The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Weststar produces first Nigerian globally certified trainer

    Weststar produces first Nigerian globally certified trainer

    The Training Manager, Weststar Associates Limited, Mr Abdul Ligali, has received a certificate of excellence in global training from Daimler AG Global Training Centre in Stuttgart, Germany. He is the first Nigerian to be certified as a Mercedes-Benz global trainer by Daimler.

    According to Weststar Managing Director Mr Mirko Plath, the recognition will pave way for the expansion of a certified global training centre for Weststar in Nigeria.

    Since inception, Weststar has organised technical and non-technical training for staff, dealers, and customers to expand the knowledge base of employees and meet the various needs of customers.

    In 2014, Weststar set-up an in-house training department. So far, over 300 participants, trained in various aspects of auto business, have graduated from the department.

    A global trainer handled  the programme.

    Ligali said the achievement was a step in the right direction, as it will reduce dependency on only foreign trainers.

    He said: “This is a welcome development for Weststar; there will be a reduced dependency on foreign trainers. In the future, we hope to expand our training center for the brands we represent that will be open to the public and not just our staff, dealerships or customers. There would even be dual vocational courses for interested individuals. Our vision is to become the training hub for West Africa. I also plan to train and mentor other global training aspirants locally as well.

    “I am the global trainer for non-technical aspects such as service and processing. We hope to develop more global trainers in both technical and non-technical areas. This will provide multiple job opportunities for Nigerians and also contribute positively to the educational sector by encouraging the youths to take up various technical careers.”

  • BMW to launch four-seat X7

    •Firm may open electric car battery factory in Thailand

    The X7 full-size Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) of BMW will possess extra-exclusive and extra-luxurious features, the auto giant has confirmed.

    The X7 will be launched in 2018 as a rival to the likes of the Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes-Benz GLS and Land Rover Range Rover but an even plusher version is being readied to target a new range of SUVs from ultra-luxurious brands Bentley, Mercedes-Maybach and even fellow BMW Group brand Rolls-Royce.

    The information was confirmed by BMW Sales and Marketing boss Ian Robertson.

    Robertson said there would be a version of the X7 with distinct styling and a four-seat arrangement similar to that of Volvo’s XC90 Excellence.

    According to him, the extra-luxurious X7 will be priced north of $100k, just like the XC90 Excellence. The regular X7 will have seven seats split over three rows and a starting price well below $100k.

    All X7s will be built at BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The vehicle is being developed around the carbon fiber-infused 35up platform that made its debut in the latest 7-Series. Test mules have already been spotted. The new SUV from Rolls-Royce will be based on the British brand’s own aluminum space-frame architecture.

    Robertson also reaffirmed that BMW’s recently announced plans for a model positioned above the 7-Series.

    He said the high-end model, likely to be an eight-Series coupe, has been in development for some time and will be shown in the not too distant future.

    He also confirmed a new BMW compact crossover for the United States (US). The vehicle is thought to be the coupe-like X2 recently spied in prototype form.

    Meanwhile the company is considering building a factory to produce batteries for plug-in hybrid vehicles in Thailand, the country’s industry minister said.

    Construction was likely to start in the middle of next year with an investment of two billion baht ($57 million), Industry Minister Atchaka Sibunruang said, adding that the factory would make hybrid vehicles more affordable for Thai consumers.

    “Hybrid vehicles are still expensive now, but once there is a factory established and batteries are available this will make it affordable for consumers,” Atchaka told reporters.

    A spokesman for BMW in Thailand said the company was not immediately able to comment on the investment, but would issue a statement soon.

    Atchaka said the Thai government was working with BMW to offer tax incentives to make the country a center for plug-in hybrid vehicles.

  • Infiniti Motor breaks new sales record

    Infiniti Motor breaks new sales record

    Infiniti finished the first half of the year with a new sales record. The company sold more than 110,200 vehicles, an increase of seven percent over the same period last year.

    In the month of June, more than 19,300 vehicles were sold, up 15 percent versus June 2015, and in the second quarter of the year (April-June), Infiniti set a new record with almost 53,000 vehicles sold representing an increase of four percent.

    This marks the best ever June for Infiniti sales globally and in several key markets including Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Western Europe, China and Australia.

    Year to date, Infiniti had record sales for the Americas (U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Latin America) along with Canada and Mexico individually, Western Europe, Middle East, Asia & Oceania (“A&O”), Korea and Australia.

    Western Europe sold close to 1,600 vehicles in June, which is an increase of more than 150 percent over June 2015. Year to date, more than 9,500 vehicles were sold, up 177 percent from the same period last year.

