Mercedes is gearing up for the launch of the facelifted CLS. When it goes on sale next year, the German brand’s updated four-door coupe will follow hot on the heels of the recently-revised E-Class on which it’s based, to help keep it competitive with the Audi A7 Sportback.
The Mercedes CLS shares the same platform as the E-Class, so auto lovers expect the former car will receive similar changes to those Mercedes recently applied to the latter. The exterior revisions for the CLS will be limited to a new front bumper, slightly tweaked headlamps and some fresh alloy wheel designs.
Inside, the revisions should be equally minor. Save for some subtle trim upgrades, the current car’s dashboard design will remain, though Mercedes’s 12.3-inch dual screen infotainment system will gain revisions which should ditch the old clickwheel function for a touchscreen interface.
Complementing the upgraded system, the CLS will gain the brand’s latest multifunction steering wheel – the same item fitted to the facelifted E-Class.
The new wheel features touch sensitive controls in place of the old car’s physical buttons. It also supports capacitive feedback, meaning owners will no longer need to wiggle the wheel to inform the car’s semi-autonomous driving mode that they’re paying attention to the road. Simply gripping the wheel is enough to keep the system running.
Mercedes shouldn’t completely restructure the CLS’s engine range, either. The current car is only available with three engines; a 261bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel, a 325bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel or a 429bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol-hybrid for the range-topping AMG CLS 53.
All three engines will be transferred onto CLS with the addition of 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, as they’re found on the latest E-Class. Mercedes should also introduce two new plug-in hybrid versions of the CLS as additions to the range, using technology borrowed from the E-Class.
The E-Class is available with two PHEV powertrains; the petrol-based E 300 e and the diesel-based E 300 de. Both systems use the same 13.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack and 90kW electric motor and both provide a maximum electric range of around 30 miles.
The former is mixed with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, for a combined output of 316bhp and a best-case scenario fuel economy figure of 176.6mpg on the E-Class. The latter is mated to a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel and produces 302bhp and 700Nm of torque, while returning up 235.4mpg on the WLTP combined cycle.
Stallion Hyundai Motors Nigeria has last Saturday launched locally-assembled petrol-powered Hyundai Kona and the 2021 Hyundai Grand i10 Sedan into the Nigerian market.
The auto giant had late last year and last month launched Hyundai Kona Electric (EV) in Lagos and Abuja respectively.
Addressing reporters at Hyundai Motors Nigeria showroom on Victoria Island, Lagos, the brand’s Head (Sales and Marketing), Gaurav Vashisht said the Petrol-powered option of Kona was launched for its regular customers.
He said: “Hyundai Kona EV and its Petrol-powered sibling are two different vehicles. While the Kona EV is powered by an electric motor and draws power from its 64 kwh battery, Kona Petrol is powered by the conventional but more advanced internal combustion engine.
“But the shape, size and dimension remain the same. Other similarities, apart from the same name are: infotainment, six airbags, tyre size as well as interior comfort and space.
“Powered by 2.0-litre engine, the 2021Kona Petrol version comes with most of the impressive and award-winning styling, equipment and safety features available in the Kona EV. It is also available at a comfortable price of N12.5million.”
The 2021 Hyundai Grand i10 was designed to appeal primarily to entry level buyers in their 20 – 30s, young families, single males and females, salaried and self-employed, budget-conscious, looking to downsize.
The Grand i10 hits target precisely by delivering modern design, spacious interior with advanced connectivity options, superior safety features and economical operation.
By virtue of its extended dimensions, long list of standard features and numerous optional extras, Grand i10, which competes with Toyota Yaris, Suzuki Dzire, Ford Figo and Chevrolet Sail, is a segment buster with the ability to poach buyers from the B-segment.
Hyundai Kona`
Grand i10 checks all the boxes— power, economy and comfort, while delivering all the safety expected of a family car. Superb driving dynamics are ensured by the advanced Kappa powertrain and an ultra-rigid body structure that helps enhance suspension, steering and braking performance.
From the very first look, the new Grand i10 sedan demands attention and a closer investigation. From the large cooling aperture to the masculine character lines running along the hood, every detail reflects purposeful strength and agility. Backward pointed headlamps convey a high tech feel, while skill-full applications of glossy paint add a premium touch.
Available with 1.2-liter engine mated to 4-speed automatic transmission, Grand i10 is designed and built to the highest standards, earning an “A+” grade, when it comes to protecting the driver and cabin occupants.
