Category: Motoring

Pak Suzuki Motor Company (PSMC) said it has further extended the shutdown of its automobile production plant from August 29 to 31, citing import restrictions by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) that have “adversely impacted clearance of import consignments, which resultantly affected the inventory levels”.

In a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), PSMC said that the SBP has introduced a mechanism for prior approval for import under HS code 8703 category (including CKDs) vide circular No.09 of 2022 dated May 20, this year.

“(These) restrictions had adversely impacted clearance of import consignment which resultantly affected the inventory levels,” said PSMC.

As a result, PSMC said it is facing a shortage of inventory level, thus the management of the company has decided to further extend the shutdown period of the automobile plant.

Earlier last week, PSMC had notified the PSX that it wouldbe suspending its automobile production from 22-26th August 2022 on account of a drop in inventory levels.

However, its motorcycle plant will remain operative, PSMC said on both occasions.

Pakistan’s auto industry, highly dependent on imports, has been caught in the midst of an exchange-rate crisis, as the SBP, after the unabated rupee devaluation, imposed restrictions on the opening of Letters of Credit (LCs).

Back in July, the automakers sought intervention from the central bank for opening LCs for the import of CKD kits to avoid delays in car deliveries and further cost escalation.

Earlier this month, PSMC citing the recovery in the rupee’s value against the US dollar announced to decrease the prices of its cars in the range of Rs75,000-199,000. It had earlier in August massively increased prices due to rupee depreciation.

The US-based car maker Ford Motor has reportedly confirmed that it is laying off roughly 3,000 employees and contract workers, with the cuts primarily affecting staff in the United States, Canada and India.

The email, signed by Executive Chairman Bill Ford and Chief Executive Jim Farley, said Ford is changing the way it operates and redeploying resources as it embraces new technologies that were not previously core to its operations, such as developing advanced software for its vehicles.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Ford sent an internal email to employees, saying it would begin notifying affected salaried and agency workers last week of the cuts.

About 2,000 of the targeted cuts will be salaried jobs at Dearborn, Michigan.

The remaining 1,000 employees are working in contract positions with outside agencies, the company said.

The job cuts were effective last  Thursday, a spokesman said.

Farley has said recently that Ford has too many employees, and that the existing workforce doesn’t have the expertise needed to transit to a portfolio of electric, software-laden vehicles.

He has said he aims to cut $3 billion in annual costs by 2026 to reach a 10 per cent pretax profit margin by then, up from 7.3 per cent last year.

Several media outlets reported in July that layoffs were coming for white-collar staff as part of a broader restructuring to sharpen the car company’s focus on electric vehicles and the batteries that power them.

Kia has shwon details of the final intensive testing programme undertaken by the Kia EV9 ahead of its world debut in 2023. The all-electric Kia EV9 will become the brand’s flagship model and will revolutionise the large electric Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment, while accelerating Kia’s brand transformation and affirming its leadership in sustainable electric mobility.

Developed over a period of 44 months to set new standards in design, performance, range, driving dynamics, technology and comfort, every facet of the EV9 is currently being pushed to the limits of durability at Kia’s global Namyang R&D centre in Korea.

During this final testing phase, the EV9 is relentlessly subjected to a grueling verification programme on a 4WD climbing hill and a rough terrain track, as well as a deep-water wading test, to ensure maximum reliability even in the most challenging conditions. Kia’s high-speed, handling, and low-friction tracks place every element of the EV9’s performance and roadholding under the strictest scrutiny. At the same time, the unforgiving cobbles of the Belgian road enable Kia’s engineers to subject the EV9’s ride comfort and build quality to the harshest possible trials. In addition to the test programme at Namyang R&D centre, like every Kia model, the EV9 has also been subjected to a punishing testing regimen in locations all over the globe.

Kia first gave the world a preview of its newest flagship model in the form of the Kia Concept EV9, unveiled at AutoMobility LA in Los Angeles last year. Personifying ‘Opposites United,’ the brand’s groundbreaking new design language, the EV9 production model will represent the pinnacle of what is possible with an SUV.

