Category: Motoring

Alumni of Citibank Nigeria (formerly Nigeria International Bank) gathered to celebrate Olayemi Cardoso, one of their own in Lagos.

The event was an opportunity to recognise, as the bank itself had recently done, the sterling career of Mr. Cardoso in the private, public and academia

Mr Cardoso was awarded the Distinguished Citi Alumni Award, for Leadership and Ingenuity.

Chief Executive Officer of Citibank Nigeria Mrs. Ireti Ogbu, noted that Cardoso is the first recipient of the award from sub-Saharan Africa.

She said that consideration for the award is very competitive, given that the bank is present in 163 jurisdictions.

Cardoso drew attention to what they have in common, as a result of the deeply ingrained Citi values of integrity, transparency and due process that they imbibed from the Citi experience.

He stated that those values could be deployed in the service of the Nigeria project in the varied places they have all moved on to.

Citi is the leading global bank and the oldest existing international bank in Nigeria

Hyundai Motor Group’s (the Group) Executive Chair, Euisun Chung, has been honoured with the MotorTrend Person of the Year award, having secured the number one position in MotorTrend’s esteemed 2023 Power List.

The MotorTrend Power List ranks the 50 most influential people in the global automotive industry each year. During the past five years, Executive Chair Chung has risen progressively from his first appearance on the power list at No. 12 in 2018 to No. 5 in 2022 and now No. 1 in 2023.

Also ranked on MotorTrend’s Power List are Luc Donckerwolke, President and Chief Creative Officer of Hyundai Motor Group (3); Jose Muñoz, President and Global Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor Company (10); SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center (28); and Karim Habib (44), Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Centre.

MotorTrend named Chung ‘Person of the Year’ for “leading Hyundai Motor Group into a new age.”

It also highlighted the exceptional calibre of the vehicles developed under Chung’s watch, stating: “The vehicles coming out of Hyundai Motor Group are notable for their eye-catching design, quality, clever packaging, and good value – and they are proving difficult to beat.”

Chung is putting his stamp on the company’s future. His grasp of where the world and the industry are headed, combined with a desire to make the planet a better place, spurs a broader mission to become a leader in electric vehicles and advanced mobility,” observed MotorTrend. It also highlighted the Group’s pioneering role in smart city planning and a myriad of mobility solutions, including robots and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).

Speaking earlier in January, at a New Year town hall meeting at the Group’s Namyang R&D Center, Chung underlined his continued commitment to the success of the Group. He urged everyone within the organization to spare no effort to ensure the delivery of the best possible products and services for its customers.

He said: “We must take on challenges based on trust, and the positive results must lead to even stronger trust. No great product or technology is complete without the trust of our customers. Quality is a priority for all of us. From product planning to design, production, sales, and after-sales maintenance, all teams and employees must place quality and the customer as the top priority. We must all go above and beyond to earn the respect and loyalty of our customers.”

Nigeria’s foremost luxury car customisation and detailing company, Twincustom Nigeria Ltd, on Friday unveiled to a gathering of auto freaks a range of customised bespoke car models in Lagos.

The cars, remade by hand to suit the high automotive tastes of the targeted users by the indigenous customiser and auto shop, were presented as Vintage Modern Bespoke Vehicles (VMBV) at the event

The three models, namely CX 5, CX 6 and CX 7, fondly known by their collective alias Africa’s Rolls-Royce, were customised and richly equipped with an impressive range of modern luxury convenience features by the Ibadan-based Twincustom.

Addressing the special guests at the launch held at the Silverbird Galleria in Victoria, the brain box of the project and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Twincustom Nigeria Ltd, Twinkle James Oruwariye, said the CX series took his company six years of hardwork to finish, stressing that most of the top quality materials were sourced locally.

Oruwariye explained: “The CX series project took six years to accomplish. The first three years was dedicated to research and development of the project and the last three years was used to produce what you are seeing here today.”

The event which was witnessed by some high profile car enthusiasts, including a real estate investor, Dennis Nwokedi; Dr. Bayo Kuku of EKO Hospital; and Honorary Australian Council, Alan Davies, draw attention to the vast local input in the cars and the ingenuity of Oruwariye and the Twincustom technical team.

