Nissan India has achieved the milestone of exporting a total of 700,000 “Made in India” Nissan and Datsun cars. This landmark has been accomplished in a record span of seven years since the company began exports from India. The cars, manufactured at the Renault-Nissan Automotive India Ltd. plant in Chennai, have been exported to 106 countries.
Nissan India Operations President Guillaume Sicard, said: “The achievement of this export milestone for Nissan clearly indicates the recognition of Indian production quality and its appeal to customers on the global stage. We are happy to play our part in promoting ‘Made in India’ cars across the world by exporting 700,000 cars to 106 countries in seven years. Coupled with this exports achievement, in January we were the fastest growing domestic auto company in the country, and overall the second fastest growing OEM this fiscal year so far. The teams at our manufacturing facility and R&D operations in Chennai have worked tirelessly to help us achieve these milestones in our domestic and international markets. With our plans to launch eight new products for the Indian market by 2021 as announced earlier, the future is bright and exciting for Nissan in India.”
India is not only a key hub for completely built-up units (CBU) but also for parts supply. Nissan India exports over 2,500 types of manufactured parts to 25 Nissan and Renault plants in 18 countries, ranking in the top four in volume of parts shipped within Nissan global operations.
Nissan has been exporting vehicles from Kamarajar Port Ltd (formerly Ennore Port Ltd.) in Chennai since 2010 to various regions including Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, and other destinations in Asia and Africa. For Nissan, the Micra has been the most-exported model out of India; other export models in the product line-up include Nissan Sunny, Datsun GO, Datsun GO+ and the Datsun redi-GO.
There has been increasing demand for Datsun models from India in international markets. Datsun GO+ found a new market in South Africa with the beginning of exports from July 2016. Datsun redi-GO exports to Sri Lanka started in August 2016, marking the re-entry of the Datsun brand in the country after 60 years.
Category: Motoring
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700,000 India-made Nissan exported to 106 countries
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GAC Motors presents cars to movie winners
GAC Motors has presented two cars to ‘exceptional winners’ at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) in Lagos.
Chief Diana Chan, the Chairman of CIG Group, which is the sole distributor and representative of leading Chinese automakers, GAC Motors said the gesture was to encourage the nation’s creative industry.
“I am a Nigerian at heart and I have followed the growth of Nollywood over the years and I must say that I am very impressed with the progress of the industry. We at GAC Motors take it as a personal cause to support people like you who are creative and exceptional and we will continue to do so in every way we can,” she said.
She said the partnership between GAC Motors and the Nigerian Creative Industry didn’t just begin.
“For a few years now, GAC Motors has been in the forefront, supporting Nigeria’s Creative Industry in generous measures. In 2016, GAC Motors gave out two GS5 Trumpchi cars to winners at the AMVCA. Star actress and filmmaker Stephanie Linus who won the Best Overall Movie in Africa Award was one of the lucky winners,” she said.
She said that the luxury SUV, GS4 and the classic sedan, GA3 were given to two outstanding actors Chika Okpala and Somkele Idhalama respectively. While Mr Okpala received the GS4, Idhalama received the GA3.
Chief Chan said: “Here at GAC Motors, we stand for excellence, innovation, creativity and style. These are qualities we have seen exhibited by talents in the Nigerian Creative Industry which informs our decision to sponsor. Thanks to our partnership with Multichoice DSTV, we found the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award a worthy-enough platform to support. This is the second time we are doing so and we have not regretted our decision.”
The cars were presented to the winners at the GAC Motors Head Office in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Mr Okpala thanked GAC Motors for the gesture, adding that the award and car gift came as a total surprise to him.
Mrs Idhalama: “I really want to thank brands like GAC Motors. It’s not all the time that you can convince people to give. Despite the harsh economic conditions, they still decided to give the cars.”