The Kia EV9 developed on the company’s advanced Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) will usher in a new era in sophisticated, high-technology, sustainable mobility.

Taking a bow in the first quarter of 2023, the Kia EV9 will follow in the footsteps of the brand’s ground-breaking all-electric EV6, which has garnered numerous critical accolades, including the highly prestigious European Car of the Year 2022 title.

Stallion MG has expressed confidence that its recently launched MG ZS would capture between 15 per cent and 20 per cent share of the Nigeria’s A-SUV market.

General Manager, Stallion MG Automobiles Limited, Anurag Shah, made the assertion recently in a statement.

He said: “Considering its quality design, performance, top notch safety features and  equipment level, which endear it to the car lovers in Europe, Asia and other parts of the world, we have no doubt that the MG ZS Crossover has the capability to become a segment leader in Nigeria. That was why, following its launch in the country, we confidently projected a segment market share of between 15 per cent and 20 per cent.

“Aside from offering more equipment than ever, this new MG ZS comes with an upgraded fuel-efficient engine, additional styling features and the very latest automotive technology in the interiors.”

Designed and built with British heritage in mind, MG ZS, a striking Crossover characterised by a contemporary design, comes with a redesigned front-end, which features a new hexagonal grille with a black finish as well as slender headlamps with LED daytime running lights.

Its rear end also features LED light clusters, which give it a sporty and powerful appearance in line with the Dark Rider theme.

“With 17-inch alloy wheels and a selection of smart paint colours to choose from,” Shah explained, “this is a car that stands out everywhere it goesw”.

Doubtless, with the new MG ZS, reversing and parking is made easy, as it comes with a rear parking camera. Owners are also spoilt with other modern equipment, including a eight-inch HD touch-screen display, which connects to Apple CarPlay, enabling access to smart-phone apps on the go.

In addition to cruise control, air conditioning, and keyless entry, the Crossover is also equipped with USB ports so that epassenger can stay connected.

“One of the global attractions to the new MG ZS is its extremely comfortable interior,” Stallion MG Automobiles’ boss affirmed, adding, “Its curved surfaces, exclusive soft materials and an unmatched spaciousness make the cabin comfortable. Complementing its premium interior is a high-resolution 8-inch touch screen infotainment system and soft-touch dashboard, giving you a luxury experience.”

MG ZS is available with two engine options, including 1.5-litre Turbo engine, which delivers an output of 160hp and peak torque of 160Nm or 1.5-litre CVT engine, which produces 118hp and 160Nm of torque, low emission and improved fuel economy of 16.5km/litre.

“Whichever you choose, you can expect a sporty and agile drive every time you take to the road,” Shah assures.

Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, which gives a smooth and seamless, acceleration, getting you from 0-100km/h in just 9.8 seconds.

“And importantly, like all MG vehicles on sale in Nigeria, our MG ZS comes with five-star safety features, which give drivers and passengers peace of mind while on the road. As standard, the Crossover features driver, passenger, and curtain airbags, auto hold and a blind spot warning system as well as ISOFIX anchor points for the safe installation of child seats,” Shah added.

One of the MG models being assembled in Nigeria, MG ZS was, with its siblings, introduced into the Nigerian market in December, 2021.

Fastest-growing mainstream car brand in the United Kingdom, its country of origin, MG automobile brand has, in the last two years, recorded a significantly soared sales in Europe, Asia and Middle East.

And if Stallion MG Automobile’s Q2 report is anything to go by, MG brand might be in the process of slicing deeper into the Nigeria’s Crossover SUV market.

Coscharis Motors Plc has resolved to further deliver value for money to their numerous stakeholders.

From the sales of their new vehicles down to the aftersales service offerings and the total brand experience, Coscharis said it will give top notch customer experience that will further endear all their brands represented in Nigeria to various customers across board.

Speaking at a retreat in Lagos, the President/Chief Executive Officer of Coscharis Group, Dr. Cosmas Maduka, urged the team to continually delight all customers by going extra mile to deliver the actual value for money as the company’s pay off line states.