From the advanced steel crumple zones to its highly capable depowered airbags, ABS and ESC braking system, Grand i10 promotes safety and peace of mind at every turn.
In addition, the car is equipped with Child lock (manual), Child anchor system, Day/Night rear view mirror.
Buyers are also offered four interior trims, including: Greige two-tone, Black mono-tone- Red, Cloth+Vinyl Standard and Cloth + Artificial leather – Red
“This is a car that will be popular among the youths as well as attract patronage from banks and other corporate organizations that need portable and rugged vehicle for their day-to-day runs,’’ Gaurav Vashisht pointed out, adding, “though the market is sluggish, because of the pandemic we are optimistic that during the second quarter, the market will bounce back.”
The original price for Kona Petrol is N12.9million, but it is sold for N12.5million as a very limited introductory offer, while the Grand i10 sedan is currently going for N7.7million.
Peugeot, the world’s oldest surviving automaker, has a brand new logo. It is the brand’s first new logo in a decade and the eleventh since 1850.
Peugeot said the new visual language “reflects its bold electrification strategy and its desire to enhance the ownership experience through pioneering new technologies”. The new Peugeot logo features a new take on the Peugeot lion, with a roaring lion’s head inside a new Peugeot coat of arms.
The new look will be accompanied by an international campaign and new-look website, as well as a new lifestyle collection of clothing and accessories later this year. The new logo also “showcases Peugeot as a timeless brand, celebrating its more than 210-year history, while also looking to the future, towards new technologies and innovations provided by the new Stellantis partnership”.
The logo will feature across all new models, starting with the all-new Peugeot 308, which will make its world premiere later this year.
Peugeot UK Managing Director Julie David, said: “A new logo and brand identity are significant developments for any marque, let alone Peugeot, who has a history spanning more than 210 years. The new logo reflects our changing model line-up and new philosophy around living in the moment, and we are very excited to showcase both the logo and the brand identity to our customers this year.”
Peugeot has had ten logos since way back in 1850, and the lion has been a prominent fixture of all of them. The new logo is said to reflect the brand’s move towards more upmarket products and features a coat of arms and the powerful head of a lion. This is the first new logo that the brand has introduced since 2010.
Renault has posted its biggest full-year loss on record as restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19 wrecked auto sales in its key market Europe.
The French manufacturer reported a net loss of 8 billion euros (US$9.7 billion) for last year, worse than the 7.85 billion euros deficit forecast by analysts. Much of the damage was done during the first half, when lockdowns crippled auto-shipments.
This year “is set to be difficult given the unknowns regarding the health crisis, as well as electronic components supply shortages. The priority is profitability and cash generation,” Chief Executive Officer Luca de Meo.
Renault said business improved significantly during the final six months of last year, when it generated an operating margin of 3.5 percent and positive automotive operational free cash flow.
De Meo took over in July last year after his predecessor was ousted as part of the fallout from the arrest of former CEO Carlos Ghosn. He is pushing through plans aimed at shoring up profits, repairing the troubled partnership with Nissan Motor Co, and cutting costs by closing sites and eliminating 14,600 jobs.
Precisely 2,164,186 passenger cars were sold by Mercedes-Benz last year across the world, which makes the Stuttgart-based manufacturer one of the top dogs in the luxury segment.
The BMW brand and BMW Group as a whole, by comparison, finished 2020 with 2,028,659 and 2,324,809 sales.
Including the smart micro-car brand, Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the 50-millionth passenger vehicle produced in the past 75 years. The anniversary car is the first example of the all-new Maybach S-Class and was built at Factory 56 in Sindelfingen, Germany.
Mercedes-Benz is proud of the milestone.
A member of the Board of Management responsible for the Production and Supply Chain, Jörg Burzer, said: “Mercedes-Benz has always been synonymous with luxury. That’s why I’m very proud of this very special production anniversary. I would like to thank the colleagues in the plants around the world for their work and their commitment. Their expertise and passion in the production of our stars make the wishes of customers all over the world come true day after day.”
Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi plans to tap into the car manufacturing business, Chinese tech media LatePost reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
“It’s a strategic decision and the business is likely to be led by Lei Jun, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Xiaomi,” said the sources.
But the sources also claimed that the specific details and path it aims to take has yet to be determined, adding that there are many variables and nothing is set in stone.
