The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Abuja Motor Fair to boost investments in auto sector

    The 20th Abuja International Motor Fair is targeted at boosting investments in the sector, BKG Exhibitions Limited Managing Director, Mr Ifeanyichukwu Agwu has said.

    Despite the challenges confronting the sector as well as the economy, Agwu said the fair is set to assume its rightful place as the key sector that drives socio-economic development.

    He said the fair had been packaged to increase the attention of the government to the importance of urgently addressing the current challenges in the sector so as to use it to drive the nation’s economic diversification policy.

    Agwu said: “Every effort has been deployed to ensure that the sector receives the needed support from both the government and the private sector to enhance its’ rapid development. We are packaging a show that will showcase all the existing and potential investment opportunities that abound in the Nigerian automobile industry, which we believe are very attractive to existing and prospective investors.”

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

    “Hosting Auto Shows of international standards such as the Abuja Motor Fair will go a long way in placing Nigeria in the map of world automotive business and will equally fast track the making of the nation the hub of the automotive business in the continent. For over 19 years, we have been able to create a comprehensive automobile exchange platform drawing global attention.

  • Coscharis launches BMW X7, 7 Series

    Of all the activities that dominated this year’s Banana Island Festival, the launch of BMW X7, 7 Series by the Coscharis Group was the icing on the cake.

    Coscharis Motors is the sole franchisee of BMW brands in Nigeria with sales and service networks across the major cities.

    The Banana Island Festival Ground at Banana Island Estate, Ikoyi was a place to be penultimate Saturday.

    Best of cultural displays from different countries made the gathering a fun-filled. The participants had the opportunity of enjoying local and intercontinental cuisines.

    Welcoming them to its stand, Coscharis Group President/Chief Executive Officer Dr Cosmas Maduka thanked for taking time out to be part of the memorable launch of “our globally respected BMW brand – the first-ever BMW X7 and the 7 series, which is in its Beschreibung: Bmw2fa3ptestsixth generation.”

    “While we are here to celebrate our diversity and culture, we are proud to reveal a unifying first-ever BMW X7 and a new 7 Series. These vehicles are borderless on-road power, competency, and capability,” he added.

    Maduka said the X7 was entering the local market for the first time, “meaning this Estate has the privilege of being the first to view and host this model. Clearly, the BMW X7 and 7 series are both flagship in their respective segments (luxury SUV and sedan). We are glad to have this launch here given the global representation at this festival, which by extension, helps to cement the global feel and acceptance of these BMW brands.

    “For the first time ever in the history of BMW, the BMW 7 Series, which has remained a benchmark for luxury sedans, comes as a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) – the X7. The BMW X7 as the latest premium Sports Activity Vehicle is designed to reflect the personality and requirements of the owner. It not only adds a new top model to the X family but also defines a progressive approach to luxury for the BMW brand.”

    The X7 offers standard three row seating for seven with optional second-row Captain’s chairs offering a more exclusive seating arrangement for six standard two-axle air suspension, 21-inch alloy wheels and advanced driver assistance systems ensures that the new BMW X7 lives up to expectations of style, driver engagement, passenger comfort, and all-weather and all-terrain capability.

    The BMW X7 launches with a choice of two updated gasoline engines. Heading up the range is the BMW X7 xDrive50i, with an extensively updated 4.4-liter V8 engine. A 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, found under the hood of the new BMW X7 xDrive40i rounds out the model line-up. All engines channel their power through an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, while BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive is on hand to ensure that power is transferred into secure progress – on or off-road.

    Offering a significantly expanded array of driver assistance systems, the new BMW X7 is able to support the driver through an array of interconnected sensors by processing camera images and data acquired by radar.

    The BMW X7 xDrive40i comes standard with Active Protection and Active Driving Assistant including Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Collision Warning, Frontal Collision Warning and Pedestrian Warning with City Collision Mitigation (which now also alerts the driver if cyclists are detected) Cross Traffic Alert Rear, and Speed Limit Information.

    Anyone taking a seat in a 7 Series expects the highest level of ride comfort, and the new BMW 7 Series delivers in every respect: its comfortable seats have multiple adjustment options; and with the added benefit of the optional seat climate control including a massage function, they are outstanding in every respect.

    The 7 Series benefits from its optional anti-roll system (“Executive Drive Pro”), which reduces body movement in bends to a minimum. When entering a bend, the Bavarian with its all-wheel steering is noticeably faster than the Audi and Mercedes and appears to have better handling, not least because of its less pronounced and more manageable responses to throttle adjustment.