He said: “In the present dispensation where all the customer demands for is excellent service and value for their hard earned money, we do not have a choice rather than to go extra mile at all times not just to win a new customer but to retain them and earn their respect to naturally become our brand ambassadors. For us to remain an institution that is timeless in relevance as our vision, we have to constantly be driven by our brand promise to deliver value for money at all times in all our engagements with our stakeholders in all ramifications.”

Group Managing Director of Coscharis Group, Josiah Samuel enjoined the entire team that drives the Coscharis Motors business to always leverage on opportunities that arise to make a positive impression on every customer.

“Explore all the customer touch points to deliver a top notch customer service experience to the customer in a way that shows you truly cherish their patronage and remain relevant for all their automobile needs at all times,” he said.

General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communication, Abiona Babarinde, said the retreat brought together all the various team leaders across Auto sales, Aftersales, Assembly Plant, Certified Cars, Auto Care, Auto Component, Finance, Human Resources, Logistics, Ordering, Imports, Information Technology, Marketing and Corporate Communications respectively to brainstorm on how to collectively raise the bar in delivering total top notch customer satisfaction from a super team.

Babarinde said Coscharis Motors Plc remains the leading player in the automotive industry in the country with a very strong brand presence that has a robust reputable portfolio representing exclusively globally respected iconic brands like Renault, Ford, Ford Truck, BMW, Jaguar LandRover and Rolls-Royce, among others, for  Sales and Aftersales in the auto sales division.

New offerings have come out  from Mercedes-Benz: Atego distribution truck.

The distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, Weststar Associates Limited, broke the news in Lagos.

It said brand new units of the 1418 & 1725 models of the Mercedes-Benz Atego have become the commercial vehicle for many haulage and logistics firms.

Coming from Mercedes-Benz Trucks’125 years legacy, the Mercedes-Benz Atego is the multi-purpose specialist for business. It comes ready for various applications which include water tanker, box body, fuel tanker, etc. It delivers on the reliability and cost-effectiveness that is the hallmark of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, giving your business that added advantage.

The Mercedes-Benz Atego distribution truck is a seamless integration between all components, combining high performance, extreme durability, excellent load capacity, low operational cost, and easy maintenance with reliability and robustness to attend to the diverse needs in cargo transport with different bodies.

The Atego 1418 truck comes with a Gross Vehicle Weight of 14 tons and is equipped with a properly tropicalised 4.2 liter 4 cylinder turbocharged diesel engine with 177 horsepower output. It is also fitted with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard, as well as a sturdy rear axle, reinforced suspension and higher ground clearance.

Atego 1725 truck has a Gross Vehicle Weight of 17.1 tons and is equipped with a properly tropicalised 6.3 liter 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine with 245 horsepower output. It is also fitted with a 6-speed gearbox as standard, as well as a sturdy rear axle, reinforced suspension & higher ground clearance.

The interior design of the Mercedes-Benz Atego distribution truck takes a practical and functional approach with ample space for the driver and an extra two passengers in the cab. The driver’s seat is equipped with a wide range of adjustment possibilities to make it as comfortable as possible. The cab is also equipped with air conditioning and cruise control as standard. Additional comfort & convenience features include: Bluetooth handsfree radio with USB connectivity, a central lock system, while safety is reinforced with the standard ABS braking system.

Speaking on the Mercedes- Benz Atego distribution truck, MD/CEO Weststar Associates Limited, Mr. Mirko Plath commented; “The Mercedes-Benz Atego truck has become very dependable for many of our clients, this has inevitably brought in more demand for the distribution truck. With its great versatility, practicality and robustness, the Atego perfectly fits the diverse demands in cargo transport. Its efficient engines also ensure low fuel consumption and economical driving.”

The Mercedes-Benz Atego distribution truck is the complete vehicle for business owners. With comfort and profitability highly prioritised, the Atego truck is versatile for various applications in and around the city.

The  Deputy Managing Director of CFAO Motors, Mr Kunle Jaiyesimi, has said that, the nation’s automotive industry is in a precarious situation and needs urgent attention.

