The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has alerted the motoring public to the recalling of some Lexus models due to faults detected in them.

According to FRSC, the vehicle manufacturers are recalling Lexus NX260, Lexus NX3650h and Lexus NX400h+ manufactured between 31 March 31, 2021 and April 26, 2022 to work on the faulty programming of the Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) System.

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In a memo forwarded by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the company is also recalling 6,491 Lexus NX260 with defective Electric Parking Brake (EPB) system which was manufactured between April 19, 2021 and July 15, 2022.

A statement by the FRSC Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem, an Assistant Corps Marshal Corps, said the withdrawal is specifically premised on the fact that the vehicles will pose safety hazard to their users thereby leading to crashes.

“The Acting Corps Marshal, Dauda Ali Biu is by this notice, admonishing the general public, particularly dealers and riders of these categories of vehicles, to desist from selling or using the identified motorcycles on Nigerian roads  to avoid any mishap,” he said.

It didn’t take long for the cross seed to germinate. Launched three years ago, the Slovakian-made model now accounts for 10 per cent of the brand’s volume in Britain.

Sales of a facelifted model are just getting underway, with hopes high that the mid-cycle refresh will keep interest strong in the face of more intense competition.

There’s no hybrid or EV with the Xceed, just the same 1.5-litre petrol turbo (’T-GDi’) and 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid (‘GDi PHEV’) as featured pre-facelift.

Along with the changes to the inside and outside of the C segment crossover, Kia has added a new trim level: GT-Line S. This range-topping model grade is only for the T-GDi and succeeds ‘4’, the designation for the pre-facelift vehicle’s most expensive trim.

Along with GT-Line S, the petrol XCeed can be ordered in less expensive ‘2’ or ‘3’ trim levels. For the PHEV though, the sole trim is 3.

It’s not easy to find a cheap Kia anything in the British market these days, the name now being way closer to VW than it once was.

Being a Kia, the new grade means an exceptionally good standard of features although even the base variants come well specified.

Cars with the petrol engine have a 1,482 cc four-cylinder turbo which produces 118 kW (160 PS) and 253 Nm. Transmission choices are six-speed manual or seven-speed dual clutch automatic. As with all other variants, drive is to the front axle only.

There’s an 88 kW (120 PS) and 172 Nm 1.0-litre three-cylinder alternative in certain other markets as well as two further choices aside from the PHEV. Also turbocharged (unlike the plug-in hybrid), these are a 150 kW (204 PS) 1.6-litre petrol and a 100 kW (136 PS) 1.6-litre diesel. Torque outputs are respectively 265 Nm, 280 Nm and 320 Nm. The latter two are each for the diesel, a DCT option meaning 40 more Newton metres.

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What about the PHEV? This one’s 1,580 cc engine has a relatively lower power output of 78 kW (104 PS) and only 147 Nm but when the 44.5 kW motor’s contributions are factored in, the totals are 104 kW (141 PS) and 265 Nm. As with power and torque, the capacity of the battery (8.9 kWh) is unchanged since the facelift.

Not being too muscle-clad, the plug-in hybrid suffers a bit when it comes to performance. Perhaps revealingly, Kia quotes a 0-60 mph time (it’s 10.6 seconds with the DCT) rather than the usual 62 favoured by almost every other brand. Similarly, top speed is not even in three figures (99 mph).

Of course the PHEV claws back its advantage in the official emissions numbers, Combined CO2 being only 32 g/km while the BIK tax rate is 12 per cent.

Even allowing for the unfair comparison of the GT-Line S having more standard gear compared to the PHEV 3, the petrol has a huge weight advantage (1,370 versus a hefty 1,594 for the plug-in hybrid). That, plus the extra power and torque, mean the top speed is 129 mph with zero to sixty taking 8.7 seconds.

The T-GDi is quite an efficient engine and as such, Combined economy is 44.8 mpg. CO2 isn’t bad either, that being 143 g/km. Both are with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Each of these alternatives offers a tempting proposition to the usual bigger name brand C segment crossovers. It does have to be said though, that these days Kia is a mainstream marque. Its cars also offer really good interiors full of easy-to-live-with controls.

Mercedes-Benz AG and Microsoft are to collaborate on a new cloud-based data platform that they claim will  make vehicle production more efficient, resilient and sustainable.

With the new MO360 Data Platform, Mercedes-Benz is connecting its around 30-passenger car plants worldwide to the Microsoft Cloud. It says this will enhance transparency and predictability across its digital production and supply chain.

