The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Kia appoints XYZ International as Uyo dealer

    In a bid to continuously bring its brand closer to customers, Kia Motors Nigeria has strengthened its dealership network with the appointment of XYZ International Projects Limited, a corporate body located in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

    Following its appointment, XYZ International Projects Limited will offer Kia vehicles through her facility located along Nwaniba Road, Nsukara Offot, Uyo. The franchise has a 3S facility to provide better services for the increasing number of Kia customers in Uyo and its nearby cities.

    Sanjay Tatpati, Vice President, Kia Motors Nigeria said: “The appointment of XYZ International with long-standing dedication to strong customer service is aimed at expanding our network in the light of our increasing sales volume and our commitment to providing the best customer satisfaction. Given XYZ’s success and track record, we are confident that our customers will be offered top-notch services that exceed their expectations”.

    “We are very pleased to join the Kia family and we will contribute our valuable experience in the auto industry to deliver best in class retail experience to the teeming customers. We committed to keeping pace with the growth of this prestigious brand by offering the highest standard of customer service aimed at exceeding the customers’ expectations.” said Ufok Etim, Administrative Officer, XYZ International Projects Limited.

    With over a decade of offering advanced automotive technology and accentuated after sales services, Kia remains the fastest growing automobile brand in Nigeria. The strategic partnership is aimed at bringing Kia’s facility to its teeming customers in the region. The appointment comes on the heels of the expansion drive of Kia’s dealership network and further reaffirms its commitment to providing quality and comprehensive services to its customers. The new 3S centre boasts full-fledged facilities that consist of sales, service, spare parts; providing ease and utmost convenience to Kia’s discerning clientele.

  • Hyundai Motor sells 64.96m units

    Hyundai Motor sells 64.96m units

    Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea’s largest automaker, has announced its 2015 full-year business results.

    Sales volume and sales revenue increased while operating profit declined from the same period last year, mainly due to weak cross currencies, increased promotional activities due to heightened competition amongst automakers and profit decline from non-auto business.

    The auto giant claimed it sold 64.96 million units worldwide throughout last year.

    Hyundai Motor forecasts that an unfavourable business environment is likely to continue this year.

    Emerging markets including China will continue posting slower growths. Also growing geopolitical risks and low oil price will lengthen economic stagnation, leading to steeper competition amongst automakers.

    Nevertheless, Hyundai Motor will continue its efforts in establishing sustainable growth with R&D investment to strengthen state-of-the-art technology development and securing eco-friendly technology leadership. Hyundai Motor aims to sell 5.01 million vehicles globally.

    It plans to achieve its goal with new model like All-new Elantra, Brand-new IONIQ offered in three eco-friendly powertrain (HEV, PHEV, Full-EV) and Hyundai Motor’s luxury brand Genesis G90 (EQ900 in Korea) large luxury sedan in 2016 to major global markets.

    Hyundai Motor will continue strengthening its cooperation with suppliers and actively carry out Corporate Social Responsibilities to create more values to customers and stakeholders alike.

  • Grand Cherokee: quiet, luxury interior

    Grand Cherokee: quiet, luxury interior

    The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a handsome SUV that can fit in with just about any crowd. It accelerates and stops at rates that will impress even the most seasoned sports car driver. Off-road, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is at the top of the mountain for its class, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    Equipped with the base gasoline V6 engine, the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers satisfactory acceleration. It also provides a quiet, comfortable ride and a commendable sense of stability around turns. The eight-speed automatic transmission is a great ally, as it makes good use of the V6’s power and shifts very smoothly.All in all, most shoppers should be happy with the base-engine Grand Cherokee.

    The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a five-passenger midsize Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) that comes in five trim levels: Laredo, Limited, Overland, Summit and SRT. Each is available with rear-drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) except the high-performance SRT model, which is 4WD only.

