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Kia hits Middle East with redesigned sports car K8

South Korean automaker, Kia Corporation, is set to unleash its new elegant sports car, K8, in the Middle East region, the first model to arrive following the rebirth of the Kia brand.
For Kia enthusiasts and lovers of sports cars in Nigeria, the coming of the K8 to Africa is a matter of time as the Middle East is grouped along with the continent in the global auto market.
The K8 represents a new model name for Kia and is the first to show the brand’s new design identity as well as the contemporary new Kia logo.
A statement by the company says the official launch of the K8 in the Middle East region will take place on September 15, 2021.
Aside from Korea, the car will be mainly sold in the GCC with KSA being the focus market, the firm says.
It notes that with a focus on modern, premium quality and dynamic performance, the K8 moves forward in the sports sedan space and will build on the success of the K7 (known as Cadenza in some markets), continuing Kia’s rise towards excellence in the segment later this year.
A modern and innovative sedan, the K8 combines sportiness, high-tech and performance with a progressive and sleek exterior design.
It quotes Yaser Shabsogh, Chief Operating Officer at Kia Middle East and Africa, as saying, “Being Kia’s flagship sedan in the MEA region and a representation of our new brand direction, the K8’s launch is a hugely significant moment.
“This is the first model to showcase Kia’s latest design identity and new logo, but this is only scratching the surface of what this model is capable of. Every inch of the K8 has been designed to excite, from the striking design to the sophisticated technology and sublime performance.”
The K8 is said to have been designed with the future in mind, taking on an all-new name and the first model to be launched following Kia’s recent rebrand.
One can find at the front sits a new signature frameless ‘tiger nose’ grille that gives the K8 presence and authority.
The frameless grille, which is integrated within the front bumper to give a clean yet expansive look, features an intricate diamond lattice designed to express the movement of light.
The front lamps include a turn signal that resembles a star could.
Symbolically pointing the way forward – and sitting proudly at the very front of the K8, just above the reimagined ‘tiger nose’ grille – is Kia’s contemporary new logo that expresses ‘symmetry’, ‘rhythm’ and ‘rising’ elements, embodying Kia’s confidence and a renewed commitment to customers.
The elongated K8 (5,015mm) features a sporty side profile with a dynamic character line that runs the length of the sedan and takes inspiration from yachts sailing across calm waters. A chrome finish runs along the DLO (Daylight Opening) line and the bottom of the doors, and finishes its journey at the rear lamp – adding confidence and gracefulness to the side of the sports sedan.
Completing the progressive yet elegant front and the side profile is a dynamic and muscular rear-end that re-interprets the sedan of today as a modern ‘fastback’ passenger car. Strong, dropping shoulders add to the drama of the K8 at the rear, while a clean tailored spoiler beautifully finishes the sporty, low roofline.
Running below the spoiler lip is a futuristic-looking horizontal taillight that carries across the jewel patterned arrangements from the front and side and connects the K8’s next-generation LED rear light clusters.
The 3D vertical clusters hug the corners of the K8, emphasizing clean, angular lines at the rear and further adding depth and width to the rear of the car.
The Kia’s new logo and first-ever K8 badge sit at the rear just below the horizontal light dash.
Kia also says the introduction of an all-new model name – the K8 – is part of the brand transition and represents the premium space in which the new sports sedan will occupy.
It says the K8 will offer a comfortable yet high-performance driving experience that will complement the simple, ergonomic ‘first class’ interior.
The new model signals an upward journey in design, technology, and modernity, delivering a class-leading package that redefines the meaning of the sports sedan.
One auto critic, Christopher Smith, writing on the new car (motor1.com), states that there is no denying that Kia is aiming to get noticed, in a market segment where competition seemingly disappears by the day.
“Whether its new design language is a hit or miss remains to be seen. K8 sales will ultimately tell that tale,” he notes.
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Nigeria Takes Centre Stage at UN Road Safety Summit as Tinubu Delegates FRSC Corps Marshal
Nigeria Takes Centre Stage at UN Road Safety Summit as Tinubu Delegates FRSC Corps Marshal
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to the global campaign against road traffic fatalities by appointing the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, to lead the country’s delegation to the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Improving Global Road Safety in New York, United States.