As the smartphone market faces stagnation in China, mobile phone manufacturers like Xiaomi are seeking business diversification. Meanwhile, the popularity of the electric vehicle market is rising. Therefore, if Xiaomi intends to expand its business into an untapped market, it will not be entirely surprising, especially in regards with its considerable R&D team and expertise in electronic hardware, said the report.
China is already the world’s largest automotive market and a frontrunner in electric vehicle technology. The Chinese government provides support to the industry through subsidies, looser restrictions and the construction of charging infrastructure.
From January to November 2020, sales of pure electric vehicles increased by 4.4 per cent year-on-year, while overall passenger vehicles sales fell by 7.6 per cent in China, government data shows.
Local electric vehicle manufacturers including Nio, Li Auto and Xpeng said that their deliveries surged last year. Still, their delivery numbers came short of Tesla’s.
After an unveiling in Lagos last year, Stallion Group last Friday launched Hyundai Kona, Nigeria’s first locally-assembled electric car, in Abuja.
The event brought in senior government officials, including Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, his Works and Housing counterpart, Mr Babtunde Raji Fashola and Director-General, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr Jelani Aliyu, among others.
Chief Executive Officer of Stallion Group Mr. Anant Badjatya said the government has always been forward-thinking for the good of Nigerians.
The electric car, he said, further adds to the vision for a greener eco-friendly Nigeria. He added that it was also another way of making the nation future-ready.
Badjatya explained that the electric car comes with zero-emission, and can be charged both at home and workplace.
The auto firm, he said, was working to ensure the car becomes cheaper for Nigerians.
“Right now, the most important thing is for us to understand that we need to embrace the future because this is the future of the automobile. We cannot wish it away, because the entire world is now embracing EVs as they want to get away from the diesel and petrol engines. The good thing about Nigerians is that they are very innovative, they can embrace and enjoy this technology,” he said.
Otunba Adebayo congratulated the Stallion Group and its subsidiary, Hyundai Nigeria on introducing the first electric vehicle into the Nigerian market.
He said: “This is the first electric car that we are seeing here. The Federal Government is willing to provide the enabling environment for this technology to thrive. On behalf of the Federal Government, I commend Hyundai for this initiative, as we continue to support this noble idea.”
Aliyu seized the opportunity of the event to announce plans by the Federal Government to begin an Electric Vehicle (EV) pilot programme in three universities.
He congratulated the Stallion Group (the parent company of Hyundai Nigeria) on the huge achievement.
The NADDC chief said the unveiling of the Kona Electric vehicle was a significant milestone for the automotive industry and a strong testimony to the achievements of the agency.
He urged Nigerians to embrace new technology which according to him, has empowered businesses and energised private sectors through industrialisation.
Stallion Group Brand Head Mr. Gaurav Vashisht said Hyundai Kona is a stepping stone towards a greener Nigeria.
Vashisht said: “The question often asked is are we ready for Electric Vehicle in Nigeria? I am asking ‘Who says we are not ready?’ Making it affordable and accessible, you will see Nigerians adopt the new normal. It will be great to simply charge my car at home like a mobile phone and drive around at no fuel cost. Kona offers just that ease to the consumers.”
The Kona can go up to a range of 482 km with an acceleration of (0-100kms) in 9.7 seconds on a single battery cycle of a capacity of 64 KWH. The ease of charging is unmatched and can be plugged in at home or work for 9:35 hours (standard charger) for a full battery. It can also be charged with ultra-fast charger in 3:30 hours. It is 100 per cent electric with zero carbon emission.
According to Vashisht, global interest in climate change and its effects on the environment and society more broadly is at an all-time high.
With the unpredicted pandemic of COVID-19, more countries are increasingly acknowledging the shift needed from a fossil fuel-driven economy to one that is sustainable, green and attempts to mitigate climate change.
“Hyundai Motors Nigeria recognised this paradigm shift in the transportation sector by bringing in electric mobility that is a step towards the same goal. For a developing country like Nigeria, not being discouraged by the infrastructural challenges, Stallion plans to launch the first-ever Electric Vehicle (EV) in conjugation with Hyundai to embark on the attitudinal change for a clean environment,” he said.
The Skoda Octavia provides excellent family transport, with a comfortable ride, huge boot space and clever practical touches.
