The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Uber driver-partner wins car

    A luckydriver-partner with Uber last Thursday drove home a brand new car courtesy of the company’s uberFREEKICK campaign.

    Banjo Olayemi couldn’t hide his joy after he was announced the winner of the car.

    The car was presented to him at the Uber Greenlight Hub – a dedicated support centre for driver-partners in Lagos.

    Uber General Manager West Africa Lola Kassim congratulated Olayemi.

    Kassim said: “Our unique brand proposition at Uber is that we are committed to creating business and economic opportunities, especially for driver-partners. We value our driver community and are always looking at ways in which we can make their experience more memorable on Uber. We’re excited to continue stimulating growth across a broad range of sectors within the Nigerian socio-economic space.”

    Uber Senior Driver Operations Manager for Nigeria, Osi Oguah said the competition was open to all driver-partners with active accounts in Lagos or Abuja.

    “The winner of the uberFREEKICK competition needed to complete 40 trips per week in Lagos or Abuja during the competition period, in addition to meeting other criteria,” he said.

    Olayemi said he was happy to be the winner of the brand new car.

    “I almost didn’t believe it, but my name was called repeatedly. My appreciation goes to the management of Uber for this great initiative and for truly supporting drivers in word and in deed. Owning a new car means I can be more efficient with my work, and offer my riders excellent service,” he said.

    The uberFREEKICK train moves to Abuja this week, where another lucky driver-partner will go home with a new car.

    Uber recently celebrated its fourth year of operations in Lagos.

     

  • Nissan, Toyota, FRSC, others back training for journalists

    The yearly Nigerian Auto Journalists Association’s (NAJA) capacity building programme will hold on Thursday at Golden Tulip Hotel & Events Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.

    The training aimed at improving reportorial skills of the motoring journalists’ was sponsored by Ford Motors Company South Africa (FMCSA) in 2016 and last year under its Driving Skill For Life (DSFL) programme.

    This year’s is being sponsored by South African Nissan Motors, Nigeria Automotive Design & Development Council (NADDC), Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC), Toyota (Nigeria) Limited (TNL), and Weststar Associates Nigeria Limited, owners of the Mercedes franchise.

    Others include Massillia Motors (Mitsubishi), PAN Nigeria Limited (Peugeot) and the Infinity Group.

    The major highlights of the event would be the presentation of papers by some experts.

    They are NADDC Director-General Aliyu Jelani, TNL Managing Director/Chief Executive Kunle Ade-Ojo and FRSC Corp Marshal Boboye Oyeyemi.

    Speaking on the rationale behind the support from Nissan, Stallion NMN in Nigeria Managing Director Parvir Singh, said the sponsorship is a strategic partnership for Nissan, where training and skills development form part of the organisational ethos.

    He said: “Skills development is one of Nissan’s core strengths and is fundamental to how we continuously improve our business. We do not only look at improving as an organisation but place great emphasis on training and capacity building for our stakeholders. It is with this very purpose in mind that we are supporting the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association.”

  • Mercedes-Benz posts 1.18m sales records

    Mercedes-Benz has been having the strongest-selling quarter recently in the companies’ history.

    From April to June, 594,528 customers received their new Mercedes-Benz (+1.9 per cent). Thus, Mercedes-Benz sold more vehicles than ever before in a half year.

    Since the beginning of the year, 1,188,832 cars with the three-pointed star were delivered to customers all over the world. Unit sales were thus 3.9 per cent higher than in the previous highest first half year in 2017.

    In the first six months, Mercedes-Benz was the premium brand with the most new registrations in several markets, including Germany, France, Russia, Switzerland, Portugal, South Korea, Australia, the United States and Canada.

    With 203,783 vehicles sold, June had the second highest sales since the beginning of the year (-2.6 per cent). Figures of last month were affected among other things by a fire at a US supplier. This meant a significant lower production of the Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for the world market at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa and sales were less than planned.

    Britta Seeger, a Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales, said: “Thanks to an outstanding team performance, we can look back on the most successful half year in the history of Mercedes-Benz.’’

     

     

  • Porsche celebrates 70th anniversary

    Porsche enthusiasts defied the rains recently when they converged on Porsche Centre, Lagos to celebrate the brand’s 70th Aniversary to mark the day the first Porsche 356 was registered as an automobile.