    It has perfect connectivity: standard features include a high-resolution navigation system with WLAN hotspot for online access and a hands-free Bluetooth mobile phone interface. Despite a multitude of functions, the controls are easy to get used to.

  • Toyota to raise stake in Subaru to 20 per cent

    Toyota Motor Corporation said it will raise its stake in Subaru Corp to 20 per cent from 16.8 per cent to boost the companies’ joint development of advanced technology for autonomous and electric vehicles.

    The increased stake will make Toyota’s 14-year-old partner into its equity-method affiliate, meaning the Japanese auto giant will see Subaru’s earnings incorporated into its consolidated financial statements.

    Under a deal struck by the two automakers, Subaru also plans to acquire a stake in Toyota worth 80 billion yen ($741 million), equivalent to the largest Japanese automaker’s additional investment in the smaller partner.

    They will buy each other’s shares through the stock market or direct transactions between them as soon as approval is secured from competition authorities.

    Toyota has been stepping up efforts to consolidate its ties with smaller rivals and tech giants such as SoftBank Group Corp to respond to a shift in consumer demand for electric, connected and self-driving vehicles.

    Toyota agreed in late August with Suzuki Motor Corp on a capital tie-up to jointly work on autonomous vehicles.

    Toyota formed an alliance with Subaru, formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd, in 2005 after purchasing shares from General Motors Co.

    Toyota and Subaru have since cooperated in vehicle development, production and sales. Toyota is already the largest shareholder in Subaru.

    As part of their cooperation, they began selling their jointly developed sports car, branded by Toyota as the 86 and Subaru the BRX, in 2012.

    In June, the carmakers said they will jointly develop an electric sports utility vehicle to be sold under each company’s name by the mid-2020s in the United States.

    Subaru is also among major Japanese automakers that have invested in a self-driving technology startup Monet Technologies Inc, jointly established by Toyota and SoftBank Corp.

  • Volkswagen hires Cadillac boss

    Volkswagen has hired an executive who once ran Cadillac and Infiniti to help oversee its North American operations.

    The German carmaker said that Johan de Nysschen will become Chief Operating Officer of Volkswagen’s North American region.

    Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen Group of America Scott Keogh, said de Nysschen will help speed up the company’s day-to-day decision making “so we can continue to make this brand matter again.”

    Volkswagen is working to regain consumer trust after its 2015 diesel emissions scandal. U.S. authorities caught the company using software to rig emissions tests.

    The 59-year-old de Nysschen said he is looking forward to rejoining the company where he spent 20 years earlier in his career before leading Nissan’s Infiniti luxury brand and General Motors’ Cadillac.

  • NATA gets Life Grand Patron

    Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) Ejigbo Branch has appointed the Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, Monsurudeen Bello as the Life Grand Patron.

    The appointment, NATA said, is in recognition of Bello’s selfless service to the people of Ejigbo, and his contributions towards the progress of the association.

    Bello, popularly called OBE, was honoured during the inauguration of the executive of the association.

    A plaque was presented to him by NATA’s state Deputy Chairman Olusegun Aikhomo Mayegun.

    Mayegun said the honour was also an appreciation of the council boss for bringing an end to the misunderstanding between members of the association.

    OBE, who was represented by the Vice Chairman, who doubles as Supervisor for Health, Dr Olatunde Olusunmade, thanked the association for honouring him.

    Olusunmade said the administration’s giant strides can be felt in areas of infrastructural development.

    “At the moment, Kashimawo Alimi Street beside NNPC bus stop is being rehabilitated. The project would be completed before the end of the year. This would reduce traffic gridlock at Jakande Gate. Dauda Ilo Road in Ejigbo and Junction Road in Oke-Afa are also under rehabilitation, while Adebayo Oyelana has been rehabilitated and in good condition,” he said.

    Olusunmade urged NATA members and residents of the council to support OBE for another term.

  • Nissan recalls 1.2m vehicles

    Nissan North America is recalling 1,228,830 model year 2018-2019 Nissan Altimas, Frontiers, Kicks, Leafs, Maximas, Muranos, NVs, NV200s, Pathfinders, Rogues, Rogue Sports, Sentras, Titans, Versa Notes, Versa Sedans, Infiniti Q50s, Q60s, QX30s and QX80s.

    Also being recalled are model year 2019 Nissan GT-Rs& Taxis and Infiniti QX50s, QX60s, Q70s and Q70Ls.

    The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse.

    The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

    Nissan will notify owners in phases, and have dealers update the back-up camera settings software free of charge.

    The recall is expected to begin October 21, and all affected VINs should be activated by November 11.

