The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Nissan offers Automatic Emergency Braking on one million vehicles

    Nissan has announced that it is making Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) standard on a projected one million vehicles sold in the United States for model year 2018, including seven of the company’s most popular models – Rogue/Rogue Sport, Altima, Murano, LEAF, Pathfinder, Maxima and Sentra (except manual transmission-equipped and all NISMO versions).

    AEB (previously known as Forward Emergency Braking) uses radar technology to monitor a vehicle’s proximity to the vehicle ahead, giving the driver audible and visual display warnings to help the driver reduce the vehicle’s speed if a potential frontal collision is detected. If the driver fails to respond, the AEB system can apply the brakes, helping the driver to avoid the collision or reduce the speed of impact if it is unavoidable.

    According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, one-third of all police-reported crashes involve a rear-end collision (2013 study). The NHTSA also reports that systems such as AEB can help reduce injury insurance claims by as much as 35 percent (2015 report).

    “The big news here is that we’re making AEB standard across all grades of our best-selling models,” said Michael Bunce, Vice President, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc.

    “This increased AEB availability is part of our ongoing commitment to help reduce fatalities while realising our comprehensive vision of Nissan Intelligent Mobility,” Bunce added.

    The projected 2018 AEB sales are more than double that of previous model years. It will be offered as standard equipment on 2018 Rogue and Rogue Sport, Altima, Murano, LEAF, Pathfinder, Maxima and Sentra (except manual transmission-equipped and all NISMO versions) models, as well as select Armada models.

  • Driving hours and rate of road accidents

    Without doubt, the rate of road accidents is still uncomfortably high in Nigeria and this has prompted me to increase my volume of proposals to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), the state governments and the Federal Capital Territory Authority towards finding solution to this deadly monster.

    In the course of my recent research and investigations among some public and private sector drivers, I found out that stress and fatigue is fast becoming one of the major causes of road traffic crashes in the country.

    Some of the drivers interviewed confessed that they drive 28 hours with less than one hour break and less than four hours sleep. This is a very dangerous act which can cause micro sleep while driving and if allowed to build up overtime, can lead to fatigue, chronic-fatigue syndrome, cerebral arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and sudden death on or off the road.

    Drivers and employers of drivers must take note of the fact that adequate sleep (6 – 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep daily) is very vital to the productivity and safety of all categories of drivers.

    Every employer of driver must open and regularly update a diary (or Log book} for every driver where their driving hours are recording daily. The use of the drivers dairy will guide their employers as to when to give the drivers break to rest before embarking on another driving task.

    Drivers must not take their rest (sleep) for granted because inadequate rest (sleep) reduces concentration, focus (visual acuity), muscle flexibility, brain function, reaction time, etc.

    FRSC should consider the possibility of mandating all commercial and company drivers to carry along a completed driving diary or log book which the traffic officers can always check to know the number of hours the drivers have been on the road and determine if the drivers have had enough rest (sleep) in-between trips through an interview of the drivers). This additional task may sound tedious but it will go a long way to put the drivers and their employers on their toes not to take stress and fatigue with levity because they are factors that have lately increased the rate of accidents and fatalities among drivers of articulated vehicles (Trailers, Tankers and other Trucks), commercial and company drivers among others. Every life-saving task is worth the efforts. Prevention is usually better, cheaper and easier than the aftermath curative moves.

  • Hyundai premieres Kona SUV

    Hyundai premieres Kona SUV

    Hyundai has unveiled the latest vehicle in its expanding line-up of stylish Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) – the Kona compact SUV.

    With a strong and impactful design, the Kona is designed to appeal to modern customers with active lifestyles.

    The Kona joins Tucson, Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport in a growing line-up of Hyundai SUVs that feature progressive design with high interior refinement and spaciousness.

    The Kona offers uncompromised individuality and innovative features, with a bold, daring image that hints at the future design direction of Hyundai Motor’s next generation of SUV models.

    Hyundai Motor Company Vice Chairman, Euisun Chung, said: “With the Kona, we have created a stylish and highly functional compact SUV, perfectly suited to the needs of customers who pursue challenging and action-filled lifestyles. We aim to set new standards for the compact SUV segment, with appealing design, cutting-edge connectivity and class-leading safety features.”

    The aggressive body styling emphasises the car’s well-proportioned, dynamic silhouette. Its low and wide stance, long wheelbase and short overhangs ensure sporty, nimble handling, in addition to delivering superior driving stability at high speed. It is also the first SUV to adopt Hyundai’s new signature design feature, the Cascading Grille, featuring a sporty mesh pattern, flanked by exceptional wing-type fenders that dominate the front design.

