The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Kia showcases SP concept

    Kia showcases SP concept

    Kia has unveiled the new SP Concept.

    The SP Concept provides a glimpse of what is in store for motoring enthusiasts once Kia kicks off retail sales in the second half of 2019. Inspired by Indian heritage and driven by advanced technology, the SP Concept is proof of the company’s plans to introduce cars that cater to the changing paradigm of the market in the near future.

    The futuristic SUV, with its bold style and Kia’s unique design DNA, is geared to satisfy young consumers who seek the perfect combination of sophisticated beauty, breakthrough technology and high functionality. The combination of its wide and stable stance, sporty and long hood profile and futuristic details will no doubt set new standards for compact SUVs.

    The SP Concept’s robust front mask combines a bold formative design with Kia’s unique and hallmark ‘Tiger nose’ grille and many more futuristic details. Be it, the lamp design that meets slim graphics and functionality through a top and bottom headlamp connected to a wide front grille, the Daytime Running lamp in high-tech graphics and positioning lamps leading to the inside of the ‘Tiger Nose’ grille, helps produce differentiated images during the day / night.

    The sleek interior design of SP Concept marries an advanced sensual style and dynamic sensibility at its core with a differentiated layout that enhances convenience. Eye-catching, high-tech elements and modern and trendy cabin design make the interior of the SP Concept an oasis for young trend-setters.

    Kia Motors Corporation Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer described SUVs as the vehicle-of-choice for auto lovers.

    “Combining the comfort and space of a sedan with the ability to tackle all kinds of terrain, we intend to storm the market with SUV that will set new parameters in the motoring industry. It’s still a concept – so it’s a little bit exaggerated – but the actual production car will be very close to what you see at Indian AutoExpo 2018.”

    Kia Motors India (KMI) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kookhyun Shim said: “Kia Motors is delighted to enter India, which is all set to catapult into the world’s fifth largest economy this year.  We at KMI are thrilled to start operations at such a favourable time, and additional forecasts predict that India will be amongst the world’s largest car markets in a few years. We are here in India to be part of that success story, which has been put into motion by progressive government policies and decision making. And we are here to win trust and hearts of the people, while providing the country with stylish and differentiated motoring options.

    Kia’s long-term objective being to replicate the success has come to be associated with the world over and, as we say at Kia, ensure that, ‘The Power to Surprise’ is reflected in everything that we do in India.”

  • Mercedes-Benz makes record 193,000 sales

    Daimler AG last Tuesday reported January sales of over 190,000 units in the Mercedes-Benz Passenger cars segment, making it the most successful start to a year in the company’s history.

    With this new sales record which also represents a growth of 8.4 per cent, Mercedes-Benz started the year  as successfully as it concluded the year 2017 and has defended its position as the bestselling premium brand with the most new registrations.

    Recalling with unmixed delight, Britta Seeger, a member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales said: “With more than 193,000 Mercedes-Benz cars sold in January, we achieved the most successful start to a year in the company’s history. And with the presentation of the new G-Class, we had an emotional start to the New Year.

    “I am delighted that we are setting standards not only with our unit sales, but also for example with the new smart configurator with real-time 3D car visualisation. In this way, we are offering our customers an innovative platform upon which they can configure their future car.”

    According to Daimler, demand for the SUVs from Mercedes-Benz was as high as ever at the beginning of the year. With an increase of 9.9 per cent, a new record was set of 71,409 units sold. The GLC, GLC Coupé and G-Class all set new records for unit sales. The new G-Class had its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. Mercedes-Benz has so far delivered a total of five million SUVs to its customers, including two million of the GLE and its predecessor, the M-Class.

    The new S-Class Saloon achieved a 25.3 per cent sales increase to 8,130 units in January. The S-Class Saloon was particularly popular in its biggest markets, China and the USA, achieving significant sales growth in both markets. The new S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet models were launched in Europe in January.

    Last month, Mercedes-Benz delivered 33,063 of the E-Class Saloon and Estate models to our customers. This represents a 10.4 per cent increase in unit sales and is a new record for a January. Mercedes-Benz has already sold more than 500,000 units of the new generation of the  car.

    Reacting to the news, Mr. Mirko Plath, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Weststar Associates Limited, the authorised General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, said Mercedes-Benz has indeed defended its position as the bestselling premium brand.

    With these new deliveries, Plath noted that Mercedes-Benz made its best start to a year of all time, thus continuing seamlessly from its seventh consecutive record-setting year in 2017.