    In Americas, 12,300 vehicles were sold in June, 11 per cent more than in June 2015. Year to date, approximately 72,100 vehicles were sold, an increase of two per cent from the same period last year.

    In Asia and Oceania (Australia, Korea, Taiwan and other markets), Infiniti sold 540 vehicles in June, which is an increase of 14 percent over the same month last year. For the first half of 2016, Infiniti sold almost 3,300 vehicles, which is an increase of 25 per cent over the same period the previous year.

    In June, Infiniti set a new record for China with 3,700 vehicles sold, 12 per cent up from June 2015. Year to date, Infiniti sold more than 18,600 vehicles in China, a slight drop of 2 percent from the same period last year due to product availability in April and May.

    Infiniti Motor Company President Roland Krueger said: “Infiniti continues to deliver strong results. I’d like to thank our customers around the world that made Infiniti their trusted choice. With new products such as the QX30 and the Q60 coming on stream, we are very confident about our prospects in the second half.”

    Infiniti Motor Company Ltd is headquartered in Hong Kong with sales operations in over 50 countries. The Infiniti brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan, the United States, United Kingdom and China.  Infiniti plans to also expand manufacturing into Mexico by 2017. Infiniti design studios are located in Atsugi-Shi near Yokohama, London, San Diego and Beijing.

  • Porsche announces production launch of 718 Cayman

    Assembly of the new Porsche 718 Cayman is underway in Germany with the comprehensively redeveloped mid-engine sport coupé now boasting more power, increased torque, a higher top speed and a stylish redesign.

    Ahead of its arrival, the new entry-level model for Porsche is being produced at the brand’s historic headquarters in Zuffenhausen.

    The milestone announcement comes soon after the introduction of the newly designated and revolutionised 718 Boxster of which the 718 Cayman features the same new four-cylinder flat engines with turbocharging. The result is a 25 hp increase in both the 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S when compared to their predecessors.

    “The production launch of the Cayman successor models was executed to our full satisfaction,” says Albrecht Reimold, Executive Board Member for Production and Logistics at Porsche AG.

    “After the successful launches of the new 911 at the end of last year and of the new 718 Boxster this year, the team in Zuffenhausen also handled this production launch impeccably. This is further proof that our employees work with perfection and passion on a daily basis to enable a very special Porsche experience for our customers,” Reimold said.

     

    The entry-level 718 Cayman is driven by a newly developed, two-litre, 300 hp engine with innovative turbocharging. The substantial torque increase of 35 per cent in the new engine of the base model promises driving fun and agility with a maximum of up to 380 Newton metres. Featuring a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG), the 718 Cayman S boasts 2.5 litres of engine displacement and 350 hp, with maximum torque at 420 Newton metres.

    When equipped with Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) and Sport Chrono Package, the 718 Cayman accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, whilst the S-version achieves the same in 4.2 seconds.

  • Kia cuts environmental impact of car manufacturing

    Kia cuts environmental impact of car manufacturing

    Kia Motors Corporation has made significant progress in reducing the environmental impact of its production facilities, according to the company’s annual ‘MOVE’ sustainability report.

    The Korean car manufacturer’s ongoing efforts to introduce more environmentally sustainable production methods have, over the past one year, resulted in lower greenhouse gas emissions levels, less waste and reduced water use across its domestic production sites. These have been achieved with a strong focus on recycling, employee sustainability initiatives, reducing unit waste and cleaner, more modern production methods.

    Kia’s domestic plants, located in Sohari, Gwangju and Hwasung, Korea, accounted for 56.5 per cent of all Kia global production in 2015 – 1.72 million units. While the company’s year-on-year global sales grew by 0.3 per cent in 2015, to 3.05 million units, the ongoing focus on sustainability across the brand’s manufacturing facilities has minimised the environmental impact of this growth.

    Kia’s focus on improving production methods has resulted in a 12.4 per cent per-unit reduction in the volume of raw materials required since 2014 and a 21.5 per cent reduction since 2003. This includes a 22.1 per cent drop in the amount of steel needed to produce each individual car, as well as an 11.7 per cent drop in the consumption of paint throughout the same period since 2003.

