The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Council chief inspects Third Mainland Bridge link road

    Bariga Local Council Development Area Chairman, Mr Kolade Alabi has inspected ongoing roads construction linking Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.

    Alabi, who spoke with The Nation at the weekend, expressed satisfaction with the state of the work on Emmanuel, Adetoke and Ewe Nla roads.

    The road after completion, he said, would link  the council to Third Mainland Bridge.

    “I just left those two roads now after inspection. We are trying to open up the roads in our council to other major roads in the state.When completed, motorists can go from Adetoke to Ewe Nla to link Third Mainland Bridge. This will reduce man hours spent to connect the iconic bridge through other roads,” he said.

    He said the council had completed the construction of Akanbi road, making it four roads.

    Alabi said the road alongside others will improve economic activities of the communities.

    According to him, Thomas drive and Alfa Sanni are some of the roads that will feel the presence of his administration.

    The council chief said plans were at advanced stage to award the contracts for the construction of more six roads besides the ongoing construction at Jolaosho, Adeyinka Oshijo and Thomas Drive.

    He promised to construct 26 culverts to complement the 16 that had been inaugurated.

    He called on the contractors to re-double their efforts to ensure timely completion of the roads.

    He praised the contractor that handled Akanbi Street for completing it before the deadline.

    “The construction of the road was scheduled to last  eight weeks, but it was completed before the time. Other contractors should emulate this kind of attitude to work. We want to do a lot in the area of road construction. The earlier we finish those contracted out, the better for us to start with another set of roads,” he said.

    He appealed to residents of the council, especially those areas that have not been reached by the LCDA to be patient, promising that all wards would benefited from the road construction.

    “During my campaigns, I promised to serve the people of Bariga diligently and also with the fear of God, today I’m standing in front of you again to give you the assurance that I will honour this agreement and the pact I signed with you for four years,” Alabi said.

     

  • Hyundai launches new-generation Accent

    Hyundai has unveiled the fifth generation of its Accent small car in Africa and Middle East markets.

    The auto giant builds on the strengths of previous models with Hyundai’s latest design and engineering innovations while also maintaining Accent’s unbeatable value proposition for buyers.

    The new model features a completely new exterior design and comfortable high-tech interior. More efficient powertrains deliver an outstanding combination of performance and fuel economy, with a choice of 1.4-litre or 1.6-litre engines, including a diesel in some markets, matched to a six-speed transmission in either manual or automatic.

    Other advances include reduced cabin noise and remarkably improved driving dynamics, both helped by a stronger body-shell. The Accent is also slightly longer and wider than the previous model, including an increased distance between the front and rear wheels, giving occupants more leg and shoulder room.

    Hyundai’s Head of Operations for Africa and the Middle East, Mike Song said several key improvements on the previous Accent was made on the new one, which, he said, was already an excellent car and very popular with customers.

    “Design and engineering are completely fresh, ensuring a car that looks superb, is enjoyable to drive, with high levels of safety, and will be economical to own,” he added.

    Accent’s interior continues the modern, confident, sophisticated theme of the exterior. A driver-oriented layout with intuitive controls combines with improved interior roominess, high-quality materials and premium technology features. Premium, soft-touch materials in key points create an inviting and comfortable environment for the driver and passengers.

    Standard safety features include electronic stability control, traction control and anti-lock brakes, as well as emergency stop signal, which automatically flashes the brake lights when the driver brakes heavily. Available options include a six-airbag system, static bending headlights to provide better illumination of the road through corners, and auto cruise control.

    The body is stronger than the previous model, with torsional rigidity improved through the increased use of advanced high strength steel and structural adhesives. The New-generation Accent features several improvements to the front side members and inner side sill for improved collision protection. The front crumple zones have been increased, front side airbags have been upgraded, and reinforcements have been added to improve the car’s collision energy management performance, especially in small overlap crashes.

     

     

  • Lagos Auto Fair ‘to be best in Africa’

    Organisers of the Lagos Motor show, BKG Exhibitions Nigeria Limited, have said this year’s auto fair will be the best in Africa.

    Its Managing Director, Ifeanyi Agwu, said the firm will hold the 13th Lagos Motor Fair and seventh Autoparts Expo Africa between May 7 and 12.