    “We are proud to represent the Mercedes-Benz brand in Nigeria and have planned for the year 2018, some exciting products as already being announced within past few weeks,” he said.

  • PAN unveils Peugeot 3008 SUV

    PAN unveils Peugeot 3008 SUV

    Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Limited has unveiled the latest Peugeot 3008 Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).

    The event held at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    According to PAN Chairman, Alhaji Munir J’aafar, the introduction of Peugeot 3008 SUV was in response to the yearnings of car lovers.

    The launch came as stakeholders in the auto assembly hailed what they called a revamping of  PAN, an household name in the country’s auto market.

    J’aafar hailed PAN’s strides in the market.

    “Reflecting on the recent progresses within the last five years, we have responded to the taste of our customers. We have succeeded largely and progressively growing market shares. We are expanding our frontiers in the local market and our aspiration is to deliver leadership in auto sales in Nigeria,” he said.

    PAN Managing Director Alhaji Ibrahim Boyi, who explained the safety and security features of the new SUV, said it is equipped with all the trappings of a luxury, safety, comfort and technology.It will be competitively-priced. compared to competition.

    According to him, 3008 SUV has seen a significant upgrade on the design front, compared to its predecessor.

    Boyi said: “It’s sleek exterior, futuristic cabin and several unorthodox features take it on a journey to explore unchartered territories of the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment.

    “The vehicle is lighter, yet more agile and responsive than previous generation model. This further disproves the common notion that higher displaced engines are more suitable for SUVs.

    “Apart from its distinctive style, it represents the brand’s move towards improving efficiency while delivering an even greater power output compared to previous models,” he added.

    Former Lagos State Deputy Governor Otunba Femi Pedro, who chaired the event, said he was delighted with the revival of PAN. He described PAN as a great company.

    Pedro said it was a wise business decision to launch the car in Lagos as over 35 per cent of auto sales in Nigeria come from Lagos.

    “I feel highly honoured and delighted to witness the revival of a great company. To see this company coming back to life is a source of joy,” he said.

    Pedro expressed optimism that the recently passed Automotive Development Bill would revolutionise the industry and increase people’s capacity to purchase brand new cars.

  • Aircraft standards and road safety

    Some years back, there were plane crashes in Nigeria with highly devastating effects on families and the nation.

    These incidents led the Federal Government to enforce the standardisation of airline operation, particularly calling for the phasing out of very old or substandard aircrafts in the country. Between then and now, Nigeria has not witnessed serious plane crashes except near crashes.

    It is, however, disheartening that the Federal Government has again become complacent in the regulation or enforcement of standards in the airline industry. I recently boarded an aircraft and the interior was not better than the olden day’s luxury bus (or glorified molue bus).

    Apart from the tattered body (interior) and seat leather, the leg room was so tight that a flight of just1hour can lead to joint and back pains.

    Immediately I entered the aircraft, I wiped my face to be sure I was not in the dream and I also looked through the side glass to see the airport environment to assure myself that I was neither in a luxury, not a molue bus. I then proceeded to pray for journey mercy. The sound of the aircraft at take-off was not the sound I’m used to of standard aircraft.

    Similarly, many of the luxury and smaller buses owned by the transport companies and some  transporters are more or less moving caskets. It is time for our government officials to pay attention to details to ensure the safety of the lives of the citizens they sworn an oath to protect.

    Considering the harsh economic situation, we cannot so much blame the airline operators or the road transport operators. Without doubt, there is a great mismatch between the cost of operation and income of the air and road transport operators. So many of them are making losses and struggling to survive while some have packed off.

    Consequent upon the fact that a large percentage of Nigerians travel by air and road, there is a need for the federal, state and local governments to get more interested in measures that can be taken to provide financial and institutional supports to the airlines and road transport operators. These proactive actions will go a long way to prevent air and road disasters with the resultant loss of lives in the country.

    The President, governors and officers of the relevant ministries, departments and agencies must not fold their arms watching the degeneration in the air and land transportation. They must not wait till more devastating disasters occur before waking up to the challenges again as it happened in the past. A stitch in time they say, saves nine.

    I would like to also suggest that the Federal Government should organise a meeting with the airlines and the major land transport operators to assess the situation, identify the challenges and take proactive actions to forestall the imminent disasters and further loss of lives in the sectors.

