The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • VWG sales surge in September

    By Our Reporter

    The Volkswagen Group has reported a 9.2 per cent rise in global deliveries during September compared to the same month last year. It delivered 904,200 vehicles to customers.

    In a shrinking overall global market, the group continued to significantly expand its market shares. As expected, this development was driven by Europe (31 per cent) and Germany (58.1 per cent). Here, deliveries had been at an unusually low level in September 2018 as a result of restricted vehicle availability following the changeover to the new WLTP type approval procedure.

    In North America and Asia-Pacific, the Volkswagen Group succeeded in slightly expanding its market shares in shrinking overall markets.

    In South America, the Group markedly boosted deliveries in contrast to the decreasing overall market and therefore significantly expanded its market share.

    Head of Volkswagen Group Sales Dr. Christian Dahlheim, said: “In the current economic and geopolitical environment, which is tense, our strong brands are once again proving to be especially valuable. They offer our customers security for their purchasing decisions and therefore lay the foundation for the continual expansion of our global market share.”

  • Mazda to launch innovative diesel engine

    By Our Reporter

    Mazda will launch an innovative diesel engine next year to broaden its approach to reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

    While many carmakers, such as Volvo, have said they will not develop new diesel engines, instead favouring investment in electrification, Mazda will continue to improve its diesel and petrol engines alongside other powertrains such as electric and plug-in hybrids.

    Diesel cars popularity has taken a major hit in recent years, following the Dieselgate scandal. For the year to date, diesel car sales are down 20 per cent in the United Kingdom.

    Mazda’s Europe R&D boss Christian Schultze, said: “We are sticking to diesel engines. In 2020, we have a new approach to diesel engines. We will show you how clean and very efficient diesel engines can be.”

    Asked if it would use similar technology to Mazda’s recently-launched spark-plug-controlled compression ignition Skyactive-X petrol engine, he said: “We will surprise you next year,” adding: “There are not so many differences between petrol and diesel.”

    The Skyactiv-X engine relies on two technologies – lean-burn combustion and compression ignition – to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions while delivering good performance.

    Schultze said Mazda will consider other powertrain options as and when they become viable.

    “If we come into an age where sustainable fuels are economically similar, why not use them? We hope governments wake up and see that electrification is one way but there are others, too. Skyactiv-X is a step in the right direction,” he said.

    Mazda has what it calls a “multi-solution approach” to sustainability. Along with petrol engines and its next-generation diesel, it will offer electric, plug-in hybrid, series-hybrid and range-extender vehicles.

    Mazda’s first EV will be unveiled next week at the Tokyo Motor Show. The stand-alone model will be a small Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and will be targeted at urban use, given that it will have a range of less than 150 miles.

  • Toyota unveils ‘world’s safest’ compact car

    Toyota has revealed its new Yaris supermini, complete with a new hybrid powertrain and improved safety systems.

    The Japanese manufacturer claims the latest Yaris has been engineered to be the “world’s safest compact car”.

    This is the fourth-generation model of the Yaris, which has been around since 1999, when it replaced the Toyota Starlet.

    According to Belfast Telegraph Digital, the new Yaris is the first model to be built on Toyota ‘s new GA-B modular platform for small cars.

    Part of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) build system that has overhauled models like the Corolla, C-HR and RAV4, the GA-B allows the manufacturer several advantages.

    For example, most superminis have grown larger down the years. But the new Yaris has had its length reduced by 5mm, while at the same time the wheelbase has been lengthen by 50mm.

    This is aimed to make the car agile and manoeuvrable in cities, but roomy and comfortable inside.

    The height has been reduced by 44mm also, without compromising headroom as the driver and passengers sit lower. However, the car is 50mm wider, which aids cabin space but also give the car a surer profile.

    The previous Yaris had a hybrid option, but the model – due in the United Kingdom in the middle of next year – boasts an all-new 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain.

    This, Toyota said, is more responsive with a 15 per cent increase in combined power (engine and electric motor) and a 20 per cent increase in fuel efficiency.

    The system also uses a new lithium-ion hybrid battery, giving increased output that enables quicker acceleration. As well as being more powerful, the battery is 27 per cent lighter than the old nickel-metal hydride battery.

    The Yaris will also be available in some markets with 1.5 and 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engines, but Toyota expects hybrids to be responsible for around 80 per cent of sales.