Jaiyesimi said this while making a presentation at the last 7th edition of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association ( NAJA) training/capacity building workshop held on Friday at the Conference and Exhibition Centre of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa, Ikeja with the theme: “Accelerating Automobile Industry Recovery Strategy In Post COVID-19 Era”.

According to Jaiyesimi, his company, CFAO is not isolated from the catalogue of woes that the local automotive industry is passing through, despite efforts made so far to build the sector to an enviable position.

Jaiyesimi who is also the chairman of the Auto & Allied sub-Sectoral group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry, (LCCI) pointed out that, his company has been having the impact of the prevailing economic situation but has decided not to lay off their workers.

To keep the employees, he said CFAO had since converted their workers in assembly plants to after-sales staff, so as to continue to keep them.

He, therefore, urged automotive journalists to do an independent investigation into the workings of assembly plants in the country, so that they can come up with an ascertained report about what is happening in that area.

Picking holes in the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) which took off in 2013 to revitalise the auto industry, Jaiyesimi noted that the impact has not been felt.

He said: “When the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) came up with the policy, we had it in phases; that is starting with semi knocked down, SKD1 SKD2 and SKD3. It was expected that after five years, we would have migrated to CKD. By 2014, we should have been in CKD but we are still in SKD in 2022.

“Can we even talk of manufacturing tyres today? Tyre manufacturers in Nigeria have migrated to Ghana and I don’t blame them. It is unthinkable that after many years, no headway has been made. Ghana took our auto policy which we gave them and they worked on it.”

“Today auto giants like to invest in Ghana instead of Nigeria because of the business friendly environment there. These foreign firms get information from local operators.”

He called for more serious about assembling vehicles in Nigeria adding that. Ghana has advantage now because with the way things are going, it will come to a point whereby the country will produce and bring its auto products down intothecountry and that will be the end of the Nigeria Auto industry

Stressing that the auto industry is very symbolic in a lot of countries, he challenged the media to do more in areas of investigative journalism.

This year’s training programmes was sponsored by Weststar Associates, franchisees of Mercedes-Benz brand, Stallion Motors with Nissan, Hyundai, Porsche, MG, Changan and Audi franchise, Toyota Nigeria Limited and CFAO Motor, franchise owners of Mitsubishi and Suzuki brands in the country.

A Senior Lecturer at the Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Dr Oscar Odiboh, has urged the media to assist in building the auto industry through a robust journalism practice.

Dr Odiboh gave the advice while making a presentation at the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association ( NAJA) Training/Capacity Building Workshop in Lagos.

In his presentation titled: “Lacuna”, Dr Odiboh who is also a marketing and communication consultant urged NAJA members to always collaborate with government agencies as a team, so that there would be synergy in terms of building the industry.

According to him, NAJA should take the society very seriously, as the association needs a quotient of societal understanding to do their job properly and professionally.

Advocating for a robust cooperation amongst all members of NAJA, the university don said:  “This industry is in your hands. If you can’t build it, the new generation will come and do it for you. Also remember that if you don’t have the industry in your hands, the association cannot stand. You must build this industry strong together.

“The only way to move forward is that you have to work together with government agencies as a team. Your relationship with government should also be collective.”

Toyota has threatened to stop manufacturing in the United Kingdom (UK) if the government goes ahead with its plans to ban the sale of hybrid cars from 2030.

The marquee told government officials the ban would constrain “manufacturing, retail and other business activities” as well as “future investment.”

“If the government adopts an SZEC [significant zero emission capability] requirement that causes an early end to the sale of new full hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle sales in 2030, there would be an impact on a number of areas,” reads a document sent by the Japanese multinational and seen by the Telegraph.

According to the document, Toyota also pushed back against ministers’ plan to have manufacturers increase the percentage of EV sold until 2035.

Car makers are set to incur hefty fines if they don’t comply.

As part of its net-zero strategy, the government has banned the sale of petrol and diesel cars from 2030, allowing greener hybrids to be sold until 2035.