The unveiling process was kicked off when the representative of the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Temitope Akintunde, lifted the cover of the theme of the event which was: Boosting Local Content in the Nigerian Automobile Industry.

Oruwariye whose Twincustom has been in the business of making head-turning models out of models out of luxury cars since 1986, said that unlike many years ago when his company accepted customisation jobs from customers who came with cars of various brands and models, the focus now is on customising original Volvo XC90 models (between 2004-2013) which Twincustom imports directly from tbe USA.

It is after being meticulously customised by hand, according to Oruwariye, that the cars are sold to those who appreciate top quality features in luxury cars.

Just before models of ‘Africa’s Roll-Royce’ were unveiled, their various modifications, including 53 on the CX7, 57 on the CX6, CX5’s 60 modifications, were highlighted by three of the guests,

One of the highpoints of the event was the unveiling of the Automated Ventilation Control System (AVCS) which is currently undergoing the process of International Patent.

AVCS was introduced to the guests at the launch by the Chairman of Sterling Bank PLC and founder of Banwo & Ighodalo law firm, Asue Ighodalo.

Designed and developed by Twincustom research and development department headed by the CEO himself, the AVCS helps to protect passengers from getting cancer from their vehicles.

This was preceded by the introduction of Twincustom by Kaladata Oruwariye, daughter of the MD/CEO, who gave a brief biography of the man behind the project and the history of the company.

Many of the invitees who witnessed the unveiling of the cars thumbed up for Twincustom Nig Ltd Research and Development Department when they were informed that it is the heart of the company which is responsible for the concepts that make the company tick

It was learnt that department is headed by the Twinkle Oruwariye himself and comprises his only daughter, Kaladata Oruwariye, and his two sons – Tralapuye Junior Oruwariye and Damiete Oruwariye. – who presently live in Shanghai, China and could both not be able to attend the CX Series event in Lagos.

An indication of how well received the CX models would be among special car lovers came when it was announced that one of them, the CX 7, was sold even before it got to Silverbird Galleria, the venue of the launch and display.

The three-day event planned on behalf of Twincustom by Renee Cole Events (Tosin Southey-Coke), continues on Saturday and Sunday with privileged views for car enthusiasts.

Twincustom made a debut decades ago with the wave-making Twintana Z1 redesigned and modified version of the then popular Volkswagen Santana assembled then by Volkswagen Nigeria, Ojo, Lagos.

So attention-grabbing was Twintana that it was not only a traffic-jamner, it earned the approval of the VW plant in Lagos, and boosted the popularity of the sleek Santana model.

Frontline Nigerian automobile dealership and sole authorised dealer of Ford vehicles in Nigeria, Coscharis Motors Plc, has launched a promo aimed at tickling her existing Ford customers and getting them excited this black Friday season.

The promo titled:  ‘Black Friday at CoscharisFord’ offers all existing Ford customers 20 per cent off listed service parts and labour, at all Coscharis and Quick Lane service centres nationwide.

The Black Friday at CoscharisFord promo offers 20 per cent discount on select Ford service parts including Poly Filter, Brake Pads, Oil Filter, Air Filter and labour. The promo is open to all Ford customers in Nigeria and it runs between November 15 and 30.

Announcing the offer, the General Manager Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde said: “Black Friday heralds the Yuletide season, which is a period of traveling for many Nigerians. We are therefore using the occasion of this Black Friday at CoscharisFord offer to delight and encourage our Ford customers to put their vehicles in good shape before the Yuletide trips. With this offer, our customers stand to enjoy 20 per cent discount on select service parts as well as 20 per cent discount on labour when they drive their Ford vehicles into any Coscharis service centre nationwide for service.”

Commenting on the announcement of the promo, the Executive Director, After-Sales and Special Duties at Coscharis Group, Cosmas Junior Maduka said: “At Coscharis Motors, we believe in delivering value to our customers. It is their trust and loyalty that is sustaining our business, so we are constantly looking for improved ways to delight them the more. This Black Friday at CoscharisFord promo is one of the ways we are delivering value to them, by absorbing part of their automobile service costs this season.”

