Cars and Trucks REVIEW: MINI Goes Gaga

Friday 26 July 2013

MINI Goes Gaga

When next you see the MINI you wouldn’t imagine the reforms that have taken place underneath say BMW owners of the brand. The MINI Vision according to the company will be based on all-new platform shared with sister company BMW. Besides, MINI is likely to move to front-wheel drive for its next generation of compact vehicles. This will help MINI stay true to its ‘maximum space and minimum footprint mantra’.

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Volkswagen Owned Bentley Ventures into SUVs

Bentley's anticipated venture into sport utilities has finally gotten a green light, as the company announced its plans to begin production with an aim to hit dealerships in 2016.
The vehicle will be produced in Crewe, England, and provide the Brits with over 1,000 new jobs —part of Bentley's $1.2 billion master plan to invest in new models — while giving the world its most expensive factory-built SUV.
Bentley's original EXP 9 F Concept was poorly received thanks
to a distinct lack of grace. But the transition into the luxury SUV market remains a logical step for the Volkswagen-owned brand. It makes more sense than when Porsche entered the fray with the once equally controversial and yet ultimately successful Cayenne SUV. And with Bentley's platform being shared with the likes of Volkswagen Group's next-gen Cayenne, Audi Q7, VW Touareg and perhaps even Lamborghini's upcoming SUV, the move looks smart. Fortunately, Bentley promises to make major revisions to the styling showcased on the frumpy original concept, where the front end looks more like a trunkless elephant. On hand for Volkswagen's announcement at the Bentley headquarters in Crewe was British Prime Minister David Cameron. Despite claiming the auto industry was "booming" in the UK, when in reality the whole of Europe is struggling mightily, the Prime Minister
did state the importance of Bentley's investment in the country, and pointed out that a car comes off a production line somewhere in the UK every 20
seconds. Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive
Wolfgang Schreiber added that Bentley's fourth model line will "leverage the success of the global SUV market." And that the vehicle will remain a true Bentley at heart, sporting the ultimate in "luxury, performance, quality and craftsmanship." And as with any Bentley, it will also likely cost well north of $200,000 — and yet, thanks to the world's insatiable demand for cars that look like trucks, it will likely be the brand's
best-selling model.

Sleek, Energetic and Aerodynamic Honda Civic Returns

The Honda Place Nigeria has joined the rest of the world to unveil the ninth-generation Honda Civic. The new Civic has been face-lifted with upscale features including sleek, energetic and aerodynamic design with new ECON button that adjusts throttle response and air conditioning to improve fuel economy. Addressing local automobile media at a product familiarization forum in Lagos, The Honda Place head of sales and marketing, Mr. Deepak Daryanani said the previous-generation Honda Civic had a revolutionary look, but Honda has chosen evolution for this latest model. The new Civic according to him is also smoother, sleeker in shape with curvy wheel-arches and longer front and rear overhangs.
This is in addition to the LED lights that run across the front and are standard across the range, Mr. Daryanani noted.
The tail of the Civic however retains the split screen of
its predecessor with the lights incorporated into the split, but a windscreen wiper has been added.
On the inside, the cabin material and switchgear has been improved while the digital dashboard is simplified so that
it's easier to read. Available in two –trim levels, LX and EX, the entry level LX comes equipped with automatic air-con, USB connectivity and 16-inch alloy wheels while the EX adds luxuries like cruise control, front fog lights, dual-zone climate control and Bluetooth and panoramic sunroof.
A mock test drive after the product familiarization meeting reveals that the new Honda Civic strikes a good balance between fun and comfort - thanks to the new smooth electric power steering system and fluid-filled rear suspension bushes, which soaks up bumps convincingly.
Coupled with this is the new Civic slippery aerodynamics that helps resist wind noise, so it’s pretty quiet on the motorway. “And “if you’re looking for a car that won’t see the dealer any more than it has to, buy a Civic”, Mr. Daryanani rhetorically affirmed.
The previous generation Civic has always performed well in the Driver Power survey and, as lots of technology has been carried over straight from the old car, it is expected that the new car would do just well as its predecessor.
As for safety, The Honda Place sales and marketing helmsman said Civic has a maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating, adding that every Civic comes fitted with a full complement of airbags, as well as LED daytime running lights, ESP and ABS as standard. The EX model gets adaptive cruise control and a Collision Mitigation Braking System, which uses radar to detect imminent collisions at low speeds.
Only the 140bhp 1.8-litre petrol engine with a five-speed automatic transmission system will be available in the local market, Mr. Daryanani said. Talking practicality, there’s plenty of room for adults in the back – thanks to the car’s generous dimension of 4,300mm long, 2,065mm wide and 1,590mm tall.
“The clever rear bench ‘Magic Seat’ is also still there; this means that you can fold the seats flat when you want to carry longer items, or flip the seats up cinema-style when you want to transport taller loads.
The boot, on the other hand offers 477 litres of luggage
space (including 76 litres within an under-floor compartment), which is a massive 161 litres more than some competitions,” the sales and marketing helmsman said.
What with running Honda Civic? Mr. Daryanani said “the Civic has always been cheap to run, and this latest version is no different. All of the engines are economical. You can get the 1.8 litre to post 28/29kmpg and emit 137g/km. And with strong residual values across the range, you’ll get a lot of your money back come resale time,” Mr. Daryanani affirmed.

