The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Facts about tyre blowout

    Facts about tyre blowout

    It is interesting and encouraging that the death of the former Minister of State for Labour and Employment and a top military officer in a car crash along Kaduna – Abuja and Maiduguri roads respectively has brought to fore, some fundamental issues which have hitherto been played down at various levels. In the same week, two pathetic accidents also occurred on Bauchi and Owo – Akure roads which led to the loss of over 20 lives.

    In this article, I will focus on just one of those safety issues, TYRE PROBLEMS. The two sad accidents were caused by tyre blowouts.

    It is expedient for every driver to deeply understand the physical forces (Kinetic energy or Momentum, Centrifugal force, Traction or Friction, road banking etc), how they affect the control of the vehicle (acceleration, steering and braking) and how to prevent the loss of control.

    I would like to classify this piece into 2, The Quality of Tyres and the Handling of Tyres as they affect driving.

    QUALITY OF TYRES – The quality of tyres depend to a very large extent on the chemical compound of the rubber used in manufacturing the tyres, the tyre construction (bias, bias-belted or radial-ply), the tyre thread design (all – weather, snow or conventional passenger tyres). The more the rubber is in contact with the road, the more the degree of traction but the rate of traction reduces when the road is wet. The various types of tyres also vary in terms of their effectiveness in stopping, and cornering.

    There is also a need for the drivers to be able to decode the tyre sidewall information (passenger code, load code, weight – speed code, traction grade, temperature grade, tyre size, construction information, etc).

    In a nut shell, the following handling factors can cause a tyre blowout or allied problems – Quality of the tyres (production error, worn out tyres, tyres without adequate thread depth, expired tyres even if new, twisted tyres, improper tyre rotation, improper or careless mounting of tyres, etc).

    Defects (caused by frequent climbing of road kerb or other objects, frequent scrubbing of the tyre  sideways against road median or road kerbs, wrong patching of punctured tyres), under – inflation or over – inflation of tyres, damage by sharp objects on the road, wheel spinning (especially when the tyre gets stuck in a mud), Speed (the faster your speed, the faster also your vehicle tyres will wear out), the temperature and temperature changes.

    Handling – Every driver and vehicle owner must know the limit of adhesion which is determined by the grip of the tyres to the road. This depends largely on the tyre design as earlier mentioned, the vertical force placed on the tyre (the load or weight), the tyre and condition of the road surface, and the vehicle speed.

    A combination of acceleration, steering and or braking has a lot to do with weight transfer which in turn determines the stability or loss of control of the vehicle.

    In addition to tyre blowout, other factors which can make a vehicle to roll-over or summersault include: cornering at a high speed, over-braking while cornering at a high speed, over-steering while over speeding, faulty suspension system, wide vehicle-  ground clearance and overloading.

    For safety on the road, always obey the speed limit or adjust your speed (according to your skill, vehicle condition and the environmental factors, especially the road surface); avoid speedy take-off, speedy steering and speedy stopping; avoid potholes, stones and sharp objects on the road, avoid climbing road kerbs or scrubbing your tyre walls against road median or kerbs, avoid overloading or load/passenger imbalance in the vehicle, do regular wheel balancing and alignment, and don’t despise expert advice on the right tyres to buy for your vehicles. Prevention is better and cheaper than cure.

  • Stallion Motors wins ‘Business Performance Award’

    The Commercial Vehicle Division of Stallion Motors Nigeria has received the Overall Business Performance Award – West Africa Region for 2015 at the just concluded Ashok Leyland conference held in Hyderabad, India.

    Stallion Commercial Vehicle Division has consequently enlisted Nigeria among Ashok Leyland prominent markets and fledging commercial vehicle manufacturing concerns worldwide.

    The award also standardises uniform experience for customers and alleviates dealership apprehensions while enhancing the identical feel of every dealer outlet and processes across all touch points, Ashok Leyland remarked.

    A promising manufacturing concern, Stallion Motors Commercial Vehicle Division is reputable for quality commercial vehicles such as transport solutions, haulage trucks, garbage compactors and military hardware.

    Stallion Motors has lately focused on strategically positioning Ashok Leyland models on the front burner with the introduction of multiple units of Ashok Leyland Falcon commuter buses in the Lagos State Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Abuja Municipal Transport and a host of other independent waste disposal companies and construction firms nationwide.