Maduka emphasised that the company is ready to accommodate every single Ford customer that is willing to take advantage of the promo.

“We have well trained technicians, many of whom are Ford certified to handle vehicles; workshops that are equipped with modern OEM recommended equipment and use of only Ford approved original spare parts for your vehicles,” he said.

Nigeria’s indigenous vehicle manufacturing company, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Ltd, has delivered the first set of vehicles manufactured for the Government of Sierra Leone as ordered by the country’s Ministry of Defence.

This is in fulfilment of a promise made during a working visit to Innoson Vehicles by the top hierarchy of the Sierra Leone Defence Ministry led by Edward Soloku, the Minister of Internal Affairs as well as Sierra Leone Road Transport Corporation (SLRTC) led by its President Isaac Ken-Green.

Head of Corporate Communications, Innoson Group, Cornel Osigwe, said in a statement that various models of vehicles bought within that dispensation were for the present administration.

Osigwe explained that subsequently, the Government of Sierra Leone led by President Julius Maada Bio placed an order for the manufacturing of Innoson Vehicles valued at $4.7 million for the officers of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF).

The first set of the vehicles supplied from Nigeria to Sierra Leone was as Monday leaving Queen Elizabeth 2 Port (Sierra Leone’s sea Port “Water Quay”) in Free Town for distribution to military officers across the country.

Reacting to the development, the people of Sierra Leone have been commending their President, Julius Maada Bio, for acting in line with the spirit of the continental agreement by opting for an African (IVM) brand of vehicles for the use of the country’s Armed Forces.

In one of the many reports in the local media on the purchase of the made-in-Nigeria vehicles, a popular blog in Sierra Leone, Focus News Blog, hailed President Bio for believing “that our Army Officers deserve better.”

The post, which showed a line-up of the IVM products from Nigeria, informed Sierra Leoneans that the vehicles would soon be “ready for distribution to military officers across the country” by the government

“Innoson Group has penetrated the vehicles market over the years. It is currently serving as one of the few wholly African car assemblers.

One of the effusive commendations for President Bio by a Sierra Leonean, Francis Ken Samu, said: “We are on top of the situation in tierm of security. Bravo, President Bio. Keep the Military Colour Flag going up higher than ever before in the history of Sierras Leone.”

This development is indeed a step towards the acceleration of intra-African trade as facilitated by the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA).

With the arrival of the Innoson vehicles in Free Town, Sierra Leone has become the first country in West Africa whose armed forces are using IVM products outside Nigeria.

Four years ago, the Nigerian Army signed a partnership agreement with the Nnewi auto plant for the supply of purpose-built vehicles for its personnel.

The agreement also includes identifying requirements for the production of the armoured fighting vehicle in the Nigerian Army Central Workshop in Kaduna and enhancing the capacity of Nigerian Army personnel to actively participate in the successful implementation of these joint ventures

The export of Innoson is coming two years after President Muhammadu Buhari signed the AfCFTA agreement in July 2019.

Carloha, a global automobile company that specialises in the sales and services of premium used vehicles with in-commerce and on-demand maintenance service technology, begins operations in Nigeria.

The company, with its global Head Office in the United States, is offering Nigerians a huge price slash on every vehicle purchased from October 31 to January 31. Its Marketing Manager, Mr. Mathew Enuoma Aje, said customers can take advantage of free registration, free insurance, free first three services, a finance option, Trade-in-option, and three months warranty or 5,000 km whichever comes first.

The End of Year Promo tagged ‘Drive Your Dream,” Aje said, is exclusive and all ‘embracive because they come with freebies that are germane to vehicle ownership and driving comfort.

“The essence of the ‘Drive Your Dream’ promo is to bring happiness, joy and peace of mind to all customers in this Yuletide, and also our token of appreciation for all year-round patronage,” he said.

Carloha Nigeria, Aje stated, parades a host of premium used vehicles in its arsenal of stocks, and it’s well positioned to be the leading automobile company in the used vehicle trading business in Nigeria.