    The new Kona is offered with a combination of advanced gasoline and diesel engines of various power outputs – dependent on the market. These include a two-litre MPI Atkinson-cycle engine producing 149PS, the Gamma 1.6T-GDI engine boasting 177PS, and a highly efficient 1.0 T-GDI turbocharged three-cylinder engine that produces 120PS.

    It boasts a suite of sophisticated technologies, paired with user-friendly functionality to ensure driver and passengers can stay informed and entertained.

    The premium infotainment system offers various advanced connectivity features, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay where specified, with a 5-, 7- or 8-inch display (offered as standard or option dependent on the market).

    In a first for the segment, the Kona features smartphone wireless charging. Available as an option with all Kona models, customers simply place a compatible smartphone on the wireless charging interface, located in the center console storage, to easily recharge without the need for cables.

    At the world premiere of the all-new Kona, Hyundai Motor unveiled a special edition that shares the name of Marvel’s heroic and powerful character – Iron Man.

    With greater width (+40mm), the Kona Iron Man Special Edition presents a confident stance, while special LEDs are applied to the headlights, which sit beneath a matt gray hood, embellished with red and gold accents.

    The Kona Iron Man Special Edition’s dynamic exterior is further complemented by a 19-inch directional wheel badged with an Iron Man Mask in the center, as well as off-road tires 716mm in outside diameter.

    The special edition will go on display at Hyundai Motor’s Motorstudio in Seoul, Korea, for a month following its global reveal.

    The Kona will go on sale in Korea later this month, followed by North America and Europe.

  • Coscharis discounts Jaguar Landrover parts

    Coscharis Motors is offering a 10 per cent rebate on its Jaguar Land Rover parts with the discount offer on suspension and filters from now until June 30.

    The aim is to help cushion the cost of replacing these parts during basic service and the effects of bad roads during the raining season.

    According to Cletus Aregbeshola, the Brand Manager, Coscharis Jaguar Land Rover, “every part comes with the peace of mind of a 12-month unlimited kilometre warranty when fitted by Coscharis Motors, or six months when you purchase it over the counter”.

    Coscharis Motors National Parts Manager, Cyril Dcruz said: ‘’This is an opportunity to enjoy access to genuine parts, which are actually very cost effective. Not utilising genuine parts will inhibit your Jaguar Land Rover vehicles feeling like a Jaguar Land Rover, but could jeopardise your vehicle’s warranty and future value, especially given the availability of trade-in and buy back options packaged by Coscharis Motors.’’

    Also, the company’s qualified technicians will also do a full health check on your Jaguar Land Rover vehicles to ensure that your vehicles are always in good condition of above and beyond.

    “Coscharis Jaguar Land Rover believes that when you have genuine parts, you will enjoy genuine performance from your vehicles. This we intend to provide by helping customers to conquer their budget,” Dcruz said.

  • Ramadan: Jetvan offers 50% service discount

    Jetvan Automobiles Limited is offering a 50 per cent service discount on labour and diagnostics to its customers as part of activities to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride all through the Ramadan season.

    A statement by its Managing Director, Mr Tobi Ajayi, said the special offer was aimed at ensuring all her Sprinter customers are in good driving condition and all safety precautions are taken in this peak season.

    He said: “The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter offers a revolutionary transport and logistics solution for Nigerians. All thanks to the Sprinter’s key qualities of safety, comfort and efficiency, over 300 units have been sold to fleet owners since its inception. This is due to the fact that God is Good Motors and our other key fleet partners have been able to identify with what sets the Sprinter apart from other brands.

    “Again for this season, we’re on a mission to ensure the safety of our customers while on the move with our team’s specific combination of skills, offering the best for a reasonable cost, especially this Ramadan season is a priority for us – knowing that our customers will be doing a lot of travelling and family celebrations, we therefore urge the public to pay us a visit for hassle free maintenance while benefiting from our special offer.”

    Jetvan started dealership responsibility in April 2015, as part of Weststar’s expansion plan to accommodate the demands of Mercedes-Benz ever-growing customer base while maintaining premium customer service standards in Nigeria.

    “We consider ourselves the partner of all seasons, motivated to prevent unnecessary tragedies related to our products on the road. Customers and fleet owners can visit our dealership at Kilometre 46, Lekki-Epe expressway, Ajah, Lagos as well as our field service workshops in Benin, Abuja, Asaba and Port Harcourt to enjoy this Special offer,” Ajayi said.

     

  • Kia hails Jelani’s appointment

    Kia Motors Nigeria Chief Executive Officer Jacky Hathiramani has praised the appointment of Mr. Aliyu Jelani as the Director-General (DG) of National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC).