“We’ve committed to ensuring all new cars and vans sold in the UK are zero emission at the tailpipe by 2035,” a DfT spokesperson told the outlet.

“Vehicle manufacturers and supply chains play a vital role in the transition to cleaner vehicles and we continue to work closely with the industry to help shape future regulations.”

Further legislation will be announced later this year, but it is expected that all but the newest plug-in vehicles will be banned, impacting the likes of Toyota’s hybrid Corolla.

The vehicle is made at Derbyshire’s Burnaston plant, which is one of the company’s two factories in the UK.

With a total investment of £2.75bn, Burnaston – alongside Toyota’s engine factory in Deeside, North Wales – employs around 3,000 people.

The fourth largest manufacturer in the UK after Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover and Mini, Toyota has claimed that its hybrid models were less polluting than petrol and diesel cars. .

The group said its response to government consultations “covered many details” and that it would continue discussions with the UK Government, with whom Toyota shares the ambition to “make progress towards zero emission.”

Tajudeen Adebanjo and Fawzi Kehinde

The new Changan CS15 Crossover has been launched into the Nigerian market, courtesy of Zahav Automobile Co., a subsidiary of Stallion group and Nigeria’s official representative of the brand.

Unveiled on Saturday at a media launch held at Changan’s Victoria Island, Lagos Showroom, the restyled SUV comes loaded with safety and intelligent features.

In the Chinese language, CHANG means lasting and AN means safety. Therefore, CHANGAN together represents the idea of “Lasting Safety”.

Stallion Motors’ Head of Sale and Marketing, Vijay Singh, said his company rolled out the new CS15 to satisfy the desire of auto lovers for SUVs that combine beauty with intelligence, strength and value for money.

He said: “Essentially, the latest CS15 comes loaded with ABS, Airbags, Anti theft alarm, Collision Detection,  Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Immobilizer, Front and Rear Parking Sensors, Rear Camera and more.

“The new CS15 is powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder Petrol engine mated onto 5DCT (Dual-clutch transmission), which generates 105 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque.

“Interestingly, as the nation and the rest of the world face challenges of volatile fuel price, CS15, which frugally travels across 100 kilometers using only 6.5 litres of fuel, is pocket-friendly.”

The Crossover also comes with a brand-new chassis adjustment, which translates to comfortable cruising control on the city or highway.

Indeed, CS15’s cute styling is a proof that Changan designers took their creative prowess to another level, resulting in a muscular exterior curves that conveys surging power.

Restyled with a modified grill and Sharp LED headlamp, the latest CS15 Crossover is 4.135 mm long, 1,740 mm wide and 1630 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2520 mm and trunk capacity of 230 litres, all of which enlarge its interior space.

Viewed from the rear, its horizontal through tail design mixes sharpness and cuteness together, just as its 17 inches flash sickle wheel draws attention all the time.

Changan CS15’s striking styling extends into its interior, thereby underlining individuality, dynamism and style. Equipped with Automatic headlamp, wise and convenient Keyless entry + One-push start, the interior comes with silver chrome 7-inch touch LCD screen, which support mobile phone interconnection and mapping and other basic functions.

With up to 39 storage spaces, CS15 makes use of its flexible design, as foldable rear seats and electric sunroof offer you and your family more comfort and flexibility.

In addition to the basic central control lock, the CS15 is equipped with extra intelligent features, including rear parking radar, reversing image, constant speed cruise, front and rear power windows, exterior mirror electric adjustment function, automatic headlights, headlight height adjustment, co-pilot car interior makeup mirror and in-car air conditioning / pollen filtering.

There are more. Both the front and rear are equipped with headrests. The rear seats can be reclined in an equal proportion of 40:60, increasing the storage space of the trunk, extending from 230L of daily use space to 1100L of extra space.

Despite the its load of safety features, equipment and sweet styling, the newly launched Changan CS15, according to Singh, is on offer for as low as N12.3m, factors  that embolden the CS15 to confidently flex its muscles against the likes of Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, GACGS3 and Nissan Kicks, its major competitors in the country.