The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • 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.

     

     

    “We shall empower our talented youths with the necessary professional training in contemporary automotive design and development, leveraging the most sophisticated technology, so they will innovate, design and develop automotive and transportation solutions that are in tune with our culture, climate, geography and economic structure.

    “Our manufacturing stakeholders must be encouraged and supported to leverage advanced technology in providing the most applicable, safest, most durable and cost-effective vehicles. Nigeria must not be defined by its challenges, they are not who we are, we are bigger than them. We must be defined by our dreams and aspirations; we must be defined by what we can achieve. We must be defined by a better tomorrow, nothing is impossible, there are no impossibilities, there is only a better Nigeria to build.”

     

  • Ford backs training for auto journalists

    Ford backs training for auto journalists

    Ford Motor Corporation has announced its support for the second edition of a two-day capacity building in automobile industry reporting for journalists in Nigeria.

    The American automaker said for the second year, it would be the lead sponsor of the annual event because of the benefits of the training to the development of auto industry in Nigeria through effective reporting.

    A statement by the organisers of the event, Naja, said the training programme holding in Lagos last week, was “aimed at updating the motoring journalists drawn from the print, electronic and online media with the basic knowledge and practical details and recent developments within the local and global automotive industry.

    It said the Corp Marshal, Federal Roads Safety Corps, Boboye Oyeyemi, and the Vice Chancellor of Caleb University, Prof Diji Aina, would be delivering lectures on critical industry issues at the event, with the acting Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Anofiu Elegushi, as a special guest.

    It said the event could not have come at a better time in view of the nation’s shift from auto marketing to auto assembling.

    The annual workshop was an avenue to continuously update the knowledge base of journalists covering the automotive sector in Nigeria.

  • Abuja Airport closure and road safety

    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.

  • NADDC chief Jelani Aliyu resumes

    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 Afor 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.

    “We shall empower our talented youths with the necessary professional training in contemporary automotive design and development, leveraging the most sophisticated technology, so they will innovate, design and develop automotive and transportation solutions that are in tune with our culture, climate, geography and economic structure.

    “Our manufacturing stakeholders must be encouraged and supported to leverage advanced technology in providing the most applicable, safest, most durable and cost-effective vehicles. Nigeria must not be defined by its challenges, they are not who we are, we are bigger than them. We must be defined by our dreams and aspirations; we must be defined by what we can achieve. We must be defined by a better tomorrow, nothing is impossible, there are no impossibilities, there is only a better Nigeria to build.”

  • Leventis Motors to distribute Lovol brand

    Leventis Motors, a division of A.G Leventis (Nigeria) Plc,

    has sealed a deal with Lovol Heavy Industries Company Limited of China for the distribution of the Lovol brand in Nigeria.

    The auto firm also announced that it would no longer distribute the JCB construction equipment but concentrate on the Lovol range of products.

    Its General Manager Mr Nikolaos Giannousas, stated this at a pre-launch dinner in Lagos, adding that the firm would continue to carry out maintenance service and other related support on the JCB products already sold to its customers.

    According to him, Leventis Motors has over the years shown that it is customer-oriented, adding that it is an organised company that works on systems and not sentiments of individuals to support its numerous customers.

    The Lovol products were also unveiled to a cross session of Leventis customers and other stakeholders.

    Giannousas expressed confidence that the Lovol products would be successful in Nigeria, stressing that many customers were enthusiastic about the coming of the brand to the country.

    Lovol Heavy Industries Company Limited Sales Manager for Africa, Mr. Andy Liu, who recalled that his company’s search for a suitable distributor in Nigeria began in 2015, said it settled for Leventis Motors having found the latter to be reliable and strong in after-sales support.

    “We chose Leventis Motors because it has a long history and good after-sales,” he said.

    According to him, Lovol is one of the fastest growing brands in construction machinery industry, providing users with a full range of products of loaders, excavators and rotary drilling rigs.

    Liu said the Chinese brand also benefited from Original Equipment Manufacturers from other reputable auto manufacturing countries, such as Germany and Italy.