    “We want to step up the tempo and repackage the event to attract more foreign investors,” he said.

    According to him, the auto industry is very germane to the growth of the economy, wondering why company chiefs are shying away from making their firms participate in the fair.

    “They spend so much money buying cars for their staff but couldn’t turn up for the event that would guide their investments in these vehicles. Coming to event like this will guide their choice of vehicles when making purchase,” he said.

    He lamented that the “government cannot revive our economy by neglecting the auto sector. Vehicles that are supposed to land in Nigeria are being imported from Benin and Niger republics with high rate of import duties. We are under-developing our country by creating wealth for other countries. That’s why the government should be serious about the auto sector and stop policy that helps create employment for citizens of neighbouring countries at the expense of millions of Nigerian.”

    According to him, the tariffs paid on import vehicles should be slashed and ensure our seas are deep enough for vehicles to land direct on Nigeria water instead of neighbouring countries.

    He identified politics and tribalism as the bane of the  economy.

    “The Calabar Sea Port should be opened up for import of vehicles. We are shrinking our economy based on tribalism and politics,” he said.

    Agwu canvassed that local assemblies should focus on auto parts, noting that it will continue to be expensive to assemble full vehicles in the country because the parts are brought from overseas.

     

  • Sportage hits five million sales

    Kia Motors is celebrating five million cumulative sales of its global best-selling Kia Sportage compact Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).

    Launched in 1993 and spanning four generations since, the Kia Sportage has achieved this milestone on the year of its 25th anniversary. The latest model, launched in 2016, is more popular than ever, with average global sales of 38,000 units per month in 2017.

    “We are extremely proud to have achieved this milestone production figure for our global best-seller. The continued and accelerating popularity of the Sportage demonstrates the breadth of the car’s abilities and the strength of its appeal to buyers in markets all around the world,” Executive Vice President of Global Operations Divison, Ho Sung Song said.

    “Since 1993, the Sportage has become a benchmark car in the compact SUV segment, and its success has also led to the creation of a diverse and comprehensive range of SUVs and crossovers from Kia – with other new models to follow in future,” he added.

    In 2016 and last year, the Sportage surpassed the B-segment Rio as the brand’s global best-selling model. Strong sales of the Sportage in January and February 2018 – 36,632 and 32,930 units – contributed to the model’s production landmark.

    The Sportage made its first appearance at the 1991 Tokyo Motor Show, introducing the concept of the ‘Urban SUV’ to consumers for the first time – it set the blueprint for a compact, practical SUV, suitable for use in a variety of environments. This first generation Sportage was an instant hit, recording total lifetime sales of over 500,000 units.

     

  • Accident investigation and safety

    ACcording to an adage, “experience is the best  teacher”.

    In the history of Nigeria, a lot of public and private sector organisations have failed and gone into oblivion.

    My question, however is: Does this generation know why those businesses failed or collapsed and how will the upcoming generations know why?

    There is, therefore, the need to document the essential stories of the rise and fall of such businesses to enable business entrepreneurs and political office holders learn lessons  to avoid the pitfalls, which brought them down.

    Similarly, it is expedient that for the lead agency, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and the state traffic management agencies to establish effective and result-oriented mechanism for the regular and prompt investigation of road traffic crashes (post-crash investigation and reporting) with an unbiased identification, documentation and publication of the causes of the accidents. This will surely go a long way in enhancing safety on Nigeria roads because road users will be adequately exposed to the pitfalls responsible for the accidents and consciously take steps to avoid the pitfalls with their adverse consequences.

    There is, no doubt, about the fact that road accident investigation and documentation involve a lot of money. This is, however, one of the areas where the governments at the Federal and state levels need to  demonstrate their commitment to the safety of the lives and properties.

    The governments should sponsor  FRSC and state traffic management agencies officers for more training in investigation and reporting and  provide funds for the documentation of the reports to boost road safety education and safety on the roads.

    The provisions on Road Safety Administrations in the Police Act before the creation of the Federal Road Safety Commission in 1988 has not been reviewed till date (The power and functions are still there in the Police Act). The role of the VIOs and the Police in Accident investigation and reporting is still conflicting and confusing, still unknown to several Nigerians. In the same vein, the clause in the constitution which conferred the function of Road Safety Administration on State Governments is still sitting there in the constitution without any serious move to amend it even after the FRSC Establishment Act. These have been causing lots of confusion and crises in Road Safety Administration in Nigeria.