    Tagged Sportscar together day, the event attracted the crème de la crème of the society and some Porsche drivers who participated in the drive activity as part of the commemoration.

    The Porsche obsessives later drove in a convoy on the 88-kilometre Lagos-Epe road and ended the journey at the Resort & SPA – a tourist suburb on the outskirt of Lagos, where the brand enthusiasts were hosted to a sumptuous breakfast.

    Seventy years ago, Ferdinand “Ferry” Porsche turned his dream of a sports car into a reality with the birth of the 356. The car later inspired icons, including the Porsche 550 and Porsche 911, and  Mission E, the automaker’s latest leap into the future.

    This is the first time Porsche iconic sports’ car owners are meeting to share experiences and be feted in union with the six-year-old Porsche dealership.

    A majority of the drivers are also from indication, for the first time, putting to the test, the potency of their iconic cars at a seeming racing encounter that reaffirmed Porsche’s supremacy on the road.

    A driver, who preferred anonymity, said: “This is the first time ever I will be putting to the test the agility of my Porsche 911,” which had barely gone past 3,000 kilometres in four years.

    The celebration continued in the afternoon at the Porsche Centre showroom after the drivers returned from the exhilarating drive.

    Patrick Mgbenwelu, a Porsche fanatic and proud owner of a 911 Carrera, cut the anniversary cake. Congratulating the brand, he praised the Porsche Centre Lagos for taking the marque to a deserving height in Nigeria.

    Porsche has for 70 years revolved around fascination sports car – a rare attraction of discerning drivers.

    Porsche Centre, Lagos Head of Sales and Marketing Anurag Shah said: “This special anniversary exhibition was held to commemorate the June 8, 1948 birthday of the brand, when the first Porsche prototype with chassis number 356-001 received its general operating permit.”

    He said the event was unique to both the dealership and Porsche drivers, who were meeting for the first time to share rare experiences and discuss salient values and versatility of their cars.

    “The cars drove effortlessly in flooded roads, which ordinarily, wouldn’t have inspired the drivers – but thanks to the anniversary exhibition, which allowed the dealership to also instruct the drivers of the various capabilities of their Porsche vehicles.

    “In other words, we didn’t only celebrate the birth of this iconic sports car, but also reassured the owners that their vehicles can be in everyday situations,” Shah said.

     

  • Three major causes of accidents

    The rate of road accidents and death is still very high in Nigeria.This is disheartening and Nigerians, governments and institutions must rise up to the challenge, particularly in policy formulation, traffic law enforcement and compliance.

    In this article, I want to address three major problems of drivers, which contribute to the high rate of accidents. They are:

    1.) Unsafe speed: Quite a lot of experienced and new drivers in Nigeria derive pleasure in speed irrespective of the environmental conditions. I have carried out surveys on various roads in many states in Nigeria and I have also interviewed many drivers on speed.

    The common trend I noticed is that over 80 per cent of the drivers travelled far above what the road condition permitted. This habit is responsible for a high percentage of the road accidents. When a driver is moving at a speed higher than what the road condition permits, loss of control and crash becomes imminent.

    My research was in Abuja on a rainy day. While the rain was pouring heavily on the Zuba to Berger road, I saw many cars and even trucks moving at a very fast speed. Immediately the rain subsided, I move to see the results. Alas, I counted nine cars that skidded into the drainage. There were also four cases of rear-end collisions on the same road. Only God knew what happened on the Airport road that same day.

    It is, therefore, expedient for every driver to deeply understand vehicle technology, vehicle dynamics and speed management to ensure safe driving in all situations.

    2.) Unsafe overtaking: Dangerous passing and lane change is the second problem of many drivers in Nigeria. Before overtaking, you must use your hazard perception skill to determine whether it is dangerous to overtake or change lane at that time. Be sure you can safely complete the overtaking before getting close to the oncoming vehicle. Avoid driving too close to the vehicle you are following before pulling out to avoid hindering your visual perception. Any overtaking that makes an upcoming or oncoming vehicle slow brake or swerve for you is dangerous and must be avoided.

