The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Firm connects car owners with mechanics

    Mechville.com, an online platform dedicated to connecting car owners with auto technicians, has made a debut in Lagos.

    Already, over 50 certified auto technicians are on the platform, providing top-notch auto services to car owners that have signed on to the service at very competitive charges.

    Partboyz Auto Parts Limited, owners of Mechville.com, said plans are on to launch a mobile app for the service as well as expansion moves to other parts of the country. Its Managing Director,  Mr Olu Okusanya, said Mechville.com is fast becoming the first choice of discerning vehicle owners across the nooks and crannies of Lagos for its best service deals.

    “At Mechville.com, we make it easy and affordable to maintain your car by connecting you to the right professionals. With more than 50 automobile technicians across Nigeria, you can locate mechanics closest to you, call and ask for quotes to help you pick the best professional for your car repair,” Okusanya said.

    Disclosing that Mechvile.com works in three simple ways, the Partboyz Auto Parts boss said: “Mechville works in three simple steps. Simply log on to the site and describe what’s wrong with your car. Then choose a technician that is closest to you or that’s best suited for the job. Your car is fixed and you can rate and review the job done.”

    Okusanya maintained that Mechville.com has continued to grow its clientele because of the services provided by the technicians on the platform and the testimonials of satisfied customers.

    He said: “Mechville.com offers a win-win service as both our technicians and customers are daily expressing satisfaction at the values being provided by the platform. For the mechanics, who are specialised in broad areas of auto repairs and services, Mechville has been of immense benefit as customers find it easy to locate them for quick business. And for the car owners looking for urgent and immediate attention to their vehicles, all they just need to do is to log on to the platform to locate the nearest service provider to them.”

     

  • Toyota stages auto show in Abuja

    Toyota stages auto show in Abuja

    Toyota (Nigeria) Limited will play host to auto lovers at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja between November 21 and 23.

    According to Bukunola Ogunnusi, the Toyota Auto Show is an exhibition aimed at bringing the different models of the Toyota brand closer to the public.

    She said: “It is indeed a platform for customers to experience the wide range of vehicles from the Toyota range.

    “The exclusive auto show will showcase the beauty and elegance of the engineering mastery of Toyota craftsmanship imbued in all its models. Some of the vehicles that will be on display in the alluring environment are the new Coaster which has undergone a complete overhaul to reflect modern trends in engineering and design.  The Land cruiser and Avensis which have also received aesthetic touch-ups will be on exhibition. Also the Yaris, Corolla, Hilux; a workhorse described as “Beyond Tough” for its resilience and strength to take on any terrain.

    Lucky customers will be able to buy some of the vehicles on display at special discount during the three-day show.”

  • Manufacturers disagree with LCCI over imported vehicles’ prices

    Manufacturers disagree with LCCI over imported vehicles’ prices

    The Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) also known as automotive policy) has been described as the best thing to happen to the vehicle manufacturing sector since the early auto assembly plants were set up decades ago.

    Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA) said this while reacting to the claim by Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Director General Mr. Muda Yusuf, that the increase in prices of imported vehicles should be blamed on the auto policy.

    A statement by NAMA Executive Director Remi Olaofe, explained that NAIDP was introduced to reawaken the moribund assembly plants that were once operating at high capacity.

    This, he said, is to encourage major vehicle importers to attract their (foreign) Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to produce same in Nigeria.

    Olaofe argued that a simple market survey would confirm that as a direct consequence of the NAIDP, the prices of locally assembled vehicles are far lower than claimed by the LCCI DG.

    He said: “We were taken aback that a macro issue of the magnitude of prices of imported vehicles could be so narrowed to a single parameter like the National Auto Policy by a respected LCCI.

    “In coming up with the National Auto Policy, a number of issues were put into consideration with the pivot being to redirect the Nigerian economy from an over import dependent economy to a producing economy.

    “One of the greatest challenges facing the Nigerian economy has always been narrowed down to its overdependence on foreign goods with the attendant pressure on its foreign reserve and the exchange rate”.

    Olaofe said the initiatives are backed with incentives and disincentives to the local assemblers and Importers, respectively, which can come in form of variation of duties, tax holidays, and access to funds at cheaper interest rates, in favour of the former.