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The MO360 Data Platform is described as the evolution of Mercedes-Benz’ digital production ecosystem MO360 and allows teams to identify potential supply chain bottlenecks faster and enable a dynamic prioritisation of production resources towards electric and Top-End vehicles.

This unified data platform is standardised on Microsoft Azure, providing Mercedes-Benz with flexibility and cloud computing power to run artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics at global scale while addressing cybersecurity and compliance standards across regions. The platform is already available to teams in EMEA and will be deployed in the United States and China.

German parts supplier Benteler is establishing a new brand – Holon – which will focus on fully electric, autonomous movers.

The move is also a change of name for the Benteler EV Systems business unit, which was spun off at the end of 2021.

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Benteler Group Chief Executive Officer Ralf Göttel said: “Mobility around the world is undergoing rapid change. Benteler is optimally prepared for this – 85 per cent of our products are independent of the type of drive. In parallel with the traditional automotive business, innovative, digitally connected, and autonomous mobility services promise high growth in the coming years. With our engineering and manufacturing expertise, we are predestined to fill a gap in this hitherto strongly software-dominated field. By founding Holon, an independent legal entity, we can react flexibly to changing customer requirements in this dynamic market. In this way, we will make the best possible use of growth opportunities.”

The term Holon comes from the Greek language and means “something that is both a whole and a part of a whole”. The company also says the future orientation of the brand is also reflected in the new brand’s slogan: Holon – Established Tomorrow.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, has reaffirmed China’s willingness to provide support to innovations such as the newly built GAC auto assembly plant in Ogba, Lagos. He stated this during his visit to the facility.

According to the ambassador, such innovation is seen as fulfilment of “China-Africa bilateral industrial capacity cooperation pact with Nigeria”.

The ambassador, who toured the facility in company of a representative of the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammad Tunde Mukaila, and others top government and Chinese embassy officials, was impressed with the auto facility which is a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) between the Lagos State Government and CIG Motors Co Limited.

It would be recalled that, the Nigerian automobile industry had been beset with growth stagnation, constantly plagued by inconsistent government policies regarding investments in this sector; both in terms of fiscal and importation policies, resulting in influx of used, rickety vehicles, accounting for about two thirds of vehicles on the road.

According to the Chairman of CIG Motors, Chief Diana Chen, CIG Motors has carefully studied the automobile market and met with key stakeholders to partner, with the purpose of reviving the sector, through the establishment of a world class automobile assembly plant in Nigeria; that will annually produce a minimum of 5,000 vehicles to meet market demands, and redefine the sector.

It would be recalled that this partnership was strategically sealed in Guangzhou, between the Chairman of Choice International Group – Chief Diana Chen, Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo Olu, and Mr. Zeng Qinghong – The Chairman of GAC Motors Group, in December 2019.

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In July 2021, the project was locally approved for execution and construction commenced in October 2021. The project industrial area covers a total of 35,000 square meters, and the automobile production line covers an area of 4,800 square meters.

The installation of the plants and machinery for the production line took only seven months to complete, and was supervised by world class engineers, with local employee benefiting from hands on vocational training of the processes involved.

CIG stated that “this reaffirms the credibility and commitment of CIG Motors towards the sustainable economic development of the nation. Aside meeting present needs of modern automobile solutions for the citizenry, GAC Motors has futuristic plans of placing Nigeria amongst key players in the global campaign of eco-friendly production, by veering into production of electric vehicles with dual usage of CNG.

“This will further contribute to the nation’s strategy to run a non-oil economy in the near future, as well as boost foreign exchange policy. The current assembly plant is projected to double production within five years, creating thousands of jobs in the process, while serving as a vocational training institute for mechanically inclined young Nigerians who seek to pursue a career in mechatronics”.

The delegation was overly impressed by the progress and automation of the factory and commended key players of the partnerships not to relent in their vision for industrialisation of the automobile industry.

The 2022 Honda Pilot is one of our favourite three-row Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) thanks to its spacious, thoughtfully designed interior and smooth ride. Added bonuses include better-than-average fuel economy as well as a smooth, powerful V6 engine. It provides better comfort, a quality feel and a nicer cabin than many competitors. The quality of materials and assembly is high for a non-luxury vehicle. The soft-touch plastics on the dash combined with high-gloss trim and matte-finish secondary controls look and feel good. The Pilot pretty much had the class covered until the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade came along and shook things up. It’s rumoured that Honda’s looking to redesign the ageing Pilot for 2023 — it’s been around in its current guise since 2016 — to put it back on top of this family-friendly class.