  • Cars import drops by 90 per cent

    Cars import drops by 90 per cent

    Toyota (Nigeria) Limited (TNL) has said importation of new cars dropped by about 90 per cent between the first quarter of last year and this year.

    While 3,500 units were imported in  the first quarter of last year, only 350 units were imported in the first quarter of this year amid biting recession worsened by the devaluation of naira and scarcity of foreign exchange.

    TNL Managing Director Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo, who reeled out this figure at an interactive session with reporters in Lagos, disclosed that the total import in 2015 was 18,000. It dropped to 7000 last year, while Toyota had a share of 43 per cent of the 2015 imports and 38 per cent in 2016.

    Despite the drop in sales and importation, Ade-Ojo said Toyota grew its share from 24 per cent in 2015 to about 26 per cent last year.

    He said total forecast for the year would between 8,000 and 10,000.

    He attributed the reduction in importation to high duty of 70 per cent, which, according to him, dissuades many companies from importing new vehicles. For instance, duty on Land Rover alone is over N15million.

    According to him, in 2015, the total retail market was 32,000 units of vehicles, which plunged to 18,000  last year (about 42 per cent).

    Also, he said commercial vehicles sold more last year at 70 per cent while passenger cars recorded 30 per cent.

    “The scarcity of forex affected businesses last year and that affected importation. Also, there was the devaluation of the naira. Whereas in the first start of last year, dollar was just about N200. By the end of the year, it had doubled. So, prices of vehicles also pretty much doubled in the space of one year and a lot of businesses could not afford to pay for the increase given that they were also struggling to survive,” he said.

  • Transforming the transport system: The LAMATA example

    It seems that all too often many Lagosians are more than familiar with the unending gridlock on Lagos roads.This causes commuters to be more strategic in planning their movements. In many cases most Lagosians will not want to be caught on the Lagos Island from 4pm for fear of getting stuck in the popular Third Mainland traffic snarl.

    Considered the sixth largest city and one of the most rapidly urbanising metropolitan areas of the world with a population of over 20 million inhabitants and an annual growth rate of nearly six per cent, the state is one of the world’s mega cities. This rapid urbanisation and exploding population combined with the poorly executed development plans and poor infrastructure is one of the major reasons for the numerous transportation problems and continuous traffic gridlock in most parts of the state.

    Geographically, the metropolitan area of Lagos is also fast spreading, now extending beyond the borders of the state into the neighbouring Ogun State in the north. Commuter trips are therefore growing both in length and number.

    This population compared to the infrastructure in the state makes it a difficult task for the government to continue maintaining and providing adequate infrastructure for every resident within the state as the sprawling urbanisation has pressurised infrastructure to breaking point. The resultant effects have been increasing traffic congestion, worsening state of roads disrepair, deteriorating physical attractiveness and comfort of road-based public transport and high transport fares.

    The absence of effective rail and water mass transit system and the over reliance on road based transportation system has contributed to the number of road accidents recorded, increasing rates of traffic-related emission and atmospheric pollution.

    However, this has not deterred the state government from addressing and improving the complex transport situation in the state. One of the cardinal and strategic efforts made was the creation of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) to coordinate transport policies, programmes and actions of all agencies at different tiers of government within the State.

    LAMATA is envisioned to provide a strategic planning platform to address long neglected transport needs of the metropolis and co-ordinate activities of the different executing agencies to provide a common and consistent basis for implementation.

    This led to the formulation of the Strategic Transport Master Plan (STMP) aimed at transforming the  transport sector beyond its current challenges. The plan identifies possible transport infrastructure and services required to meet growing travel demand for the state by 2032. This plan will be achieved under the Lagos Urban Transport Project (LUTP) 1 and 2, which is the phased implementation of the state government transport sector policy and strategy designed to resolve main issues identified by various studies conducted by the state government with the World Bank between 1988 and 1996.

