The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Four dos for road safety

    The high rate of road traffic crashes and fatalities in Nigeria is becoming more worrisome, calling for more proactive measures. The number of accidents and deaths recorded within last December is more disheartening.

    The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), state government agencies and the Association of Driving Instructors of Nigeria (a coalition of driving schools) are trying their best to address the situation but a lot still needs to be done and urgently too.

    In this article, I want to mention four critical areas the government, organisations and well-meaning individuals should pay attention to as a matter of urgency to reduce the carnage on Nigeria road.

    Compulsory pre-licence training and post-licence refresher training

    According to the workflow designed by the FRSC and the state government agencies in Nigeria, the starting point for anyone who wants to obtain fresh driver licence is to attend the mandatory theory and practical lessons in accredited driving schools after which they will be issued with the certificate and then presented to the Vechicle Inspection Officers (V. I. Os) for tests.

    It is, however, worrisome that quite a large number of Nigerians are not showing interest in attending driving schools for the requisite training. They see it as a waste of time forgetting that the safety of irreparable lives and valuable properties is involved. They often bypass the training in connivance with some corrupt government officials at the driver licence centres and some gluttonous driving school operators. This is a very dangerous compromise which the governments and their agencies must urgently take steps to address.

    Mandatory pre-licence tests and refresher training

    As it is in Nigeria today, virtually all the people that are getting the driver licence are not subjected to standard theory and practical tests as it obtains in other countries having low rates of road accidents and deaths.

    There is, therefore, an urgent need for structured pre – licence theory and practical tests. This will encourage Nigerians to go accredited driving schools for quality theory and practical trainings which will enable them pass the pre – licence tests and also drive safely on the roads.

    In the same vein, there is a need for holders of driver licence to be subjected to pre – third licence renewal refresher training at accredited driving schools to bridge their knowledge gap because most of them got their driver licence without the requisite theory and practical training.

    Furthermore, their age or level of fitness is changing, vehicle technology with vehicle dynamics is changing and the road traffic regulations are also changing. There is a need to be regularly updated for safe driving in all situations.

    CCTV cameras at black spots and other areas

    There is a need for the relevant government ministries, departments and agencies to urgently install cameras at strategic locations to boost the arrest of traffic offenders. This will also caution the road users to be more safety-conscious.

    Uncompromised road traffic law enforcement and prosecution

    Thorough and unbiased enforcement of traffic regulations with appropriate prosecution and penalties will serve as a deterrent to committing traffic offences in the country.

    For Nigeria to experience drastic reduction in the rate of road traffic crashes and fatalities, drastic actions must be taking urgently as suggested in this article. A stitch in time saves nine.

  • Volkswagen partners Aurora for self-driving cars

    Volkswagen AGVLKAY announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Aurora Innovation at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, United States.

    The collaboration intends to introduce self-driving electric vehicles as Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) fleets in cities.

    Started in 2016, Aurora Innovation is a leading self-driving technology company offering software and hardware for development of autonomous cars.

    Experts from both the companies have been functioning together for the last six months to incorporate Aurora’s sensors, hardware and software such as, machine learning and AI technology in Volkswagen’s vehicles to develop self-driving vehicles.

    This recent development is in sync with Volkswagen’s Together – Strategy 2025 under which, it aims to introduce highly automated self-driving systems in the market by 2021.

    The company’s association with Aurora will provide a significant contribution to its mission of becoming a leading provider of sustainable mobility with self-driving vehicles. The company also aims to develop new MaaS solutions with high safety standards, top user experience and digital intelligence for its customers.

    Last September, Volkswagen announced its plan to unveil a number of autonomous Level five electric cars, vans and trucks by 2021.

    Volkswagen apart, Aurora Innovations has partnered South Korean automaker, Hyundai Motor Company HYMLF.

    Under this partnership, the former will provide its self-driving technologies for the latter’s custom-developed models.

  • Nissan working on car to read drivers’ minds

    Car giant Nissan has revealed technology that could help cars of the future read the minds of drivers and speed up vehicle reactions.

    The Japanese firm has announced the first details of research into what it is calling Brain-to-Vehicle (B2V) technology, which uses brainwave-reading tech to spot signals related to movement – such as turning the wheel or pressing a pedal.

    Nissan said being able to predict such events and applying it to driver assistance tools will speed up reaction times and improve manual driving.

    Nissan Executive Vice-President Daniele Schillaci said: “When most people think about autonomous driving, they have a very impersonal vision of the future, where humans relinquish control to the machines.

    “Yet, B2V technology does the opposite, by using signals from their own brain to make the drive even more exciting and enjoyable.”

    Nissan said the technology will use a special headset worn by the driver to monitor brain signs, and can also be used if and when a car is in autonomous mode – changing in-car comfort settings if it senses discomfort.