Among three-row SUVs, the Pilot comes across as one of the well-rounded. Its appealing combination of power and relatively rewarding handling is rare. It’s certainly not sporty, but there’s a willingness to change the direction that’s lacking in similar SUVs, with the exception of the Mazda CX-9. It’s also comfortable and offers many conveniences.

For now, though, Honda is tightening the belts by discontinuing the LX and EX, which were previously the Pilot’s two most affordable trims. That means the 2022 Pilot lineup starts out with the EX-L. This won’t matter much if one is shopping for a nicely equipped SUV, to begin with, but budget shoppers will no doubt be put off by the Pilot’s higher starting price this year.

Within the three-row midsize SUV class, the Palisade and Telluride are still top of the pack. There’s also the roomy Volkswagen Atlas and refined Mazda CX-9 to consider. But overall, the Pilot does a lot of things well and has a few significant pitfalls.

The Honda Pilot is space-efficient and smooth-riding, and it provides ample power along with decent fuel economy. Car lovers also get great features, a useful cargo area and smart interior storage. This Honda is one of the best-rounded three-row SUVs you can get.

Twisty mountain roads don’t pose a problem for the Pilot — the SUV feels more nimble than most. The steering is precise but offers a little feel for the road. The Pilot’s available AWD system is fine for slippery road surfaces, but this SUV lacks ground clearance and specific off-road aids such as hill descent control to make it truly capable off-road.

The pilot rides comfortably both around town and on the highway. Body motions are well controlled, but not at the expense of overall ride comfort. Small bumps are dispatched without issue. The front seats have supportive backs and bottoms, providing hours of comfort, and the second-row seats are similarly cushy and can recline and slide.

There’s a very little tire or wind noise inside the cabin, and the V6 sounds pretty good if you wind it out. The tri-zone climate control works well to keep everyone comfortable.

The pilot exhibits typical Honda efficiency with smart use of space and practical features. The first and second rows are roomy. The third row is big enough for occasional use for adults, but it’s not as spacious as the third row in a Kia Telluride or Volkswagen Atlas. Access to the third row is also a bit narrow.

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Most drivers will be able to find a suitable seating position, though tall drivers might want a little more steering wheel adjustment. The upright seating position gives the driver a more commanding view out than a Honda Odyssey minivan provides.

Overall, the Pilot’s touchscreen system is easy to use. The navigation system responds quickly, and the 10-speaker audio system sounds great. A Wi-Fi hotspot is included on Touring and Elite models, and users with the Honda Cabin Control app can connect to the in-car Wi-Fi and control certain things such as rear cabin temperature and music playlists.

As for driver-assist features, the pilot’s adaptive cruise control system isn’t nearly as smooth in accelerating and braking as the systems in some rival SUVs. It also only works above 20 mph, which is a bummer for drivers stuck in stop-and-go traffic. The lane-keeping assist feature works fine on straight roads but can be overly intrusive if the road starts to bend.

The pilot is a useful vehicle when you need to carry a lot of stuff. While the cargo room is solid — 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum volume of 83.8 cubes with the second-and third-row seats folded — it trails segment leaders. Still, there’s generous storage under the load floor, and the space is very usable. The large door pockets and clever, configurable small-item storage within the centre console are among the many places to store your things inside the cabin.

There’s a really nice amount of space for car seat installations in the second row with good access to the car seat anchors. The rear tether points are on the bottom of the second-row seats and are easy to miss if you don’t know where to look. The one-button slide access to the third row helps facilitate seat installation back there.

The AWD pilot’s maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, which matches the capability of most V6-powered three-row SUVs. Front-wheel-drive Pilots are limited to 3,500 pounds.

BMW has partnered with Japanese battery manufacturer Envision AESC to secure cells for its next generation of US-built ‘X’ electric SUVs.

Envision will build a 30GWh facility – sufficient capacity for roughly 300,000 electric vehicles per year – near BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina.

This site will supply cylindrical battery cells of BMW’s own design – claimed to be 20 per cent more energy-dense than current-generation rectangular units – for BMW’s next-generation EVs by the end of the decade.

Joachim Post, BMW board member for the purchasing and supplier network, said: “We’re delighted to have found a partner in Envision AESC that will supply our plant in Spartanburg with high-performance battery cells going forward.