  • Hyundai unveils 45 EV Concept

    Hyundai has introduced an electric vehicle concept named 45 EV Concept at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt.

    The vehicle signifies a new era of Hyundai’s automotive design, focused on electrification, autonomous technologies and intelligent design.

    The dramatic exterior of 45 excites the imagination, also drawing inspiration from the vehicle that first established Hyundai’s design DNA, the 1974 Pony Coupe Concept. The car’s name also owes itself in part to the 45-degree angles at the front and rear, forming a diamond-shaped silhouette that further foreshadows the design direction of future EV models.

    The concept strips away complexity, celebrating the clean lines and minimalistic structure of the original coupe concept. Combining heritage with vision, 45 incorporates the evolution of Hyundai’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language.

    According to Senior Vice President and the Head of Hyundai Design Centre, SangYup Lee, the 45 clearly reveals how Hyundai heads towards the future through heritage.

    Lee said: “Through the 45 built upon our design language ‘Sensuous Sportiness’, Hyundai wants to present our vision on how we want to reshape people’s in-car lifestyle in the era of electrification and autonomous driving.”

    The 45 reinterprets the concept’s distinctive lattice radiator grille with a ‘kinetic cube lamp’ design, while a fastback profile epitomises stability and dynamism, characteristics accentuated by the vehicle’s significant width and forward-oriented posture. The daylight opening (DLO) terminates in the fast angle of the C-pillar, which generates a feeling of dynamic forward motion even when standing still.

    Innovative technology is inherent in 45’s details. At the bottom of the door, active LED lights show drivers how much longer they have before needing to recharge, even before they get in the car. Some tech features may influence forthcoming Hyundai production models, emphasising Hyundai’s open architecture for the future, and leaving room to include self-driving system applications. These include a hidden Camera Monitoring System (CMS), while self-cleaning side cameras replace traditional wing mirrors, ensuring perfect visibility at all times.

    Reimagining the in-car experience, the interior becomes a unique living space capable of transforming to accommodate a range of passenger lifestyle demands. Inspired by furniture designs, the minimalist cabin is fitted with an inviting fusion of wood, fabric and leather, creating a warm atmosphere that is both relaxing and spacious. Lounge chair-style rear seats and front seats can rotate to face other passengers, and swivel as occupants open the door for convenient entry and exit.

    The batteries in the fully electric 45 are set throughout the car’s ‘skateboard floor,’ contributing to its spacious interior. Clean lines, ergonomic placement of controls and ‘high-end electronics’ feel for the interior fixtures further enhance the feeling of space while reinforcing the simplistic modernity of 45’s design. Front-seat passengers can interact with the infotainment system via a projection-beam interface, replacing a single central touchscreen with a series of displays and functions integrated into the dashboard itself. Clever storage ideas include door mounted device pockets to hold tablets or PCs.

    The 45 embodies Hyundai’s ‘Style Set Free’ strategy for future mobility that emphasises personalisation of design and function. It was the centrepiece of Hyundai’s Frankfurt display, which showcased various future innovations in vehicle technology and integration of lifestyle applications.

  • Coscharis introduces BMW X7

    Coscharis Motors Nigeria Plc, the exclusive franchise owner of BMW in Nigeria, will reveal the first-ever BMW X7, the pinnacle of BMW’s X Sport Activity Vehicle line-up and a statement of the luxury class at this year’s Banana Island Festival on Saturday.

    According to Coscharis Group General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Abiona Babarinde, the objective of the event is to offer customers and prospects an opportunity to see and feel the all new BMW X7 within their home and work contexts.

    Babarinde said: “The BMW X7 becomes the second BMW model to be launched at the Banana Island Cultural festival. The very first was the BMW 5 series in 2017.

    “The BMW 7 series will be a new definition of automotive luxury,” he further stated.

    Coscharis Motors BMW Brand Manager Cletus Aregbeshola said the BMW X7 builds on the comfort, handling, safety and technology of all the previous BMW X Sport Activity Vehicle model lines that have been produced at Plant Spartanburg since 1999.

    “BMW’s latest premium Sports Activity Vehicle is designed to reflect the personality and requirements of the owner. It not only adds a new top model to the X family, but also defines a progressive approach to luxury for the BMW brand,” Aregbeshola said.

    The X7 offers standard three row seating for seven with optional Second-row Captain’s Chairs offering a more exclusive seating arrangement for six. Standard two-axle air suspension, 21-inch alloy wheels and advanced driver assistance systems ensure that the new BMW X7 lives up to expectations of style, driver engagement, passenger comfort and all-weather and all-terrain capability.