    Stallion Motors Head of Commercial Vehicle Division Anurag Alagh, who received the award on behalf of the company said: “Our way forward is total transport solution to customer and end-to-end support to improve the operating economics of Ashok Leyland vehicles during its life cycle.”

    According to him, modern technological advancement in vehicles including new engine and fuel systems’ design have raised the consciousness of customers and demand for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) service with effective aftermarket support.

    Alagh summed that “our workshops are now stocked with sufficient spare parts and special tools to ensure best service delivery to customers with comfortable customers’ lounges to align with standard practices across dealerships worldwide and we will continue to provide  intensive customer-programme-based ‘train the trainer programmes and fleet management training for increased operational efficiency and fleet uptime.”

    Ashok Leyland is one of Indian foremost automobile manufacturing companies founded in 1948 and based in Chennai, India. The company is currently the second largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in India, fourth largest manufacturer of buses in the world and 16th largest manufacturer of trucks globally.

  • Automotive test labs near completion, says Jalal

    The Automotive Test Laboratories for emission, components and materials would soon be completed, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) Director-General Aminu Jalal, has said.

    Jalal said the world class project is almost 80 per cent completion stage, promising its commissioning by the end of the year.

    He spoke at a workshop on the Identification of Sub-Standard Auto Spare Part in Lagos.

    According to him, the essence of the workshop was to expose participants to basic identification techniques for the detection of sub-standard auto spare parts.

    The knowledge, he said, is to be used during the enforcement or implementation of stage of the prohibition of the sale of substandard auto parts in the country.

    He said: “Substandard automotive spare parts in motor vehicles often function improperly, or fail prematurely causing damages or drastic loss of efficiency to the affected vehicle. The implication… is often very severe, leading in some cases to road crashes that could cause loss of lives, and in most cases resulting in financial losses, not just to vehicle owner but also to other road users.

    “This ugly trend has become worrisome to stakeholders hence this initiative. By gaining expertise, the enforcement team will be well equipped to discharge their responsibilities effectively.”

    He said vehicles parts like break, wipers, tyres, headlights, signalling devices, wind shield are most important when it comes to preventing crashes.

    “These parts are classified as safety items because their sudden failure in service may lead to road crash, hence, their quality must be conform to international standards at all times,” he said.

    Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Marshal Boboye Oyeyemi, said counterfeiting has become a big business these days.

    Oyeyemi said the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States labels counterfeiting as the “Crime in the 21st century,” adding: “Since the counterfeiting is coupled with piracy, the global counterfeit vehicle parts trade according to a report in 2011 calculated that auto parts generated $45 billion in business worldwide, near quadruple the amount in 2008 which was $12 billion. More than $3 billion worth of counterfeit parts is sold in the United States alone each year.  A 2007 report by the Ford Motor Company estimated that counterfeit parts cost the company $1 billion annually.”

  • GM China sales rose, Ford’s fell in April

    Despite worries that China’s economy is growing at a slower pace and last year’s volatility in China’s stock markets, demand remains strong, especially in the so-called second-tier cities with populations of less than 5 million.

    Automakers are reporting strong sales of SUVs. General Motors’ posted a 7.5 per cent sales increase in April over a year earlier for its China joint ventures, while Ford’s sales fell 11 per cent last month in the world’s largest auto market.

    GM’s largest brand in China, rose 56 per cent from April 2015 to 98,992, led by the Excelle GT sedan and Envision SUV, which will be introduced in the U.S. this summer.

    Cadillac, which is still relatively new in China, posted a 13 per cent sales increase to 7,007, as it launched the new CT6 fullsize sedan in late January.

    Chevrolet sales in China fell 29 per cent to 35,431. Sales of the Baojun brand rose 56 per cent to 37,915, while Wuling sales slipped 14 per cent to 98,580, as demand softened for small commercial vans.

    Ford sold a total of 82,324 vehicles through its Changan Ford and Jiangling Motors joint ventures, along with vehicles imported from other markets, compared with 92,406 in April 2015.

    Ford’s SUVs continues to sell well in China, including the Ford Ecosport, Kuga, Edge, Explorer and Everest. Ford introduced the new Kuga and the Edge V6 at the recent Beijing Auto Expo.

