton Hotels.

The 53-passenger seater, non-independent air-condition luxury coach is suitable for commercial passenger transport, football club and sports teams’ transportation, and government executive shuttle services.

It came with an advanced concept in body design and architecture,  and equipped with adjustable soft passenger seats with USB charger, LCD TV (front, middle), DVD, and a modern ambient lighting design on the roof.

The U-beam body structure of the Asiastar luxury bus has length, width and height of 12000, 2550 and 3860 (mm). It is equipped with WP10.336N/WD615 engine models, Fast 6DS (Benz GO230-6 as optional) gearbox, a Pneumatic double circuit air brake system, and air suspension shock absorbers. It comes with a unique set of headlamps which are divided into two parts, with full LED lighting, making the front view elegant and very beautiful.

TSS Motors General Manager Mr. Dave Chukwudulue, said operators and passengers of these coaches would not be disappointed with the Asiastar luxury.

Chukwudulue said: “TSS Motors is known for state-of-the-art, top of the line products which conform to the latest design trends in the automobile industry.

“Our selling points for the Asiastar coaches are effective and efficient after sales service and parts support backup, cost effective, rugged, comfortable and smooth ride.”

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

UberX Hourly is now available in Nigeria, giving riders an option of requesting a driver by the hour as they complete essential errands or deliveries during this period. Uber Hourly is an alternative to on-demand, point-to-point trips that allows riders to book a driver-partner and car by the hour to help get all their essential travel done in one go. Hourly will also provide riders with added convenience with no need to re-book their ride. From a trip to the office to the pharmacy, or supermarket, this new option is designed to give riders peace of mind.

Through the Uber app, not only are riders able to access safe trips, but new income opportunities are also unlocked for drivers by providing more avenues for meaningful economic opportunities, while representing innovation in the transport sector.

Uber’s Country Manager for Nigeria Tope Akinwumi said: “At our Global Go Get global consumer virtual event, we announced that this product would be available in Nigeria in the coming months, and we are proud to have kept our promise. We are excited to bring innovations designed to help people get anywhere and get anything as cities start to move again, while we continue to ensure that riders and businesses no longer have to navigate to multiple locations. Uber is continuously looking for ways to improve the experience for their communities and this is just the start! ’’

Uber, he said, will continue to leverage its technology to quickly adapt and meet the changing needs of businesses and customers, wherever they are.

“Uber’s responsibility doesn’t end at merely providing this service and have kept safety in mind by providing relevant health information with drivers to ensure they are well-trained in COVID-19 related safety protocols and have been provided with hand sanitisers for use during trips,” Akinwumi said.

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

Africa’s fastest-growing e-commerce logistics company, GIG Logistics has taken delivery of four electric vehicles from JET Motor Company.

GIG Logistics Director of Operations Ocholi Etu said the vehicles were his organisation’s first step towards their carbon neutrality campaign.

Etu said: “We are the first Nigerian and, perhaps, African company, in the logistics space to be able to deploy electric vans for operations. We are able to achieve this feat due to our partnership with JET Motor Company, also a futuristic player in the automotive space, with focus on sustainability. We are proud of our carbon neutrality focus and this is our first physical step on the path to becoming a zero carbon logistic company.”

According to him, the global logistics industry is focusing on issues around environmental sustainability, as reports have shown logistics as an industry contributes the largest share of carbon emissions.

“We are a technology-driven company that has embraced electric vehicles (EV) because they are eco-friendly, have zero emissions, zero noise pollution, and lower maintenance costs, among others. Studies have revealed that EVs have 70 per cent lower maintenance costs compared to the internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

“This means that in the immediate and long run, our services will become more affordable, and will in turn enable us to render cost-friendly excellent service to our teeming customers, while taking ecommerce in Nigeria and beyond to greater heights,” he said.

Etu urged the government to take a cue from GIG Logistics by investing in sustainable energy infrastructure for the transportation sector.

This, he said, would help to create an ecosystem that will expand opportunities for Nigeria’s businesses.

The transition from ICE to EV must be urgently prioritised, he added.

Jet Motor Company Head of Strategy Wemimo Joseph said his company was proud to be a disruptor in Africa’s transportation sector.

Joseph said: “JET is so proud to be delivering these EVs to GIG Logistics. We consider them a worthy partner in logistics mobility innovation. We strongly believe that with their track record in the industry, they will best represent this much needed shift towards the future. As an indigenous vehicle assembly company that is future-oriented, sustainability is at the core of our operational strategy.