    As a result of this push for greater efficiency, Kia has recorded a 1.2 per cent reduction in per-unit waste output since 2014 – and a 30 per cent decrease since 2003. In 2015, the three domestic production sites generated a total of 233,442 tons of waste, down 0.2 per cent from the previous year despite the growth in production. Meanwhile, recycling rates have risen, with the company finding alternative uses for 93.7 per cent (219,000 tons) of all waste materials. For instance, unused zinc-coated steel is sent to steelmakers in Korea, while uncoated steel can be recycled for use at the foundry in Kia’s Gwangju facility. Kia has also introduced programs to recycle and re-use paint and thinners, while other waste is being used to make cement for construction, as well as other materials.

    Waste materials that can’t be reused or recycled are incinerated or buried, with landfill waste totalling near 1 per cent of all factory waste. The Sohari manufacturing facility, with a production capacity of 340,000 cars per year, has generated 0 per cent landfill waste since 2008.

  • UNILAG don, Automedics boss for auto journalists training

    A senior lecturer at University of Lagos (UNILAG) Dr Oscar Odiboh and Automedics Managing Director Mr Kunle Sonaike will join other stakeholders in the automobile sector to speak at the annual capacity building workshop and training for the Nigeria Auto Journalists.

    The two-day training programme scheduled for July 29-30 will hold at NERO Hotel, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Sangotedo, Ajah, Lekki, Lagos.

    Sonaike will speak on Mechatronics and Automotive Parts.

    Odiboh, an auto expert will speak on importance of research in automotive journalism; while a Digital Marketing expert, Priestly Adaigbe will deliver lecture on the digitalisation.

    It would be recalled that the Chairman of Nigeria Auto Manufacturers Association (NAMA), who is also the Managing Director of VON Automobiles Limited, Mr. Tokunbo Aromolaran, recently hailed NAJA for organising the annual event.

    Aromolaran said: “Lots are happening now at various auto assemblies and manufacturing plants in the country. I know you (automobile journalists) have toured some of the plants. But if you would spare time to pay follow-up visits to the nation’s assembly and manufacturing plants, you would be able to see our latest products and so report them to Nigerians.

    “This will go a long way at encouraging local consumption of our locally made automobiles and at the long run, accelerate the Nigerian Industrial Development Plan (NIDP).”

  • Coscharis Motors to introduce JAGUAR F Pace SUV

    Jaguar’s first ever family Sports Utility Vehicle will be officially unveiled in Nigeria by Coscharis Motors on Thursday at Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos.

    The unveiling will be in partnership with Tech+ during an exclusive dinner opening ceremony for event partners.

    The F Pace has become the manufacturer’s fastest-selling vehicle. In the first 10 months on sale, more than 14,000 orders have been placed, with all 2,000 First Edition vehicles sold out. The Jaguar F-PACE is Jaguar’s first performance crossover and its lightweight body structure comprises 80 per cent aluminium. It is the only aluminium-intensive design in its sector and is manufactured at Jaguar Land Rover’s Solihull Plant in the UK.

    According to the Coscharis Jaguar Land Rover Marketing Manager, Aregbeshola Cletus, a follow up test drive plan has been scheduled for the last week of July, especially for customers who would have indicated interest during the launch.

  • Want the king’s feeling? Get new Land Cruiser

    Want the king’s feeling? Get new Land Cruiser

    When it comes to technology, the Land Cruiser is user-friendly. Bright, clear gauges and simplified controls make performing basic functions a snap. Off the pavement, the Land Cruiser is hard to beat, with its ample ground clearance and long-travel suspension that are capable of conquering everything from muddy trails to skull-sized rocks. Best of all, the collection of off-road driving aids-like Crawl Control, which allows the driver to focus on steering while the computers handle everything else, make it easy for even inexperienced off-roaders to feel like they are king of the hill, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO with reports from Edmund.com and Yahoo.

    The Land Cruiser is immensely capable, comfortable and more or less fully loaded in its single trim level. Whether rock crawling or mall crawling, the Land Cruiser is more than ready to deal with whatever route thrown at it, and it will do so with the aplomb of its fancier competition.

    The 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser gets a new eight-speed automatic transmission for better acceleration. New safety features include a front collision avoidance system with pedestrian detection, plus blind spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems. Finally, on the electronics front, there is an updated Entune infotainment system with Siri Eyes Free technology, a Qi wireless phone charger and a new dual-screen rear-seat video entertainment system.

    With roots going back to 1957 and a legion of loyal fans around the world, the 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the best-known SUVs on the road.

    While the big V8 engine boasts 381 horsepower, it returns a sobering 15 mpg combined. Inside, the Land Cruiser disappoints with a cramped third-row seat that doesn’t fold into the floor to maximise cargo space. There is also the Land Cruiser’s luxury-grade price. It is largely justified considering how much equipment comes standard, but it does put this big three-row SUV in a different league.