    3.) Drug abuse: The rate at which drivers are abusing psychoactive substances in Nigeria is alarming and very dangerous to safe driving. There is a long list of psychoactive drugs and other substances commonly used by drivers. They erroneously believe that these substances will help their mental and physical fitness to drive. There is an urgent need to expose all classes of drivers to the immediate and long-term effects of these substances on their driving, health and fitness. This should be an indepth training, not peripheral.

    Effective tackling of these three problems among drivers will go a  way in reducing road crashes, injuries and deaths on the roads.

     

  • Honda unveils 2019 City

    The new Honda City comes with low-gravity, wide stance and trend-setting styling with outstanding spaces. It has been upgraded to be a “four-door sedan with the best value” to catch consumers’ attention and open new horizons for the urban sedan.

    Considering the Honda philosophy of “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum,” the 2019 City retains the agility of the 1.5L even as the Up-Class concept was adopted to create a super-sized interior approaching that of medium sedans.

    The new arrival builds on its predecessor’s exceptional safety, excellent dynamics, high fuel efficiency, cool design, comfortable spaces, advanced technology and practical equipment.

    The City boasts of a restyled front fascia with the new Honeycomb Grille, giving it a bold and aggressive look. The external styling embraces a new design philosophy of “Low centre of gravity, wide stance” for a sportier and more innovative look. Sleek lines on both sides of the body lend a unique look to the City.

    In addition to the front exterior changes, the rear bumper now redesigned to give a premium feel. The rear taillights enhance the car’s visibility and stance, making its contour distinct from the crowd.

    Other exterior features include Chrome Front Grille, Halogen Headlights, Power Door Mirrors and Shark Fin Antenna.

    The City delivers cleverly generated interior space that exceeds its class by further evolving Honda’s “man maximum machine minimum” concept, which aims at maximising the space available for people and minimising the space required for mechanical components. While maintaining compact dimensions and realising longer wheelbase, efficient use of space have been made for both driver and occupants to create a spacious interior cabin with widest front seat space and rear seat space beyond its class.

    The artistry in the 2019 City creates thoughtful interiors, with a new interior colour of black; it contains a grand cabin space, extensive legroom, rear a/c ducts and an ergonomically designed cockpit that will delight all users.

    The car measures 4455 mm in length (20mm more than the outgoing model), 1695 mm in width (same as outgoing model), 1485 mm in height (10 mm more than the outgoing model) and 2600 mm as the wheelbase (extended by an additional 50 mm over outgoing model).

    It is powered by an improved 1.5L 4 Cylinder SOHC i-VTEC Petrol engine designed to offer the best balance of engine performance and fuel economy. It is designed to deliver outstanding fuel economy at a maximum power of 118 hp @ 6600 rpm followed by a maximum torque of 145 N-m @ 4600 rpm. The engine is supported with the new generation Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) with a fuel consumption of 20KM per litre.

     

  • Benefits of electric bikes by Zero Motorcycles chief

    The Chairman of Zero Motorcycles Nig Ltd, Mr Abayomi Ogunsola, has called for the usage of Zero Electric Patrol motorcycles by law enforcement agencies in the country.

    According to him, the overall benefits of these motorcycles far outweigh any comparative fossil fuel models and would indeed help the various authorities enhance their provision of a safer society while reducing maintenance costs and being environmentally friendly.

    He said: “There are clear advantages to going electric. No oil and air filter changes, no oil changes; no engine setting or knocking, among others. These and many other reasons are why we introduced this world class leading range of motorcycles particularly the security patrol ones.

    “The motorcycles have the latest technology available; they are noiseless and can be additionally utilised inside buildings and enclosed areas as there are no exhaust fumes to worry about. They can also be utilised in petroleum tank farms as the possibility of exhaust sparking fire is non-existent. They can be outfitted with various security gadgets.”

    According to him, plans are underway to start assembling the motorcycles in the country.

    The motorcycles come in different models for on road and off road applications with the off road versions particularly useful in bush paths, hilly and rough terrains.

  • Uber introduces safety step to prevent drowsy driving

    Uber has introduced new hours policy for its driver-partners across Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, to help enhance driver and passenger safety.

    Drowsy driving is an issue for all who share the road and Uber said it is committed to doing its part to prevent drowsy driving.