    Likewise, the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and some other Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies over the past years have been laying claims to the creation of millions of jobs for the unemployed youths. But has anybody asked how they arrived at the decision to select the Trade areas? Did they go to the market place to know how many people are already engaged in that Trade and how they are faring in the business?

     

     

    Has any of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies carried out the requisite monitoring and evaluation to know how many out of the youths they trained in the past are using the skills and how are they doing before deciding to train more youths in the same set of Trades or what is the percentage of relapse and why? No of course!  It is very expedient for the Governments (Federal, State and Local) and Nigerians as a whole, to always research into the past as a guide to planning for the present and future efficiently and effectively.

     

    Dangers of distraction in driving (II)

    • Unsafe reaction to emergencies.
    • Lane indiscipline.
    • Erratic interpretation of information and wrong judgment.
    • Improperly co-ordinated driving and braking.
    • Prone to driving errors and crashes.

    Consequent upon the dangers of every distraction, I use this medium to appeal to drivers and vehicle owners to avoid distractions to save their lives and that of other road users.

     

     

  • Kia unveils first images of new K900 luxury

    Kia Motors last Tuesday revealed the design of the new flagship luxury sedan – K900.

    The K900 has been created in collaboration between Kia’s global design headquarters in Namyang, Korea and the brand’s United States (U.S) design studio in Irvine, California. It will make its world debut at the New York International Auto Show on Wednesday.

    It will be manufactured in Korea and will go on sale across selected global markets from the second quarter of this year.

    Combining a beautifully balanced design with elegant, flowing lines and geometric details, the K900 introduces a modern air of elegance and gravitas to the large sedan segment. Kia’s designers were inspired by the ‘Gravity of Prestige’ design concept, which exudes strength through rich detail and solid surfaces.  Based conceptually on the changing shape of condensed energy, a new ‘Quadric pattern’ signature grille – seen for the first time – is the focal point of the K900. Embodying the K900’s design concept, the grille contains 176 jewel-like ‘cells’, suggestive of released energy accelerating away from its centre.

    Lines in the high-strength steel bodywork flow naturally from the grille, rising over the hood and, in profile, sweeping through to the rear flanks before meeting at the back.

    Elegant by design, and with a high-class, minimalist layout, the interior of the new K900 provides the driver and passengers with a peaceful retreat in which to spend time. Kia has also developed a series of more expressive features for occupants to enjoy.

    It has created a refined and luxurious cabin which wraps around the driver, enhancing the sense of being cocooned from the outside world. Flowing from the centre of the dash and outwards to the doors, surfaces are trimmed in a sophisticated combination of materials, with soft-touch surfaces, a blend of highly tactile wood and metal veneers, and genuine leather throughout the interior.

    The cabin is designed to offer greater space and comfort than ever before. The K900’s longer, wider exterior proportions provides a more spacious cabin for occupants than its predecessor, while seats are trimmed in genuine leather, with smooth and quilted surfaces enhancing the prestige aspect of the interior.

    Geometric design details add an element of modernity and technology. Evoking the trajectory of light, the design of the ‘Duplex’ LED headlamps provides the K900 with a visually progressive, high-prestige image. In profile, a chrome flash adds visual depth to the smooth bodywork, running along the base of the doors and around the lower rear section of the K900. The chrome window-line adds a degree of technicality and structure to the free-flowing C-pillar before it merges with the rear deck. The tail lights and exhaust housings are also finished with fine chrome details.

    A key element in the design of the K900 comes from its new platform and elongated proportions. Longer and wider than its predecessor, the wheelbase of the new model has been extended by 60mm (2.3 inches) to 3,105mm (122.2 inches), while both the front and rear overhangs are shorter, pushing the wheels further out to the corners of the car. This subtle change to the K900’s proportions is a strong expression of space, while underpinning improvements in ride quality and creating greater passenger room on the inside.

    The K900’s 12.3-inch HMI screen is integrated in such a way as to enhance a sense of calm and serenity on-board, with a bezel-less display and simplified switchgear layout.