The high-level gathering at the United Nations General Assembly Headquarters has brought together Heads of State, ministers, global policymakers and road safety experts to review progress and accelerate efforts towards achieving the UN target of reducing road traffic deaths and serious injuries by 50 per cent before 2030 under the Decade of Action for Road Safety.
Representing President Tinubu at the plenary session, Shehu Mohammed delivered Nigeria’s national statement on the meeting’s theme, “Scaling Up and Accelerating Implementation of Commitments to Halving Road Traffic Deaths and Injuries by 2030.”
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to strengthen road safety governance through sustained political commitment, strategic investments, innovation and stronger international partnerships in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Corps Marshal highlighted the significant progress Nigeria has recorded in advancing road safety, noting that the Federal Government has strengthened the institutional capacity of the FRSC through strategic reforms, technology-driven enforcement systems, enhanced emergency response mechanisms and intensified public education campaigns aimed at reducing crashes and fatalities.
He also showcased Nigeria’s growing influence in road safety across Africa, citing the recent launch of the Nigeria Road Assessment Programme (NigeriaRAP) in partnership with the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP).
According to him, the initiative adopts the globally recognised Safe System Approach to improve road infrastructure safety and reduce crash risks.
Mohammed further pointed to Nigeria’s role as host of the Secretariat of the African Association of Road Safety Lead Agencies (AARSLA), describing it as a strategic platform for promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing and institutional development among road safety agencies across the continent.
On sustainable transportation, the FRSC boss told delegates that Nigeria is aligning its mobility agenda with global environmental goals through the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs), while developing comprehensive safety standards for heavy-duty vehicles and emerging transport technologies.
While acknowledging the progress already made, Mohammed stressed that achieving the 2030 target would require stronger international cooperation in areas such as intelligent enforcement technologies, road infrastructure safety assessments, institutional capacity development and technology transfer.
He therefore urged development partners and the international community to expand technical cooperation and support capacity-building programmes that would help countries accelerate the implementation of global road safety commitments.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s position, the Corps Marshal declared that road safety remains a national priority under President Tinubu’s administration, assuring the global community that the country would continue to collaborate with international partners to build safer roads, save more lives and contribute meaningfully to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The UN High-Level Meeting, convened by the President of the United Nations General Assembly in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), is expected to adopt a Progress Declaration that will shape global road safety actions towards meeting the 2030 target.
The meeting is also reviewing countries’ progress since the 2022 Political Declaration and the Fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety held in Marrakech, Morocco, in 2025.
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Auto
Jetour Nigeria Unveils RELY R8, Rugged Luxury Pickup Built to Dominate Work, Adventure
Jetour Nigeria Unveils RELY R8, Rugged Luxury Pickup Built to Dominate Work, Adventure
Jetour Nigeria has unveiled the RELY R8, a premium pickup truck designed to combine rugged performance with luxury, advanced technology and exceptional versatility, setting a new benchmark for work and recreational vehicles in Nigeria.
Engineered to thrive in the country’s demanding terrain, the RELY R8 is built for agriculture, construction, logistics, security escort operations and weekend adventures, offering the toughness of a workhorse without sacrificing the comfort and refinement of a modern SUV.
The pickup boasts high ground clearance, impressive approach and departure angles, and a reinforced chassis designed to withstand harsh road conditions while delivering excellent stability, even in strong crosswinds.
Its all-terrain capability is enhanced by multiple driving modes, allowing drivers to switch effortlessly between mud, sand and paved roads. Whether tackling heavy-duty tasks or venturing off the beaten path, the RELY R8 is built to perform with confidence.
Inside, the vehicle departs from the traditional utilitarian pickup design, featuring a spacious SUV-inspired cabin that comfortably accommodates five adults while offering a premium driving experience.
Speaking on the new model, Jetour Nigeria representative, Kemi Adeola, described the RELY R8 as a perfect blend of strength, innovation and comfort.
“The RELY R8 delivers strength, reliability and advanced technology in one vehicle. It offers the capability of a modern workhorse without compromising on premium comfort or safety,” she said.