    If considering buying a new 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser, one might develop a case of sticker shock.

    A prime option would be the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. It combines a lower MSRP, diverse powertrain options, a more spacious third-row seat and a luxurious image, albeit without the Toyota’s all-terrain chops. The 2016 GMC Yukon Denali and 2016 Cadillac Escalade also have greater high-end appeal. Finally, if it is the ability to keep going after the pavement stops that one is after, consider the 2016 Land Rover LR4, which delivers a similar combination of off-road capability and luxury trappings.

    Ultimately, the 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser excels at going where most other SUVs would rightly fear to tread, and it could make for a capable vehicle for towing as well. But it might not be the best choice for buyers who face nothing more challenging than the occasional parking lot speed bump.

    Body Styles

    The Land Cruiser is an eight-passenger SUV available in a single, fully loaded trim level.

    Standard features include 18-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights and running lights, foglights, auto-dimming and power-folding heated mirrors, automatic wipers, deep-tinted rear privacy glass, a sunroof, a roof rack, a rear spoiler, running boards, LED taillights and keyless entry and ignition.

    Interior features include four-zone automatic climate control with separate second-row controls and third-row vents, perforated leather upholstery, heated and ventilated power front seats (10-way driver, eight-way passenger), driver seat memory settings, heated 40/20/40-split second-row seats (sliding and reclining), 50/50-split third-row seats that fold up to either side of the cargo area, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with leather and wood trim, and a center console cooler box.

    The 2016 Land Cruiser is certainly well equipped, but some similarly priced SUVs offer even more.

    Standard technology features include adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and a “multi-terrain monitor” off-road camera system with selectable front, side or rear views. Also included are a navigation system with a large 9-inch touchscreen interface and voice controls, Qi wireless phone charging, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a dual-screen rear-seat DVD entertainment system and Toyota’s Entune suite of smartphone app-based services. The 14-speaker JBL sound system includes a CD player, satellite radio, HD radio and an iPod/USB audio interface.

    There are no factory options offered.

    Powertrains

    The 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 that cranks out an impressive 381 hp and 401 pound-feet of torque. A new eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive are standard. EPA-estimated fuel economy remains 15 mpg combined (13 city/18 highway), however, the same as last year.

    The Land Cruiser features a locking centre differential, the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (which electronically adjusts the stabiliser bars for improved on-road handling or maximum off-road capability), Multi-Terrain Select (which tailors the stability and traction control settings to specific surfaces), a five-speed crawl control (essentially a low-speed off-road cruise control), hill-start assist and Off-Road Turn Assist (which applies brakes to the inside wheels in a corner to improve turning response).

     

    Safety

    Standard safety features on the 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, trailer-sway control, hill-start assist, front and rear parking sensors, front knee airbags, front- and second-row side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. A rearview camera is also standard. New this year are blind spot monitoring, rear cross-path warning, lane departure warning and a forward collision system that has the ability to detect both other vehicles and pedestrians and provide emergency braking at low speeds.

    Every Land Cruiser is equipped with Toyota’s Safety Connect system, which includes automatic collision notification, on-demand roadside assistance and a stolen vehicle locator.

     

    Interior 

    Inside, the 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser offers an upscale passenger cabin decked out in high-quality materials. Even so, the overall effect feels less high-end than some of its luxury brand competitors.

    Up front, seats offer good comfort and support and the power-adjustable driver seat and steering wheel make it easy to find an ideal driving position. Second-row passengers enjoy heated seats that slide fore and aft and recline for greater comfort. As with many traditional SUVs, the third-row seats’ combination of a low bottom cushion and limited legroom make them unsuitable for anyone over the age of 12.

    With that third-row seat in use, cargo capacity is just 16 cubic feet. Fold both halves of that 50/50-split seat up against the sides of the cargo compartment (a design that unfortunately eats up space) and you end up with a still modest 43 cubic feet. Lay the second-row seats flat as well and you end up with just under 82 cubic feet, a number that falls short of many competitors.

    The 2016 Land Cruiser’s standard rear entertainment system includes a pair of exceptionally large and crisp 11.6-inch displays.