“At JET, we believe the future of automobile is electric, and not internal combustion engine. To this end, we have committed resources to a future-forward strategy that includes building an ecosystem that will help with the production and deployment of electric vehicles (EVs).

“Although we started by assembling internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, our objective from the beginning was to transition to electric vehicles and other sustainable alternatives.”

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

Hyundai Motor Nigeria has launched CRETA vehicle in Nigeria with a redesigned and more powerful sport utility vehicle (SUV) model set to create unparalleled driving experiences for customers.

Unveiled during the press launch, the second-generation CRETA has been transformed into the ultimate sub-compact SUV for any terrain.

Building on the success of the first model, the fresh-look CRETA is more spacious, boasts improved features and utilizes state-of-the-art technologies to meet the complete needs of working professionals, young peer group and families.

Central to Hyundai’s vision of delivering a superior experience is performance and the CRETA is installed with highly evolved powertrain engines, bringing incredible power and cleaner emissions.

Hyundai Motors Nigeria Head Sales and Marketing at Gaurav Vashisht, said developing high-quality vehicles are at their core vision and it is reflected with the CRETA.

Vashisht said: “Since the first model was launched, the CRETA has become one of the most popular vehicles and the latest version is set to be a game-changer in the sub-compact SUV segment. From top to bottom, we have crafted the car carefully, pushing the boundaries to ensure that it stands out on the road and is equipped with a wide range of improved features that will deliver even more fun-loving driving experiences.

“Ultimately, the new CRETA is no like no other vehicle. It’s a true urban crossover with loads of versatility that is modern, sensuous and sporty in design.”

The Creta comes with a choice of three engines. The Smart stream G1.5 (maximum power of 115ps/6,300rpm and maximum torque of 14.7kgf.m/4,500rpm) and the Kappa 1.4T-GDI (140ps/6,000rpm and 24.7kgf.m/1,500-3,200rpm) are both gasoline engines, providing better fuel economy on the roads.

Offering more choice is the diesel U2 1.5 VGT (DSL) engine, which has a maximum power of 115ps/4,000rpm and a maximum torque of 25.5kgf.m/1,500-2,750rpm.

To match the performance, Hyundai has made significant improvements to both the interior and exterior including the size. At 4,300mm (length) and 1,790mm (width), the outside of the CRETA is 20mm and 10mm bigger respectively than the first model.

The masculine personality on the front is reflected through the grille’s bold and rectangular latticework, holding a bigger and more striking H-logo as well as distinctive two-tier headlamps. The addition of sinewy character lines over the clamshell-type bonnet also reinforces the masculine identity.

The quality of the exterior is replicated inside with the increase in size providing more space, comfort and convenience.

Fitted with an 4-speaker system, passengers can benefit from crisp and exceptional audio quality when listening to music on the go.

The premium interior is completed with a multi-functional 3.5inch TFT LCD cluster and the optional fully digital 7-inch supervision version, delivering information in rich detail with unprecedented speed and precision.

With the passengers’ safety the utmost priority for Hyundai, the CRETA is safer than before. The body structure is made of advanced ultra-high tensile-strength steel, giving it exceptional crash resistance.

Rear disc brakes have also been installed while the driver can use the rear view camera when parking. To help avoid accidents, the front and rear suspensions have been improved to ensure a smoother journey while the gearbox options have been expanded to include a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission.

Customers can choose from eight-colour exterior choices – Polar White, Typhoon Silver, Titan Grey, Phantom Black, Lava Orange, Red Mulberry, Galaxy Blue and Deep Forest.

The two-tone interior colour options include black/grey and brown/beige with a choice of three textures – Tricot GL, Woven GL2 and Leather OPT. A black/orange interior is also available in either woven or leather.

Ford  has just reached a new milestone. According to a Bloomberg report, production of the Mustang Mach-E has surpassed the iconic Mustang pony car for the first time at the Blue Oval’s Mexico plant.

So far this year, Ford has built 27,816 units of the Mustang Mach-E, compared to 26,089 units of the sixth-generation Mustang. It’s a popular model in Europe, and in May was the best-selling vehicle in Norway. In the United States, however, the regular Mustang outsells the Mach-E by a ratio of three-to-one.

Ford Chief Executive Officer Jim Farley said the demand for “Mach-E has been much stronger than we expected, so we’ve totally run out of stock. Mach-E is going global as we speak, but in the US, the wait is months”.

One reason as to the Mach-E is produced at a higher rate is because of how Ford is prioritising resource allocation for its model line-up. As you know, the global semi-conductor shortage has forced several automakers to revisit their production strategy, with Ford funneling more chips to produce newer models such as the Mustang Mach-E and Bronco SUV.