The pickup is equipped with a high-performance processor that powers its L2+ intelligent driving assistance system. It also features a 12.3-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and remote engine start for enhanced convenience.
Safety is another major highlight of the RELY R8, with features including Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking, all designed to provide greater confidence and protection on every journey.
Jetour Nigeria has continued to strengthen its presence in the country’s automotive market, earning recognition as the Fastest Growing Auto Brand in Nigeria, while its Jetour Dashing SUV won the prestigious Car of the Year award. The company has served as the sole authorised distributor of Jetour vehicles in Nigeria since 2022.
The RELY R8 is backed by comprehensive manufacturer support, genuine spare parts and professional after-sales service through Jetour Nigeria’s network of authorised dealers, including Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era Autovehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, R.T. Briscoe Plc, TAB Autos Limited and Mandilas Motors.
Jetour Nigeria has invited prospective customers to visit any of its authorised dealerships nationwide to book a test drive and experience firsthand the RELY R8’s blend of rugged capability, cutting-edge technology and premium comfort.
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Auto
No Hiding Place for Traffic Offenders as FRSC Unleashes 12 Special Operations Nationwide
No Hiding Place for Traffic Offenders as FRSC Unleashes 12 Special Operations Nationwide
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has launched one of the most ambitious nationwide road safety operations in its history, deploying 12 intelligence-driven, code-named special enforcement campaigns across the country’s Zonal Commands in a decisive bid to curb road crashes, crack down on traffic offenders and save lives.
The coordinated initiative, known as the Zonal Special Intervention Patrol (ZSIP), commenced on July 20, with all 12 Zonal Commands simultaneously rolling out operations specifically designed to tackle the peculiar road safety challenges within their jurisdictions.
The operations are peration Fushin Zuma (Anger of the Bee) in Kaduna, Operation Ride Safe in Bauchi, Operation Shark Smile in Port Harcourt, Operation ABO (Safe Passage) in Lagos, Operation Sauka Lafia in Abuja, Operation Kasolayo in Ilorin, Operation Kwushi Ihe Mberede in Enugu, Operation Sanity in Osogbo, Operation Total Compliance in Benin, Operation Harbin Kunama (Scorpion Sting) in Yola, Operation Hadarin Kalangu in Jos, and Operation Daidaita Loading in Zone 10.
The Corps said the coordinated intervention reflects its determination to confront the major causes of road traffic crashes through intelligence-led enforcement, aggressive public enlightenment, enhanced operational visibility, stakeholder engagement and strategic collaboration with other security agencies.
Approved by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, the Special Intervention Patrol is designed to empower each Zonal Command to tackle the unique crash patterns and traffic violations prevalent in its area of responsibility.
According to the Corps Marshal, the initiative marks a significant departure from conventional traffic enforcement, shifting instead to targeted, intelligence-based operations capable of delivering measurable results in reducing road crashes and fatalities.
He explained that each operation had been carefully crafted to address dangerous driving behaviours and recurring traffic offences responsible for avoidable deaths and injuries on Nigerian roads.
Mohammed disclosed that the operations would witness massive deployment of FRSC personnel to highways, motor parks, loading points and other critical traffic corridors across the country.
The enforcement exercise, he added, would be complemented by sustained public awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagement and close collaboration with sister security agencies to ensure effective enforcement and prompt emergency response.
He warned motorists, commercial vehicle operators and fleet owners that there would be no hiding place for traffic offenders, stressing that anyone found violating traffic regulations would face firm but professional enforcement in line with the Corps’ statutory mandate.
The Corps Marshal, however, assured law-abiding road users that the operations were not designed to harass or punish responsible motorists but to safeguard lives and property.
He urged Nigerians to cooperate with FRSC patrol teams by obeying traffic regulations, avoiding dangerous practices such as overloading, mixed loading and reckless driving, while encouraging members of the public to report unsafe road users.
Mohammed also called on transport operators to embrace voluntary compliance, noting that road safety remains a shared responsibility requiring the collective commitment of government, transport stakeholders and every road user.
Summing up the Corps’ renewed determination to reduce road carnage on Nigerian highways, he declared: “Every Zone has a mission. Every patrol has a purpose. Every operation is a commitment to saving lives.”
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