    The HMI features a new intelligent lighting control with proximity sensors, only illuminating the dashboard when it detects the driver’s hand reaching for a switch. Drivers can also adapt the cabin of the new K900 to personal preferences with a new mood lighting system. The new K900 is the first car in the world to incorporate an ambient lighting system developed in partnership with the Pantone Color Institute, the global authority on colour. Customizable on the move, the subtle ambient lighting floods the interior in one of seven colours, jointly developed by Kia and the Pantone Colour Institute.

    Drivers can also choose from 64 unique settings to adapt light levels throughout the car. Harmonising with the cabin’s design, the glow of the lights creates a truly contemporary ambience while providing stability and rest for K900 occupants.

     

  • Lagos begins ferry terminal pilot operations

    The Lagos State Government has begun  pilot operations at its Ferry Terminal at Ipakodo, Ikorodu in line with its commitment to facilitate an effective and efficient integrated transportation system.

    The Ikorodu terminal has been upgraded to a world-class, robust and accessible hub for the water transportation and other ancillary services.

    This is to engender convenience and safety water transportation experience for both the commuters and operators in the state.

    The terminal, when fully operational, will primarily provide an umbrella shelter for ferry logistics with ample and safe space for operators to load and offload passengers, goods and services. They will provide for the convenience of operators as well as the commuters, safety considerations like water ambulances and emergency rescue and water maintenance in collaboration with Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA). The facilities will also provide for recreation and shopping, banking, foodcourt, parking, customer services, security, and well-maintained conveniences.

    The pilot operations is essentially for boat and ferry operators and their passengers to have a feel of the facility ahead of a full go-live in April.

    Ikorodu Terminal Corporate Services Director Amina Agboola said: “Our role is to work with the operators to ensure that this facility is maximised to help develop and grow water transportation in Lagos. We are very keen to provide efficient, safe and world class water transport solutions in Nigeria.

    “Indeed, the safety of operators, commuters, our team and visitors, is a strategic priority for us. We have put in place intelligent control measures which will reduce or eliminate hazards within the terminal. These measures will also take care of delays, eliminate rush, human errors, improve connectivity and provide a better customer experience. Our Water ambulance service and rescue team are prepared to respond within the shortest time possible to any emergency situation.”

    Chief Executive Officer Halo-Waters (Nigeria), Operators of Commercial Water Transport ( Lagos WaXi), Andrew Lana said: “It’s a milestone in the journey of putting in place efficient inter-modal human and goods transportation system and specifically in-land water ways transportation by the Lagos State Government through the provision of infrastructure and enabling environment that engenders continuous private sector investments in the sector. The users of the terminal shall experience world class customer service, given the facilities and services promised by the operators of the terminal and commercial boats.

    “As an operator, we are excited that finally, outbound and inbound passengers can experience convenient, safe and reliable water transport service in Ikorodu”, he added.

  • Weststar introduces fire fighting truck

    The Commercial Vehicles department of Weststar Associates Limited – (Authorised General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria) has introduced Atego 1725 fire fighting truck into the market.

    This, the firm said, is in line with its philosophy to support firefighting operations.

    The Mercedes-Benz Atego Fire fighting truck comes with a double cabin laid-out for six people-driver plus one person in front and four others behind. It features Autonomous Respirators built into the seat backrests. The Pump compartment in this Atego Fire fighting vehicle is mounted between the cabin and the water tank made of aluminum profiles and coated with smooth aluminum with its Pump access door on the right side and with roller blind-type door located on the left of the driver’s side.

    The structure and fire fighting equipment are in accordance with MBR 14096 – for firefighting vehicles, setting the minimum conditions required for the design, construction and performance of the vehicle. Two tanks are within the inner compartment, one for water and another for LGE, with capacity respectively of 5000 litres of water and 500 litres LGE, fitted with internal longitudinal and transverse deflectors according to standards boost flexibility when driving in rough terrain.

    Weststar Associates Limited Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Mirko Plath, said the Mercedes-Benz’ fire-fighting truck is a genuine all-rounder with extensive equipment and technical payload to match specific needs and situations.

    “It is most suitable and will demonstrate high quality and reliability as a fire truck in Nigeria. It is available for immediate delivery through Weststar with up-to-the-minute aftersales support synonymous worldwide with the Mercedes-Benz brand,” he said.