He added that the firm was in business to set the pace in sales and services of the used vehicle segment in Nigeria, by making vehicle ownership a seamless process for all customers.

He stressed that Carloha Nigeria, pride itself on the best of the best-used vehicles of choice brands that are durable, rugged, and well-refined to suit the taste of customers.

He said the class and state of vehicles in their stock are rare and cannot be sourced elsewhere.

“Our company works with well known used car providers in the United States, using big data technology to select the best quality used car. The replication of the automated system is to position Carloha Nigeria as a viable company that will drive the world with the latest technological advancement in automobile engineering that offers bespoke premium services that cannot be seen anywhere in sub-Sahara Africa,” he said.

According to Aje, Carloha Nigeria parades a host of premium used vehicles from notable brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Toyota (Lexus), Ford, and Range Rover which are neatly selected and well-finished to specifications with states-of-the-Arts technology.

He said: “The Automated Pricing system is used to fix the right price of all used vehicles. The pricing of used vehicles is a huge algorithmic challenge to the overall business. Carloha Nigeria has been able to address this issue through machine learning technology to accurately fix each price of the vehicle in relation to economic fluctuation and imbalance in the local market.

“On Aftersales, the installation of state-of-art technological automated equipment is proof of our readiness to set the pace as a major player in the sales and maintenance of used vehicles. To ensure quality standards of vehicles, Carloha Nigeria, utilises the scientific method with a fully automated management system known as 149 vehicle inspection points on chassis, engine, transmission, exterior, interior, electronic system, road test, and maintenance equipment to meet the demand of the market.”

Maxus Auto brand has joined the ZNA (Rich6) and Geely brands, as the latest addition to Mikano International Motors, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing automotive companies.

Established in 1896, Maxus Autos epitomises the positive benefits of British heritage, having begun in the United Kingdom under the ‘Leyland’ marque with the production of commercial vehicles. Subsequently, the company expanded its line-up to include passenger vehicles and a wider array of commercial vehicles such as buses and delivery vans, which evolved the name to Leyland Daf Vans (LDV)’ through a merger.

LDV-Maxus has become one of Europe’s most recognisable and reliable brands for commercial vehicles. In 2010, the brand was acquired by China’s largest automaker, SAIC Motors- a Fortune 500 company which owns several of the largest auto brands in the world’s largest automotive market – China. SAIC also has long-term joint venture partnerships with Volkswagen (Volkswagen, Skoda, Audi) and General Motors (Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac).

With the powerful global support from SAIC, the Maxus brand is a success story across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and many others. The brand retains the LDV-Maxus name for the UK, Australian and New Zealand markets where it remains the top-selling Chinese automotive brand.

In Africa, the Maxus brand is already making waves, most especially in Ivory Coast where it has gained vast popularity. Now, Nigerians are set to enjoy the durability and reliability of the mid-size pickup truck with advanced technology and an intelligent operating system offers, for their personal and business needs. The T60 comes in three gasoline variations; Comfort, Elite and Luxury with Manual and Automatic options. The Mitsubishi-powered engines are available in 2.4L or 2.0T, with a Borg-Warner 4WD system and other parts supplied by International Fortune 500 global companies.

Speaking during the launch of the Maxus brand at Mikano Motors flagship showroom in Victoria Island, the General Manager of Mikano Motors, Ralph Haidar, said: “We at Mikano Motors are excited about welcoming the Maxus Brand into our fold. It is a brand with great potential to become a market leader.”

Haidar stated that like the other brands under Mikano Motors, the Maxus T60 – will be assembled locally at Mikano Motors’ assembly plant located in their Karameh Industrial City in Ogun State.

According to him, the Maxus T60 is the only Chinese pick-up vehicle permitted to be sold in European markets like Spain and Italy and also is the first Chinese-manufactured utility pick-up truck to score five stars on the Australian ANCAP rating. The strength, durability and quality of the T60, he said, has been tried, tested and confirmed worthy for the Nigerian terrain.

He announced a promo sale of N15.9 million for the yuletide season till December 31.