In addition to the Octavia’s cavernous interior space, Skoda offers its ‘Simply clever’ practical features which help ease the regular day-to-day issues motorists have to face. Little details such as an ice scraper located in the fuel filler cap, a ticket holder on the driver’s side A-pillar, an umbrella stored in the driver’s door and a handy AdBlue nozzle for diesel-powered cars, all make life just that bit easier.
There is plenty of storage in the cabin, with the individual door bins capable of holding a 1.5-litre drinks bottle and the front central ‘jumbo box’ also available for keeping assorted items.
There is a total of five USB-C ports in the Octavia – two positioned in the centre console, two in the rear and a final charging port located in the rear-view mirror, for those who want to top-up their dash camera battery.
The fourth-generation Octavia leaves a larger footprint than the previous model, with the hatchback being 19mm longer and the estate growing 22mm in length. Both cars are 15mm wider, too.
Overall dimensions for the Octavia hatch are 4,689mm (length), 1,829mm (width, excluding mirrors) and 1,470mm (height). In comparison, the Volkswagen Golf is noticeably smaller at 4,396mm long and 1,789mm wide (excluding mirrors), although it stands a touch taller at 1,491mm.
Interior space is superb and the driver and front passenger won’t be left wanting for any extra room, while rear-seat passengers are equally well-catered for with impressive levels of knee, leg and headroom on offer.
The Octavia’s boot is a thing of wonder, competing with cars from the class above and offering huge practicality. Overall capacity has risen by 10 litres to 600 litres, which is a considerable 220 litres more than one will find in the Golf. If the rear seats are folded, there’s a 1,555-litre load bay with a useful flat floor, which helps when loading awkward items.
The Octavia’s practical appeal continues with its decent towing capability. The entry-level 1.0 TSI is rated at 1,300kg in terms of braked trailer towing capacity, while the more powerful versions have a maximum towing weight of 1,500kg to 1,600kg.
Skoda Octavia interior
Being able to use tried and tested engines from the VW Group stable has helped the Octavia maintain its position as a dependable performer, with a focus on comfort rather than being the most dynamic car to drive.
The steering is light, but not so much that you aren’t able to feel a level of precision to your inputs. Skoda has focused a touch more in this area, as the Octavia now features Dynamic Chassis Control, which allows the driver to adjust the damping and steering settings via the individual on-board drive modes.
Skoda has also paid attention to levels of refinement for the Octavia, with improvements in sound-deadening meaning less noise and vibration is felt through the cabin compared to the previous model.
Petrol power comes from 1.0-litre, 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre TSI units producing 109bhp, 148bhp and 242bhp respectively. When paired with a DSG transmission, the 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre engines feature mild-hybrid technology to improve efficiency and deliver a small increase in performance.
There’s also a two TDI diesel engine with either 114bhp, 148bhp or 197bhp, although the extra available torque means all offer decent performance.
The vRS model comes with a choice of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains. It’s the only model to get the 242bhp two-litre TSI engine, but the vRS can also be equipped with a two-litre TDI producing 197bhp or a 1.4-litre plug-in hybrid developing a combined 242bhp.
The plug-in hybrid variant uses a 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor to deliver 201bhp in SE L guise or 242bhp in the vRS.
The 1.0-litre TSI engine produces 109bhp and 200Nm of torque, resulting in a sprint from 0-62mph in 10.8 seconds and a maximum speed of 129mph. The 1.5 TSI brings 148bhp and an extra 50Nm of torque. The 0-62mph time tumbles to 8.2 seconds, while top speed is 142mph.
Those seeking a diesel option can go for the 2.0-litre TDI unit, which is available as a 114bhp/300Nm version, or a more powerful 148bhp/360Nm variant. Respective 0-62mph times of 10.3 and 8.7 seconds means there’s more than enough pace for most tastes.
Skoda has introduced a smarter, more stylish look for the fourth-generation Octavia. The revised grille and new standard LED headlights are complemented by sharper creases running along the side panels, while the previous square-style taillights have been redesigned to include slimmer LED units. The Czech manufacturer has also succumbed to the current badging trend of placing its name in wide script across the boot, although it certainly adds to an overall classier feel.
Inside, the materials are of a quality to compete with the Volkswagen Golf and there is a good level of standard kit. The entry-level SE First Edition includes 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, climate control and rear parking sensors, along with upgraded infotainment tech.
