Category: Motoring

Tajudeen Adebanjo

THE Infinity Group on Saturday introduced a new lubricant brand, Motul into the Nigerian market.

Being the exclusive distribution partner for Motul range of products in Nigeria, Infinity group said it is launching Motul range of products after extensive testing in the market for over one year.

The glamorous ceremony for the unveiling of the product took place at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

It was witnessed the stakeholders in the automotive sector.

Motul is a 165 years old French company. It was founded in 1853 and has since grown to become one of the leading lubricants manufacturers of the world.

Motul is present in more than 160 countries including more than two dozen countries in Africa.

As a pioneer in many synthetic and semi-synthetic products, Motul has always favoured innovation, research and development. The company is also a leader in the motorcycle lubricants market in the world. In the motorsports field, many manufacturers trust Motul for its technological developments in car/bike racing. Motul has thus developed close relationships with manufacturers such as Nissan, Yamaha, Subaru, Toyota, Honda and Suzuki, among others.

Motul was the first lubricant manufacturer to use the ester technology for the formulation of its 100 per cent synthetic car oils.

The vegetable-based esters benefit from lubricating properties, anti-shear quality and exceptional resistance to high temperatures. “300V”, Motul’s flagship range, experienced great development thanks to its presence on the most prestigious car/bike races.

A statement by Infinity group said Motul’s research and development capacity is divided into two entities working respectively on “Automotive” (automobile, two-wheels, boat) and “Industrial” lubricants.

Motul range of products, the firm said, include car lubricants, car care products, motorcycle lubricants, motorcycle care products, industrial lubricants (including food grade lubricants) and marine lubricants.

Infinity Group, established in 1981, has since grown to become a leading player in the automotive aftermarket industry providing our clients with superior services and unique solutions.

Exhibiting a strategy of constant expansion, Infinity has propelled itself forward into new and exciting challenges, steadily growing to become a major business entity across multiple industries.

BMW and its partner, Great Wall Motor, have said they plan to build a plant in China with a capacity of 160,000 cars a year.

The factory will produce electric cars for BMW’s Mini brand and models for Great Wall.

The 650 million-euro ($716 million) plant is due to be completed in 2022, BMW said in a statement.

The new joint venture, called Spotlight Automotive, will be based in Zhangjiagang near Shanghai and will eventually employ 3,000 people.

Great Wall gained domestic regulatory approval for the plant earlier this month.

Great Wall is China’s top maker of SUVs and pickups. It also builds cars for Ora, an affordable battery-electric vehicle brand in Baoding, the city where Great Wall is based

BMW’s development boss, Klaus Froehlich, said Great Wall was a good local partner because of its expertise in electromobility and industrialisation in the Chinese market.

Automakers and suppliers are scrambling to meet tough new Chinese quotas for less polluting cars.

Those rules call for electrified vehicles to account for a fifth of total sales by 2025.

BMW follows larger peer Volkswagen Group, which is readying two Chinese factories to build electric cars next year, and which will have a combined production capacity of 600,000 vehicles.

 Tajudeen Adebanjo

AN auto firm, Changan Automobile and Stallion Motors, its exclusive national partner in Nigeria, have launched new models of Alsvin, CS 55 and CS 95.

The auto firms said the new models are best for the Nigerian roads.

According to them, Changan Alsvin V3 is the entry level sedan equipped with a 1.5L engine, automatic transmission. It is a brand new, dynamic, and family friendly sedan offering customers excellent value for money, safety, stylish exterior and interior design with ample space.

The CS 55 is designed and developed by Changan’s European Design team, and its shape draws inspiration from Obsidian (Vulcanic Glass). It is equipped with 1.5L Petrol engine with six speed automatic transmission.

Changan Cs 95 is a work of art that integrates a simple design into extraordinary functions. Equipped with the Blue Core 2.0L turbo GDI direct injection supercharged engine – which is the best in class. It’s joined with the globally advanced Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission and the latest BorgWarner NexTrac intelligent all-wheel drive system.

Stallion Motors Group Chief Financial Officer Mr. Samar Sapre said the launch of the new models from Changan adds to the range and shows the company’s commitment in bringing best and affordable range to the Nigerian customers.

Sapre said the company has sales and service outlets in seven locations across the country – two in Lagos and one each in Abuja, Ibadan, Kano, Enugu and Port Harcourt. The company, he said, has invested in a state-of-the-art central auto parts and service centre at Orile Lagos to support the distribution of genuine parts across the nation for the upkeep of the vehicles. The service facilities offer preventive maintenance, mechanical and electrical repair to body shop and paint booth and are periodically trained by Changan to ensure best service delivery.

Changan Head of Middle East and Africa Business Mr. Lucas Xiang, described Nigeria as a very important market for Changan’s global business.

He said the Alsvin -sedan and CS 55 and CS 95, mid and high-end SUV are equipped with new-generation platform, contemporary design and will offer best-in-class efficiency, performance and comfort.

