The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Driving against traffic, attempted murder

    Driving against traffic is a common practice on Nigeria roads. This practice is prevalent in all the States and the Federal Capital Territory particularly the cities with heavy traffic flow. It has caused many vehicular crashes while a lot of innocent Pedestrians have either been maimed or killed outrightly. It is however disheartening that many Government Officials, Security Agencies, Traffic Agencies and some highly placed Nigerians regularly commit this heinous traffic offence.

    Research revealed that people who drive against the traffic do so because they want to avoid being held up in traffic, take a short cut, bypass a longer route or rushing to meet up an appointment which is one of the effects of inadequate journey planning. No matter the reason, driving against traffic is a criminal offence which I want the Government (Federal and State) to categorise as same with Attempted Murder.

    Overtime, the approved legal flow of traffic is usually registered in the subconscious mind of road users and the fact that a Vehicle, tricycle or motorcycle can drive or ride against the traffic doesn’t register in their minds quickly. Hence the high number of innocent road users falling prey of the criminals driving against traffic. They are normally referred to as Mad Drivers or Mad Riders as the case may be. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and some State Governments have prescribed psychiatric test for culprits of this evil practice.

    I hereby implore Executive, Legislative and Judicial arms of Government at the Federal and State levels to further criminalise this offence by tagging it as attempted murder and the same judgement meted to the culprits. In addition to this, the relevant traffic management Agencies should significantly improve their monitoring and enforcement mechanisms without compromise. These when done, will eliminate the crashes, injuries and deaths are caused by driving against traffic.

  • Why JAC truck is unique, by Ade Ojo

    The Managing Director of JAC Elizade Autoland Mr Demola Ade Ojo has identified four features that make JAC T6 pickup unique.

    He spoke during unveiling and test drive of the truck at Landmark Beach Front, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    According to him, the four combinations that really give value for money is not found in any other truck except JAC T6.

    “You have the price that you cannot beat and it is affordable. Two, you have a vehicle that matches the durability of the best vehicle that is out there. Three, it gives you a taste of luxury and four, it gives you high technology. The type of technology used in this vehicle gives you a vehicle that is 2.0 litre engine but delivers the power of the 2.7 litre. So you get to save fuel usage. No other trucks are doing that,” he said.

    He said the truck manufacturer is working on the automatic version of the truck, noting that the largest market for truck is manual transmission.

    He said Pickup is one of the most popular vehicles used in the country.

    This, he said, cuts across corporate organisations, governments, small businesses and individuals.

    He said: “The pickup segment is the segment that is wide in application. But we are specifically targeting government, corporate organisations, especially multinational, distributors, Customs, Police and INEC. These are the customers that use the pickup. Individuals can also use the pickup; as a matter of fact, the T6 is very good when it comes to leisure because it combines and gives individuals a taste of luxury. Most pickups are considered as workhorse. People use them just for works. But with the T6, it has a combination, what we are selling here is the luxury version. The luxury version gives you the taste of luxury. However, you can still use it for work as well. So for individuals, they stand to enjoy luxury such as leather seat, reverse camera, bluetooth, turbocharge and it gives you very good technology as well.

    “This truck is a destructive truck. When you see the tech, the design impresses you, and when you go inside the truck, the finishing will impress you too. When you now drive the truck, you will be amazed. I am happy a lot of people have driven the truck.  It is amazing the way it drives even on this sand. So when you get such combinations of a truck and at a price that beats every other type, it is called value for money.”

  • ‘Traffic Radio should focus on mind-sets re-orientation’

    Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan has enjoined the State-owned Traffic Radio 96.1 to rise to the challenge of unruly practices on Lagos roads by redirecting the content of its programmes to a change of attitude and promotion of a culture of brotherliness among road users.

    The Commissioner, who spoke at the Maiden edition of the Lagos Traffic Radio (LTR) Retreat in Lekki, said special attention would henceforth be paid to traffic updates and traffic news at every “10mins” interval.