    The external design of the new Yaris is bolder, with strong character lines down the side more prominent front and rear wings and sculpted door panels.

    There’s a larger grille and the A-pillar has been shifted back, increasing bonnet length. The bonnet is now adorned with LED lights.

    The cockpit has been extensively re-designed, including the addition of goodies usually found in bigger cars.

    Information is presented to the driver from three interlinked sources: the central Toyota Touch touchscreen, a TFT multi-information display in the instrument binnacle and a 10-inch colour head-up display that projects key data and warnings into the driver’s field of view.

    Better-quality materials have also been introduced, including a soft-touch instrument panel.

    The big boast about safety is also of interest, with Toyota saying the new underpinnings have a lower centre of gravity. This will help with cornering and stability.

    The chassis also has a better weight balance, both front/rear and left/right, which reduces body roll and improves braking, while improved torsional rigidity contributes to better handling.

    Other innovations have improved stability and rigidity, including new front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension and strategic reinforcements in the cowl, rear pillar, tunnel and rear structure.

    The manufacturer claims the new Yaris is the first car in its class to feature a centre airbag, part of the new Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) system.

    Advanced driver assistance systems fitted as standard include full speed-range intelligent adaptive cruise control and lane trace assist, as featured in the recently launched new Corolla.

  • Volvo to cut CO2 output by 40 per cent

    Volvo has announced plans to cut the CO2 emissions produce across the full lifespan of a car by 40 per cent.

    The Scandinavian firm has said it wants to reduce its lifecycle carbon footprint by 40 per cent between 2018 and 2025 — not only the CO2 produced throughout the car’s use, but also during the build and destruction of the car.

    Volvo said its proposals are in-line with those of the 2015 Paris climate agreement — a global pledge to help lessen the impact of climate change.

    One of the key ways Volvo will aim to meet this pledge is through its plan to have 50 per cent of all its sales to be all-electric by 2025. But it will also focus on its global supply chain, with a bid to reduce CO2 output of that by 25 per cent in 2025.

    The brand said its cars will be built from a quarter of recycled materials, too, by that time, along with cuts in manufacturing and logistical CO2 output.

    President/Chief Executive Officer of Volvo Cars Håkan Samuelsson said: “We are transforming our company through concrete actions, not symbolic pledges.

    “So, at Volvo Cars, we will address what we control, which is both our operations and the tailpipe emissions of our cars. And we will address what we can influence, by calling on our suppliers and the energy sector to join us in aiming for a climate-neutral future.”

    Earlier this year, Volvo became the first manufacturer to offer a plug-in hybrid version of each of its cars, while it has also recently revealed its first EV – the XC40 Recharge. This will go on sale towards the end of 2020, and promises to be a turning point in the brand’s pledge to become a greener car manufacturer.

  • Dangerous licensing

    By Jide Owatunmise

    Consequent upon the high rate of road traffic crashes, injuries and deaths particularly among passenger carrying vehicles, the training, testing, licensing and licence renewal for drivers should no more be taken for granted.

    As it stands in Nigeria, many commercial drivers and those who don’t even know how to drive are still getting driver licence with ease without any form of training and testing.

    Most people today do bypass the driving school and proceed straight to the driver licence  centre where they are made to pay higher than the official driver licence fee. They will thereafter be invited for capturing and licence issuance without any structured and unbiased theory and practical test. The issuance of driving school certificate is mostly without the requisite theory test. Hence the rising rate of accidents and deaths on the roads.

    In the countries with low rates of road traffic crashes, would – be drivers must acquire the requisite theory and practical training in accredited driving schools, compulsorily pass the theory and practical tests, go for medical checkup for the mandatory medical reports before he or she can be issued with licence to drive passenger carrying vehicle. The tests are to confirm the mental and physical fitness of the drivers.

    The medical report must cover vision, nervous system, diabetes mellitus, psychiatric illness, general health, cardiac health and medical practitioner details. Driver licence may be refused passenger carrying vehicle or commercial driver licence  if they suffer from any of the following: Liability to epilepsy/seizure, diabetes requiring insulin, eyesight defects, heart disorders, persistent high blood pressure, a stroke within the past year, unconscious lapses within the last five years, any disorder causing vertigo within the last year, major brain surgery or severe head injury with serious continuing after – effects, parkinson’s disease (multiple sclerosis or other chronic nervous disorders likely to affect the use of the limbs), mental disorders, alcohol and other psychoactive drug problems, serious communication problem, etc.