Africa Magic Public Relations and Talent Lead Efosa Aiyevbomwan hailed GAC Motors for their sponsorship, saying: “This year, we are celebrating an existing legend and another legend in the making. I say a big thank you to GAC Motors for your kind support. Your contribution will not go unnoticed.” -
Street palm trees and road safety
Hazard perception is a very vital skill in driving and road safety administration just as environmental analysis and diagnosis is a very vital tool in governance.
Without any iota of doubt, tree planting in Abuja, Lagos and a few other state capitals is commendable and should continue.
There is, however, a need to avoid creating avoidable problems while trying to solve a problem.
My advice to the state governments and the authorities of the Federal Capital Territory is that they should avoid creating road traffic problems in the process of beautifying the environment.
I have seen several palm trees planted by the road medians in Abuja and Lagos. They look very beautiful now but they will, without doubt, create serious traffic crisis later in the future.
The taller they grow, the longer the palms become and the more difficult the trimming becomes. The palms and the fruit bunches do fall off on their own when dry. How many times and how long will traffic be stopped for the trimming of palm trees when they grow taller and bigger? What of the dangers of the branches or bunches falling on moving vehicles and Pedestrians.
I have seen many trees planted by governments being cut down or badly trimmed when they are already touching the electric wires which were already there before the trees were planted. There are trees and flowers that can beautify the streets without growing very tall up to the level of touching the electric cables or disturbing traffic flow.
Some of the trees are planted on underground electric cables and or too close to the drainage and road kerbs. As the trees take roots and grow bigger, they reduce access to the underground cables, destroy the drainage (gutters), pull down road kerbs and destroy the tarred roads through their strong roots.
It is, therefore, expedient for government authorities to study the environment and know the right type of trees or flowers to plant in each location to avoid wasteful spending of the n-ation’s hard earned resources. -
Toyota invests £240m in Britain
Toyota has followed in the footsteps of Nissan by pledging to retain its manufacturing future in the United Kingdom (UK), with a new £240million investment at its facility in Burnaston in Derbyshire.
The Japanese carmaker confirmed that the new cash injection also includes £21.3million support from the UK Government which will be used for training, research and development and honing the facility’s ‘environmental performance’.
President and Chief Executive Officer of European operations at the manufacturer, Dr Johan van Zyl, said the investment was “a sign of confidence in our employees and suppliers and their focus on superior quality and greater efficiency” but also warned that success would be determined by the nation’s upcoming Brexit negotiations.
The Buranston plant in Derbyshire will be upgraded with new equipment from this year.
The £240million will fund new equipment, technologies and systems at the Burnaston facility to enable it to produce the latest Toyota models for the global market.
The revamp will take place from this year and will mean the plant can manufacture vehicles on Toyota’s new TNGA platform, which already underpins models like the latest four-generation Prius and C-HR crossover.
By 2020, the carmaker said the ‘majority’ of its cars will be built on this platform – some of which are in Britain.
But the confirmation of the investment was still tainted with some uncertainty about the UK’s negotiations to exit from the EU.
Dr van Zyl added that the Japanese brand was showing a commitment to the UK-based facility, but warned that the country’s ability to secure access to the open market was fundamental to success.
He said: “We are very focused on securing the global competitiveness of our European plants. The roll-out of TNGA manufacturing capability is part of this plan. Our investment demonstrates that, as a company, we are doing all we can to raise the competitiveness of our Burnaston plant in Derbyshire.
“Continued tariff-and-barrier free market access between the UK and Europe that is predictable and uncomplicated will be vital for future success.”
The plant will receive new machinery and systems to allow it to build upcoming models on the latest Toyota platform
The facility is already the home to the Auris hatchback and Avensis family car
Currently, Toyota builds the Auris hatchback and Avensis family car at the plant in Derbyshire.