    Such incentives, he said, are not new, citing precedent with the textiles, furniture and food, sub-sectors, among many others, where policy makers went to the extent of placing some items of import on the “Not-Valid-for Foreign-Exchange-List”, in order to protect the local manufacturers.

  • KIA offers 10% discount

    Kia Motors Nigeria has rolled out special offer tagged Ember Surprise Promo to give customers 10 per cent discount on select models – Kia Rio 1.4Ltr EX Manual and Automatic, Picanto, and Soul.

    The promo is headlined by Kia Motors Nigeria ambassador, Peter Okoye, one of the duos of PSquare.

    Over the years now, Kia Motors Nigeria has offered a model range that has been known as the most affordable yet trendy cars in the country.

    In line with its promise to provide affordable best in class cars to the auto market, the company has presented an exclusive offer to make great savings on its made-in-Nigeria Kia cars.

    As the country’s leading Korean car manufacturer, Kia’s offering of these lucrative deals and discounts on the Picanto, Rio, and Soul was aimed at attracting customers in this season by giving them an opportunity to save big when they buy any of the models on promo.

    Customers gets as high as N810,000 discount in this season. The Kia Picanto boasts of N495,000 while Kia Rio 1.4Ltr EX Manual has N594,000 and 1.4Ltr LX and 1.4Ltr EX Automatic both have N765,000 and N810,000 discounts respectively.

    The Kia Rio is a well-built car with innovative engineering, fun to drive, and comforting interior.

    The Rio’s low, wide stance and short overhangs give it a strong, youthful identity all of its own. The Kia Rio comes with high efficiency and performance, low emissions and reduced fuel consumption, not to mention safety specifications of the highest order. The 10 per cent discount is applicable to 1.4L trim for both manual and automatic transmission.

    Also in the Ember promo, the enthusiasts of both the boxy but refined Kia Soul and Kia Picanto will enjoy the 10 per cent discount offer. Rooted in the funky urban DNA with its invigorated and refined sporty, SUV-like styling, the Soul presents a host of cutting-edge technologies and upgraded performance for an engaging ride. The Picanto petite yet head-turning on-road presence makes the entry-level segment car distinctive with a flawless synchronisation of refinement and functionality that will impress even the most discerning drivers.

    Kia Motors Nigeria Marketing Manager Jimoh Olawale, said: “There’s no longer a need to compromise on price when searching for that perfect combination of comfort, economy, and functionality, these exclusive deals on Rio, Picanto, and Soul will afford the customer to save more with the 10 per cent discount and yet drive an all-new Kia car that comes with five-year warranty. These offers are geared towards making life easy for customers with affordable vehicles, particularly during this economic challenges., KIA’s Ember Surprise Promo is to reassure the customers that their interest is always edged at the core values of the company.”

     

  • Excitement as Coscharis showcases BMW 5 Series

    Excitement as Coscharis showcases BMW 5 Series

    Auto lovers at BMW Club 2017 Bimmerfest were thrilled by the new BMW 5 Series.

    The car was brought to the event held at the Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island Lagos, by Coscharis Motors Plc in partnership with BMW Club Nigeria.

    It was aimed at celebrating BMW achievements and its enthusiasts across the country while highlighting BMW performance.

    Coscharis Group General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Abiona Babarinde, said the essence of the collaboration with the BMW Club Nigeria was to create an enabling environment for BMW owners and fans in Nigeria.

    “It is an avenue for the customers to be celebrated as proud owners of their favourite BMW automobile brand and share experiences amongst each other while Coscharis Motors, as the exclusive representative of BMW, gladly takes feedback towards effective resolution of any after sales setbacks overtime to further delight the customers for their continued loyalty,” Abiona said.

    One of the key highlights of the event was when Coscharis BMW National Sales Manager, Joseph Omokhapue, demonstrated some of the unique features in the new BMW 5 series.

    The car offers the driver unbeatable support – not only at critical moments but also in less demanding situations at the wheel, such as traffic jams, slow-moving traffic and monotonous stretches of motorway.

    The 5 Series is fitted as standard with a stereo camera, which teams up with optional radar and ultrasound sensors to monitor the area around the car.

    New features in the BMW 5 Series alongside the evasion aid and crossing traffic warning are the Lane Change Assistant and Lane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection.