    Despite the decline in April sales, sales for the first four months of 2016 of Ford’s joint ventures and imports in China are 6.7 per cent higher than a year ago.

  • Hyundai Motors, Diamond Bank renew vehicle finance scheme

    Hyundai Motors, Diamond Bank renew vehicle finance scheme

    Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited (HMNL) in collaboration with Diamond Bank PLC has launched a vehicle finance scheme to inspire prospective customers and fleet buyers to buy precision engineered and affordably priced made-in-Nigeria Hyundai vehicles.

    The scheme which is ongoing is designed to encourage local patrons to own and drive Hyundai vehicles, using convenient bank credit with low interest rates from 14 per cent without commitment and management fees.

    Announcing the scheme in Lagos, the duo of Hyundai Motors Nigeria, manufacturers and distributors of Hyundai vehicles and Diamond Bank Plc explained that the scheme has convenient monthly repayment tenor between 12 and 36 months, depending on the customer’s payment option.

    While also adding that a comprehensive insurance of 3.5 per cent of the vehicle cost will be borne by the customer, the facilitators of the scheme said customers would in addition be offered free registration, free service for six months or 10,000kms and five years or 100,000kms (whichever is first).

    Both establishments brokered this agreement in Lagos at the launch of the scheme aimed at easing challenges associated with accessing low interest bank credit to procure choice cars.

    “The credit initiative is a seamless plan for desiring patrons and fleet managers to access low interest bank credit for the procurement of discounted Hyundai vehicles without necessarily paying commitment and management fees,” the duo explained.

    Hyundai Motors head of sales and marketing Jatin Nadkarni said: “The joint credit initiative is in line with Hyundai’s strategy and direction of making vehicle acquisition a seamless experience and essentially assists prospective customers to buy new Hyundai vehicles and experience Hyundai inspiring technology.”

    The offer which can accessed in all Hyundai Nigeria Limited accredited dealers nationwide includes select Hyundai models like Hyundai Accent 1.4/1.6litre, Grand Xcent & i10 1.2litre sedans, Azera 2.4litre, Creta 1.6litre and Santa Fe 2.4litre & 3.3litre variants.

    Nadkarni said the offer was intended to ease vehicle acquisition and assist customers including those without functional account with Diamond Bank to access the facility.

    “What we are simply doing is to help prospective buyers starve-off the burden of sourcing funds in one fell-swoop to buy a new car. You can now walk into any Diamond Bank branch to apply for credit to buy your choice car and thereafter, pay at your convenience,” Mr. Nadkarni affirmed.

  • Unveiling repackaged Volkswagen Jetta

    Unveiling repackaged Volkswagen Jetta

    With the old 2.0-litre base engine replaced by the more powerful and efficient 1.4-litre turbo, the Jetta has the most appealing power train line-up in the segment. Its specs on paper are competitive, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO, with agency reports.

    The Jetta’s slow and inefficient base engine has finally been shown the door, replaced by a modern, small turbocharged four-cylinder in the S and SE trim levels. Every Jetta also gets a new touch screen interface, while advanced accident avoidance tech is added to the options list. Finally, the diesel-powered Jetta TDI will be unavailable for much or all of 2016 as Volkswagen corrects the car’s non-compliant emissions system.

    Volkswagen is still trying to figure out what to do with the diesel-powered engine in the 2016 Jetta TDI model after it was discovered the company has been cheating in emissions testing.

    The new turbocharged 1.4-litre engine replaces last year’s wheezy 2.0-litre four-cylinder base engine. Really, from the new 1.4 all the way up to the GLI’s turbo 2.0-litre and the nifty gas-electric alchemy of the Hybrid, the Jetta’s engine lineup is uniquely sophisticated and compelling in this generally value-oriented segment.

    For 2016, all of the VW Jetta’s available engines are turbocharged to provide excellent power and fuel economy.

    Alas, the rest of the Jetta isn’t quite as great. In the past, the Jetta provided better refinement than the Civics and Corollas. Its interior was of a higher quality and the driver experience was closer to a German sport sedan than a typical “economy” car. The current Jetta represents a shift toward more of a Costco philosophy of getting the biggest product for the least amount of money. Indeed, the Jetta has more cabin and trunk space than its competitors, but it doesn’t feel quite as special as it used to. There’s a whiff of cost-cutting here that was absent from previous models, and that makes the car harder to recommend.