    Jelani’s appointment, Hathiramani said, had restated the confidence of the stakeholders that the government was on the path of developing the automobile industry and making the country the industrial hub for car manufacturing in Africa.

    He lauded the Federal Government for bringing in experts with track records of excellent contributions to the automobile design and manufacturing to strengthen the policy framework that will institutionalise local production of automobiles in the country.

    According to him, “the outstanding resume of Jelani points to the fact that the Federal Government is committed towards the development of automotive manufacturing in Nigeria. With Jelani’s international experience, we are confident that he will charge the council to fully realise its objectives of providing a policy framework that will set the industry on the path of development and help it contribute its quota towards the industrialisation of Nigeria economy as evident in other economies”.

    Some stakeholders in the industry  urged the new DG to take a critical look at the state of the industry and build on the gains of the auto policy and further take the implementation of the policy as a priority.

    “The auto policy has reeled in some appreciable gains bringing to the fore local production of automobiles in the country as many a new car sold in Nigeria today are locally assembled. Consequently, we need to further strengthen the policy by reviewing it to meet the realities and position the locally produced cars as one of Nigeria’s best export to sub-Saharan Africa,” Hathiramani said.

    He said for the industry to be rid of substandard cars and contribute immensely to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country, the influx of imported used cars should be controlled.

    He enjoined the DG to prioritise partnership with financial institutions to offer low interest rate car acquisition schemes for the populace to make their owning new cars preferable option to the imported used cars.

  • 80 percent of road accidents avoidable, says FRSC

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has lamented the rate of road accidents in the country, calling for caution among drivers.

    Its Corps Marshal and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi said road accident is one of the major causes of deaths worldwide.

    This is coming at a time Ford Motor Company, in conjunction with its distributor Coscharis Motors, brought back its Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) programme to Nigeria, to improve driving skills and road safety in the country.

    According to Oyeyemi, about 80 per cent of the road accidents in the country were caused by avoidable human factors.

    He spoke at the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) yearly training workshop in Lagos.

    Represented by the Assistant Corps Marshal and the Zonal Commanding Officer, Lagos and Ogun, Sheu Zaki, Oyeyemi appealed to motorists and the public to contribute to safer road culture by adhering to rules.

    Other safety experts at the event said the high figure of road traffic crashes in Nigeria and other African countries may worsen if enforcement of road traffic rules are neglected.

    They canvassed firmer enforcement of road safety rules to curtail injuries, loss of lives and properties associated with road accidents in Nigeria.

    Road safety expert and founder, Safety Beyond Borders, Patrick Adelusi, called for more resources to support FRSC activities.

    The DSFL, which offered special training on a 4×4 trail, requiring the use of four-wheel drive, as well as a special presentation on child safety in the car was launched in the country last year.

    The training also exposed the participants to Ford Ranger’s safety, departure angles, brake distance on gravel and anti-lock braking system (A.B.S) and how to use other four-wheel drive functions such as traction control, locking differential and drive train.

    Drinking and driving was also under the spotlight at the event, with the use of the drunk-driving goggles.

  • Why we brought Fiat to Nigeria, by Weststar

    Why we brought Fiat to Nigeria, by Weststar

    Enlivened by its success stories in the United States (US) and European market, Weststar Associates Limited has decided to introduce Fiat into the Nigerian market.

    It rolled out the new Tipo sedan from the staple of an Italian automaker, Fiat, now known as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).

    Built with a rigid, lightweight body/chassis, the vehicle was introduced to the motoring journalists in Lagos by Westar Associates Limited, ahead of its official launch next month.

    According to Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, Weststar Associates, Mr. Mirko Plath, Fiat products became popular roadsters in the U.S., especially among young Americans – a trend that continues to today.

    The brand, he said, has since then grown to become one of the most esteemed car brands in Europe and in the US as it has won the “Europe Car of the Year” more times than any other car brand.

    “This is one of the reasons why we believe FIAT presents the right platform for the Nigerian market. Today is a special day for Weststar – marking a fresh start through the birth of this new brand. We are extremely excited and we hope you are as well,” he said.

    As the largest automobile manufacturer in Italy, the acronyms “FIAT” stands for Fabrica Italiano Automobili Turino.

    Born over a century ago, the FIAT brand has acquired a long history that includes war, automotive innovation and international conquest. Fiat was also involved in the manufacturing of military vehicles, machinery and commercial vehicles for the Italian Army and Regia Aeronautica. By the 1950s, FIAT resumed full car manufacturaing thus, strongly benefitting from the Italian economic boom thereby putting four million Italians on the road with its famous two cylinders FIAT 500.

    Apart from Fiat’s known features of versatility, large interior space and compact exterior dimensions, which the Tipo represents, it has also come as a practical, functional model, according to Weststar Associates.