“The new round cell specially designed for the electric architecture of our next-generation models will allow us to improve range [and] driving performance and reduce charging time.”

Autocar previously reported that the first car to use the manufacturer’s next-generation platform and cells will be a Tesla Model 3 rival, equivalent to today’s BMW 3 Series saloon, arriving in 2025.

But the Spartanburg plant currently builds the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 SUVs, so batteries built in South Carolina would no doubt be destined for a larger model.

A BMW Group spokesperson confirmed this to Autocar Business: “Envision will supply battery cells solely for the future production of fully electric BMW X-models in Spartanburg. Other plants that also produce fully electric cars are supplied by different partners.”

BMW recently confirmed a significant expansion of its battery production facilities in Munich, Germany, which presumably will cater to European-built models.

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The spokesperson followed: “Plant Spartanburg plays a critical role in our worldwide production network. It is a cornerstone of the global success of the BMW Group. The home of the BMW X models that are very popular all over the world. Going forward, it will also be a major driver for our electrification strategy.”

Envision aims to reduce the environmental impact of the new factory by using solely renewable energy to power the site, assisted by an artificial intelligence-led energy-management system.

All cobalt, lithium and nickel used in its batteries will come from certified mines offering transparency on material-extraction methods and responsible mining practices.

Recycling will also be key: a spokesperson for Envision told Autocar Business that 100 per cent of the company’s production materials are handled by local recylers, with no waste going to landfill.

Envision has been on a rapid upward trajectory. Mercedes-Benz inked a deal with the firm earlier this year, prompting a $2 billion investment from the battery firm for a new plant in Kentucky, the US. Opening in 2025, this facility will initially output 30GWh annually – eventually rising to 40GWh – and employ 2000 staff.

Established as a joint venture between Nissan and NEC in 2008, Envision has supplied batteries for roughly 650,000 electric cars – including the Nissan Leaf – to date.

These are produced at Nissan’s site in Sunderland, the UK, in a bespoke 1.9GWh facility, set to be expanded to 11GWh in 2024. The expanded plant will supply batteries for the Leaf’s successor, due the following year, and may eventually scale up to 38GWh.

Envision claims to have had zero “critical” battery malfunctions thus far.

As its second phase of electrification draws closer, Mercedes is developing a series of “entry luxury cars” that will be built on a new electric platform.

The firm’s design boss Robert Lesnik told Auto Express that one of these models will be a four door coupe of a similar ilk to the current CLA, featuring powertrain tech derived from the Vision EQXX prototype.

The new offering will debut in 2024 alongside Mercedes’ dual-purpose MMA architecture, which has been developed primarily with EVs in mind despite also accommodating combustion engines. At around 4.7 metres long, the upcoming model will be of a similar size to the current CLA, while adopting certain design and engineering philosophies from the EQXX.

Lesnik said: “The EQXX was a peek into the future. It really shows what is possible, but it is of course exaggerated. There are so many details that we cannot bring into production”.

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Nevertheless, the concept’s front end design language could potentially make its way to future Mercedes’ models, with body-coloured three-pointed star graphics rather than the large black grille panel of current EQ models.

The MMA platform is also being developed with learnings from the EQXX. Mercedes aims to squeeze more efficiency from its battery, motor and control electronics, and the EQXX serves as the ideal basis for this. Earlier this year the experimental prototype drove a record-breaking 747 miles on a single charge, and while we don’t expect such long range figures from mainstream models, Mercedes’ next-generation EVs should take a solid step forward.

Due to cost limitations, the EQXX’s active aerodynamic systems are unlikely to make their way to MMA-based models, but future electric AMG models will be equipped with movable aero devices. These will ride on a bespoke performance-orientated architecture set to arrive in 2025, as Mercedes prepares for the inevitable EV onslaught from BMW M and Audi RS.

The Kia K8 combines cutting-edge innovation and dynamic performance to establish new benchmarks for premium quality in the sedan segment.

Further demonstrating the recent rejuvenation of the brand, the K8 offers progressive and refined driving performance, a cutting-edge Advanced Driver Assistance System, and a contemporary and clean interior space that provides the driver and passengers with a first-class lounge experience.

The K8 will be available in Nigeria on request, and advance bookings are currently open both online and across Kia showrooms nationwide.

The K8’s four powertrains have all been developed to offer refined, smooth power delivery while improving fuel economy and reducing emissions (powertrain options may vary by country).