    According to him, the government realised that there is now an urgent need for the station to devote ample airtime for sensitisation of road users on acceptable and road-friendly attitude while driving.

    Bamigbetan decried the increase in the rate of lawlessness among some road users

    He added that a change in attitude and appeal to the psyche of drivers, commuters and other road stakeholders was needed to bring about a saner situation on Lagos roads.

    “We have realised that the limited numbers of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials on our roads is not responsible for the traffic snare being witnessed across the state because there is no amount of law enforcement officers that will be adequate to maintain sanity on our roads if road users do not cultivate the right attitude,” he said.

    LTR Acting General Manager Tayo Akanle said the theme of the Retreat Reinvigorating the Brand in a Competitive Market, reflects the need for the station’s management to pay attention to their core mandates especially now that some privately-owned radio stations are competing for traffic news reportage with LTR.

    The Retreat, he said, would also afford the participants opportunities for redirection, having in mind the core mandates of the broadcast outfit and also consolidate on the gains of the station.

    “One of the best things that have happened to Lagos is the creation of the LTR to assist motorists and commuters make an informed decision that would reduce their travel time in the city where three million vehicles ply the roads every day,” he said.

    The immediate past General Manager of the station, Mr. Olayinka Adagun, said the station has already created a brand for itself to the extent that majority of road users rely on timely update from the station in planning their journey.

  • DataDot, Stallion Motors to halt vehicle, parts theft with device

    DataDot Technology South Africa Limited through its authorised distributor Stallion Motors Nigeria has introduced a hi-tech digital security system to bring vehicle theft to an end.

    The device will also reduce the trade of stolen vehicles and parts in the country.

    The digital security system known as DataDots uses the microdot DNA system that dates back to the 1800s, when they were first used during the Franco-Prussian War as a message system transported by carrier pigeons.

    Also used in World War I and II as a means of passing messages through insecure postal channels, Microdot has undergone tremendous modification and is applied in multiple discreet locations on a vehicle to deter vehicle theft, while also making it difficult to trade parts in the car to unsuspicious buyers.

    Already installed on all vehicles assembled and marketed by Stallion Motors, DataDot Technology ensures that micro-dotted vehicles including their parts are distinctively assigned with an identity that can be linked only to the rightful owner.

    This coded identity would make recovery of a stolen vehicle an easy task.

    Stallion Motors Nigeria Managing Director Parvir Singh who gave this hint at the launch of the device in Lagos said: “DataDot has pioneered microdot technology in South Africa since 2001 and today, they are being used extensively to protect vehicles and assets.

    “We are excited to introduce this new offering across Nigeria to enhance the positive experience of owning Stallion Motors’ marketed brands of automobiles just as we hope to extend the offer to all other brands sold and marketed by other dealerships.”

    “Microdot is marked, secured and ensures that your entire assets are uniquely marked with polymer particles of 1mm or 0.5mm in diameter called microdots, which are literally the size of a pin head that can only be viewed by a magnifier and traceable to the rightful owner.”

    He said the company is in talk with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), insurance firms and the Police.

    Singh said: “DataDot is the number one option for your theft prevention needs and it is virtually impossible to locate let alone removing the microdots, which makes it extremely difficult for thieves to sell micro-dotted assets without the fear of being apprehended.”

    He urged motorists, fleet owners including truck and equipment managers to register their assets with DataDot to get the authorized representative DataDot App, which allows users to link the DataDot PIN to the asset owner, share information, flag stolen vehicles and keep records of vehicle services.

    DataDot Pepper spray according to Mr. Singh is a self-defensive tool against intruders and threats to the person as well as occupiers of the vehicle and above all, it represents a significant commitment to the very latest in anti-theft technology yet demonstrates the best ways of deterring thieves and making recovery of stolen vehicles and parts very easy.

  • G-Class hits local market

    After its production kicked off in Graz in May, the new G-Class has become one of the most demanded passenger cars.