    The firm added that its technology has the ability to enable a car to take action between 0.2 and 0.5 seconds faster once it detects intended movement from the driver.

  • Award galore for Coscharis brands

    A Coscharis group, the nation’s conglomerate that plays in diverse sectors of the economy – automobile, information technology, logistics, beverages, agro-allied amongst others,  has cause to celebrate ending the challenging year with recognitions in terms of various awards across their business interest.

    Coscharis was recognised with the award as one of the top 50 brands in Nigeria based on Brand Strength Measurement and BSM index.

    The Ford Ranger which is now assembled at the Coscharis Motor Assembly in Nigeria, also won the Auto Brand of the Year at the Marketing World Awards held in Ghana.

    To cap it up, Coscharis carted home three awards at the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) Awards held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.

    Ford Explorer as the SUV of the Year, Range Rover Vogue as the Luxury SUV of the Year and the Coscharis multi brand showroom in Awoyaya, Lagos as the Showroom of the Year.

    Commenting on all these recognitions by various bodies, Coscharis Group President/CEO Dr. Cosmas Maduka said ending an eventful and challenging business year with all these awards couldn’t have come at a better time than now in a glorious way.

    He said: ‘’These awards while stiffly competed for, they are attestations to the organisation’s drive to continually deliver value for money and remain timeless in its relevance at all times even despite all the business challenges in the year 2017 which we as an entity was able to turn to opportunities to remain the market leaders in the auto industry and new kid on the block to watch in the agro-allied sector with our Coscharis Farms already producing tons of rice for the citizenry’’.

    He dedicated the awards to the ever loyal customers and the committed service delivery of the Coscharis team across the group.

    ‘’This achievement is only feasible because of our loyal customers who believe in us and the entire Coscharis team’s commitment towards delivering premium products and services to continually delight our customers at all times to remain at the top’’.

    Dr Maduka said the Coscharis brand across the sectors will strive to double the result achieved in 2017 by the year 2018 to remain the game changer and market leader.

  • Ford F-Series sales may reach 900,000

    Ford F-Series sales may reach 900,000

    The Ford’s F-Series full-sized pickup line, led by the F-150, could post sales of 900,000 units this year.

    After decades as the top-selling vehicle in the United States, it will keep that crown with ease.

    F-Series sales through November were 807,379, or about 73,000 a month. December is expected to be the best auto sales month of the year. Ford is pushing sales of its 2017 model year vehicles hard as it tries to clear lots for 2018 models. One of the sales incentives for the F-150 is very aggressive zero per cent APR financing for 72 months. Car companies rarely give these incentives for periods of longer than six years, so the press for F-150 sales is a particularly attractive hook to bring in year-end buyers.

    Ford needs the F-150 to continue to do well in the final month of the year.

    Through November, its sales are up 10.1 per cent from the same 11 months of last year. F-150 sales will be over a third of Ford’s total sales this year. Few car manufacturers rely so heavily on one product to bolster sales. Ford’s overall sales for 2017 through November were 2,334,290, a drop of 1.1 per cent. Ford’s total sales number is expected to drop in December, compared to December 2016.

    The vehicles behind the F-150 in terms of total annual sales are also full-sized pickups, which show how important the segment is to the industry. General Motors Co.’s Chevy Silverado should reach sales of 560,000. While that will put it in second place among U.S. vehicle sales, it is still well behind its Ford competition. The Dodge Ram from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles should take third place with sales close to 500,000.

    Last year, the F-150 celebrated its 40th year as America’s top-selling vehicle. It will make that 41 years in a row in 2017.

  • Toyota sets 2030 electric sales target

    Toyota sets 2030 electric sales target

    Toyota Motor Corporation has said it plans to sell more than 5.5 million electrified vehicles by 2030.

    Toyota’s electrified vehicle strategy centres on a significant acceleration in the development and launch plans of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

    The auto giant has been working toward creating ever-better cars and an ever-better society under the thinking of contributing to a sustainable society and creating mobility that brings smiles to customers.

    Addressing environmental challenges, such as global warming, air pollution, and limited natural resources and energy supply are of utmost importance to Toyota.

    By around 2030, Toyota aims to have sales of more than 5.5 million electrified vehicles, including more than one million zero-emission vehicles (BEVs, FCEVs).

    Additionally, by around 2025, every model in the Toyota and Lexus line-up around the world will be available either as a dedicated electrified model or have an electrified option. This will be achieved by increasing the number of dedicated HEV, PHEV, BEV, and FCEV models and by generalising the availability of HEV, PHEV and/or BEV options to all its models.

    As a result, the number of models developed without an electrified version will be zero.