  • Kia makes Indian debut at auto expo

    Kia Motors India (KMI) will make its Indian market debut at the Auto Expo 2018 in New Delhi with a new concept car.

    Kia will unveil the SP Concept at the New Delhi Motor Show on Wednesday alongside a showcase of 16 of the brand’s global models.

    Inspired by Indian heritage and driven by advanced technology, the Kia SP Concept hints at the company’s plans to introduce a new SUV to the Indian market in future. Bold and stylish, the SP Concept combines sophisticated beauty, breakthrough technology, and high functionality in a small SUV form.

    Alongside the global debut for the SP Concept, Kia will showcase its global range of cars at Auto Expo. Kia will exhibit its wide range of electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and a range of other cars – including the exciting new Stinger sports sedan. The compnany is looking to replicate its global success in India, the world’s fastest growing car market.

    President of Kia Motors Corporation Han-Woo Park said: “All of us at Kia Motors are extremely proud to take our first steps into one of world’s largest automotive markets. And we are here to build more than just great cars. We aim to set a new standard in the Indian auto industry by providing consumers with world-class products and services, while engaging with and giving back to the local community.”

    Kia’s award-winning products are now among the most popular cars on sale across the world today, gaining praise for attractive design, high-tech features, and reliability. The company’s distinctive design identity, including its hallmark ‘tiger-nose’ grille, runs through the brand’s entire vehicle line-up, making the brand’s cars immediately recognisable all over the world.

     

  • Porsche Studio opens in Beirut

    Porsche Studio opens in Beirut

    Porsche is strengthening its presence in the Middle East by opening a Porsche Studio in Beirut, the first for the region.

    Similar to “Porsche on Sylt” and the “Porsche Studio Guangzhou”, the new site in the Lebanese capital adopts an innovative sales format, which enables the sports car manufacturer to interact with a wide spectrum of target groups.

    Located in the city centre, the new premises offer visitors an immersive brand experience, which highlights a range of the brand’s services. A special feature is the runway staging area – reminiscent of a catwalk at a fashion show – and LED screen, which plays visual content depicting various sports cars in real-world scenarios. Special sound and fragrance elements create an experience that appeals to all senses.

    Detlev von Platen, a member of Executive Board responsible for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG, said: “The capital city of Beirut, as the economic and cultural centre of the country, is particularly attractive as a location for a Porsche Studio. The new sales concept is an important instrument for further increasing the attractiveness of the brand and reaching new fans and customers, especially in growth markets.”

    Read Also: Kia makes Indian debut at auto expo

    Porsche Studio Beirut is centrally located in the Solidere shopping district, covering an area of over 309 square metres and providing the brand with a strong presence in the immediate vicinity of its current and prospective customers. The entire range of vehicles is available for test drives upon request. If a visitor is interested in making a purchase, their vehicle of choice can be customised on-site in the Trimming and Configuration Labs, with further tailoring possibilities from Exclusive Manufaktur. The Porsche Studio works closely with the existing Porsche Centre in Beirut, making it possible to purchase vehicles directly on site.

    Chief Executive Officer of Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE, Deesch Papke said: “Porsche Studio Beirut offers a truly welcoming and engaging environment for customers, enthusiasts and the public to interact with our brand. The wide variety of digital touchpoints integrated into the space enable all visitors to learn more about the heritage of Porsche and the infinite possibilities available to them when configuring their very own sports car. It is certainly a must-visit destination that appeals to all senses and I would like to congratulate our long-standing partner Porsche Lebanon SAL on the completion of this well executed project.”

    Guests attending the Porsche Studio opening in Beirut were also treated to a showcase of the third generation Cayenne. A completely new development, Porsche’s flagship SUV is closer to its racetrack roots and offers greater versatility and more performance than ever before. Powerful turbocharged engines, enhanced chassis systems, a range of off-road modes and a sharper design underpin the model’s credentials as a true sports car in its segment. Additional enhancements to the latest generation also include intelligent assistance systems and more connectivity features aimed at offering improved driver and passenger comfort.

    The Cayenne S, which was displayed on the Porsche Studio Beirut runway, is powered by a 2.9-litre, biturbo-charged V6 engine with 440 hp (an increase of 20 hp) and 550 Nm of torque. It reaches 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds (4.9 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package) and boasts a top speed of 265 km/h.

  • Driver recruitment and management

    Drivers are among the most critical and vital workers in any organisation.