The vehicles, he added, will further augment the brand ethos of “Lasting Safety,”.

Changan is one of the top Chinese auto brands that is gaining immense popularity worldwide and is known for its value offering across automotive segments. Changan automobile boasts an industrial history stretching back 157 years. With 32 years of experience in building and selling passenger vehicles, Changan is an early leader in the auto industry.

Moments after unveiling the all-new 2021 Seltos Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Kia Motors America (KMA) let two exciting Seltos concepts off their leash. Flanking their production counterpart on-stage, the Seltos X-Line Trail Attack Concept and Seltos X-Line Urban Concept present unique approaches to pump up capability while remaining firmly entrenched in reality. Conceived and penned at Kia Design Center America, and built by Zero to 60 Designs of Corona, the concepts are meant to further convey the active lifestyles Seltos owners will embrace.

KMA President Michael Cole said the Seltos is an exciting addition Kia’s tough and rugged lineup of Kia SUVs, adding: “But the Kia brand is always looking toward the future and we are eager to show what may wait just around the corner. These new concepts are meant to get the creative juices flowing and illustrate what the ultimate Seltos could be.”

While the production Seltos is planned to go on-sale in the first quarter of 2020, there are currently no plans to produce either concept. But it is worthy to mention that Kia said the same about the GT Concept and the Telluride Concept, both of which eventually found their way onto driveways across America in the form of the Stinger sport sedan and Telluride SUV.

Powered by an unaltered 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Trail Attack Concept is good for 175-horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque through a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission. Behind the heavily tinted windows, the Trail Attack Concept retains its purposeful and refined production interior.

Inspired by the imposing glass and steel skyscrapers of New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, the Urban Concept’s custom slate gray paint scheme is highlighted by a gloss-black roof panel for a splash of stark modernity.

Fear of potholes become a thing of the past with the custom 2-inch lift, which also helps to raise the seating position and offer a better vantage point around the snarled city traffic all too common these days. Electronically controlled AWD with torque vectoring puts power through the 17×8-inch alloy wheels where it’s needed most: to the tire with optimum traction. Resting below the custom hood complete with integrated intake is the same powerplant found in the Trail Attack Concept, offering authoritative acceleration away from stoplights instead of scorpions.

Ashok Leyland, flagship of the Hinduja Group, along with Stallion Motors, its distributor launched a light commercial vehicle, Partner and Intermediate commercial vehicle – Boss in Lagos.

Stallion’s partnership with Ashok Leyland has evolved with time to bring the best in class products and service to the local consumer.

The commercial vehicles, the firms said, were assembled locally and are best engineered for the road severity.

Stallion Group Chief Executive Officer Mr. Anant Badjatya said the launch of the light commercial vehicles from Ashok Leyland adds to the range and shows the company’s renewed commitment towards bringing tough dependable and durable vehicles for logistics use in affordable range to the Nigerian customers.

The company has sales and service outlets in Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan and Port Harcourt and has invested in a state-of-the-art central auto parts and service centre at Orile Lagos to support the distribution of genuine parts across the nation for the upkeep of the vehicles.

Ashok Leyland Africa Zonal Head Mr. O Satishan said: “Nigeria is an important African market for Ashok Leyland. The new range of trucks will offer best-in-class efficiency, performance and comfort.

The Partner, he said, comes with performance, customer profitability and driver comfort.

Packed with superior mileage, load carrying ability, stability and maneuverability, the Partner helps run the business with better return on investment.

The Boss offers class-leading comfort that sets the benchmark in the commercial vehicle industry. The dashboard is ergonomically designed with the controls placed intelligently. The vehicle comes with multi-angle adjustable seats. The steering column comes with tilt-able and telescopic movements, while the 2-point suspended cabin offers comfort and convenience.

“Our aim in the international markets is to add more products to our portfolio and offer innovative and comprehensive solution to our global customers. Experience a new class of LHD vehicles from Ashok Leyland,” Satishan said.

The Partner is powered by the advanced ZD30 Common Rail diesel engine offering more power and pick-up advantage, allows navigating with full load through any tough terrain with ease.

The heavy-duty parabolic leaf springs in the front, superior braking system and frontal crash protection offers the driver and passengers a safe and smooth ride.

With Euro III compliance, best-in-class aggregate life and longer service maintenance intervals, the Partner keeps the business profitable and competitive with low fuel and maintenance costs.

Its power steering with tilt-able adjustment and a cable-operated gear shift mechanism with a 5 speed Overdrive Synchromesh Gear Box makes gear shifting effortless and driving stress free.

The Boss is equipped with powerful ‘H’ Series Inline Engine Tuned for Delivering Power & Torque, Rugged overdrive gearbox and best-in-class turning radius.

The Boss offers superior payload and needs fewer maintenance brakes, delivering a superior up time with lower operating costs making the business more profitable.