    The Grand Cherokee gets a new shift lever that physically remains in the selected position, while the 3.6-liter gasoline V6 receives standard automatic stop-start technology along with variable valve timing and lift to incrementally improve fuel economy and horsepower. All trims except the SRT gets standard electric-assist power steering (with adjustable effort), and weight reductions across the line-ups come courtesy of additional aluminium suspension components. Finally, a new high altitude package debuts for the Overland, and the Grand Cherokee SRT gets a new gauge cluster (with a centre-mounted tachometer) and selectable performance modes.

    Once a staple of the new-car market, the traditional midsize SUV has become something of an endangered specie in recent years. But the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is quite alive. Starting with rear-wheel drive, just like SUVs in the olden days, the Grand Cherokee offers no fewer than three four-wheel-drive systems, and it’s every bit a Jeep on tough trails when properly equipped. At the same time, its luxurious interior and smooth ride also make it quite suitable for everyday driving. It’s a combination that few other SUVs can match.

    For a traditional midsize SUV, there are a couple other choices still around. The Toyota 4Runner, for example, promises excellent resale value and shares the Jeep’s off-road aptitude, though downsides include a back-to-basics interior and a single engine choice. If you want to class it up, the Volkswagen Touareg is a close match for the Jeep in terms of luxury features, and its cabin is arguably even nicer. However, its optional diesel engine is on hiatus for 2016, and it’s not the serious off-roader that the Grand Cherokee can be. Shoppers interested in a third seating row should check out the Dodge Durango, which uses a stretched version of the JGC’s platform and shares much of its equipment. But if you like the idea of a five-passenger SUV that can pretty much do it all, the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a great choice.

    The Grand Cherokee offers four different engines, giving shoppers an unusual degree of choice.

    Rear-wheel drive is standard on non-SRT Grand Cherokees, but these models also offer three available 4WD systems: the single-speed, light-duty Quadra-Trac I system (Laredo only), Quadra-Trac II with a two-speed transfer case (Laredo, Limited, Overland and Summit) and Quadra-Drive II with a rear electronic limited-slip differential (Limited, Overland and Summit). An adaptive air suspension (Quadra-Lift) and a driver-selectable traction control system that adjusts to different terrain are also available (optional on 4WD Limited, standard on 4WD Overland and Summit).

    The Grand Cherokee SRT comes with a specialised all-wheel-drive system tuned more for high-performance driving than off-road use.

     

    Safety

     

    The Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, hill start assist, hill descent control (4WD only; optional on Laredo and standard on the others), front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. A rearview camera is standard from the Limited trim on up, as are rear parking sensors, while front parking sensors come standard on the Summit.

    Additional safety technologies are available via the Advanced Technology Group option package that includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a forward collision warning mitigation system with automatic braking.

    In Edmunds brake testing, a diesel 4WD Jeep Grand Cherokee stopped from 60 mph in 121 feet, a respectable distance for this class, while a 4WD Grand Cherokee with the gasoline V6 needed 133 feet, which is longer than average.

     

    Interior design and special features

     

    Even in the lower trim levels, the Grand Cherokee’s interior boasts impressive fit and finish. The optional 8.4-inch touchscreen is amazing. It features an easy-to-use interface and includes a WiFi hotspot and smartphone app integration, also housing the navigation system if the vehicle is so equipped. Sometimes it takes a few too many touch inputs to make climate control adjustments through the touchscreen, but apart from that minor complaint, the Grand Cherokee has one of the most user-friendly cabins in this class.

    The available dual-pane panoramic sunroof gives the Grand Cherokee an airy, premium vibe inside.

    While the Grand Cherokee has no third-row seat option, there’s ample room for a family of four or five, and you can order up a wide variety of luxury accoutrements, including ventilated front seats and a dual-screen, Blu-ray-capable rear entertainment system with an HDMI input. Backseat passengers should be pretty comfortable; as the Grand Cherokee provides enough space for two adults to relax (the centre position is compromised by the prominent driveline “hump” on the floor). With the rear seats in place, the cargo bay measures 36.3 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded down, the Jeep has 68.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

     

  • FERMA to rehabilitate 103 roads, 10 bridges

    FERMA to rehabilitate 103 roads, 10 bridges

    The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has said plans are underway to rehabilitate 103 roads and 10 bridges across the country.