“We have purposely protected our launches – Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mach-E, F-150,’’  he said.

If we can switch a module over to one of those launch vehicles, we have. We’re very protective of the launches because they are so important for our business,” Farley said.

Ford’s Flat Rock plant in Michigan produced zero petrol Mustangs last month because of the shortage.

Company sales analyst Erich Merkl said in an email: “We are really excited about the success that we are having with our launch of the all-new Mustang Mach-E, not just here in America, but globally too. To be fair, please keep in mind that Mustang and Flat Rock have been impacted by outside factors, which has been the semiconductor chip shortage.”

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

The K5 luxury sedan since its launch in Nigeria, has continued to create head-turning experiences to people across the country.

It’s wide acceptance and awe are a testament to Kia’s commitment to design, quality, and the ownership experience and shows that the brand’s dedicated philosophy of building forward-thinking sporty sedans is resonating with customers and car enthusiasts.

K5’s aesthetically beautiful exterior and fresh new look are cited as reasons the premium midsize sedan remains appealing to all.

The eye-catching design amongst other technologically innovative features put it atop the premium mid-size sedan segment in Nigeria and across the globe.

According to Olawale Jimoh, Marketing Manager, Kia Nigeria, the impressive number of test drives K5 continues to reel in proves that the premium sedan holds an important place in a crossover-dominated market and has created a niche in the Nigeria market.

Jimoh said: “Customers’ experience after taking the new K5 for a spin, proved that they are impressed with its unique style, well-organised interior, premium materials, sporty driving manners, and outstanding safety technology.

“The K5 offers the best blend of features and fun on a budget, making it the best option for car buyers. K5 has continued to give enthusiasts something to lust over at an affordable price point as it offers the best blend of features and fun on a budget, making it the preferred option for car buyers in the country.”

Kia Nigeria Assistant Vice President Sales Debanja Paul said: “Kia has a longstanding commitment to innovation, quality and driver satisfaction, and we’re honoured that the Nigerian market and car owners appreciate these values in our vehicles”

The all-new Kia K5 is a fastback evolution of Kia’s global best-selling sedan, combining a striking new design with a driver-focused interior, cutting-edge technologies, and all-new powertrain options.

Evidently, the K5 won’t just play a central role in strengthening Kia’s presence in the global sedan segment.

Almost a decade on from its game-changing predecessor, it also represents the latest milestone in Kia’s transformation into a creator of desirable, world-class cars.

Lauded for roomy, high-tech interior, sharp handling and fresh new look, the K5 surprised the market with emotional design and luxurious ride quality.

Greater levels of cabin, high-tech safety features, and revised chassis characteristics mean the K5 is more relaxing, confidence-inspiring and engaging to drive than ever before.

Mercedes-Benz India has confirmed its next product launch will be its most luxurious sport utility vehicle (SUV).

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 will be launched tomorrow. Mercedes-Benz has already introduced the new-generation A-Class Limousine, updated E-Class and the GLA-Class this year. The Maybach GLS will be its fourth product launch out of the 15, scheduled to arrive in 2021.

The Maybach GLS 600 although is based on the GLS-Class, yet elevates the luxury quotient further to opulent levels. If the GLS is the S-Class of SUVs, the Maybach GLS is the Maybach S-Class of SUVs.

The Maybach GLS 600 will feature a four-litre bi-turbo V8 engine paired with the EQ-Boost mild-hybrid system.

The engine comes mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The unit is tuned to develop 550hp, 730Nm of torque and is limited to a top speed of 250 km/h. Despite its two-and-a-half tonne weight, the Maybach GLS 600 can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds.

But where the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 truly shines, is in the cabin. Although most of the design and features are shared with the standard GLS, it pushes the boundaries even further with more luxurious touches. It can be had with a five-seat configuration or a four-seat layout to provide a first-class luxurious experience with two reclinings, massaging and temperature controllable rear seats. The leather, cushioning on the seats and panels in the cabin, are softer and more elegantly done to offer sumptuous comfort to the occupants.

Other features in the luxury SUV include a refrigerator with champagne glasses, panoramic sunroof, and the latest tech with the MBUX infotainment OS and Advanced Driver Aided Systems, among others.

To differentiate itself on the road, the exterior has also been restyled. The most striking of the touches is the inclusion of the Maybach signature front grille that replaces the one with Mercedes three-pointed star. The wheels are larger and come with bespoke multi-spoke alloys.

The SUV features a heavy dose of chrome on the exterior and the final touch is the special dual-tone exterior paint.

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is aimed squarely at the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Bentley Bentayga and the Range Rover Autobiography