    The General Manager, FCA Group/Weststar Associates Limited, Stavros Diamantidis, said the new vehicle offers high appeal as it comes with a vast variety of standard options, adding that its Italian heritage provides comfort, quality and versatility.

    “With the Fiat-Tipo, you do not need much to get a lot. Thus, it serves as a wonderful option for Nigerians even as we have already put in place excellent maintenance culture offered by our after-sales team,” he said.

    According to him, the four-door sedan version of the Fiat Tipo is one of the first models that will be exclusively available at Weststar Associates Limited.

    He expressed optimism that the vehicle and other Fiat models will do well in Nigeria.

    “We are thrilled about this development as Nigerians can now enjoy real value for their money. The Fiat Tipo fits perfectly in its segment and will be officially presented before the month ends. With the Fiat-Tipo, you do not need much to get a lot. Thus, it serves as a wonderful option for Nigerians even as we have already put in place, an excellent maintenance culture offered by our after-sales team,” Diamantidis said.

    According to the auto firm, the name – Tipo sported on the badge is a celebrated designation that Fiat has been used many times during its over one century of history.

  • NADDC chief Jelani Aliyu resumes duty

    The newly appointed Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Jelani Aliyu, has assumed duties at the NADDC’s headquarters in Gudu District, Abuja.

    In his maiden speech,, Aliyu said he was committed to adding significant value to the automotive sector by engaging stakeholders, both in the public and private sectors. He said: “My objective is to create a win-win for all the progressive companies involved and for the Nigerian people. The importance of the automotive sector in any nation, whether developed or developing, cannot be underestimated, as it is both the direct provider of the logistics of life and the enabler of exponential multiplier effects.

    “These are critical and very exciting times for Nigeria and we have two options as a nation: we either choose to maintain the mundane status quo, inch along and be left behind as every other country speeds by taking millions around the world out of poverty, or we can decide to strategise and boldly reach for the stars.

    “The country is, indeed, now very fortunate to have leadership that is seriously committed to universal progress across the nation. A leadership committed to diversification away from oil, into industry and agriculture. And so, at NADDC, this is an opportunity that we must seize to energise the automotive sector and make Nigeria not just another manufacturer of automobiles, but an advanced hub of automotive innovation that will set forth the future of Africa’s transportation solutions.

  • Abuja Airport closure and road safety

    There are some lessons from the six weeks closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and the diversion of traffic to the Kaduna Airport which are very vital for the promotion of safety on Nigerian roads.

    Prior to the decision of the Federal Government to divert traffic to Kaduna Airport, the Abuja-Kaduna road was dotted with different degrees of potholes which have claimed many lives. Many concerned citizens called on the immediate past and the current government to intervene and repair the roads. Despite the death of a serving federal minister and seven medical doctors on the road, no commendable repair was done.

    However, immediately the Federal Government decided to divert traffic to Kaduna Airport, several things happened on the Abuja-Kaduna road which I want to quickly mention in this article for posterity sake.

    • In less than 1 month, all the pot-holes on the stretch of the Abuja-Kaduna dual carriage road were properly filled to the admiration of the road users.
    • The dangerous clustering of articulated vehicles on the Abuja-Kaduna road drastically reduced.
    • The unsafe parking, loading and off-loading on the roadsides faded away.
    • There was a massive presence of Officers of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Nigeria Police, Civil Defence and Joint Patrol Teams of strategic points on the road.
    • The rate of reckless driving and over speeding on the road drastically reduced because of the consciousness of the presence of Traffic and Security Agencies on the road.
    • There was a near zero rate of accident on the Abuja-Kaduna road throughout the period of the diversion.
    • The rate of crime on the road faded to near zero.

    If it is possible for the government to accomplish these fetes on Abuja-Kaduna road, it is also possible to accomplish same on all the roads in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    It is, however, disheartening that immediately the Abuja Airport was re-opened with traffic moved back to Abuja, most of the security agencies disappeared from the Abuja-Kaduna road and the camps constructed for their operations were deserted. I however, use this forum to praise the visionary Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, who in his wisdom and passion for the safety of lives and valuable properties, decided to retain all the newly constructed operation posts with the vehicles and officers intact.

    Other agencies that have deserted the road must be told that the lives of the people still plying the Abuja-Kaduna road is still as precious as the lives of the people that plied the road during the six weeks diversion of traffic to Kaduna Airport.

    The Federal Government should also replicate the Abuja-Kaduna road magic in other black spots that are prone to road traffic crashes and criminal activities in all the states in Nigeria. I hereby say a big kudos to the Federal Government and call for more proactive actions to ensure the safety of the irreparable lives and valuable properties of Nigerians and other residents.