Toyota said that it could delay a decision on whether to build its next-generation Auris model in Britain to see the outcome of Theresa May’s negotiations to leave the European Union. -
Hyundai recalls one million vehicles
Hyundai is finding itself in a tough spot after the company announced that it will recall close to a million (978,000) of its Sonata cars in the United States. The underlying problem with this recall was a seat belt glitch that has led to one minor injury, according to a report filed to U.S. regulators last week.
The recall campaign is expected to begin in early April, and it will involve Sonata midsize cars from 2011 to 2014 model years and Sonata hybrid models from the 2011 to 2015 model years.
Reportedly, the Korean automaker said in government documents that a fastener for a seat belt anchor may not have been fully latched during assembly.If that happens the belts can detach.
The problem was discovered in September when a driver reported that the seat belt for the front passenger in a 2014 Sonata came loose in a collision.
Recently offsetting this bad news was an incredible month of sales. Hyundai reported that it had its best February ever, with sales totalling just over 53,000 for the month.
The company’s Vice President of National Sales Derrick Hatami, said the Santa Fe and Elantra families continued their strong performances in February, up 58 per cent and 33 per cent respectively.
Hyundai Motor America sells and services Hyundai vehicles through 835 dealerships nationwide. All new Hyundai vehicles sold in the United States are covered by the Hyundai Assurance programme, which includes a five-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and five years of complimentary roadside assistance. -
Ford, Vodafone offer Wi-Fi vehicles
Ford has partnered Vodafone to bring 4G LTE connectivity to vehicles in Europe via the new FordPass Connect built-in modem and Wi Fi hotspot capability.
Incorporating an external aerial, the Wi-Fi hotspot enables up to 10 devices to connect to the network at once. This will enable passengers to surf the internet with improved connectivity.
With FordPass Connect, the FordPass app will enable drivers to remotely lock and unlock their car doors from virtually anywhere in the world; and check information including fuel and oil levels, tyre pressure, battery life, the odometer, whether the alarm is sounding and the vehicle’s location on a map. The Live Traffic feature will offer drivers real-time updates and re route them away from congestion.
“The future of mobility is enabled by connectivity, connectivity between you and the vehicle, between your smartphone and vehicle, and between the vehicle and its surroundings,” said Don Butler, executive director, Ford Connected Vehicle and Services.
“With FordPass Connect, our SYNC platform is transitioning from being device-centric to become cloud-connected. FordPass Connect with Wi-Fi powered by Vodafone lets kids watch movies, listen to music or even do homework while travelling; and people working from the road can easily access corporate resources from wherever they are,” Butler said.
Across Europe, connectivity is more important than ever. In the United Kingdom (U.K.), 33 percent of children under five now have their own tablet.
From 2014 to 2015, the number of Europeans paying for streamed TV and film content increased by 400 percent, while streaming music is expected to surpass music downloads by next year.
Ford made the announcement at Mobile World Congress, the world’s largest gathering for the mobile industry.
Vodafone Internet of Things Director Ivo Rook, said: “Vodafone and Ford have worked together for over a decade. Now we are addressing drivers’ and passengers’ expectations of staying connected to the rest of their digital world while in their vehicles. The range of services that a robust, secure connection can bring to the consumer is growing every day, from information on the health of your car and alerts on traffic conditions to passengers streaming movies to enjoy on long journeys. Ford and Vodafone are creating more opportunities for customers to live a smarter and more connected life.”
The company will use Vodafone’s global SIM and Internet of Things platform to bring enhanced safety, security, diagnostic and infotainment services to Ford vehicles across Europe and ensure compliance with strict new EU regulations.
Since 2012, Ford vehicles have offered Emergency Assistance through the SYNC connectivity system. In the event of an accident where the airbag has deployed or fuel shut off has occurred, this technology utilises a Bluetooth paired and connected mobile phone to help vehicle occupants initiate a direct call to Emergency Services in the correct language for the region, alerting first responders with the vehicle location.
Ford will now build on that capability by leveraging the built-in modem to provide eCall service which can automatically dial emergency services after an accident, communicating vehicle location and enabling emergency call takwers to infer whether the driver is conscious or not.