  • 100 exhibitors for auto parts show

    One hundred exhibitors from Nigeria and other countries are expected to converge on the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos for the West Africa Automotive Show (WAAS) in November.

    Besides displaying the latest developments and products in the spare parts and services sector, suppliers, dealers and manufacturers will be available to discuss best practice for the industry.

    Nigerian businesses, according to the organisers, BtoB Events, will account for about 30 per cent of exhibitors.

    There will be pavilions for Morocco and China, smaller groupings from Thailand, Egypt, Tunisia and India, and other countries.

    BtoB Events’ Managing Director Jamie Hill said: “We have a wealth of international exhibitors looking to bring high-tech equipment to Nigeria for the first time and a large number of local exhibitors are looking to expand their business and increase exports to surrounding countries,” he said.

    Lagos, Hill said, was picked to launch the show because it has capacity to become the automotive hub of the African continent with over 11.5 million vehicles on the roads.

    “With over 60 per cent of vehicles on the road being over 12 years old, there is a huge aftermarket industry. The need for high quality and affordable spare parts is becoming increasingly important,” he said, adding: “There is also a real hunger to boost the local assembly of vehicles across the country with the 2013 National Automotive Industry Development plan (NAIDP). With more assembly plants being set up, this, again, significantly increases the demand for spare parts. We are committed to supporting Nigeria to reach its forecast of having 70 per cent of new cars sold being assembled or manufactured domestically by 2050.”

  • Hyundai unveils 45 EV Concept

    Hyundai has introduced an electric vehicle concept named 45 EV Concept at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt.

    The vehicle signifies a new era of Hyundai’s automotive design, focused on electrification, autonomous technologies and intelligent design. The dramatic exterior of 45 excites the imagination, also drawing inspiration from the vehicle that first established Hyundai’s design DNA, the 1974 Pony Coupe Concept. The car’s name also owes itself in part to the 45-degree angles at the front and rear, forming a diamond-shaped silhouette that further foreshadows the design direction of future EV models.

    The concept strips away complexity, celebrating the clean lines and minimalistic structure of the original coupe concept. Combining heritage with vision, 45 incorporates the evolution of Hyundai’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language.

    According to Senior Vice President and the Head of Hyundai Design Centre, SangYup Lee, the 45 clearly reveals how Hyundai heads towards the future through heritage.

    Lee said: “Through the 45 built upon our design language ‘Sensuous Sportiness’, Hyundai wants to present our vision on how we want to reshape people’s in-car lifestyle in the era of electrification and autonomous driving.”

    The 45 reinterprets the concept’s distinctive lattice radiator grille with a ‘kinetic cube lamp’ design, while a fastback profile epitomises stability and dynamism, characteristics accentuated by the vehicle’s significant width and forward-oriented posture. The daylight opening (DLO) terminates in the fast angle of the C-pillar, which generates a feeling of dynamic forward motion even when standing still.

    Innovative technology is inherent in 45’s details. At the bottom of the door, active LED lights show drivers how much longer they have before needing to recharge, even before they get in the car. Some tech features may influence forthcoming Hyundai production models, emphasising Hyundai’s open architecture for the future, and leaving room to include self-driving system applications. These include a hidden Camera Monitoring System (CMS), while self-cleaning side cameras replace traditional wing mirrors, ensuring perfect visibility at all times.

    Reimagining the in-car experience, the interior becomes a unique living space capable of transforming to accommodate a range of passenger lifestyle demands. Inspired by furniture designs, the minimalist cabin is fitted with an inviting fusion of wood, fabric and leather, creating a warm atmosphere that is both relaxing and spacious. Lounge chair-style rear seats and front seats can rotate to face other passengers, and swivel as occupants open the door for convenient entry and exit.

    The batteries in the fully electric 45 are set throughout the car’s ‘skateboard floor,’ contributing to its spacious interior. Clean lines, ergonomic placement of controls and ‘high-end electronics’ feel for the interior fixtures further enhance the feeling of space while reinforcing the simplistic modernity of 45’s design. Front-seat passengers can interact with the infotainment system via a projection-beam interface, replacing a single central touchscreen with a series of displays and functions integrated into the dashboard itself. Clever storage ideas include door mounted device pockets to hold tablets or PCs.

    The 45 embodies Hyundai’s ‘Style Set Free’ strategy for future mobility that emphasises personalisation of design and function. It was the centrepiece of Hyundai’s Frankfurt display, which showcased various future innovations in vehicle technology and integration of lifestyle applications.