    The LUTP 1, the first phase of the project was implemented between 2005 and 2010. It had five major components, which roughly correspond to the six-point transportation strategy of the government. These include Institutional strengthening and capacity building, urban road network efficiency improvement, bus services enhancement, water & Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) promotion and rail mass transit. One of the land mark projects implemented under LUTP 1 was the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Lite system, a 22km partially segregated BRT corridor from Mile 12 to CMS.

    The LUTP 2, a follow-up of phase of LUTP 1, has as its major objective to improve the capacity to manage the transport sector in the Lagos metropolitan areas and enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the public transport network, through a combination of traffic engineering measures, management improvements, regulation of the public transport industry, and expansion and enhancement of BRT system.  It has four major components, which include institutional development and capacity building, improvement of public transport infrastructure and enhancement of traffic management, improvement of the state metropolitan road network and Project management and monitoring.

    The implementation of LUTP 2 led to the extension of the BRT corridor from Mile 12 to Ikorodu and the launch of 434 new Air Conditioned BRT buses in November 2015 by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. Thus far the BRT extension project has transported over 60 million passengers between its launch in November 2015 and last April creating more than 1000 more jobs in the state. Another feat achieved under this project is the upgrade of 44 bus shelters including the newly constructed Ikeja bus terminal,rehabilitation of WEMPCO road in Ogba and Akin Adesola road on the Island.

    The BRT extension project yielded specific results, which include average public transport waiting time reduction from 30minutes to 10minutes, journey time savings from 120 minutes to 30 minutes, road traffic journey time reduction from 120mins to 55mins, bringing average transport cost down from N300 to N190.

    The Wempco and Akin Adesola roads projects solved the annual perennial road flooding along the corridors.

    Under these projects, an affordable transport fare has been created for the populace; also infrastructure provided is socially inclusive with ramps and stairs for the different classes of public transport users, reduction in carbon dioxide (co2), reduction in public transport related accidents and increased satisfaction with public transport.

    LAMATA is committed to the delivery of the STMP, the roadmap towards providing an integrated multi-modal public transport system for the State.

    The improved transportation infrastructure and services delivered by LAMATA under LUTP 1 and 2 have significantly contributed to the overall achievements and successes recorded by the state government.

     

    Balogun writes from Lagos

  • Kia unveils ‘King of SUV’ Sportage

    Kia unveils ‘King of SUV’ Sportage

    The all-new Sportage boasts distinctive and refined enhancements that make it an appealing choice in the compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment. Its innovative design contributes to a distinctively sporty aesthetic and cutting edge functionality. With a strong high-strength steel foundation paired with a sharply detailed body and an upscale interior made of soft and luxurious materials, the new Sportage is simultaneously bold and aggressive as well as refined and sophisticated.

    Welcome to the world of the new ‘King of SUV,’ courtesy of Kia Motors Nigeria.

    The unveiling of the locally assembled Sportage, according to Kia Motors, marked one of the most anticipated moments for Kia and its teeming clientele.

    Kia Motors Nigeria took the wraps off of the new Sportage at the launching and media parley with the motoring journalists at its Victoria Island, Lagos showroom.

    Entering its fourth-generation, the Sportage compact SUV instantly got the attention of all with its attractive design, a range of advanced technology features and greater quality.

    Continuing the success of its predecessor model, the Sportage has been revamped with an innovative and sophisticated package and premium technology features. In order to improve comfort and convenience of the passengers and drivers, the interior is significantly upgraded with high quality materials and modern design. Engines and transmissions have also been updated, ensuring enhanced efficiency and performance.

    “From the sustained success and trajectory growth of Kia brand in Nigeria and particularly the wide acceptance of the previous generations of Kia Sportage to the advancements made to the 2018 model both inside and out, Kia has finely crafted the all-new 2017 Sportage and we confident that it will take the lead in its segment in Nigeria,” the auto giant said.

    According to the Group Managing Director, Kia Motors Nigeria, Jacky Hathiramani “the development of the next-generation Sportage began with an in-depth analysis of market trends to best suit the needs of consumers. The thoughtful design, innovative packaging, premium materials, powerful engine and state-of-the art technology all translate into a stunning modern masterpiece of SUVs.