    With this new feature,which started from last Monday, Uber would launch a feature across the country that prompts drivers to go offline for six hours after 12 hours of driving. Drivers, who do not take a long enough break, will not be able to log into the app and take trips before that period expires.

    Uber already has features like an in-app notification that reminds drivers to take a break when feeling tired on the road and advises drivers with their Community Guidelines to take breaks if they are feeling tired. The new driving hours policy is an additional feature that will help improve safety on the roads.

    Uber West Africa General Manager Lola Kassim said: “We want to promote safe and responsible use of the Uber app and this feature has tremendous potential to protect not only Uber driver-partners, but also their passengers and, ultimately, all road users. Driver-partners in Nigeria are already driving responsibly but safety is one of our key pillars and we believe this new feature will be adding one more safety layer.”

    Driver-partners will be able to track the time they spend on Uber trips and will be reminded when they’ve reached their maximum time on the Uber app.

    It provides periodic notifications when drivers are approaching the 12-hour driving time limit and then will automatically go offline for six straight hours when their max has been reached, but drivers will be able to finish any trip they’re currently on. After the six hours, driving time resets and drivers can go online again to receive trip requests.  This will be a phased roll out and not all driver-partners will see this right away.

    “Last month, we rolled out this feature across South Africa.  Based on drivers feedback, the new feature is working well and has helped enhance driver and passenger safety. We are excited to roll this out across the rest of the region as this move will strengthen Uber’s approach to help keep riders and drivers safe on the road while preserving the flexibility drivers tell us they love, “ Kassim adds.

    To ensure drivers understand the rationale and the functionality of the feature, Uber has held various focus groups across their Greenlight Hubs (support centres) and has announced the feature through podcasts which can be accessed through the app.

    From this, drivers have expressed the need for information and education sessions, which Uber has implemented, these include sessions which provide advice and examples such as how this will impact their businesses and how they can put together a responsible schedule for their small business.

    Uber, Kassim said, is constantly looking at new ways to use technology to contribute to safety in their communities.

     

  • GM to build new SUV in Mexico

    General Motors confirmed on Friday that it would produce a new sport utility model in Mexico, despite President Donald Trump’s efforts to put on pressure United States companies to add manufacturing at home.

    The new version of the Chevrolet Blazer, a revival of an old brand name, will be built in Mexico and exported to the US, said GM spokesman Patrick Morrissey.

    Morrissey said GM makes decisions on where vehicles will be made “years in advance. This decision was made several years ago and was based on available capacity at the time. We remain committed to investing and growing jobs in the US,” Morrissey said.

    The move comes as the US, Canada and Mexico remain mired in tough negotiations over a rewrite of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Trump has an extensive record of calling out companies that manufacture overseas and export to the US.

    Morrissey said GM was “committed to working with the administration on a modernised NAFTA”.

    GM has described the Blazer as a midsized SUV, a market that has surged in recent years with lower gasoline prices. GM said the car would be available in early next year.

     

  • Kia is ‘highest mass market brand’

    For the fourth year, Kia has been recognised as the number one non-premium brand by J. D. Power in the Initial Quality Study (IQS), with a reported 72 problems per 100 vehicles.

    Kia maintained its leadership position with segment-leading performances from the Sorento (Midsize SUV) and Rio (Small Car), while Optima (Midsize Car), Sportage (Small SUV) and Sedona (Minivan) placed second and the Forte (Compact Car) placed third in their categories.

    After winning IQS awards in 2015, 2016 and last year, Soul was again the highest rated compact multi-purpose vehicle in the study.

    Kia Motors America Chief Operating Officer and EVP Michael Cole said: “Ranking number one among all mass market brands for four consecutive years leaves no doubt as to the world-class quality and craftsmanship instilled in every car and SUV that Kia builds. With two segment winners and five additional models finishing in the top three of their respective categories, the evidence of Kia’s progression and focus on the ownership experience is overwhelming.”

    The 2018 U.S. IQS is based on responses from 75,712 purchasers and lessees of new 2018 model-year vehicles who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership.

    Vehicles were evaluated on driving experience, engine and transmission performance and a broad range of quality issues reported by vehicle owners.