MetroTaxi Lifts Community with Security Van

Metro Taxi, foremost Lagos based taxicab
operator has donated brand new Security
Patrol Pickup Van to GRA Ikeja Residents Association at Protea Hotel in Lagos to enhance security of lives and properties of residents in the community.
Mr. Niyi Oguntoyinbo, v told newsmen at the presentation of the van that Metro Taxi was proud to give back to the community where the company had operated in
the past two and a half years.
The initiative, he added, was also a way of ensuring lasting relationship with
the host
community and relishing the company’s corporate social reasonability to support
the area in securing lives and property, promising to do more in future.
He said though this was the first of its kind for the company, there would be
many more gestures.
"We expect that we'll be able to partner with other residential
associations for sustainability on long term objectives as we go on”
Oguntoyinbo said.
The vice-president of the resident association, Mr. Debo Collins applauded
Metro Taxi for offering the community a patrol van that would help it in reducing
the wave of crime in the area and advised other corporate organisations to
emulate Metro Taxi.
A resident of the community and Managing Director, CMC Connect, a PR firm, Mr.
Yomi Badejo-Okusanya described the gesture as laudable and prayed that Metro
Taxi income increases so that they could do more for other communities in
need of help.
Metro Taxi commenced operations in 2010
with the objective of revolutionizing public taxi transportation system in
Lagos.
A subsidiary of Philly and Mools, Metro Taxi is about the only taxi cab
operator that operates a metered taxi system to ensure passengers pay the
accurate fare while they also enjoy accident insurance cover.

Honda, GM Form Alliance for Fuel Cell Cars

Honda Motor Corporation and General Motors have sealed
partnership agreement to develop a viable fuel-cell product in order to compete
with Toyota which has ambitious plans to get a mass-market fuel-cell car on the
road by 2015.
Partnerships are commonly used to cut costs while
speeding up the rate of development for new products.
The two companies will be working on the hydrogen
drive train and all the interior components. The collaboration puts the burden
of cost onto both companies, which will speed the research process along with
limited liabilities for each party.
As alternative fuel-powered vehicles become more
commercially viable, established automakers are hurrying up more often to
ensure they stay on the forefront of technological advancement.
Fuji Keizai Company estimates that the demand for
fuel-cell technology will reach 2.91 trillion yen (about $28.9
billion) by the fiscal year ending in March 2026, up from 300 million
yen ($2.9 million) in March 2012.
Fuel-cell vehicles run on electricity that’s produced
in a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. While internal
combustion engines dispel a slew of unsavoury emissions, the by-product of
fuel-cell technology is simply water.
Cars and trucks review reported last Saturday
how a firm, ACAL Energy seeks to demystify insinuations that fuel cell
technology may be mar by cost and durability. ACAL Energy engineers recently
discovered a new type of fuel cell that could last up to 300, 000 miles without degradation.