    “The latter keeps an eye on the lane markings and the area around the car, and actively helps the driver to avoid looming collisions by applying corrective steering inputs. Similarly, the Park Assist helps the car to identify available space and park itself with minimal or no assistance from the driver,” Omokhapue said.

     

  • Hyundai Motors begins 30-day free service

    Hyundai Motors begins 30-day free service

    Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited (HMNL) has announced a comprehensive 30-day discounted service campaign.

    The campaign starts on Wednesday for owners and fleet managers of Hyundai cars including Hyundai Commercial Vehicles.

    Tagged ‘Before service clinic,’ HMNL said it aimed at helping customers rediscover the value of their Hyundai vehicles and appreciate the commitment of the dealership to the brand.

    Announcing the scheme in Lagos, the HMNL Head of After Sales Srinivas Jayaram said up to 50 per cent discount on body parts and 15 per cent discount on body repair and mechanical labour charges would be permitted on applicable services during the campaign.

    He explained that the 25–point-checkup initiative was designed to reassure customers and offer additional values such as free diagnosis and inspection; free labour charge on oil and filter replacements, free air-conditioning checks and free quotation with flexible option to repair or replace parts only valid till December 31.

    Customers would in addition be granted special prices on upholstery cleaning, engine steam wash, wheel alignment and balancing as well as body wax, Jayaram assured.

    “We have retrained our service technicians in multiple auto repair disciplines and acquaint them extensively in Hyundai cutting-edge and ever changing technology and we are proud to say, we have some of the best technicians that are trained to handle complex auto repair jobs,” he added.

    The 30-day ‘before service clinic’ is also intended to help customers’ tune-up their vehicles to avoid undue cessations that could result in unplanned cost implications before the yuletide.

    Jayaram said: “Our obligation at HMNL is to make ownership of Hyundai vehicles an enjoyable experience and we recognise the importance of excellence both in quality of our vehicles and in after sales service.”

    HMNL, a subsidiary of Stallion Motors, said the service campaign, which is, entirely applicable to 2014 and earlier Hyundai models are to be fixed at designated Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited service centers at both Orile and Ijesha Lagos; Abuja and Port-Harcourt, as well as Hyundai Commercial Vehicle garage Isolo Lagos.

  • Delay in the issuance of drivers’ licence

    Delay in the issuance of drivers’ licence

    One of the Officials came to explain that they actually have heaps of driver licence which are not easy for them to sort out quickly.  Hence the delay in the issuance.

    I hereby use this opportunity to advice the State Governments and FCT to engage more hands in the sorting and issuance of driver licence and stop subjecting innocent driver licence Applicants to avoidable hardships. The Officers should get more committed to the capturing, sorting and issuance and stop going around touting for driver licence Applicants whom they will collect money from contrary to their code of practice.

    Anybody who has been captured and has waited for 60 days should go to their Driver Licence Centres to demand for their licences whether they receive text messages or not. According to FRSC Authority,  your licence is ready in less than the 60 days and I strongly plead with the State Governments and FCT to pay more attention to the happenings at the various Driver Licence Centres to drastically reduce the wrongdoings and promote quality service delivery.

    I give another big Kudos to the FRSC COMACE  for his visionary leadership and for commendably overcoming the challenges of driver licence production.  The State Government Agencies should also take proactive steps to hasten up on the sorting and issuance of the licences for the benefit of all.

     

  • Toyota to recall 15,000 vehicles

    Toyota to recall 15,000 vehicles

    Toyota has begun moves to recall about 15,000 of its vehicles with faulty Takata airbags for them to be replaced with the improved life-saving gadgets in Ghana.

    The vehicles affected include some Toyota models made from 2002 to 2014. Those vehicles may have airbags that are likely to explode when deployed, causing injury or even death.

    About 16 deaths have been recorded worldwide following the defect.

    The models are IMV Hilux (2003 to 2014); IMV Fortuner (2003 to 2014); Avensis (2003 to 2008); Yaris (2006 to 2008); Corrola (2002 to 2014) and RAV4 (2003 to 2005) models.

    Speaking at the 2017 Toyota Users Conference in Accra last Thursday, Toyota Ghana Executive Director Dr Eric Darko, said the company had so far replaced about 2,500 of the faulty airbags.