    On the bright side, this year’s Jetta boasts an up-to-date tech interface with Smartphone integration. But given how competitive some other compact sedans have become, it’s hard to overlook the Jetta’s lacklustre handling and bland interior design. Top-rated competitors like the Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Mazda 3 have aped the old Jetta playbook while in some cases providing more features for the money.

     

    Body styles

    The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta is available in a variety of trim levels and engine choices: 1.4T S, 1.4T SE, 1.8T Sport and 1.8T SEL. There are also GLI and Hybrid trims available.

    Standard equipment on the Jetta S includes 15-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, keyless entry, heated mirrors, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 60/40-split rear seats, cloth upholstery, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a four-speaker sound system with a 5-inch touch screen interface, a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. The S Technology package adds a rear-view camera, a 6.3-inch touchscreen, a USB port, a media player interface, satellite radio and VW Car-Net smartphone integration, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

    The Jetta SE includes all of the above plus 16-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, heated windshield washer nozzles, heated front seats and a front centre armrest. The SE Connectivity package adds a sunroof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, driver lumbar adjustment, “V-Tex” premium vinyl upholstery, a rear centre armrest and a six-speaker sound system with an enhanced Car-Net system.

    Aside from the sunroof, 1.8T Sport gets all of the above plus a more powerful engine, a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch wheels and fog lights.

    The 1.8T SEL reverts to standard suspension tuning, but adds different 17-inch wheels, the sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, automatic headlights and wipers, higher-quality interior materials, and front reading lights and vanity mirror lights. The SEL Premium package adds a six-way power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, a cooled glove compartment and an eight-speaker Fender audio system.

    The Lighting package available on Sport and SEL trims adds adaptive bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights and ambient interior lighting. The Driver Assistance package optional on the SEL trims adds adaptive cruise control, frontal collision warning and automatic emergency braking, a blind-sport warning system and rear cross-traffic alert.

    The Jetta GLI is available in SE and SEL trim levels. They essentially line up with the regular Jetta versions, but both have a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, special styling elements, sport seats, the Connectivity package elements, front and rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and wipers, keyless ignition and entry, and the Fender sound system. The SEL differs with 18-inch wheels, a blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alert system, LED running lights, adaptive bi-xenon headlights and a navigation system.

    The Hybrid is available only as the SEL Premium. It has the same extras as the GLI SEL, plus extra hybrid-specific styling elements and trip computer readouts. It reverts to the six-speaker sound system.

     

    Powertrains

    Every Jetta is front-wheel drive. The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T has a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder good for 150 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission with hill hold assist is standard; a six-speed automatic is optional.

    The Jetta 1.8T models have a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder that produces 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual is standard on the Sport, while a six-speed automatic is optional on the Sport and standard on the SEL. In Edmunds performance testing, a Jetta 1.8T with the automatic went from zero to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, which makes it the quickest compact sedan we’ve tested at the time of this writing. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 29 mpg combined (25/36) with the automatic. The manual gets 1 mpg highway better.

    The Jetta GLI has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 210 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard; a six-speed automated manual (DSG) is optional. Expect a 0-60 time in the mid-to-upper 6-second range.

    The Jetta Hybrid is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that works in tandem with an electric motor and a seven-speed automated manual. Total output is 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. In Edmunds testing, the Jetta Hybrid ran from zero to 60 mph in a swift 7.8 seconds, making it one of the quickest non-luxury hybrids. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 44 mpg combined (42/48). During an extensive Edmunds fuel economy test consisting of city, highway and interstate driving, the Jetta Hybrid averaged 43.0 mpg overall.

     

    Safety

    Every 2016 Volkswagen Jetta comes standard with traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. All but the base S without the Technology package comes with a rearview camera. The 1.8T and TDI SEL trims are available with the Driver Assistance package that adds a frontal collision warning and automatic emergency braking, a blind-sport monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert.

    VW’s Car-Net telematics system, standard from SE with Connectivity on up, includes automatic crash notification, roadside assistance, remote vehicle access, stolen vehicle location and geo-fencing (which allows parents to set boundaries for teenage drivers). A Car-Net smartphone app lets owners control many of these functions on the go.