Nissan to Grow Market Share, Operating Profit by 8%

Nissan Motor
Corporation plans to grow its market share and consolidated operating profit in
Nigeria by eight percent respectively between now and 2015, Mr. Jimmy Dando,
Director, Sub-Sahara, Nissan South Africa recently told local media in Lagos at
the inauguration of a new national Nissan Sales Company, Stallion NMN (Nissan
Motors Nigeria) Limited.
Mr. Dando said
the initiative is part of Nissan’s global mid-term objective, Power 88 designed
to reposition and expose the brand to customers in a consolidated and
comprehensive way, while also expanding Nissan’s influence to new places.
“Our business
expansion plan is expanding Nissan and Nissan’s influence where we have not
previously been present here in Nigeria,” the director affirmed.
He also said Nissan
will extend her co-sponsorship of the Africa Cup of nations to Nigeria to
enhance the brand’s representation and value in Africa.
“Our partnership
with Stallion NMN will help us achieve these objectives and we are pleased to
be working with a strong team in Nigeria, who is able to understand and serve
our customers and respond to a complex market.”
While also
recalling Nissan models such as the Urvan commuter bus and Datsun 120Y and 180Y
saloon cars once enjoyed unprecedented patronage in the 1970s and early 80s,
Mr. Dando said Stallion NMN is expected to reignite the brand in Nigeria, with
a focused product introduction plan in the years 2013 to 2016.
He said there
would be series of launches of new model Nissan vehicles and a couple of minor
changes including the GT-R and Juke which are currently en route to Lagos,
while next generation Sentra, Tiida, Teana, Pathfinder and Qashqai are to be
introduced in August 2013.
These vehicles
are packed with innovative features that reflect Nissan’s passion for bringing
accessible technology to a broader audience, said Mr. Dando.
Mr. Pavir Singh,
Managing Director, Stallion NMN had also noted that the inauguration of the
Nissan facility in Gbagada Lagos is the first step in the company’s commitment
to providing an extensive and world-class automotive experience to customers in
Nigeria.
The Stallion
Group, owners of Stallion NMN has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s economy
with investments in warehousing, factories, showrooms and workshops, and its
automobile subsidiary accounts for 20 per cent of the local automobile market
share.
Mr. Singh said:
“Stallion NMN has a firm belief in the Nissan brand and wishes to re-connect
local motoring public with Nissan’s heritage of solid engineering ingenuity and
aesthetic values.”
He added that
“through our network expansion plans and strong focus on ongoing development of
our sales and service teams, Nigeria’s customers can expect consistent and
innovative sales and service solutions.”
Meanwhile, Stallion
NMN has said its obligation is to make ownership of Nissan an enjoyable
experience and recognise the importance of excellence both in the quality of
vehicles and in after sales service.
“We have
retrained all our service technicians in multiple auto repair disciplines and
acquainted them extensively in Nissan’s cutting edge and ever changing
technology,” the director noted.

Hyundai Accent Wins Entry Level Car of the Year

The board of adjudicators at the just ended 8th edition of Nigerian Auto Awardshas voted all new Hyundai Accent ‘Entry level car of the year.’
Hyundai Accent’s fluidic sculpture, styling and driving dynamics played out among indices that distinguished the subcompact car among arch rivals Kia Rio and Tata
Indigo at the Eko Hotel and Suites Lagos, venue of the show.
Hyundai Elantra was at the 2012 edition of the Nigerian Auto Awards voted ‘Car of the year,’ beating Kia Optima, Toyota Avensis, Audi A6 and Land Rover HSE to cart
away the coveted plaque.
Similarly, Hyundai i10 and iX35 did at different fora ranked ‘Budget city car of the year’ and ‘highest selling SUV’ of the year respectively.
A comparatively familiar sedan, Hyundai Accent made
its foray into the global marketplace between 1995 and 1999 when the first generation Accent made its debut.
Now sharpened to perfection, the latest Accent is
everything and more you would expect from Hyundai, The Nigerian Auto Awards’ jury remarked.
Presenting the commemorative plaque to Hyundai Motors Limited, custodian of the brand in Nigeria, the judges said: “Accent is renowned for its wind-craft design
language, which is in sync with the car’s daring fluidic sculpture and harmonious styling that consent with Hyundai’s recent product line-up.”
They also applauded the relatively low roofline and
stylish, sleek curves that not only project a sporty and dynamic style, but improves aerodynamics and lowers air resistance to contribute to Accent’s outstanding fuel economy and quiet cabin space.
Accent’s relaxed interior also scored high points,
particularly the silver garnish that starts from the crash pad to the console,
featuring a windblown shape that exudes the overall refined and dynamic image.
The adjudicators likewise recognized the
quality of design and materials as well as
refined fit and finish ergonomically correct appointments in Accent’s interior, which according to them exceed expectations in the subcompact segment.
What’s more, Hyundai Accent comes equipped with
enormous strides in Powertrain engineering, incorporating two new naturallyaspirated petrol engines that are mated to either a1.6litre with 138hp (103kw) or a 1.4litre engine with 106hp (79kw) - both
featuring the latest technology in Variable Valve Timing (VVT).
Also mated to slick six-speed manual transmission or automatic gearbox that delivers crisp smooth shifts with
optimal ratios for impressive fuel economy,
Hyundai Accent would for sometime set the cat among the pigeons in its market
segment. Receiving the award on behalf of Hyundai Motors Nigeria, Mr. Jatin Nadkarni, Head, Sales and Marketing said: “We are extremely proud of this recognition and moreso, that a world-class product, such as Hyundai Accent has received
distinguish honour from the Nigerian Auto Awards.”
He said: “the award is a testimony to thegiant strides the Hyundai brand has made locally and globally. And, the
award is also in recognition of the quality and emotional appeal Hyundai products have developed
as part of its modern premium strategy.”
The Nigerian Auto Awards was conceived in 2005 to celebrate the achievements and contributions of stakeholders in the automotive industry as well as their products.