The SE Technology trim adds sat-nav and front parking sensors, while the SE L and SE L First Edition cars feature upgraded Microsuede upholstery, heated seats, rear privacy glass, power-folding mirrors, adaptive cruise control and electric adjustment controls for the driver’s seat.
Sporty vRS models get 19-inch alloy wheels, full LED Matrix headlights, LED rear lights, black vRS sports upholstery with red stitching, Canton premium sound system, Dynamic Chassis Control, head-up display, panoramic sunroof and a motion sensor for opening the boot.
The infotainment is one area where the Octavia has really moved on. SE L First Edition trim features a 10-inch touchscreen with some significant changes. There’s no volume knob, with a slider function located beneath the screen allowing you to adjust the level. This works okay, and at least you can tap the slider to a point for your desired volume.
There are also no physical climate dials, with the left and right temperature controls integrated into the bottom of the touchscreen. There is an advanced climate-controlled function to warm your feet or cool your face, but you can still set everything up manually, too.
The menus are well laid out, the screen response is good, and the graphics are sharp. You also get lots of kit, with sat-nav, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, but no wireless charging option. The standard digital dash is a plus point and, overall, the digital approach is a positive step, but could be better with a few analogue touches.
Toyota sold more vehicles in 2020 than any other car company, edging ahead of Volkswagen Group in a year dominated by the pandemic
Toyota was the world’s best-selling carmaker in 2020, taking back the title from Volkswagen Group in a year hit by the coronavirus crisis.
The Japanese auto giant reclaimed the crown thanks to a sales decline that was less severe than its arch-rival during the global pandemic.
Toyota sales were down 11 percent in 2020, to 9.53 million vehicles.
Volkswagen Group deliveries fell 15 percent, to 9.31 million.
It is because Volkswagen is more reliant on the European new car market that led to its greater decline: sales in the region fell 24 percent in 2020 (and they were down 29 percent in the UK).
Trade body the ACEA described the EU sales decline to less than 10 million vehicles as “unprecedented”, reports Automotive News.
Toyota performs more strongly in the United States, said the industry title; sales there declined 14.4 percent in 2020.
It is the first time in five years that Toyota emerged as the world’s biggest car company.
Automotive News adds that it could be part of a longer-term trend.
Although VW Group is expected to regain the title again in 2021, Toyota will then pull back ahead every year to 2025, thanks to strong sales in Japan and the US.
Overall, 76.8 million cars were sold across the world in 2020. This should recover to 84.4 million in 2021, and hit almost 95 million by 2025.
General Motors (GM) has set a goal to sell all its new cars, SUVs and light pickup trucks, with zero exhaust emissions by 2035, a dramatic shift by the largest United States carmaker away from petrol and diesel engines.
GM, which also plans to become carbon neutral by 2040, made the announcement just over a week after President Joe Biden took office, pledging to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and boost sales of electric vehicles (EVs).
GM sold 2.55-million vehicles in the US last year, but only about 20,000 were EVs, the Chevy Bolt hatchback. It said in November it was investing $27bn in electric and autonomous vehicles over the next five years, up from $20bn planned before the coronavirus pandemic.
Its Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra has aggressively pushed GM to embrace EVs and shift away from petrol-powered vehicles.
She said in a statement that GM had worked with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), an environmental advocacy group, to “develop a shared vision of an all-electric future and an aspiration to eliminate tailpipe emissions from new light-duty vehicles by 2035”.
Morgan Stanley automotive analyst Adam Jonas said the decision is “based principally on economic grounds … Would GM decide to wind down a business in under 15 years if it truly felt it would spin off cash and provide positive economic value?”
Jonas added that investors should look for most, if not all, carmakers “to follow GM’s precedent”.
In September, California governor Gavin Newsom said the state plans to ban the sale of new petrol-powered passenger cars and trucks starting in 2035. Several states, including Massachusetts, say they plan to follow suit.
Newsom called GM’s announcement a “game-changer” but the California Air Resources Board said “if GM is serious about cleaning up the air our children breathe today, it must also drop its defence of the Trump administration’s rollbacks of federal vehicle emissions standards”.
GM and other major carmakers sided with Trump in 2020 in a legal challenge to his rollback of federal vehicle emissions standards up to 2026. However, in November, GM withdrew from a separate legal case in which it had sided with the Trump administration effort to bar California from setting its own vehicle emissions rules.
Last week, Biden directed US agencies to reconsider the Trump emissions rollback and the revocation of California’s emissions authority.