    This is to facilitate proper maintenance and repairs of the roads, to ensure that all federal roads are made motorable all year round.

    Its Managing Director Peter Ibu, an engineer, stated this in Abuja while defending the 2016 budget before the Senate Committee on Works, and the House Committee on FERMA at the National Assembly Complex.

    Ibu hinted that the agency through the award of contracts and direct labour mechanism in 2015, was able to make positive impact on the lives of Nigerians by embarking on the repair of major economic roads linking states, which helped to minimise accidents during the yuletide period.

    The FERMA boss said priority would be given to more economically viable roads across the nation this year because of the economic value to their locality and the nation, as this would upgrade the commercial activities in the six geopolitical zones.

    According to him, FERMA was positioned to perform optimally, but due to certain constraints beyond its control, the agency had to make use of the best options available. The constraints according to Ibu range from inadequate funding, delayed releases of fund, abuse of highway by articulated vehicles through excessive loading, among others.

    Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola said FERMA is a vital tool which should be repositioned for greater achievement in the future.

    Fashola said he has planned to upgrade the agency to the status of a Federal Government Construction company to deal with full road construction and maintenance.

    While reacting to the presentation, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Kabiru Gaya urged FERMA to double its efforts to ensure that over 80 per cent of roads budgeted are rehabilitated and well maintained to Nigerians the much needed dividends of democracy.

    Similarly, the Chairman, House Committee on FERMA, Jerry Alagbaoso, cautioned the agency on the implementation of its 2016 budget to reflect the genuine change that will benefit the people.

  • Audi S5: stylish, refined

    Audi S5: stylish, refined

    The 2016 Audi S5 is remarkably easy to drive; power from the supercharged V6 is awesome and unlike many V6 engines, this one is virtually vibration-free, even at redline. The standard steering system manages to be both calm on the highway and responsive in turns, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    If one is considering a sport-luxury coupe or convertible, you are probably looking for invigorating performance, sexy styling and a refined, intimate cabin. The 2016 Audi S5 delivers in all of those areas. Based on the regular four-cylinder A5, the S5 turns up the heat with a supercharged V6 that provides blistering acceleration. It also boasts a tauter suspension, bigger brakes and subtle aesthetic upgrades inside and out that convey the car’s sporting intent.

    The 2016 Audi S5’s eye-catching yet restrained styling is the perfect complement to its refined performance.

    But the S5 isn’t the kind of performance car that feels amped up all the time. With its supple ride, effective noise insulation and supportive seats, the Audi also excels on long road trips and in everyday driving. All-wheel drive is standard, of course, so if one live in a snowbelt state, there is no need to garage your S5 for the winter. And if is about fuel economy, the S5 returns up to 21 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which is impressive for a car with this kind of zip.

    Drawbacks are few but notable. For one thing, the cramped backseat is better for personal items than people, though that is not too unusual for this type of vehicle. For another, the S5 has been around for a while, and its technology offerings are showing their age. The base Premium Plus trim doesn’t come standard with Bluetooth audio, for example, and it also gets a basic version of the MMI infotainment system with awkward dash-mounted controls. Users will need to add the expensive technology package or spring for the Prestige trim in order to rectify these flaws, and either way, one still stuck with Audi’s proprietary digital music interface instead of the USB connectivity that most rivals include.

     

    Body styles

     

    The 2016 Audi S5 is offered in coupe and convertible (cabriolet) body styles. The latter features a power-operated soft top and a wind blocker. Both are available in Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels.

    Available as a coupe or convertible, the Audi S5 is just as easy to live with everyday as it is thrilling to pilot around turns.