    Driving is a very complex job, which involves the use of the eyes, ears, nose, brain, neck, hands,  and legs to ensure effective and safe vehicle control. A  lapse on the part of the driver can result to loss of lives and properties. Before anyone is issued with driver licence, it must be established through uncompromised theory and practical tests that the candidates have a comprehensive knowledge of the highway code including the meaning of traffic signs and road markings, thorough knowledge of the national road traffic regulations, a high level of driving skills as well as the ability for good journey planning and hazard perception.

    The road safety management is far from attaining the global standards. It is time to stop taking road safety issues with kids gloves and get more proactive in the war against road traffic crashes, injuries and deaths on the roads.

  • Buhari’s aide hails Cars45 Autoprenuer initiative

    By Tajudeen Adebanjo

    Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on the Ease of Doing Business and Secretary, Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Dr. Jumoke Oduwole has lauded Cars45’s Automotive Entrepreneur Programme, also called Autoprenuer.

    The initiative, according the automotive trading platform, was designed as a framework for poverty alleviation and drive business growth and profitability for individuals irrespective of their social class.

    Oduwole praised the giant strides made by entrepreneurial ventures like Cars45 in deepening growth.

    She said: “Companies like Cars45 represent the energy of this economy as entrepreneurial activities account for over 48 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contributions and, therefore, are a demography that can’t be ignored. We are not unaware of the challenges that businesses face and we are doing everything within our power to set the economy on the right path. It is important to see every challenge as an opportunity. I am happy that Cars45 is one of the forward-thinking and visionary organisations in the automotive space and with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement AfCFTA, I am even more hopeful that deploying technology they would be able to scale and help grow the economy.”

    On the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) Bill, Oduwole noted that there are concerted efforts to ensure broad participation in framing the policy.

    “There is no economy in the world that has developed without having a vibrant auto assembly and production industry because of the catalytic amount of jobs that the sector can create. There is need for a policy that will take us to where we want to be.

    ‘’The auto industry is pivotal and critical to the growth of our economy and so we are taking our time to shape the automotive policy so that we are able to compete with other players on the continent and enable those who have invested resources derive maximal value. We need an auto policy that will be enduring; we don’t want a policy that we will have and after few years, we will need to change it and that is why we are calling for more contributions,” she said.

    Cars45 Chief Executive Officer Etop Ikpe said the initiative provides Nigerians the opportunity of making extra income by referring people to buy, swap or sell their cars or subscribe to the rich bouquet of services that the firm offers.

    The services, Ikpe said, include its Emergency Road Assistance, Premium Inspections, Concierge, Inspection and Valuation, Pre-Order, and Annual Maintenance Contract.

    According to him, the initiative is in tandem with the federal government’s desire to drive economic growth, invest in human capital and build a globally competitive economy while adding that the initiative will complement government’s efforts to move millions out of the poverty bucket as a viable and sustainable income stream.

    “We recognise that our platform helps to create lot of opportunities for people and Nigeria’s biggest problem is unemployment. We have a huge youth population that must be fully engaged. And so, at Cars45, we simply created a programme that enable people without any prior education or experience with the automotive retail to be engaged and make something for themselves.

    ‘’This Automotive Entrepreneurship programme has been re-designed to equip people with the right technology as well as enable participants increase their income levels by leveraging our services,” he said.

    Cars45 Vice President, Retail Services, John Egwu, said the programme was designed to accommodate youths who want to be part of the scheme.

    “We want to give Nigerians another option of source of income. We are blessed as a country, so we want everyone to marshal their energy towards a new Nigerian economy model that can be self-sustaining for all,” he said.

    On how the programme works, Vice President, C2B Services Mayokun Fadeyibi, noted that individuals could get started by signing up at the firm’s website to earn commissions and bonuses daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly when they successfully refer people to buy and sell cars through the Cars45 network.

    “You start as an agent, grows to become a team leader where you manage about 20 down liners and as you consistently meet your targets, you can become a Cars45 franchise dealer partner. There is a clear and transparent growth path and using technology, people can conveniently track or monitor their progress in real time and online,” she said.