    In government crash tests, the Jetta received five out of five stars for overall safety, with four stars for total front impact protection and five stars for total side impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Jetta the highest possible crash rating of “Good” in its moderate-overlap and small-overlap frontal-offset impact tests, as well as a “Good” score in the side-impact, roof strength and seat/head restraint (whiplash protection) tests.

    Interior design and special features

    Almost every compact sedan today features an eye-catching interior design with edgy shapes and a focus on the latest technology. The key word there is “almost.” The Jetta’s cabin, by contrast, is resolutely conservative in appearance, with materials ranging from glaringly spartan in lower trims (the dash and doors are covered with hard, shiny plastic, for instance) to merely adequate in upper trims (the dash adopts a soft-touch, low sheen material, but the door panels remain unyielding). Volkswagen’s Golf hatchback has a much more attractive, higher-quality cabin, as do the rival 2016 Honda Civic and Mazda 3.

    For 2016, the Jetta gets a welcome injection of technology. Volkswagen’s latest touchscreen interface is standard on every trim level, available in two sizes and offering VW Car-Net as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone app integration. Unchanged, thankfully, is the Jetta’s remarkable spaciousness by segment standards. The backseat dwarfs that of just about every other compact sedan and hatchback (including the Golf), and the remarkable 15.7-cubic-foot trunk is on par with bigger midsize sedans.

  • Coscharis woos customers with freebies for new Explorer, Figo, Ranger

    Coscharis woos customers with freebies for new Explorer, Figo, Ranger

    Coscharis Motors has unveiled the 2016 edition of the Ford Explorer with a new package called Ford Protect aimed at encouraging more luxury vehicle buyers to patronise the company.

    The premium model was launched in Lagos along with 2016 Ford Figo and Ranger.

    Apart from a number of unique features coming with the new Explorer, the Group Managing Director, Coscharis Motors, Mr. Josiah Samuel, said the Ford Protect package would cover free maintenance service for a period of four years or 120,000km.

    Samuel, who was represented by the firm’s General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Services, Mr. Abiona Babarinde, gave other benefits of the package as free oil change, brake pad, wiper blade, shock absorber, among other major things that could go wrong with new vehicles within the period of coverage.

    He said the Ford Protect, a package initiated by the Ford manufacturer, replaced the Extended Service Plan that was put in place before now exclusive for select Ford models.

    Although Samuel noted that the manufacturer had approved the package for use in all Ford models, the facility would be available for Ford vehicles sold in Nigeria by Coscharis Motors.

    He, however, said the package would not attract extra cost from the vehicle buyers, adding that it was meant to be added advantage for the Coscharis customers.

    “The ESP was restricted to certain vehicles but the Ford Protect covers all models of the brand. For us at the Coscharis Motors, it is starting with the 2016 models of the Explorer and Figo as well as Ranger being unveiled here today,” the GMD said.

    Ford Sales Manager Fabian Anuforo, said the Explorer had been one of the highest selling Ford models in the country, attributing the sales to the luxury features, comfort and general performance.

    The Explorer is a three-row sport utility that seats up to seven and which comes in five trim levels.

    “Powering the vehicle is a 3.5-litre turbocharged V6 (EcoBoost) engine that outputs 365 hp (272 kW) and 350 lb-ft (475 Nm) of torque,” it said.

    The manufacturer said for the vehicle, the six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard.

    “This powertrain should be familiar to Ford F-150 fans as the most popular option in those trucks,” it stated.

    He recalled, “In 2001 when we started the Ford brand in Nigeria, it was a tug of war to sell a unit. The worry then was its maintenance. Today, the story has changed; people in search of Ford vehicles now look for us.”

    The new Ford Explorer has a number of special features such as keyless entry and for starting the engine while outside the vehicle. Others are Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert that alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots; Hill Descent Control for extra control and confidence when on a downslope; and the Available Intelligent 4WD continuously monitors wheel speed, throttle position and steering angle to determine the vehicle’s conditions and the driver’s intent.

    According to Abiona, “Another major reason of inviting you (press) here today is basically to showcase our new refurbished Ford showroom situated at this strategic location equipped with state of the art After sales facilities to take care of sales and After sales of customers respectively.”