    According to him, his outfit had a list of all those who bought vehicles with the airbag challenge from it and was calling the customers involved one after the other to have the problem fixed.

    He, however, said the company was willing to change the airbags of even those who did not buy their vehicles from it for free.

    “The only thing is if you have any car like that, let us know, if it is one of those cars that have been affected, we have an international system. We would check and replace it for free.

    “We have some cars that have been in the system for a long time and it is believed that over time, the airbags functionality may not perform very well because of a number of factors, including heat. You just bring it and we will change the airbag system,” he said.

     

  • Coscharis rolls out over 600 locally assembled Rangers

    Coscharis Group has rolled out over 600 units of Ford Ranger at the new Ford Auto Plant on Lekki-Epe Expressway, its President/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Cosmas Maduka  has said.

    Maduka disclosed this while unveiling the plant.

    He said: “At the moment, focus at the plant is to roll out the Ford Ranger, a multipurpose mini-truck that serves well for both work and leisure.

    “As you are all aware, Ford has a global standard for all of its products including the Ranger. Therefore, Ford’s certification of our facility and output is a confirmation that every single Ranger that rolls out of this plant is indeed ‘Built Ford Tough’ from which we’ve rolled out over 600 units from this facility since we started operation; some of which are on display outside.

    “But we will not rest on our oars as we are sure to wax stronger into the future with the introduction of other great Ford variants into the assembly line.”

    Maduka called on the Federal Government to give more support to the automotive industry.

    “We can only but demand for governmental support in terms of creating enabling environment vis-à-vis basic infrastructures that are required to keep the manufacturing process on and more importantly the purchase patronage of the finished products from the Plant,” he said.

    Motoring journalists were conducted round the facility.

    Maduka, said his company ventured into the project in response to the “clarion call of the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP).

    “This is also to appreciate the confidence that the globally respected iconic brand, Ford, reposed in us, as their exclusive official representative in Nigeria to roll out the very first Ford Assembly Plant in Nigeria.

    “Therefore, the fact that we have ventured into it headlong underpins the level of confidence and hope we have for the future of the Nigerian automotive industry.

    “This is to underscore the human capital opportunities that stand to be delivered in terms of employment and by extension the multiplier effect on the economic development of our dear country, Nigeria,” he said.

  • Firm gives 30% discount on service, repairs

    Nigeria’s largest multi-brand automobile workshop has begun  operations in Lagos.

    The hi-tech auto firm can service and repair all passenger and commercial brands – from Ferrari to Toyota.

    TSL offers 30 per cent discount on service and repairs from last Thursday till October 31.

    TSL founder Raju Sawlani said the company will not only be able to service 1000 vehicles in a day, it will also be equipped to service and repair all passenger and commercial automotive brands “from Ferrari to Toyota.”

    He added that corporate bodies that register their fleet with the company between the same period “will receive special pricing.”

    After the promotion date, TSL, he said, will match any reputed workshop in Lagos that has at least 18 service bays.

    The firm will also engage in sale of new and used vehicles.

    “We will provide Gold Certification and peace-of-mind on used vehicles, as well as 24/7 roadside assistance,” he said.

    Sawlani said his decision to set up TSL was necessitated by a need to restore customer confidence in the nation auto market.

    He said: “Having sold over 200,000 vehicles, valued at $7.2 billion in Nigeria over a 21-year period, my customers have voiced their concern to me about after sales issues. For this reason, I needed to launch TSL. I handpicked the best technical personnel in the Nigerian auto industry. These are highly experienced individuals, who I have observed over a 21 years period.

    “The main parameters that define repair quality are quality of workmanship, genuineness of spare parts, lubricants and fluids used and the overall customer experience, which includes a reasonable price and the least amount of downtime.

    “TSL will provide only genuine lubricants, fluids and parts. The downtime and stress caused by fake and substandard motor oil and motor parts drain billions of Naira from the economy. Customers have lost confidence in most high and low workshops.

    “In addition, our machinery and equipment are from the top manufacturers in the world. We will prove to the world that supercars do not need to be flown out of Nigeria for service and repairs. Nigerians are highly talented and capable people.”