THE Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is the seat of the Federal Government. The global eyes are on every part of the FCT and not only on the Central Business District(CBD). Within the CBD in Abuja, commercial motorcycles are not permitted to operate on the roads. The other parts of FCT are different stories entirely gradually turning the FCT to a shame of the nation. This trend has to be corrected promptly to make the FCT a pride of Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

I recently took a research trip to Kubwa, one of the most developed and populated part of the FCT. My findings are very disgusting. It is a case of an abandoned city in a whole FCT. I would like to use the photograph in this article to illustrate three of my findings and recommendations. The photograph was taken near Ignobis Hotel on Gado Nasko way, Kubwa, FCT.

Item 1 in the photograph shows a meaningless traffic sign. The shape and colour of the sign depicts a Mandatory Regulatory sign. If obeyed, it directs Motorists to a rough close. Why should Drivers be directed off the main road to a close when there is no blockage of the main road?  This is just an example of multitudes of traffic signs wrongly designed and some, wrongly positioned.

Item 2 in the photograph reveals the annoying swarming of Kubwa with Motorcycles. There is neither commercial car nor tricycles on Kubwa roads thereby compelling everyone to dangerously use motorcycles to cover short and long distances. With my research, over 90 per cent of the Motorcycle Riders had no knowledge of the basic traffic signs, traffic regulations and defensive riding techniques. I took quality time to observe and interview some of them. Without doubt, the decision of the Government to be issuing Riders Licence without compelling them to attend Dtiving Schools for basic training is indeed a suicidal measure and retrogressive no matter the security excuse. It is incomplete to be talking of security while neglecting safety. The lives being saved through the security measures can be easily lost to lapses in road safety administration. What then is the pride of the Government and the relevant Agencies?

I hereby suggest that at least, Tricycles should be introduced to replace the Motorcycles on the major roads in Kubwa and other thickly populated and developed parts of the Federal Capital Territory. The lives of Nigerians both high and low must matter to all levels of Government. This should be treated as a matter of urgency to prevent further loss of lives through motorcycles on these roads.

The first issue revealed in the photograph is a sharp bend with an unguarded bridge which has become a nightmare for Drivers, Riders and Pedestrians. The FCT Authority should proceed to construct a strong iron or concrete rail at the edges of the bridge.

The second issue in item 3 is a cart pusher emptying refuse into the stream by the bridge. This is an unacceptable means of refuse disposal in a whole FCT. Measures must be taken to rid the FCT of all forms of illegalities and other act unbecoming of a Federal Capital Territory. The measures will instil saity into FCT and make it the desired model in Africa.

Jide Owatunmise

The role of technology in traffic law enforcement is very crucial. It is, however, very sad that at this age, the use of technology is still a mirage in Nigeria.

Consequent upon the dangerously increasing rate of road traffic violation, I decided to fashion out an alternative strategy, which I strongly believe, will instill sanity into drivers, riders and other road users. I tagged it Participatory Enforcement Strategy.

Under this strategy, the state government should set up  a Special Enforcement Desk to be manned by adequate number of Information Communication Technology (ICT) or computer literate staff.  A dedicated toll free number and e – mail address should be made available to the public and a regularly publicised in the electronic and print media.

The public is to be using the WhatsApp number and email to send pictures of vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles violating the traffic laws. They should be snapped while they are committing the offence (in the very act) with their plate numbers conspicuously shown in the picture.  The photo and a brief statement of the offence committed should be forwarded to the special traffic enforcement desk through the WhatsApp or e-mail.

Officers at the special desk will instantly transmit the information the state vehicle inspection office or the state traffic management office as the case may be for action. Through the plate number, the identity of the vehicle owner can be obtained and the fines administered. Where the vehicle owner failed to pay, the compiled list of defaulters (their vehicle details) should be published in at least tw national newspapers. The defaulters are to bear the cost of the publications when eventually apprehended.

Read Also: NIA: Vehicle insurance policies hit 1.5m

For checks and balances, the  governor should have an officer, who will be comparing the list of offenders reported by the public with those fined or prosecuted.  The software should make it possible for information sent by the public to automatically go to the special traffic enforcement desk and the officer in the governor’s office.  The VIO or traffic management agency responsible for the state traffic law enforcement should submit regular report to the office of the governor to ease the regular comparative analysis of those reported and those fined.

The public who is oftentimes the victims of traffic law violation will surely work better than CCTV camera on all the roads in Nigeria. This strategy will promote safety on the roads and significantly increase the state government revenue, particularly with the effectiveness of the suggested checks and balances.

The state government must ensure that the identity of the public supplying the pictures of road traffic violators are kept secret or confidential. Any government official that disclose the identity of anybody that provide information to the special desk should be prosecuted in the law court and dismissed from service.

With camera enabled mobile phones in the hands of many people in Nigeria, the special traffic enforcement desk will be daily bombarded with evidenced information of traffic offenders till the rate of compliance to traffic regulations improve tremendously. This is an idea which I believe if well packaged and judiciously implemented by all the state governments and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will bring sanity to the roads and increase government revenue.