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BMW to acquire Alpina, targets pinnacle of luxury

BMW is on the verge of acquiring Alpina, a small but highly respected German tuner that has for long built its own versions of BMWs.
The firm is being absorbed into the BMW corporate universe after 57 years of an arm’s-length partnership.
Development of new Alpina versions of BMWs will end at the company’s headquarters in Buchloe, Germany, after 2025, the automaker has confirmed.
Alpina started out making performance parts for BMW decades ago, and grew into a performance manufacturer itself.
Specifically, Alpina started out in 1965 producing go-fast parts for BMWs and later tuning models, eventually becoming a manufacturer itself—albeit churning out upgraded BMWs—in the early 1980s.
Alpina BMWs have come to deliver performance near that of BMW’s high-performance M products, with beefed up engines and transmissions, but with a focus on retaining comfort and luxury over outright rawness.
According to MotorTrend, a motoring website, the move to grab Alpina’s name and its trademarks is billed as a saviour-esque move; while Alpina saw great success in 2021, BMW feels that with the rapid electrification of the industry, tough times are ahead for small manufacturers such as Alpina.
And to preserve the brand and shepherd it into this new era, BMW is acquiring it so that it may continue to deliver specialised sport-luxury vehicles with the iconic Alpina name to its customers.
As 2025 approaches, and should BMW’s takeover of Alpina be approved by regulators, the company will be adjusting Alpina’s workforce, either re-assigning some to positions within BMW Group or helping them find new jobs elsewhere in the automotive industry.
In an official reaction to the move, Alpina says, “The politically driven transformation to electric mobility as well as tightening worldwide regulatory demands—especially on vehicle emissions, software validation, and requirements on safeguarding driver assistant and supervisory systems—means the demands and risks for small-series manufacturers are increasing.”
Alpina CEO Andeas Bovensiepen was quoted as admitting that electrification was a huge challenge that the small company would struggle to overcome.
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FCT traffic service confirms sale of number plates by touts

FCT traffic service confirms sale of number plates by touts
The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), yesterday advised residents not to patronise touts in registering their vehicles.
A statement by the Director, DRTS, Abdulateef Bello said: “ The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), wishes to inform the general public that the current scarcity of vehicle number plates in the FCT is due to irregular and insufficient supply from the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) Plant and efforts are ongoing to remedy the situation.
“We also wish to draw the attention of the motoring public to the activities of fraudsters impersonating DRTS officials in the attempt to take advantage of the situation to exploit vehicle owners.
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“The DRTS firmly disassociates itself from these illegal activities and strongly caution members of the public against dealing with any individual either staff or agent who claim to be in position of number plates outside what is uploaded in the DRTS self-service portal (https://selfservice.fctevreg.com).
“Moreover, in order to ensure transparency, the approved costs of number plates and related services are readily available on our official communication platforms, and particularly our website.
“The Directorate therefore encourages the public to stick and insist on the stipulated prices.
‘‘In collaboration with the Security Agencies, the Directorate has intensified efforts to bring these impostors to justice.’’
“We urge the public to report suspicious individuals or illegal activities to the Management of the DRTS. The DRTS remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering transparent, efficient, and accountable services to the motoring public”.
FCT traffic service confirms sale of number plates by touts
Auto
Easter travels: ABC Transport injects 2025 Toyota Hiace buses into operations

Easter travels: ABC Transport injects 2025 Toyota Hiace buses into operations
Ahead of Easter, ABC Transport Plc has added a fleet of brand new, 2025 model Toyota Hiace buses to its operations.
This, it said in a statement, was a strategic move to enhance customer satisfaction and operational reliability.
It aligns with the company’s mission of providing safer, more reliable, and comfortable travel experiences, particularly during the busy Easter season.
The new vehicles, which are equipped with state-of-the-art GPS trackers and speed limiter devices, are part of ABC Transport’s historic culture of prioritising passenger safety.
These features, which are standard across the company’s entire fleet, allow for real-time monitoring and ensure adherence to safe driving practices.
Apart from the fleet upgrade, ABC Transport recently concluded its quarterly Pre-Peak Season Crew Seminar, aimed at reinforcing the company’s commitment to safety, maintenance, and customer service ethics.
It said the seminar provided a platform to engage all crew members, focusing on best practices in vehicle handling, passenger care, and emergency preparedness.
Speaking on the importance of these initiatives, Managing Director of ABC Transport Plc, Mr. Jude Nneji, said, “Safety and service excellence are at the heart of everything we do at ABC Transport.
“The addition of these modern vehicles, coupled with our crew’s enhanced training, ensures that passengers can travel with peace of mind and enjoy an exceptional travel experience, even during the high-demand Easter season.”
The 2025 Toyota Hiace buses, known for their durability and fuel efficiency, also feature air-conditioned interiors and spacious seating, making them ideal for long-distance travel.
Designed to handle Nigeria’s road conditions, these vehicles further solidify ABC Transport’s reputation as a leader in the intercity transport sector.
Industry analysts view this dual approach—upgrading fleet technology and investing in human capital—as a testament to ABC Transport’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve.
This is also in line with the trend of new fleet injections and investments that have been noticed at ABC Transport since late last year following the acquisition of over 50 heavy duty trucks in their Haulage and Logistics subsidiaries as well as wide adoption of CNG in its Haulage division.
ABC Transport Plc is Nigeria’s foremost provider of intercity and regional transport services, known for its focus on innovation, safety, and customer satisfaction.
It is also the most diversified and only publicly quoted transport company in Nigeria listed on the Nigerian Stock exchange.
Auto
Massilia Motors launches new Mitsubishi L200 with low fuel consumption, advanced engineering