    Toyota will accelerate the popularisation of BEVs with more than 10 BEV models to be available worldwide by the early 2020s, starting in China, before entering other markets-the gradual introduction to Japan, India, United States and Europe is expected.

    The FCEV line-up will be expanded for both passenger and commercial vehicles in the 2020s.

    The HEV line-up will also grow, thanks to the further development of the Toyota Hybrid System II (featured in the current-generation Prius and other models); the introduction of a more powerful version in some models; and the development of simpler hybrid systems in select models, as appropriate, to meet various customer needs.

    Batteries are a core technology of electrified vehicles and generally present limitations relating to energy density, weight/packaging, and cost.

    Furthermore, Toyota aims to focus on the development of a social infrastructure conducive to the widespread adoption of electrified vehicles.

  • Nissan unveils Leaf GT electric car image

    Nissan unveils Leaf GT electric car image

    Despite introducing a significant design with the 2018 Leaf, Nissan has shown interest in the launch of new sporty versions of its electric car.

    They have now released the first image of a new Leaf GT electric car concept to be unveiled at the 2018 Tokyo Auto Salon next month.

    This grand touring concept of the new Nissan LEAF is coming right after the Japanese automaker unveiled Leaf with a Nismo upgrade.

    Those concepts haven’t amounted to much so far. They unveiled the Leaf Nismo RC concept in 2011 and not much came of it – though Nissan released a special-edition ‘Leaf Aero Style’ just for the Japanese market that was inspired by Nismo.

    But after unveiling the new Leaf in September, Nissan design chief Alfonso Albaisa said last month that they were considering launching performance versions.

    And now we get to see two new concepts: the new Leaf GT and the Leaf Nismo:

    Nissan will also display 15 exciting models equipped with the latest custom and after-market parts at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2018, from January 12 to 14.

  • Why we introduced electric motorcycle, by Ogunsola

    Why we introduced electric motorcycle, by Ogunsola

    “There are some clear advantages to going electric: no need to visit the filling station, no oil, no exhaust, among others. These and many more are reasons we introduced Zero Electric Motorcycles – the FX and DS,” Chairman of AO & A/Zero Motorcycles Nig Ltd, Mr Olusegun Ogunsola, has said.

    According to him, there are a host of benefits experienced by owners of Zero Electric Motorcycles on a regular basis that are not as obvious.

    The Zero FX is an off road motorcycle while the DS are the street version.

    He said plans are on to start assembling the motorcycles in the country.

    “We have no doubt that the overall benefits of these motorcycles far outweigh any comparative fossil future models and would indeed help the our government, Lagos State in particular to achieve its desire of a safe and environmental friendly world class mega city,” Ogunsola said.

    Behind the design of each cutting edge model is a philosophy of elegant simplicity that keeps the weight of the motorcycle low, virtually eliminates all routine powertrain maintenance and yields stealthy acceleration. The result is an incredibly exhilarating ride and an ownership experience that appreciates mile after mile.

    As a premium brand, Zero designs each motorcycle with the sort of quality and integrity that inspires an exceptional riding experience. Beyond that, the upfront cost of a Zero is not what it appears to be when compared against its traditional internal combustion counterparts. Each mile ridden on a Zero is considerably less expensive, making it considerably more enjoyable, due to the elimination of routine powertrain maintenance and no gas expenses. As it turns out, when compared to other premium brands, a Zero starts saving the owner money on gas and maintenance from day one. In fact, over the life of their motorcycle, many Zero owners actually save more than they would have if they had purchased a comparable internal combustion model.

    All Zero motorcycles feature a direct drive, maintenance-free powertrain. As an incredibly efficient system, direct drive channels power directly from the motor to the rear wheel via a strong and silent, constant tension belt. Not only does direct drive minimise friction loss by eliminating clutches and gears, but it also helps eliminate the need for routine powertrain maintenance and reduces the weight of the motorcycle.

    The Zero FX features a fully modular power pack system. With slots for two power packs, one can operate the Zero FX with either one or both slots filled. The modules can be charged either on the motorcycle or elsewhere using optional accessories, giving you the ability to charge without a street-level outlet.

    Modules can be fully removed from the motorcycle and transported to charge anywhere.

    The motor in the Zero FX is configured to produce incredible torque and sits inside the lightest motorcycle in the line-up. The result is thrilling acceleration. Zero Motorcycles designed the Z-Force motor from the ground up to be compact, efficient and powerful. Completely air-cooled, the motor is designed to provide a fantastic riding experience minus the need for any regular maintenance. When slowing down, the motor generates electricity that is channelled back into the power pack to help extend ride times.

    At the core of the Zero FX lies the ultimate dirt bike frame that Zero engineered from the ground up and handcrafted using aircraft-grade aluminum. The resulting combination of lower weight and higher strength means more responsiveness. In the corners and off the line, this translates into greater acceleration. For added durability, each frame is shot-peened and anodized.