  • NAJA awards to hold December 12

    The Nigerian Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) Awards will hold on Decem-ber 12, this year at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, the organisers have said.

    The yearly awards is aimed at recognising corporate stakeholders’ and other automotive products and ancillary products like tyre brands, lubricants and individuals that are adjudged to have relatively stood out among other competitors in their segments in the country’s auto industry within the year.

    According to the organisers, one of the high points of the awards is in the Car-Of-   The-Year (COTY) award category.

    Others include Luxury Car of the Year, Heavy Duty Truck of the Year, Auto Plant of the Year, CEO of the Year, Auto Personality of The Year and CSR Company of the Year, Pick-up of the Year, Showroom of the Year.

    New additions to this year’s awards include Super Luxury Car of the Year, Online Auto Marketing Platform of the Year and Motorbike Taxi Service of the Year.

    Like the previous events, the organisers will be honouring outstanding auto brands and models that have achieved extraordinary success in the last one year.

    Some award categories in the past may be dropped due to dynamic nature of the market and present situation of local’s automotive industry, the organisers said.

    NAJA said the awards provide an opportunity for organisations to gain competitive advantage by having their projects, initiatives, contributions, products and services recognised.

  • Uber boat to ease traffic gridlock in Lagos, says General Manager

    The General Manager of Uber West Africa, Lola Kassim has said the UberBOAT was meant to ease traffic gridlock in Lagos State.

    Kassim spoke at the flags off pilot of UberBOAT in Lagos last Friday.

    According to her, helping people to get to their destinations fast and safe is one of the goals of Uber.

    “We are piloting UberBOAT as a service that is focused on moving people from point A to point B via the Lagos waterways. In this phase, the service will be available between the Five Cowries and Ikorodu Jetties. We are aware of the man hours and productivity that are lost every day due to vehicular traffic in Lagos and are looking at ways to provide commuters with an easy and affordable way to get in and out of the city’s business districts. With UberBOAT, riders can leave their cars at home and instead utilise the waterways as a means of getting around faster and with less stress.”

    Uber Country Manager for Nigeria Tayo Oyegunle, said: “Over the last several years, we’ve built lasting partnerships with public transportation agencies around the world, because we understand how important it is to build on regulatory frameworks that modern cities provide. We believe our app can help the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA)’s vision to transform Lagos into a Model city with world class inland waterways infrastructure and services that help expand and improve access to urban mobility.

    Read Also: Lagos partners Uber to reduce traffic, launches Uber boat

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu took a ride on the UberBOAT after flagging it off.

    Sanwo-Olu said: “We collaborated with Uber because of the shared vision to utilise the waterways more as a means of decongesting the city. We remain excited at the prospect of scaling this initiative up and taking it further.”

    Commissioner for Transportation Dr Frederic Oladeinde said the state has embarked on a transformation agenda that has traffic management and mobility as key focus areas.

    Oladeinde said UberBOAT presents a unique opportunity to help improve mobility in the state by ramping up on water transportation as a means of getting people from point A to B.

    LASWA’s Managing Director Damilola Emmanuel said: “At LASWA, our mission is to develop the waterways in Lagos State as a means of giving the people of this great city more efficient options to get around. Because UberBOAT utilizes technology, then it means that the efficiency we seek is achieved, and we are able to bring the service to even more people within the city.”

    There are two ways to book a trip on UberBOAT – the pre-booking which is 24 hours before, or on the day of the trip.

    For the former, riders can click on the app to reserve a seat on the boat, and will thereafter receive a confirmation that secures their spot. The second option is to arrive at the jetty on the day of the trip, 30 minutes before cruise time, open the Uber App, select UberBOAT and input either the pick up or drop off points. A PIN will then be generated which is used to secure the riders spot on the boat.

  • Auto show: More firms confirm participation

    More companies in the oil lube sector, spare parts and accessories, security and financials have confirmed their participation in the forthcoming Abuja International Motor Fair.

    These are besides the known names in the automobile sector that have earlier confirmed participation.

    Chairman, Organising Committee Mr Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, said: ‘’These companies have resolved to keep faith with their potential and existing customers as they have packaged series of offers ranging from budget cars to good pricing, special fair rebates and promotions, responsive customer care services and lots of supporting benefits for their customers to keep on driving the car of their dream. All these they promised to unveil at the showground.”