Massilia Motors launches new Mitsubishi L200 with low fuel consumption, advanced engineering
L-R: CFAO Nigeria Country Delegate, Mr. Regis Tromeur; GMD/CEO, Kewalram Chanrai Group, Mr Siva Subramaniam; Deputy Managing Director, CFAO Mobility, Mr. Kunle Jaiyesimi; Managing Director of Massilia Motors, Olivier Lamoure; and General Manager, Sales, Massilia Motors, Mr. Tunji Itiola at the launching of the All-New Mitsubishi L 200 at Eko Atlantic, Lagos …on Friday, April 11, 2025
The all-new Mitsubishi L200 pickup, a 2025 edition, has been formally unveiled in Nigeria, courtesy of Massilia Motors.
Massilia Motors, the sole distributor of Mitsubishi brand of vehicles in the country and a joint venture with CFAO Mobility, says the new L200 pickup is coming with low fuel consumption, advanced engineering and ultra-tough characteristics, making it a versatile vehicle for various terrains and conditions.
The unveiling event took place at Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, Lagos, where guests had the opportunity to experience the new pickup firsthand.
The new L200, already recognized worldwide and well-known in Nigeria, has been completely redefined in this latest model.
It features advanced engineering and ultra-tough characteristics, making it a versatile vehicle for various terrains and conditions.
The L200 is equipped with an All-New Chassis frame for improved ride and handling; lessen noise and vibration; durability; anti-corrosion; crash safety; better body size and wider interior.
The chassis frame is built with high-tensile materials to withstand tough terrain and ensure reliable performance in any condition, complemented by a redesigned suspension system.
Inside, the L200 is designed for comfort, even during long trips, with advanced technology and a thoughtfully crafted living space, according to Massilia.
The new suspension fine tune has some unique features that include Front – Double wishbone that is optimized longer stroke by geometry; Rear – Leaf spring (3 layers) with less friction.
The vehicle, powered by a six-speed manual gearbox on a 2.4-litre petrol engine, features a distinctive grille and appearance, and has won several awards, including the 2024-2025 Japan Car of the Year Design Award.
Built on inherited Pajero DNA with 4WD performance for reliability and ruggedness, Mitsubishi’s Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution applies brake force while cornering to maintain vehicle stability and optimize traction, preventing torque loss.
The system adjusts engine output and applies brake force to spinning wheels as needed, always ensuring driver safety.
Mitsubishi has also focused on driver and passenger comfort with newly designed seats inspired by their rally heritage, providing excellent body support.
The upgraded air-conditioning system offers adjustable airflow for personalized comfort. Ample storage space and a bucket space of up to 2340mm x 1580mm makes it ideal for various tasks.
Other interior features include a 9-inch infotainment system and a new 7-inch multi-information display and outstanding cabin comfort because of better head and leg room for passengers.
The vehicle is designed to provide slip-resistant footing for safe and easy entry and exit, even in wet or slippery conditions.
The rear bumper corner allows for more foot space when the tailgate is open, featuring the largest step area in its segment.
Managing Director of Massilia Motors, Olivier Lamoure, highlighted the fact that the new L200 comes with lower fuel consumption aided by improved Aero Dynamics with roof and rear spoiler combination.
Another striking feature of the new vehicle is its enhanced cargo and payload capacity with improved turning radius of 6.2m from 5.9m, as well as higher ground clearance from 200mm to 212mm all to guarantee better driver manoeuvrability.
Lamoure added, “At Massilia Motors, it is important for us to give the keys to the customer so they can personally test the vehicle and share their impressions.
“Whether for personal use or for their business, performance and reliability are proven in the field, not in a showroom. This hands-on approach allows customers to truly experience the vehicle’s capabilities.”
Massilia Motors says it also offers prospective customers free test drive which can be booked via www.mitsubishi-motors.com.ng , where further information about the vehicle can also be obtained.
The L200 has a rich history, tracing its roots back to the Forte launched in 1978. Over the past 47 years, about 5.7 million units have been produced across five generations and sold in approximately 150 countries. The latest model continues this legacy with its high-rigidity RISE body, designed to absorb energy and minimize cabin deformation in the event of a crash.
The L200 has also received international accolades, including a five-star rating from Latin NCAP and recognition at the 2024 Arab Car of the Year awards, where it was named “Best Mid-size Pickup”.
Massilia names variants available for the Nigerian market as the Double Cab and Single Cab, adding that it offers genuine spare parts, after-sales services, and a warranty of three years or 100,000km.
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