    When it comes to technology, the Land Cruiser is surprisingly user-friendly. Bright, clear gauges and simplified controls make performing basic functions a snap. The updated Entune app-based infotainment system features a new, larger 9-inch center-mounted touchscreen with Siri Eyes Free technology that allows users to access their iPhone’s features with the touch of a steering-wheel-mounted button. The new dual-screen video entertainment system is a plus, as is the multiview camera system that’s useful both on and off-road. Finally, the new Qi wireless charging system allows owners of compatible cell phones to top off their batteries without futzing with charging cables.

  • Basic safe driving tips

    The rainy season is here again and there is an urgent need to sternly warn and educate all categories of drivers and vehicle owners on the need for them to be much more safety-conscious in this season and beyond. Research has revealed that most of the road crashes occur as a result of driver error most of which emanated from their ignorance of the basic traffic rules, regulations and defensive driving techniques.

    Here are some of the tips to enhance safety on the roads particularly in this season:.

    • Understand all the traffic signs and road markings, their meanings and implications for safe driving.
    • Don’t use mobile phones when driving. Also avoid holding any object in your hands when driving. Don’t turn your face backward when driving forward.
    • Avoid the use of alcohol and other psychoactive drugs that can bring about mood change. They work against co-ordination and reaction time.
    • Avoid drowsy driving. Don’t drive if you are tired or if you have not had enough sleep. Sleep – debt is a safety risk.
    • Regularly maintain your vehicle to make it roadworthy (engine, brakes, lighting system, etc).
    • Be careful of second – hand and worn-out tyres. Remember that tyres have expiry dates. Your tyres must be appropriately inflated
    • Avoid over-speeding. Be conscious of the fact that Nigeria roads are not in good state. Always adjust your speed according to the condition of the roads (including raining, foggy and night environments). At the same time, be conscious of the operation of kinetic energy and circular motion principles in your driving. Remember, “hurry leads to sorry”.
    • Don’t assume that the other road users are perfect. They can also make costly mistakes. Always apply your hazard perception skills.
    • Avoid road rage even when you are offended by other road users.
    • Always use your seat belt. Wear the lap and shoulder belts.
    • Avoid seating underage children at the front of the vehicle. In case of accident, the airbag can suffocate children. Keep your children – in – car seat in the middle of the back seat.
    • Avoid distraction when driving (For example make-up, reading, phone call, texting, writing, adjusting car stereo, watching roadside scenes, shaving, etc). Pull over if you must do it.
    • Always apply the MSM rule when overtaking (That is, check your mirror, use your signal and manower).

     

    Only overtake when road signs and markings permit.

    • Be Cautious at road Curves. Don’t negotiate any road bend with high speed to avoid.
    • Be cautious at turns. Always use your turn signals at the appropriate time and distance. Always cancel the signal whenever it is not in use.
    • Apply your brake with caution particularly if your vehicle has an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Don’t “pump” ABS brakes
    • Master emergency driving skills. A driver must know what to do in cases of emergencies such as brake failure, overheating, tyre blowout, fire incidence, etc. Don’t panic in emergency situations.
    • Drivers must master lane and space management in driving. Lane changes must be done with the interest of other road users and safety at heart.
    • Avoid dangerous overtaking (passing). Only overtake when it is necessary and when you know you can complete it without over-speeding and without causing problem for the oncoming vehicles. Don’t block fast (passing) lanes.

     

    •To be continued

     

  • Honda recalls 784,000 vehicles over faulty Takata air bags

    Honda recalls 784,000 vehicles over faulty Takata air bags

    Honda Motor Corporation said it was recalling around 784,000 vehicles in Japan, part of an expanded recall for potentially deadly Takata Corporation airbags.

    Honda said in Tokyo it was recalling models, including its Odyssey minivan, Fit subcompact model and Civic sedan with production dates ranging between 2003 and 2009 to replace passenger-side air bags.

    Facing ballooning recall costs and lawsuits over its faulty airbags, Takata is seeking financial backers.

    Private equity firm KKR & Co. and Chinese auto supplier Ningbo Joyson Electronic Corporation have expressed interest in investing.

    Automakers are ramping up recalls after the auto parts maker, under pressure from the United States (US) government, agreed last month to declare more of its airbags as defective in the U.S.

    Takata’s airbag inflators can explode with excessive force in hot, humid conditions, and have been linked to more than 100 injuries and 13 deaths, mainly in the U.S.

    More than 100 million vehicles have been recalled worldwide over faulty Takata airbags.

    Honda’s recall is part of a push by Japanese authorities to make sure that Takata air bags without a drying agent are off the road by March 2019.

    Separately, Nissan Motor Co recalled some 230,000 Note mini multi-purpose vehicles in Japan over a potential fault with its engine bracket mount.