    They are most often the closest to their principals even more than their wives or husbands as the case may be.

    They more often know the secrets that even the spouses and children of their principals do not know. Drivers have many opportunities to terminate the lives of their principals at will.There have been reports of drivers who arranged the robbery, kidnap or killing of their principals.

    Why on earth then should anyone or any organisation employ or engage the service of a driver without due diligence or background checks?

    Sometimes ago, the Human Resources Manager of a company spoke with me that my organisation should help them recruit drivers, I told him “NO’’. When he requested to know the reason, I told him that the process I would like to go through before recruiting each driver will cost money which they won’t be willing to pay.

    We stopped the conversation at that point and he opted for the usual method. His experience with two of the drivers almost cost him his job in less than three months after their recruitment.

    Consequent upon the sensitive and critical nature of a driver’s job, it behoves on every employer to carry out a comprehensive background security checks; know the driver’s place of birth and engage his parents or close relations; Investigate his lifestyle in at least one of schools he attended lately; the last house he lived; the last place he worked; investigate to know if he had any criminal record in the past; investigate his health status before he starts the job and know his history of alcohol or drug use.

    Right from the first day of his resumption of the driving job, a result-oriented monitoring must be embarked upon to determine his need, attitude, taste or lifestyle, trend of his conversation and looks, his truthfulness, diligence, faithfulness in the handling of money particularly in the areas of fuelling and maintenance of the vehicle.

    There are several other pre-recruitment and on the job investigations and monitoring that must be embarked upon to prevent the atrocities being perpetrated by some drivers against their employers and/or principals. Motivation and discipline (carrot and stick approach) should be appropriately used to prevent counter-productive consequences.

    I want to reiterate here that driving is the most complex job of all the professions in the whole world. It is the only job that requires the simultaneous use of the highest number of body organs in a continuously changing environment.

    Drivers, therefore, must not be used or treated as animals or slaves.

    Efficient and effective management of drivers will go a long way to get the best out of them for the safety of lives and valuable properties.

    If employers or supervisors of drivers don’t do the needful, some drivers will outsmart them and cause the organisations great losses.

    In addition, all employers of drivers must make sure they are subjected to relevant and comprehensive capacity building training programmes{Theory and Practical} in Standard Professional Driving Schools before commencing the driving job. There should also be regular on the job refresher training for the Drivers as well to enable them meet up the changes in vehicle technology and traffic regulations, among others.

     

  • Coscharis presents Ford Ranger to Titan winner

    Coscharis presents Ford Ranger to Titan winner

    Ford Motor Company, in collaboration with its local distributor Coscharis Motors, has presented a Ford Ranger to Iyeh Kennedy, winner of the Next Titan, Season 4. The winner was announced last December 10.

    Coscharis Motors General Manager Marketing Abiona Babarinde congratulated Kennedy on his achievement, saying: “We are proud to be a sponsor of the Next Titan, and to hand over a Ford Ranger to the winner, to support his existing business.”

    The 2.2-litre diesel XLT model 4×4 double cab is worth N16 million.

    The Next Titan, the fourth season of which premiered last October, is a global standard television platform designed to educate young Nigerians about entrepreneurship, encouraging them to consider this as a career path, and helping to reduce the high rate of unemployment.

    Sixteen participants, between 21 and 39, challenged one another for 10 weeks in various business tasks, including strategy, sales, marketing, and promotions. During the competition, participants and viewers had the opportunity to interpret real-life entrepreneurial challenges through informal training, and to learn from top business leaders how to start or grow their own businesses.

    “Coscharis Motors is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with young, talented Nigerian entrepreneurs, and assist with their business objectives. We will continue to work together with Ford, to build on skills development and training in the country, not just in the automotive industry, but across the board,” Babarinde said.

  • Mercedes A-Class set for Feb debut

    Mercedes A-Class set for Feb debut

    The next Mercedes A-Class will be unveiled on February 2 in Amsterdam, Netherland.

    The announcement was accompanied by a new teaser image.

    Mercedes is looking to shake up the small premium car market when the new A-Class goes on sale later this year with a fresh, bold design that features a hi-tech interior packed with next-generation technology.

    Daimler’s Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener said the A-Class “has the potential to usher in a new design era” for Mercedes, signalling that much of the new tech is likely to find its way into other Mercedes models in the future.

    Mercedes has released details about the A-Class’ new infotainment system, which is set to feature artificial intelligence (AI) among other hi-tech features.