The National Sales Manager for Mikano Motors; Chijioke Mbonu added that “from Mikano Motors, theT60 offers a five-year/ 130,000km warranty- the highest warranty offer for any pick-up brand in the Nigerian auto industry”.

Mbonu said the warranty and the Maxus brand legacy led to impressive pre-launch sales figures, stating that “over 150 units had already been sold to state governments and private sector fleet purchases”.

According to Mbonu, the T-60 is the first of many remarkable vehicles to expect from the Maxus brand, going further to state that the Maxus brand embodies “technology, innovation and transformation, continually working to provide top-of-the-line auto products and mobility services”.

Following the official reveal in the Mikano Motors showroom, guests, including Nollywood stars, Jemima Osunde and Akah Nnanni and car enthusiasts, Ladi Okunola of SuperCars of Nigeria, Akpovire Okugbere of Car Continent and Dionette Ezimorah of RideWith Miee as well as esteemed members of the press, were chauffeured to the site of the test drive activity on the shores of the prestigious Eko Atlantic City. Here, on the sand dunes, the T60 was tested by all and sundry and impressively proved its mettle with little or no effort, showcasing the strength of its McPherson suspension system and the Bosch electronic stability control system.

Experiencing the 4WD is not only for use as a dependable functional utility truck for heavy carrying and loading but also a thrill seekers’ dream! Under the Mikano Motors banner, the Maxus Autos will join Geely and ZNA to offer the best warranty and world-class after-sales services to all customers, providing an efficient and pocket-friendly alternative with better value and peace of mind to all customers.

Scottish firm Munro Vehicle, founded in 2019, would soon unveil its first car – the Mk1. Pre-orders of both the “Individual” and “Commercial” versions are available now, with Munro expecting 50 units to be built in 2023 with production ramping up to 2,500 per year by 2027.

The Mk1 will be produced at a purpose-built site near Glasgow, creating 300 new jobs. “We’ve seen the car in a series of sketches and prototypes, but the final production model will be unveiled in Edinburgh on December 5,” the firm said.

Munro bills the Mk1 as the “world’s most capable all-electric 4×4” with the ability to navigate the most challenging terrain as well as operate for up to 16 hours on a single battery charge.

Munro said the car will enable sectors such as mining, construction, agriculture, forestry, and mountain rescue to decarbonise.

While the Mk1 will aim to fill the void left by the previous-generation Land Rover Defender, it will have some niche competition in the form of the rugged Bollinger B1 new electric GMC Hummer and the Ineos Grenadier.

Utilising a simple ladder chassis, Munro’s creation features live front and rear axles, permanent four-wheel drive, locking differentials and a two-speed transfer case. Munro has tried to use existing brake and suspension parts, sourced from OEMs within the UK wherever possible, rather than designing new units. The body and chassis, for example, are both sourced from Ibex Automotive in Yorkshire.

The benefits of this principle are two-fold. Munro said parts-bin engineering means the car will be easy to maintain, as all of its parts are readily available. Second, it helps to minimise the car’s carbon footprint and support the UK economy.

Co-founder of Munro Vehicle Ross Anderson said: “We decided early on that we weren’t looking to reinvent the wheel. We’ve used straightforward and readily available components to minimise the cost of production and provide owners with an accessible means to maintain and repair their own vehicles. We hope that our vehicles will last longer, making them better for the environment than most other ‘consumable’ vehicles on the market.”

Munro recently unveiled a new sketch of the Mk1 and it looks like it’ll stick to its design promise.

Munro Chief Executive Officer, Russell Peterson said: “This early sketch underlines our design commitment to building an all-terrain electric 4×4 engineered from the wheels up to provide unparalleled workhorse capability for commercial customers looking to decarbonise their fleets.”

Over the years, Hyundai’s Sonata has been a consistently good pick for a sedan that’s big on value. But back in 2020, it would seem Hyundai wasn’t quite satisfied with the just value. That’s when it redesigned the Sonata and gave it a wallop of avant-garde style. Then it followed up for 2021 by cranking up the performance with the N Line version of the Sonata. Fitted with a 290-horsepower engine, the N Line sets a new midsize sport sedan benchmark.