    This new model has been hailed as the “biggest transformation” in the G’s 39-year-old history, as it raises the bar in all relevant areas while maintaining familiar and popular features from its design icon.

    Weststar Associates Limited, the authorised distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, has recomended the new “G” to Mercedes-Benz customers and enthusiasts.

    Its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Mirko Plath: “Mercedes-Benz lovers and off-road enthusiasts in Nigeria can now enjoy the revolutionary attributes of the new G-Class model. This is a product that speaks for itself as its design is considerably more robust and suitable for off road operations in its segment. This means an SUV that is capable of handling any type of road condition.”

    The exterior of the new G-Class has classic features, such as the distinctive door handle and the characteristic closing sound, the robust exterior protective strip, the exposed spare wheel on the rear door and the prominent indicator lights. While the exterior maintains the iconic classic look, the interior of the G-Class has undergone a fundamental modern redesign which reinterprets the genes of the classic vehicle to reflect the exterior.

    Getting in the G-Class reveals that numerous design features from the exterior have been transposed into the interior. The shape of the round headlamps, for instance, which is reflected in the side air vents or the design of the iconic indicators, is found again in the shape of the loudspeakers.

    Hallmarks of the G Class include the grab handle in front of the front passenger and the chrome-highlighted switches for the three differential locks. Both have been optimised and retained as characteristic features.

    Another highlight is an instrument cluster in the form of a large display showing virtual instruments in the driver’s direct field of vision and a central display above the center console available as an option. In this case the two 12.3-inch displays blend visually into a Widescreen Cockpit beneath a shared glass cover.

    Drivers can choose between three different styles for the displays – “Classic”, “Sport” and “Progressive” and also select relevant information and views, according to their individual needs. The seats in the G Class are equipped as standard with numerous convenience functions and are ergonomically designed to provide enhanced seating comfort and lateral support.

    The new G-Class performs even better off-road, while on the road it is more agile, dynamic and comfortable than its predecessor. This new suspension emerged from the collaboration between Mercedes-Benz G GmbH and Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

    The result is an independent suspension with double-wishbone front axle in combination with a rigid rear axle.

    As part of their work, the engineers had the task of fighting for every millimeter, because off-road capability not least, also means maximum ground clearance.

    The raising of the axles makes a decisive contribution in this respect, while requiring a strut tower brace in the engine compartment to achieve the ruggedness objectives. The specification for the G-Class not only included solidness and superiority in terrain, but also greater driving dynamics and comfort on paved roads.

  • Hyundai offers free service

    Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited (HMNL) is offering free routine service check-up and maintenance for Hyundai vehicles at its service outlets nationwide.

    The vehicle repairs scheme, which has as theme ‘’Before Service Free Check-up Camp’’ begins today. It will end on January 20.

    Announcing the incentive in Lagos, HMNL Service Manager Srinivas Jayaram said the free service module, which will offer a comprehensive 25-point check-up spots, include a thorough examination of the engine, brakes, suspension and air-conditional system, among others.

    He said the dealership understands the needs of Hyundai customers, pledging: “We won’t relent until we have made ownership of Hyundai vehicles a remarkable experience.”

    The objective of the campaign, according to him, is to provide the best of products and services while also availing customers’ an unprecedented value-added experience.

    A maintenance exercise, ‘’Before Service Free Check-up Camp’’ is an initiative of Hyundai Motors Nigeria, targeted at helping customers to rediscover the value of their cars and appreciate the commitment of Stallion Hyundai Motors Nigeria dealership to the brand.

    Also as part of the campaign, customers would be trained on basic ways to maintain their vehicles to avoid needless downtime and breakdowns.

    The exercise will include routine vehicle inspection, tips on managing emergency situations as well as safe driving tips.

  • FRSC, group hold campaign

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Aid Lives Trust are holding sensitisation programme for motorists on Wednesday at the Ajah Park, Lagos.

    Aids Lives Trust Coordinator Elizabeth Egiaye, said the event, tagged ‘Why Rush Campaign’ is aimed at cautioning drivers on the dangers of over speeding which leads to accident and permanent disabilities.