    Standard Premium Plus features include 18-inch wheels with summer tires, xenon headlights, LED running lights and taillights, an S5-specific body kit, auto-dimming mirrors with exterior heating, keyless entry and ignition, selectable driving settings (known as Audi Drive Select), shift paddles for the automatic transmission, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated eight-way power front sport seats (with four-way power lumbar), driver memory functions, a color driver information center, a Bang and Olufsen sound system, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a dash-mounted MMI electronics controller, a 6.5-inch display, a CD player, Audi’s proprietary digital music interface (with an iPod cable), a SD card slot and satellite radio.

    In addition, the coupe gets a tilt-only sunroof, leather and simulated suede upholstery and 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, while the convertible gets premium leather upholstery and 50/50-split folding rear seatbacks.

    The Prestige trim adds adaptive headlights and the technology package, which includes Bluetooth streaming audio, Audi Connect with online services and mobile WiFi, a navigation system, voice controls, an upgraded MMI system with a larger display and console-mounted controls, a CD player, HD radio, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera and a blind-spot monitor. The technology package can also be added to the Premium Plus trim as an option.

    Going with the Prestige also lets user opts for the driver assistance package, which adds adaptive steering and adaptive cruise control with a forward collision mitigation system. Prestige coupes are additionally eligible for a Luxury package, which adds comfort front seats with less aggressive bolstering and upgraded leather upholstery with extended coverage.

    All coupes can be equipped with a Black Optic package that includes special 19-inch wheels, high-gloss black exterior trim, body-color exterior mirrors and the upgraded leather upholstery that is in the convertible. New for 2016 is a coupe-only Black Optic Plus package that adds 20-inch wheels and gloss-black exterior mirrors.

    All convertibles, meanwhile, are eligible for a comfort package that features ventilated comfort front seats with perforated leather upholstery and a neck-level heating system.

     

    Powertrains and performance

     

    The Audi S5 is motivated by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine rated at 333 hp and 325 pound-feet of torque. The coupe comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. A seven-speed automated manual transmission is optional on the coupe and standard on the Cabriolet. Every S5 features all-wheel drive, which can be enhanced with an optional sport differential that actively distributes torque between the rear wheels for optimal cornering precision.

    An S5 coupe equipped with the automated manual transmission (and pre-programmed launch mode) accelerated from a standstill to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. The convertible did the same job in a competitive 5.3 seconds.

    The convertible also achieves 21 mpg combined (18 city/26 highway). A coupe with the automated manual registered a surprising 23 mpg on the diverse 120-mile.

     

    Safety

     

    The S5 comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side and knee airbags and (in the coupe) full-length side curtain airbags. A blind-spot monitoring system, a rear-view camera and front and rear parking sensors are included in the Technology package, which is standard on the Prestige trim and optional on Premium Plus. In addition, the Prestige trim can be optionally equipped with an adaptive cruise control system (via the Driver Assistance package) that includes an audible warning if a frontal impact is imminent and automatic brake application if necessary.

     

    Interior design and special features

     

    The S5’s highly appealing interior boasts a tastefully understated design and high-quality materials. There are some functional shortcomings, however. The dash-mounted MMI controller that is standard on the Premium Plus trim, for example, isn’t nearly as easy to operate as the console-mounted controller you get with the upgraded system in the technology package. That system also features simplified menus, a slightly larger screen and Bluetooth streaming audio. USB connectivity, however, is unavailable.

    The S5’s sophisticated cabin boasts high-quality materials and supportive seats.

    The S5’s standard front sport seats are quite comfortable on long road trips, while also providing plenty of lateral support to keep driver planted during hard cornering.

     

  • Stallion NMN unveils Infiniti products

    Stallion NMN unveils Infiniti products

    Stallion NMN, the Nissan brand marketer in Nigeria has announced the inclusion of Infiniti brand amongst its product range.