    Agwu said no fewer than 20,000 visitors would grace the event taking into consideration Abuja’s proximity to many parts of country.

    He said: “The 20th Abuja International Motor Fair will be an unparalleled gathering of established brands. New entrants will be at the fair, as more companies are keying in to harness the enormous potentials in the automobile, parts and accessories market in the country.

    Read Also: Abuja Motor Fair to boost investments in auto sector

    “The fair will be a benchmark in auto show business in the West African sub-region; participants and visitors to are billed to have a rewarding experience.”

    Agwu commended the interest showed by reputable auto firms, noting that providing a platform for all segments of the sector to showcase their best and latest would fast-track the development of the sector.

    He assured visitors and participants of adequate security at the venue, stressing that measures had been put in place to ensure that.

    “We have carefully put in place a lot of crowd-pulling activities all geared towards driving much traffic into the fair. In addition to the display of cars, visitors shall be thrilled with live actions. Of course, there shall be games, gift splash and many more. This year’s show is not all about cars. More than 90 per cent of stakeholders in the automobile industry along with trade visitors are expected at the prestigious motor show,” he said.

    The event holds between October 28 and November 2 at the International Conference Centre Annex, Garki, Abuja.

  • Traffic gridlock: Lagos meets stakeholders today on enforcement

    Poised to reduce traffic gridlock across the state, the Lagos State Government will today meet with traders, commercial bus operators and others stakeholders.

    After the meeting, a seven-day abatement notice to traders, transporters and their unions in seven locations across the state, where traffic gridlock is due to trading and commercial transportation activities, will be issued.

    Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr Olawale Musa said this at the sideline of a stakeholders meeting on traffic management.

    He represented Commissioner for Transportation, Frederic Abimbola Oladeinde at the event.

    Musa listed Ikorodu roundabout, Oyingbo, Yaba, Iyana-ipaja, Ketu, Ikotun and Ajah as the areas of major impediments.

    “In dealing with these identified locations, we will serve a seven-day abatement notice to all concerned locations effective after our meeting on Monday and thereafter prepare them (the stakeholders) for full enforcement of traffic laws and their attendant fines and penalties,” he said.

    Musa said the full force enforcement would commence at the expiration of the seven-day notice on October 18.

    According to him, 60 traffic gridlock locations have been identified by the state government.

    The state, he said, would not tolerate the disobedience of traffic law.

    He said the enforcement team would have its members drawn from road union members, traders across different locations, task force, Police, traffic management agencies and other stakeholders in the transport sector.

    He said: “The ultimate goal of the massive investments in transport sector by the state government has been geared toward ensuring free flow of traffic, road safety and socio-economic development.

    “Interestingly, in as much as all these plans and actions of the state government essentially indicate genuine concerns to address the perennial traffic problem in the state, it is important to admit that they have not been sufficient to entirely redress the situation.

    “In Lagos State, it is not uncommon to see vehicles illegally parked on either side of the road, some even drive in such a careless fashion that makes nonsense of traffic law  while others drive on or across the road medians, other human activities that complicate the traffic hassle in the state include; driving against traffic, making illegal U-turns, using reverse drive to cover long distance in order to beat traffic jam,  disobeying traffic lights and other traffic instructions, illegal trading activities  along our roads among others.

    “It is alarming to observe that many traders abandon their shops and display their goods on roads and drainage channels thereby compounding traffic situation in those locations.”

    Musa said the state government would soon implement the aspect of the traffic law which makes passengers a culprit in the violation of traffic law.

    He said that both the commercial bus driver and the passengers would be arrested and prosecuted if a bus drives against traffic.

    He said: “As a responsive government, it is not that we are not unaware of the fact that solving traffic problems in an emerging smart city like Lagos that houses two major ports, busiest international airports with concentration of largest numbers of oil tank farms is a herculean task but it is not insurmountable.

    “It is a task that will require the support, collaboration and cooperation of all the stakeholders by ensuring that you obey all traffic laws and regulations while you desist from any activity capable of undermining government efforts at improving the traffic situation; you must not drive on dedicated BRT corridors, you must not engage in one-way driving, you must respect and obey traffic lights, you must not display or sell goods on roads, medians and drainage channels.

    “As a government, we will remain committed to efficient traffic management and transportation system that will meet the need of the population of a fast growing smart city.”