  • Honda links two deaths in Malaysia to Takata airbags

    Honda links two deaths in Malaysia to Takata airbags

    Honda Motor Corporation said two fatal crashes in Malaysia involved ruptured airbag inflators made by Takata Corp., bringing the global number of deaths linked to the defective devices to 13 as the U.S. ordered the Japanese supplier to widen the scale of its recalls.

    The two crashes took place on April 16 and May 1 in Malaysia’s Sabah and Kedah states, respectively, and involved ruptured driver-side airbag inflators made by Takata, according to the Honda statement dated May 4.

    Both vehicles were included in recalls announced by Malaysia requiring replacement of the front airbag, the automaker said.

    “Honda Malaysia is working with the local authorities to get the database of current owners of these cars and communicate with them on the recall,” Jordhatt Johan, a spokesman for Honda Malaysia, said.

    While the official cause of death hasn’t been determined in the latest two cases, the crashes add to the first known death in Malaysia in 2014 linked to Takata-made airbags. In the first case, an eight-and-a-half-months pregnant driver died after a collision set off the airbag, which ruptured and fired a one-inch-wide shard of metal into her neck.

    A researcher hired by a coalition of automakers said in February that moisture seeping into Takata’s inflators was determined to be the reason that the airbags may rupture.

    U.S. regulators last Wednesday ordered the company to replace as many as 40 million additional airbags in the U.S., more than double what has already been announced.

  • Renault to invest $684m to build new car in Spain

    Renault said it will invest more than 600 million euros ($684 million) in a project in Spain that includes building a new car and a new engine in its Valladolid plant.

    The 2017-2020 project would exceed Renault’s previous two investment plans in Spain, a company spokesman said, without giving any more details.

    Renault’s largest previous investment in the country had been 600 million euros.

    Renault builds the Clio subcompact hatchback, Captur subcompact SUV and Twizy four-wheel electric scooter in Valladolid, according to Automotive News Europe’s Guide to European Assembly Plants.

  • Stallion NMN appoints ASD Motors as dealer

    Stallion NMN appoints ASD Motors as dealer

    Stallion NMN, manufacturers and distributors of Nissan automobiles, has appointed ASD Motors Nigeria Limited as a dealer.

    The deal, signed in Lagos, is to cater for Nissan’s growing clientele in the North.

    The appointment brings to seven the number of dealers appointed by Stallion NMN.

    They include: Gbose Automobiles Limited in Ilorin, Kwara State; RealPoint West Africa Limited, Warri in Delta State; Emmanuella Motors Limited in Awka, Anambra State; SATA Motors in Benin, Enebros Motors in Uyo,Akwa Ibom State; and AC Okocha in Motors Asaba, Delta State.

    Addressing ASD Motors’ executives, including the Chairman of the Group, Alhaji Sani Dauda, at the signing ceremony, Stallion NMN Managing Director, Parvir Singh, said: “The strategic appointment of dealers across the country is in line with Nissan business expansion plan to guarantee seamless access to valued Nissan products and services with provision of quality customer satisfaction.”

    He enjoined the new dealer to be steadfast and embrace Nissan global vision of being “customers’ lifetime companion while also moving closer to them to make Nissan brand customers’ preferred application”.

    Stallion Group owned Nissan Motors Nigeria. It said ASD Motors has met the company’s requirement for  dealership and could provide sales and technical support to customers in Kaduna and its environs.

    ASD  has over three decades’ experience in auto business.

    The Stallion NMN chief, however, cautioned the new dealer to  embrace Nissan’s standard of operation and ensure quality service and customer satisfaction.

    “A car isn’t just a means of transportation that links people to people but a life space that occupies a central role in people’s lives,” Singh said, adding that it was time Nissan took its rightful place in the auto market.

    An internationally acclaimed brand, Nissan products cut across various applications with class-leading models in the passenger car, SUV and commercial vehicle segments.

    In his response, ASD’s Group Managing Director,  Mallam Shehu Sani Dauda, said: “ASD was inspired by Stallion’s commitment to the National Automotive Industry Policy and her determination to transform Nigeria from a mere importer of vehicles to an automobile manufacturing hub, and we are delighted to be associated with this dream and importantly, Nissan.”

    He continued: “This alliance will enhance our product range and presence in the Northern part of the country with market-leading products that can serve customers in almost every sphere of the market.”