The changes are comparatively small for the 2022 Hyundai Sonata. Notably, the once optional Tech package on the already value-stacked SEL Plus trim is now standard. And the recently christened N Line gets a new appearance package, known as the Night Edition, that adds a mix of matte and gloss black exterior finishes and a spritz of carbon-fibre trim.

Overall, the Sonata is among the best midsize sedans out and is a worthy rival to the Honda Accord, Kia K5 and Nissan Altima.

The Sonata has the aura of a more expensive vehicle. It’s stylish and it over-delivers in key areas, including its great-looking and easy-to-use infotainment system display, cool parking camera system and long warranty coverage. But in other areas, the Sonata merely matches what auto lovers expect from a midsize sedan, and it falters slightly when it comes to riding quality and seat comfort.

The 2022 Sonata is available in five trims: SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Limited and N Line. Hyundai also offers the Sonata Hybrid variant, which is reviewed separately.

The Sonata Limited turbocharged 1.6-litre engine is not exceptionally quick but the Sonata can edge out similarly powered family sedans, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.6 seconds. It doesn’t have trouble keeping pace with traffic or accelerating on freeway on-ramps, but doing so requires more pressure on the gas pedal than you might be used to.

Steering, handling and braking are matter-of-fact, though there are some strange traits. The firm overall ride doesn’t net a worthwhile handling balance. And the brake pedal emits a slight pulsation under light, constant application, like when you’re heading down a gentle grade. There’s nothing particular to object to, but there isn’t much to praise either.

The Sonata gives the appearance of refinement, but its interior comfort comes up short of expectations. The seats are firm and lack the supple comfort and adjustment ranges found in segment leaders. The ride also falls on the firm side. The Sonata is far from uncomfortable, but it transmits bumps and impacts into the cabin that other similarly priced family sedans wouldn’t. The interior is a touch louder too.

On the upside, the climate controls, including heated and ventilated front seats, are quiet and effective. Overall the interior gets the job done, but it doesn’t go any further.

Nearly all of the controls are simple to intuitive, which is impressive considering the abundance of interior features. A push-button shifter remains the biggest wart. The layout requires extra attention to make sure drivers are selecting the right gear, which can add needless anxiety to a quick three-point turn.

The size of the interior is excellent, matching the interiors of larger vehicles in the segment and ensuring there’s plenty of room for occupants of all sizes. On the other hand, even people of average height have to duck slightly while getting in and out.

The Sonata’s available 10.3-inch touchscreen looks crisp and is quick to respond to your touch. The excellent voice controls understand most natural language commands for stereo, navigation and phone. Smartphone integration was flawless in the car, and it supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in widescreen format.

The Sonata, like most family sedans, has a suite of advanced safety features. But some of these features — such as blind-spot cameras that appear in the digital gauge cluster and the driver-free Smart Parking Assist — are mostly gimmicks.

The trunk opening is large, and the reasonable liftover height allows plenty of space to load items.

The Sonata’s centre console is deceivingly capable. What looks like a mere open flat area has clever touches, such as a textured surface and a partition between the cup holders for a spare phone. The front passenger also has access to a small but nice storage area on the right side of the tunnel. When it comes to car seats, the lower car-seat anchor points are squished between seat bottoms and seatbacks so you have to dig a bit to reach them.

The Sonata with the turbo 1.6-liter four-cylinder and eight-speed automatic gets 31 mpg combined (27 city/37 highway). These figures fall right in line with those of similarly priced and equipped midsize sedans, though we were not able to match them.

A ton of technology features a large interior, a class-leading warranty and strong ownership perks give the Sonata killer value on paper. If one prioritises advanced safety features and look-at-me style, the Sonata provides the money’s worth.

The trade-off is a driving experience and an interior that don’t relay the sense of quality promised by the style. Top performers in the segment do both better. The Sonata’s interior has some non-uniform panel gaps and occasional cheap-looking bits of trim that stand out against the otherwise stellar appearance.