    “We are confident that the all-new Kia Sportage will take the entire auto industry by storm, not least because of its brave and handsome design but also its reengineered technology for optimum performance. The Sportage boasts of a high, comfortable ride, acres of space for stuff, kids and pets, and off-road ability too. The new model is a bit longer than the old one – 1.6 inches, with a wheelbase 1.2 inches longer – so there is more room in the back while the floor is a bit lower making for easier entry. Sportage is the new king of the urban jungle with more than enough power to safely and smoothly navigate city roads along with a perfect combination of contemporary style and sporty appeal.

    Kia Motors Nigeria Vice President Olu Tikolo, said: “Aesthetic improvements in design and improved functionality of the Sportage is expected to once again accelerate Kia’s market progress and open a brand new chapter in the company’s history of pioneering the compact urban SUV segment. The anticipation and excitement for the fourth generation Sportage is expectedly high and we cannot wait for the world to enjoy the dynamic contemporary sophistication of our all-new compact SUV!

    “Bagging the prestigious iF Design Awards immediately after its launch in the US, the extensively developed compact Kia Sportage has continued to receive praise for overall design quality, innovation, environmental impact and safety.”

    Kia Motors Nigeria Marketing Manager Jimoh Olawale at the event said:  “The Sportage target markets are the go-getters who need a vehicle to match their confident and active lifestyle. The new model features styling changes which highlight its striking bold appearance and gives an ultimate visual appeal. It’s adorned with the Kia’s hallmark “tiger-nose” grille, HID headlights, LED fog lamps, LED taillights and 17-inch wheels. The overall length of the car has increased while the width remains the same. The car’s wheelbase has been stretched for a more spacious interior. Under the hood, the Sportage has a 2.0litre engine on the LX and EX with 185hp and 237Nm of torque. The new generation (Sportage) also has more passenger room and cargo volume, with a distinctive exterior design.”

     

     

  • Ford partners Riders for Health to improve healthcare

    Ford partners Riders for Health to improve healthcare

    Ford Motor Company has delivered two Ford Rangers to Riders for Health (Riders) in Nigeria as part of the motor company’s Project Better World, which provides support to grassroots efforts to drive sustainable community innovation around the globe. The Ford Rangers will be outfitted with Ford’s data-capturing OpenXC technology, a Ford Smart Mobility project, which collects vehicle performance, environment conditions, and location data that can be used to optimise delivery of healthcare services and supplies.
    Ford Project Better World brings together multiple organisations such as Riders in Nigeria, and social entrepreneurs to deliver health education, medication, nutrition and basic services to thousands of underserved people in remote areas. The services will be accessed using enhanced mobility and connectivity technologies from Ford vehicles.
    According to Country Director for Riders for Health Nigeria Ajayi Kayode the non-profit organisation seeks to make healthcare in rural African communities more accessible by providing motorcycles for medical practitioners to use for transport. For Riders, Kayode said, motorcycles allow for quicker and more affordable transportation to remote areas across hazardous terrain. The addition of two Rangers to the Riders’ fleet is invaluable to the programme’s operations in Nigeria as the new vehicles will also be used to deliver medical professionals and supplies in rural areas, as well as to support Riders’ fleet of motorcycles.
    He said: “The Rangers guarantee extra capacity in mobility, allowing us more coverage.
    “We are going to expand our patient monitoring and evaluation activities, saving a lot of money in the process that would otherwise go towards hiring a vehicle. We also hope to generate additional income by leasing the vehicles to humanitarian agencies in between our own schedules.”
    The delivery of the Rangers supports a $75,000 investment from the Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Ford Motor Company. These funds support Riders in Nigeria with the education and training of local mechanics to service the entire Riders fleet of vehicles, which include a wide range of motorcycles and cars. Riders works with the Nigerian Ministry of Health and other health-related partners to manage their healthcare vehicles, maintaining a total fleet of 370 Ford and other vehicles. Riders for Health uses 77 Ford vehicles across six African countries – Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, The Gambia, Malawi, and Zambia.