     

  • ‘Toyota still highest selling brand’

    Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL) still has the highest market share in the auto industry with 22 per cent as of the third quarter of the year, its Managing Director, Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo, has said.

    He spoke with reporters in Lagos on the performance of the auto industry in the third quarter of the year.

    Ade-Ojo predicted that the Toyota market share in Nigeria would rise to 24 per cent at the end of the year.

    He said Toyota Hilux, belonging to the pickup commercial segment of the auto market, contributed about 70 per cent of the about 1,900 units of vehicles sold by the TNL through its dealers between January and September this year.

    Other models he identified as top sellers were Toyota Hiace and Avensis.

    “This year, if you look at the ratio sale of vehicles, most sales were more of commercial vehicles. In 2018, we hope to see a bit of balancing with the recovery of passenger vehicles. This year, a lot of companies were very careful because of the economic recession. They buy vehicles that will help improve productivity of their business. As the economy improves, so will there be balancing of sales across the models and vehicle segments,” he said.

    According to the TNL boss, about 7,000 new vehicles were sold in the first nine months of the year, representing 48 per cent drop from the total figures of 14,500 units recorded in the same period last year.

    “As of the end of the third quarter of the year, the vehicle sales were 7,000 units compared to about 14,500 last year, which is a drop of about 48 per cent in sales.

    “From the importation point of view, there is a slight improvement because in the first quarter, we had about 90 per cent drop, but as of the third quarter, the drop had reduced to 62 per cent,” Ade-Ojo said.

    He attributed the fall in the sale and importation/assembly of new vehicles in the country in the last one year to economic recession; increase in the import duty from 22 per cent to 70 per cent; drop in the value of the naira against the United States dollar and other foreign currencies; and other foreign exchange-related issues.

    The Nigerian economy just exited recession after contracting for five consecutive quarters, with the Gross Domestic Product recording 0.55 per cent growth rate at the end of the second quarter of the year.

    Ade-Ojo said with the gradual restoration of the economy, the auto industry could grow by five per cent next year.

  • ‘Why we introduced Ace110 motorbike’

    Ace110 motorbike was developed with the sole aim of getting back Honda’s competitiveness in the domestic market space, Honda Manufacturing Nigeria Limited, has said.

    The motorbike was unveiled  at the company’s factory on Ota-Idiroko Road in Ogun State.

    Honda Manufacturing Nigeria Managing Director Katsuhiro Murooka, said with the introduction of Ace 110, many commercial motorcycle operators could afford to replace their old ‘worn-out’ Okada.

    Murooka said the new product was meant to support their business.

    The Chief Operating Officer, Global Motorcycle Operations at Honda, Noriaki Abe, said the company was expecting to sell 19 million motorcycles across the world in 2017.

    “We have the leading share of the global motorcycle market by an overwhelming margin; accounting for 35 per cent of all sales worldwide, in Africa, the story is different. We were late in entering the African market, and our products are felt by customers here to be comparatively expensive. Of a total 3.4 million motorcycles sold in Africa, sales of Honda stand at just 55,000. There is clearly substantial room for improvement,” he said.

    He added that the plan to substantially increase the share of Honda motorcycles in Nigeria and Africa informed the decision to introduce the ACE 110, which he noted as being affordable, high in quality, fuel efficient and low maintenance.

    Abe said: “Consequently, Honda very much regards Africa as a fast growing market, and understands it to be a vital market. And, from the perspective of population and the GDP, we see Nigeria as a key country.

    “We developed Ace110 (one-ten), as a strategic model targeted at the African market. It sells at a similar price to rival vehicles but, at the same time, it offers the enduring quality, class-leading fuel efficiency, and comfort that have become synonymous with Honda.

    “We believe it is the motorcycle that Nigerian customers have long been waiting for. Having completed the development of Ace110 (one-ten), Honda is currently in the process of developing a second and a third strategic motorcycle for Africa. It goes without saying that we are confident they will meet the expectations of our African customers.”

    The Director-General, National Automotive Design and Development Council, Mr. Jelani Aliyu, who was part of the ceremony, said Nigeria was fascinated by the progress of the Honda brand globally and expressed the country’s intention to work with the automaker to speed up the development of the automotive industry.

    The Sales Manager, Olawale Badejo, said the Ace110 motorcycle was a product of a three-year research development, adding, “It is a concept made in Nigeria coming after several years of painstaking research into what the Nigerian customer wants in a motorcycle.

    Apart from test drive of the new product, Badejo said adequate training had also been held for major motorcycle riders and mechanics for easy handling and maximum safety.

    He also gave the features of the motorbike such as the engine, seat, double spring rear suspension, passenger footstep, all front gear shift and its red & blue colour options.