    The new infotainment system will operate across two large display screens. One of these replaces traditional binnacle dials, while the other is placed right next to it, producing what Mercedes calls a ‘widescreen cockpit’. Three versions of this setup will be available; two seven-inch displays, a combination of seven and 10.25-inch displays, or two 10.25-inch displays. It’s likely that similar combinations will eventually become available across the Mercedes range. Interestingly, these screens don’t feature a traditional cowl.

    Mercedes has done away with its rotary infotainment controller and has made the central screen touch-sensitive instead. There is a touchpad where the rotary dial would have been, however, and this can be used to navigate the system. The A-Class will get this technology first, but you can expect to see it reach other Mercedes cars in the future.

    Voice recognition is also set to take a major role in the interior of the new A-Class. Much like similar systems on mobile phones, the car can be readied to receive commands by saying a set phrase – in this case, ‘Hey Mercedes’. The car’s AI means it’ll learn your habits to further improve the experience.

    The dashboard is modern, sleek and simple, with a focus on quality materials like open-pore wood trim and brushed metal. Its wraparound design is particularly striking, as are its jet-engine-like vents and ambient lighting system.

    Mercedes said the 12 colours selectable in the old car have grown to 64, while the whole system will be more sophisticated in general, making for “an avantgarde lighting display with spectacular colour changes” and using energy-saving LED lights.

    Improved seats will also feature, with three front-seat options, including basic and comfort versions, along with a sportier option with integrated headrests. Most importantly, the A-Class will be bigger inside than before, with more elbow, shoulder and headroom for front and rear occupants. Boot space has increased to 370 litres (29 litres more than the old car), and there’s a 10 per cent improvement in all-round visibility, too.

    The mainstay of 2018 Mercedes A-Class range will continue to be a hatchback, but it’ll be joined by the A-Class saloon, which was previewed with the firm’s Concept A vision earlier this year.

    The new A-Class has adopted a fresh new look for 2018. The changes from the old car are numerous, but new, more angular headlights and a longer body are the most obvious differences. As per today’s car, the A-Class hatchback will be five-door only, reflecting increased global demand for cars with rear doors over sportier three-door models.

     

  • Ford to produce driverless police car

    A patent filed by Ford that was recently published has revealed plans by the automobile manufacturer to build driverless police cars.

    With all the hype surrounding driverless Ubers and taxis, it appears a downside of the technology is now rearing its ugly head. The patent shows a police car driving close to a regular vehicle and wirelessly transmitting speeding fines to the driver.

    New electric car could charge fully in just one minute.

    Once alerted, drivers will be asked to send a picture of their license to confirm the ticket goes to the right person, much like a human police officer asking once they’ve pulled you over. Strangely, it does not sound all that safe to be taking pictures and messaging while driving.

    Ford’s proposed driverless cop car will even be capable of high-speed pursuits. Although no one is in the car to take action, the driverless vehicle will be able to communicate with speed cameras and other police nearby while it monitors the offender.

    Automated vehicle owners should be unaffected by the police cars as their speed limits are internally set. The patent was filed in 2016 and has now been published.

    Ford’s driverless police car would be able to communicate with red light cameras, speeding cameras and offending drivers. Ford

    Ford is no stranger to pushing the limits. In November, the company announced it would fit workers with an exoskeleton to prevent injury through repetitive action. The futuristic workwear is the result of a partnership between Ford and Esko Bionics.

    The “EksoVest” can be worn by workers between five feet and 6 feet 4. It will add a maximum of 15 pounds of strength to each arm. It will be tested in two plants in the United States, before moving to sites in Europe and South America.

    Ford Michigan plant worker Paul Collins said there was a genuine need for the equipment. “When I get home my back, neck and shoulders usually hurt,” Collins said. “Since I started using the vest, I’m not as sore, and I have more energy to play with my grandsons when I got home.”

    The car company also announced plans for a trucker cap that can help keep drivers awake on long hauls. The heavy-truck division of Ford Brazil made the “Safe Cap” so truck drivers could be told to take a rest and potentially prevent serious crashes. Ford loaded the hat with an accelerometer and gyroscope to sense when the driver’s head starts to nod off.

    Smart cap wearers are woken up by a combination of the hat vibrating, creating sounds and flashing lights. Ford has spent eight months testing the hat on several drivers. Safe Cap is a partnership project with Sao Paulo-based creative company GTB.