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Mercedes-Benz to recall one million vehicles
Daimler AG said it will recall one million newer-model Mercedes-Benz vehicles worldwide due to the risk of fire, after 51 fires were reported.
The German company said no injuries or deaths were reported relating to the vehicles that it would recall in the United States market in July when parts become available.
A fix has been implemented in the production of new vehicles and vehicles on dealers lots will be fixed before they are sold, the company said.
The issue relates to a potentially faulty fuse.
“Any affected vehicles in inventory will not be sold until they can be outfitted with the additional fuse,” said a Mercedes-Benz spokesman.
Of the million vehicles to be recalled, 307,629 are in the United States, which is 40,000 units less than Mercedes-Benz reported to U.S. regulators.
The company did not immediately have a breakdown of where vehicles will be recalled outside of the United States.
The U.S. is among the three biggest markets for Mercedes-Benz, the others being China and Germany.
Of the 51 fires, 30 were reported in the U.S. market, a Mercedes-Benz U.S. spokesman said.
The recall affects newer models, including those from the 2017 model year.
Mercedes-Benz and Daimler said it would begin to notify its U.S. customers late in March. It didn’t say when owners in other markets would be notified.
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The most dangerous driving error
Driving, according to the Professional Driving and Safety Academy’s team of instructors, is the most complex task because it involves the gathering of information with the eyes, nose and ears (hazard perception), interpretation of the likely consequences of the information gathered using the brain (analysis) and taking quick and safe decisions based on the interpretation of the information using the hands and legs (wisdom).These three vital sets of actions must be completed within the twinkling of an eye and, correctly too, to prevent accidents.
Taking a deep look at the above mentioned definition of driving, it then implies that every driver that really knows what driving means must fully concentrate his or her attention on the road while driving without giving in to any act of distraction (any shift of attention away from the path of travel for more than one second is a distraction).
Of all the types of distractions, the use of mobile phone is the most dangerous error being committed by all classes of drivers in the country, including the drivers of own vehicles. It is highly disturbing to see drivers holding mobile phones with one hand while driving, either making or receiving calls, reading or sending text messages or using the social media facilities. Whether it is hand-held or hand-free, the use of mobile phones while driving is a very dangerous act which every driver must hate with passion and avoid for the following reasons:
- It takes your eyes and attention from the path of travel thereby hindering your ability to gather information at that very moment.
- It cuts off the decision-making process from the brain at that very moment
- With no information gathered and interpreted at that moment, the driver is then left with emergency or erratic decision, which could result to fatal accidents.
Although the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has included the use of mobile phone while driving among the list of traffic offences but the enforcement is still very weak in Nigeria. I hereby use this platform to appeal to the authority of FRSC and the various state traffic management authorities to intensify their activities in the enforcement of this rule of non-use of mobile phone while driving.
Whoever is caught using mobile phone while driving should be appropriately fined(N 5,000) and also sent to the nearby accredited driving school for a one-day correctional training (N2,000) before the original driver licence and other vehicle particulars seized from such driver are released to him or her.
In the same vein, any driver that caused an accident because of the use of mobile phone if still alive could have his licence suspended for six months and appropriately prosecuted in the law court for dangerous driving or manslaughter.
It is time for us in Nigeria to stop committing this dangerous driving error while driving. A stitch in time saves nine.
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Misuse of hazard lights
Consequent upon the low level of driver education in Nigeria, Hazard Warning Signals (Hazard light, double trafficators or double pointers as commonly called in Nigeria) is being grossly abused in the country by the high and the low including government agencies and the Armed Forces.
Hazard Warning Signal is designed to be used while the vehicle breaks down and is stationary on the road, to warn road users of a temporary obstruction or the presence of school bus when school children are entering or leaving the vehicle, or are about to enter or leave or have just left the vehicle.