    The campaign, Egiaye added, is also targeted at ‘’curbing the menace of accidents on our roads during the festive period and in extension save lives which is our ultimate goal”.

  • Chinese GA 3, others in race for Car-of-the-Year

    Names of finalists in the 2018 Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) Auto Awards scheduled for Thursday, at the Eko Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos have been released.

    A Chinese brand, GA3, a sedan model among the GAC product line, is appearing for the first time among the top three contenders for the prestigious Car-of-the-Year crown (COTY) in Nigeria.

    The GAC brand is under the sole franchise-ship of CIG Motors, the automotive subsidiary of CIG International Limited.

    Other contenders in the category are Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Creta

    NAJA 2018 Awards Planning Committee Chairman Moses Ebosele said the finalists were selected by a jury, who were drawn from the association and that the winners would be determined by reporters and professionals based on objectivity, credibility and integrity.

    He said the awards would, among other things, provide consumers with sound, comparative information on vehicles that are new to the market, and a platform for the automotive industry to demonstrate and celebrate in the key areas of manufacturing, efficiency, innovation and technology, corporate social responsibility and safety.

    Competing for the Luxury Car of the Year are Mercedes Benz S-class and BMW 7-series; Executive Car of the Year – Toyota Camry, BMW 5-series, Honda Accord; Luxury SUV of the Year- Mercedes Benz GLE and Range rover Autobiography; Pick-up of the Year- Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi and Toyota Hilux; Mini Bus of the Year- Toyota Hiace, Nissan Urvan and Foton; Light Truck of the Year- Isuzu N-series, Mitsubishi Centre and JAC Light truck.

    Others are: Heavy Duty Truck of the Year- Mercedes Actros, Sino Truck and JAC Truck; Most Improved Showroom- Massilia, Mercedes Benz Centre and Nissan Showroom; Tyre Brand of the Year, Dunlop, Michelin and Ceat; Most Resilient brand of the Year- Mercedes Benz, Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Insurance Company of the year.

  • Antidote to racketeering in driving schools and driver licences

    THE Antidote

    Having carried out several researches within and outside Nigeria, we have discovered that the workable and very effective antidote to the high rate of racketeering and other anomalies pervading the driving school and driver licence systems in Nigeria is an uncompromised pre-licence theory and practical tests which should be in two phases thus:

     

    Final assessment test by driving schools

    The certificate being generated by the driving schools is not a certificate of participation as in the case of seminars or workshops but a certificate for skills acquisition (certificate of competence). It is, therefore, morally wrong for driving schools to issue the certificates without administering the requisite tests or assessment (theory and practical) after offering the extensive theory and practical training in the various driving schools. We are  pushing for the activation of the final assessment tests in the DSSP portal before the generation of driving school certificates. The Corps Marshal/Chief Executive (COMACE) of FRSC has been very supportive in the push for sanity and global integrity in the driving schools and driver licence systems.

     

    Pre-licence theory and practical tests by VIOs

    There should be a well-structured and uniform computer-based tests incorporating theory and alternative to practical questions to be administered before recommending a driver licence applicant for FRSC capturing for driver licence production and subsequent issuance.

    This when done without any element of compromise will serve as proactive checks and balances to ensure that only the competent drivers and riders are issued with driver licences. Language barriers, level of education and biometric data capturing (fingerprint, signature and photograph) of the driver licence applicants should be considered in the design and administration of the theory and practical tests.

    Considering the fact that motorcycles and tricycles are also modes of public transportation in Nigeria, the pre–licence Tests (CBT and practical tests by the VIOs) should be designed to cover the testing of driver licence and rider licence applicants.

     

    Driving range

    The state governments should construct and maintain driving range in the local governments for the use of VIOs for testing driver licence applicants the driving schools can also be using the government driving range for the training of learner drivers for an agreed fee to be paid to the government on pay as you use basis.