    The Atego 1725 fire fighting truck is the perfect match for organisations striving to achieve total quality in fire protection solutions as it is equipped with a strong and robust 6.4 liter inline, six cylinder Mercedes-Benz engine that produces 245hp ensuring excellent performance, complies with Euro 3 emission standards ensuring a low level emission of pollutants and low fuel consumption. The dashboard of the vehicle supports economical driving by featuring a real time indicator for fuel consumption as well as an econometer, which indicates the most appropriate engine speed in every operating situation.

    Extremely hazardous fires require top-level skills and innovative agents. Twin-Agent Fire Suppression Systems provide proven technology to fight large flammable liquid and gas fires. This main capability distinguishes the Atego 1725 fire fighting truck from others in its category – combining dry chemical agents for rapid flame knock down and Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) for securing the fire area. Available with Class BC dry chemicals (Purple K or sodium bicarbonate) and your choice of 3 per cent or 6 per cent AFFF concentrate.

  • Dangers of distraction in driving

    The increasing rate of road accidents resulting from distraction is becoming more worrisome in Nigeria thereby calling for more intensive driver education and traffic law enforcement to prevent further loss of lives on Nigeria roads.

    Distraction is any act that takes a driver’s or rider’s attention away from the path of travel for more than one or two seconds depending on the condition of the road, traffic and speed.

    The agents or causes of distraction include the following:

    • The use of mobile phone:- Receiving phone calls, making phone calls, reading text messages, sending text messages, searching for phone numbers, reading or sending social media messages while driving constitutes distraction whether you are using a hands-free device or not.

    These acts have become too common now, calling for strict and unbiased enforcement of the relevant traffic regulations by officers of the Federal Road Safety Commission and the State Government/FCT Traffic Management Agencies nationwide.

    • Reading:-Reading of newspaper, street map, navigator or book whether the traffic is heavy or light, amounts to distraction.
    • Searching:– Searching for house address, vehicles or other facilities while driving is another form of dangerous distraction.
    • Toddling with musical gadgets:– Changing CDs, Radio stations adjusting mp3 music channels and allied activities constitute distraction.
    • Gazing:- Some drivers are fond of looking at the opposite sex and road side events forgetting the complex nature of driving.
    • In-car discussion, argument or quarelling:- Some drivers are sometimes distracted into engaging in hot arguments or quarrel with passengers or bystanders. This also reduces the level of concentration on driving.
    • Children and pets:- Keeping children and pets in the vehicle without anyone to put them in check could cause a dangerous distraction.
    • Uncleanliness:- Not keeping the interior of the car clean could attract cockroaches, ants and other insects which could cause distractions while driving.

    The results of distraction include:

    • Inadequate attention on the path of travel.
    • Inadequate and delayed information gathering, visual and hazard perception.

     

     

    1. Unsafe reaction to emergencies.
    2. Lane indiscipline.
    3. Erratic interpretation of information and wrong judgment.
    4. Improperly coordinated driving and braking.
    5. Prone to driving errors and crashes.

    Consequent upon the dangers of every form of distraction, I use this medium to appeal to all categories of Drivers and vehicle Owners to avoid all acts of distraction to save their lives and the lives of other road users.

     

     

  • Hyundai to launch nine models

    Hyundai is planning a major product offensive with the launch of nine models, including an electric vehicle, over the next three years.

    The launches will include two face lifts, two new segment vehicles, four full model changes and an electric vehicle from 2018 to 2020.

    The two new segment models include a much-awaited small car positioned between the Eon and Grand i10 to be launched this year, and a sub-4 m compact Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) during the first half of next year.

    Hyundai Motor India Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Y K Koo said: “The small car will be a contemporary, family-oriented car. We are yet to finalise the name though there is a strong suggestion to name it Santro.”

    This year, there will be two face lifts, of which one (new 2019 Elite i20) has already been launched at Auto Expo and another will happen before June. Electric vehicles are also part of Hyundai India’s agenda and it is contemplating introducing an electric model  next year.

    It is also analysing whether to introduce an electric sedan or SUV. The company showcased its electric sedan Ioniq in the Auto Expo 2018 and electric SUV Kona at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month.