The law does not permit any moving vehicle (vehicle in motion) to use Hazard Warning light no matter the personality of the vehicle occupants or the mission embarked upon.
It is however, disheartening that VIP vehicles, military vehicles, ambulances, government vehicles, and some other classes of people do use the hazard lights when driving. Some drivers even claimed that they use the hazard lights when the weather is bad and when their vehicle has fault and could not move fast. These reasons are not justifiable before the law.
Using hazard lights while in motion is confusing and constitutes potential hazards or a safety risk on the road. This is because vehicles following behind will not know when the vehicle wants to change lane or make a turn. The Driver of such vehicles usually forgot that their hazard light is on. Many have confessed that they have shifted their turn indicator before remembering that their hazard warning lights were on. The use of hazard warning lights by moving vehicles has caused several rear end and side collisions.
In one of my recent training sessions, a driver asked if the hazard warning lights can be used when it is raining or when the weather is not clear. The answer remains no. It is illegal for any moving vehicle to use the hazard warning light, no matter the situation or mission. Emergency and convoy vehicles(of even the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) are not exempted as well. No vehicle is permitted by law to use the hazard warning lights when in motion no matter how slow. The fog light or low beam is permitted in bad weather. The hazard warning lights are meant only for stationary vehicles and it is for temporary or very brief use for the problem of such vehicles to be fixed or towed away from the road. While towing the vehicle, the hazard warning lights must be switched off because it has become a moving vehicle by virtue of the towing. The General Danger Sign (C-Caution) sign can be affixed to the back of the vehicles being towed to warn or alert the upcoming vehicles of the hazard ahead. Lack of attention to the strict enforcement of this law has led to several reported and unreported accidents on the roads.
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) should make a public pronouncement on this and begin immediate enforcement in conjunction with the State Traffic Management Agencies to prevent further crashes attributed to the wrong use of hazard light. We cannot afford to deviate from the international best practices.
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Diageo, UN agency harp on road safety
Diageo, a global leader in the beverage alcohol industry and parent company of Guinness Nigeria Plc, have partnered the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) to promote road safety and sustainable transport systems in the country.
At a two-day workshop at the University of Lagos, Akoka, Guinness Nigeria PLC Corporate Relations Director Mr Sesan Sobowale, noted that by partnering UNITAR, Guinness Nigeria/Diageo shows its continued commitment to the responsible use of alcohol and the prevention of alcohol-related road traffic accidents.
He said: “We believe that a single death caused by drinking and driving is one too many and can and must be prevented. We are encouraged that over the last few years, the number of alcohol related fatalities has fallen significantly in many countries. However, there is more to do and we are committed to playing our role in eradicating harm caused by drink driving in Nigeria. This new partnership with UNITAR is important as it will allow us to work together to deliver the global goal of halving drink driving road traffic deaths”.
The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Mallam Sabiu Zakari who represented the Minister for Transportation, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transport, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State command, Commander Clement Oladele, his Lagos counterpart, Mr. Hyginus Omeje and Sustainable transport experts from Kennesaw State University, Georgia in United States. The conference was also attended by transportation and road safety resource persons from Benin Republic, Ghana, Cote d’Ivore and Togo.
In their submissions, speakers outlined strategies that will help Nigeria create a sustainable transportation system while ensuring the safety of road users.
Country Head and Resident Representative of UNITAR in Nigeria, Dr Larry Boms, said road safety is a top priority in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which aims to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50 per cent by 2020.
“I am looking forward to bringing to fruition this new initiative between the United Nations and Guinness Nigeria/Diageo. Achieving the 2030 Development Agenda and its different goals will only be possible through innovative partnerships with the private sector such as this one, where different stakeholders join forces to reach specific beneficiaries and targets by sharing their respective expertise and resources,” he said.
Oladele, who represented FRSC Corp Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi, observed that about three percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is lost to road crashes every year and stressed the need to address the human factor element in road safety interventions.