Origin, Why Traffic Signal Light is Red, Amber and Green

Traffic lights are such a common part of our
daily lives that we rarely give them a second thought. We just do what they
tell us to. This wasn’t always the case, however. In 1917, when the first
interconnected traffic
signal was installed in Salt Lake City, motorists thought it was
some sort of prank and simply ignored it. Police officers had to be dispatched to make sure drivers understood the
lights and obeyed them.
Traffic signals actually date back to the
1860s, when they were introduced in London to direct horse carriage traffic.
Unfortunately, the inventor didn’t have access to a reliable source of
electricity, so he relied on the same gas that lit the city’s lamps after dark.
This led to explosive results when a leak combined with an open flame. The
resulting injuries pushed back widespread use of traffic signals until electric power
became common.
The lights most of us are familiar with are the
classic three-aspect models. However, in other countries as well as many large
American cities, multiple signals are the norm, with lights for city busses and
other specialized vehicles.
One question that comes up fairly often is what
led to the standard color scheme, with red on top, yellow (or amber) in the
center, and green on the bottom. The answer hearkens back to the early days of
rail travel, when workers needed a way to warn trains that there was danger
ahead. They chose red to mean “stop!” because of its allusions to blood. Green
was originally the symbol for caution, and a clear, or white, light meant it
was safe to proceed. The problem with this arrangement is that engineers
frequently mistook the light of the moon or stars for the “all clear” signal.
This led to tragic derailments and train collisions. So the arrangement was
changed, with yellow representing caution and green meaning “go.” And that, my
friends, is how it all began.

Lanre Shitu Motors Moves to Ease Truck Acquisition

Truck dealership Lanre Shittu Motors has introduced
single digit interest rate finance scheme to ease truck acquisition in Nigeria.
The new single digit interest scheme according to
Lanre Shittu Motors is aimed at making acquisition of Mack trucks easier and
effortless.
Mr. Taiwo Shittu, Business Development Director,
Lanre Shittu Motors said high interest rate has made acquisition of new truck
very difficult for customers.
Said he, “Our research has shown that prohibited
high interest rate offered by local banks have made it difficult for haulage
and constructing companies to purchase new premium heavy trucks, many times
forcing them to settle for older used models, not suitable for the difficult
conditions in Nigeria.
Mr. Frank Oliveira, Mack Truck Vice President
(Business Development, Mack Global Brand); as well as the Director Customer
Finance, Henrik Larsson, and Ben Grantayet, in charge of International
Operations witnessed the launch.
Mr. Oliveira said, Nigeria is a very important
market for Mack Trucks, and having new, safe, efficient Mack Trucks is very
important for Nigeria. We now have a solution to the main financing road block
that used to hinder customers from purchasing new Mack Trucks.
According to him, customers interested in
purchasing new premium heavy duty trucks now have access to international
financing rates in the single digits. This is made possible by using
international banks guaranteed by European and American Export Credit Agencies
(ECAs). Qualified customers can secure financing of up to 85% of the total
purchase price of the new equipment.
The other 15% is required as a down payment before
the trucks are delivered. Lanre Shittu Motors, the official distributor of Mack
Trucks in Nigeria, has successfully negotiated with several local banks to help
customers cover the 15% equity contribution.
Ten Mack Granite Elites were delivered to Greenfield
Assets Limited on May 6 and forty-five Mack Granites Elites were delivered to
Haulage Oil & Gas on June 12. Frank Okeke, Managing Director and CEO of
Haulage Oil & Gas Limited said the following regarding his experience with
Mack Trucks: “Mack Trucks have proven to be unequalled in durability,
ruggedness and reliability.
The truck perfectly fits into our business model of
long term and sustained provision of haulage logistics to blue chip companies
in Nigeria says Haulage Oil & Gas Limited director.

Friday 26 July 2013

MINI Goes Gaga

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