A state-of-the-art 3.5-liter Smartstream powertrain is offered in two power and fuel guises: a GDI (gasoline direct injection) derivative with 300 ps and 36.6 kgf.m (359 Nm) torque, and an LPI (liquid propane injection) stablemate with 240 ps with 32.0 kgf.m (314 Nm) torque.

A 2.5-liter GDI engine is also available, delivering 198 ps and 25.3 kgf.m (248 Nm) torque. Like the Smartstream powertrain, the 2.5 four-cylinder features GDI and MPI dual injection technology to realize optimized fuel injection across all operating conditions. A smooth 8-spee automatic transmission, designed and developed in-house, accompanies the 2.5 GDI engine and the 3.5 GDI and LPI Smartstream derivatives.

Adding to the sense of refinement, the K8 has been developed to offer minimal NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness), employing reinforced sound packaging materials including a triple sealing solution to the doors that dramatically reduces unwanted noises coming from the outside. Vibration levels are kept to a minimum thanks in part to a new vibration damper.

Every element of the K8 interior has been designed with high-end luxury in mind, serving to elevate the senses of the driver and passengers.

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Named the Ergo Motion Seat, the leading-edge driver’s seat has a ‘comfort stretching’ mode that individually controls the air pockets of the hip and backrest areas of the seat, creating the effect of stretching while sitting down. There is also a ‘smart support’ function that tenses the seat against the body of the driver, creating a unison and helping to inspire total driving confidence. The ‘smart support’ function of the seat is activated when the K8 engages sports driving mode or when the car exceeds 130 km/h. It lowers the height of the hip area of the seat and strengthens the support to the side bolsters. A third innovative mode – ‘posture assistance’ – adjusts the air pouches located around the hip and back areas of the seat when driving for more than one hour to provide a sumptuous seating position.

A contemporary panoramic curved display links a 12-inch digital cluster and a 12-inch infotainment system, bringing together the K8’s advanced connectivity and infotainment technology for all inside the sports sedan. This curved display – a first for Kia – is clean, ultra-modern, and easy to use, giving the K8 an effective minimalist-meets-simplicity tech style.

The K8 is the first-ever Kia vehicle to feature an industry-leading sound system from Meridian Audio. The 14-speaker premium sound system from the world-renowned British audio pioneer makes use of advanced materials and next-generation innovations to enable the very highest levels of sound quality tuned specifically for the interior of the vehicle. The system includes a titanium dome vibration plate tweeter that helps to minimize sound distortion and natural wood fiber dresses the vibration plate that is part of the door speaker, adding to the natural and organic ambience of the K8 cabin.

This next-generation head-up display unit clearly visualizes essential data for the driver in their eyeline, including Advanced Driver Assistance System, navigation information, and the current speed.

Kia’s renowned Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) reduces hazards, fully protecting occupants and other road users on every journey. As part of its ADAS package, the K8 features Kia’s highly acclaimed Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), which helps avoid collisions with objects in front of the vehicle while driving. If the preceding vehicle suddenly slows down, or if a forward collision risk is detected, such as a stopped vehicle, a pedestrian, or a cyclist in front of the K8, FCA provides a warning. After the warning, if the risk of collision increases, FCA automatically assists with the emergency braking of the vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz is recalling just under 20,000 examples of the CLS-Class Coupe and E-Class Sedan to inspect the anchoring systems for their 12-volt batteries. Located in the trunk, the batteries can come free in a collision, removing the power source for various safety systems. Mercedes says this problem impacts the 2019-2022 CLS450 Coupe and AMG E53, 2019-2021 AMG CLS53 Coupe, and 2021-2022 E450.

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“Due to a deviation in the development process, the 12V battery mount(s) might not withstand certain mechanical loading in the event of a crash,” the company’s defect report said. “In the event of a crash, the 12V battery could move in the spare wheel well. Thus, a detachment of the electrical connections from the battery cannot be ruled out. In that event, various post-crash functions such as eCall, electric seat adjustment, hazard warning lights, and automatic door unlocking could be impaired or inoperative. This may increase the risk of injury for the vehicle occupants.”

While this does not impair any critical safety systems, Mercedes determined that the potential impact to its post-collision systems was concern enough to initiate a recall. The issue was discovered in internal crash testing, and Mercedes says that it has only documented one instance of battery mount failure, but could not rule out the possibility of it happening in the real world. The company has already re-engineered the components for production vehicles, so any example produced from August 2022 onward already has the improved part. Owner notices should be mailed by the end of November.