     

    Pre- driver licence renewal tests and re-training

    Consequent upon the obvious fact that a very high percentage of the people holding  the driver licence did not acquire the requisite training in driving schools nor passed through the structured theory and practical tests of the VIOs coupled with fact that vehicle technology and road traffic regulations are dynamic (changing very frequently), we hereby recommend that all drivers no matter the status should be subjected to a theory and practical test with the VIOs and/or mandatory refresher  training in the accredited driving schools. This additional measure will further boost quality driver education for improved safety on the roads.

  • Lanre Shittu Motors builds ‘most standard assembly plant’ in Nigeria

    The automobile industry has received a major boost as one of the leading auto firms, Lanre Shittu Motors (LSM), has started the local assembly of JAC trucks at its multi-million dollar assembly plant in Lagos.

    Located at Amuwo-Odofin on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, the plant, it was learnt, has, with the technical support from JAC China, churned out 150 units of JAC trucks.

    The Nation learnt that the plant has the capacity to produce over 1,800 trucks yearly.

    It has also the capacity to assemble six units of trucks in one shift or 12  in two shifts depending on market demand, and can also roll out about 150 units monthly.

    LSM Group Executive Director Mr Taiwo Shittu, who led auto reporters to inspect the plant, said the company invested in the assembly plant to support the Federal Government’s auto policy.

    The plant is expected to be unveiled early next year.

    Shittu described the plant as the most standard assembly plant in Nigeria.

    Operated by local technicians with two JAC technicians on supervision, it carries out semi-knocked down (SKD) assembling.

    Shittu said the plant has the capacity to carry out complete knocked down (CKD), adding that the trucks being rolled out from the plant are of equal quality as the ones produced from any JAC assembly plant abroad.

    He added that the company is working on another assembly plant in Mekun on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway for the production of buses, cars and pickups and another line for support vehicles like trailers, tanks, among others.

    “In this assembly plant, all the equipment were imported from Germany. We believe in auto policy and we believe it has come to stay. The government is really focused on the policy,” he said.

    The journey to achieving this historic milestone started about a year ago and was successfully completed this year with all the trappings of a modern truck assembly plant found in any part of the world.

    Also, officials from JAC truck manufacturers from China, are in Nigeria overseeing the daily assembly at the plant. The team is expected to work with the aim of transferring requisite skills to local engineers in Nigeria.

    “We believe genuinely in the JAC brand; it has come to stay; and very soon it will take over the market demand for trucks because of its quality and our experience in the automotive business in the last 38 years in Nigeria. Already, we have received orders for hundreds of units of these trucks from fleet customers, including BUA Group, and many others. On daily basis, the lists keep growing,” Shittu said.

    He expressed support and strong confidence on some of the stringent measures taken by the Federal Government to streamline auto assembly processes and procedures, whereby nobody is allowed to set up an assembly plant without satisfying the full requirement of the mandatory assemblers’ bonafide certificate.

    Sales Manager, Medium and Heavy Truck Department of JAC, Shaun Yu, said the JAC trucks were specially designed for Nigerians, noting that most of them have been running for eight years, and they are still in good condition.

    Yu said the partnership with LSM is a win-win, adding that the future is bright for the two firms.

    In a related development, the dealership has completed and opened its ultra-modern three-S (sales, service and spares) facility in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

    Shittu said the company is training 40 Nigerians as a way of giving back to the society.

    “Prior to the recruitment of these set of people, they are majorly unskilled people, but have passion to develop themselves. Some of them are university graduates, while others are secondary and primary school leavers,” he said.

    When they are selected, they are sent out to the various training schools  in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt set up by Lanre Shittu Motors.

    Upon graduation, they are employed and paid salaries by LSM for   one, two or three years on a graduated salary structures based on performance evaluation metrics conducted by the company.

    After four years, these skill sets are seconded to work with LSM’s  customers, other auto dealer workshops or corporate fleet clients with large fleets based on a negotiated pay package, including their accommodation, if they are going to other parts of the country between LSM, which is the skill set providers and the clients.