    The Infiniti brand which was officially introduced in North America in 1989 is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker – Nissan with direct equivalents in the Nissan product line-up.

    More than 200,000 Infiniti vehicles was sold worldwide last year with America’s 133,500 vehicles toping the sales chart followed by China’s 40,000, Canada – 11, 300 and Europe’s 7,000 including unavailable sales data in the Middle East.

    Stallion NMN, who became Nissan brand custodian in May 2013, has already taken delivery of three Infiniti variants including the Q50 (sedan), QX70 and QX80 SUVs respectively and are all available in Stallion NMN accredited Nissan showrooms.

    Addressing the media at the product launch, Stallion NMN Managing Director Parvir Singh said the introduction of Infiniti to Nigeria market is a proof of the company’s commitment to set standards in the local automobile industry.

    Singh said Nissan is a painstakingly engineered brand with vast range of models, cutting across various applications, saying this versatility has placed Nissan well ahead of competition which is currently ranked sixth largest automaker in the world.

    Stallion NMN, he said, hopes to replicate the success in Nigeria by making Nissan one of the  most preferred brands.

    “Our obligation is to make ownership of Nissan product range an exciting experience as we recognise the significance of excellence both in the quality of Nissan vehicles and in after sales service.”

    He said Stallion NMN has trained and is continuing to retrain all her service technicians in multiple auto repair disciplines and will continue to acquaint them extensively in Nissan’s constantly advancing and cutting edge technology.

    Stallion NMN Head of Marketing and Sales Amit Sharma described Infiniti as an award winning brand and a meticulously engineered brand with excellent fuel efficiency and output to deliver exceptional feelings and superb driving response.

    Mr Sharma depicted the Infiniti Q50 as a 3.7litre sedan with 326Hp@7,000rpm producing 361Nm@5,200rpm while QX70 is available in V6 3.7litre and V6 5.0litre engines, with 329Hp@7,000 rpm and 390Hp@6000 rpm respectively. The QX80 is equipped with V8 5.6litre powertrain with 400Hp@5800rpm.

    The engines have aluminium alloy blocks and heads with film coated pistons, he noted.

  • Stallion NMN unveils Infiniti products

    Stallion NMN unveils Infiniti products

    Stallion NMN, the Nissan brand marketer in Nigeria has announced the inclusion of Infiniti brand amongst its product range.

    The Infiniti brand which was officially introduced in North America in 1989 is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker – Nissan with direct equivalents in the Nissan product line-up.

    More than 200,000 Infiniti vehicles was sold worldwide last year with America’s 133,500 vehicles toping the sales chart followed by China’s 40,000, Canada – 11, 300 and Europe’s 7,000 including unavailable sales data in the Middle East.

    Stallion NMN, who became Nissan brand custodian in May 2013, has already taken delivery of three Infiniti variants including the Q50 (sedan), QX70 and QX80 SUVs respectively and are all available in Stallion NMN accredited Nissan showrooms.

    Addressing the media at the product launch, Stallion NMN Managing Director Parvir Singh said the introduction of Infiniti to Nigeria market is a proof of the company’s commitment to set standards in the local automobile industry.

    Singh said Nissan is a painstakingly engineered brand with vast range of models, cutting across various applications, saying this versatility has placed Nissan well ahead of competition which is currently ranked sixth largest automaker in the world.

    Stallion NMN, he said, hopes to replicate the success in Nigeria by making Nissan one of the  most preferred brands.

    “Our obligation is to make ownership of Nissan product range an exciting experience as we recognise the significance of excellence both in the quality of Nissan vehicles and in after sales service.”

    He said Stallion NMN has trained and is continuing to retrain all her service technicians in multiple auto repair disciplines and will continue to acquaint them extensively in Nissan’s constantly advancing and cutting edge technology.

    Stallion NMN Head of Marketing and Sales Amit Sharma described Infiniti as an award winning brand and a meticulously engineered brand with excellent fuel efficiency and output to deliver exceptional feelings and superb driving response.

    Mr Sharma depicted the Infiniti Q50 as a 3.7litre sedan with 326Hp@7,000rpm producing 361Nm@5,200rpm while QX70 is available in V6 3.7litre and V6 5.0litre engines, with 329Hp@7,000 rpm and 390Hp@6000 rpm respectively. The QX80 is equipped with V8 5.6litre powertrain with 400Hp@5800rpm.

    The engines have aluminium alloy blocks and heads with film coated pistons, he noted.

  • ABC Cargo Express to open new outlets

    ABC Cargo Express, a division of ABC Transport Plc, has concluded arrangements to open new outlets in Benin City, Edo State and Kano State.

    The move is to satisfy customers.

    ABC Cargo Express opened an office in Kubwa last year, bringing the number of cargo outlets to three in Abuja. Prior to that, an office was opened in Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The company, expected to take delivery of 10 trucks to boost its operations, will next month hold an intensive enhancement productivity training programme for cargo heads and supervisors in Owerri, Imo State.

    The training is aimed at repositioning ABC Cargo staff to handle more specialised duties for greater efficiencies, which of course would manifest in improved customer service and reduction of customer delays and cargo complications.

  • Peugeot, Khodro to invest 400-million-euro in Iran

    PSA Peugeot Citroen and its Iranian partner announced a five-year investment plan to upgrade their auto plant in the country.

    The Paris stop during the first European tour of the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani concluded with a business deal for PSA Peugeot Citroen, an agreement which the French carmaker considers the first industrial accord signed by a western company since the economic sanctions on Iran were lifted this month.

    The deal marks the rebuilding of ties between PSA and its long-time partner Iran Khodro, the biggest automaker in the country. The venture’s plan is to start the production of 100,000 vehicles a year in the second half of 2017, and to double the output capacity at a later stage.

    For revamping the 50-year-old factory near Teheran, both sides agreed to invest 400 million euros (435 million dollars) in the next five years for building Peugeot’s 208 hatchback, 301 sedan and 2008 crossover.

    “This strategic agreement turns the page on the period of international sanctions and enables PSA and Iran Khodro to start a new chapter in their 30-year history of cooperation,” Peugeot Chief Executive Officer Carlos Tavares said at a Paris press conference.

    Iran Khodro and Peugeot will add two other models to their production line later, with 50 percent of production to be undertaken in Iran.

    The Iranian market reached a peak of 1.6 million vehicles in 2011. It should regain this level within two years, reaching two million vehicles a year by 2022, PSA said. Current estimates put the number of Peugeot cars on the road in Iran at more than four million. Peugeot withdrew from Iran in 2012 as a result of sanctions over Iran’s nuclear program.

    Before the forced exit, the two partners sold 473,000 units in 2011 in the country. PSA’s French rival Renault said it also plans a “much more massive” presence in Iran as well, expanding Renault’s operations by closing more deals with a wider range of local partners.

  • Council holds stakeholders forum on road construction

    Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos has urged all contractors handling construction of roads in Oshodi to establish a cordial relationship with the host communities.

    The council boss Dawood Olajobi said this during the stakeholders’ forum on the construction of Ogunyinka, and Kalejaiye/Sunday Solola Streets.

    According to Olajobi, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has given a directive that councils should involve all major stakeholders in any projects embarked on in fulfilment of the state vision 20:20:57 whereby the state will construct 114 roads in all councils.

    Olajobi therefore appealed to the contractors to do in accordance with the state standard, hence the need for supervision and proper monitoring by the stakeholders.

    However, the proximity of Sunday Solola street to Kalejaiye street in Ewu ward prompt the approval of three street in Oshodi instead of two.

    He implored all contractors to move to site, promising to mobilise them if their work is justifiable.

    He urged them to engage the services of artisans needed within their construction site.