Auto
Accidents: FRSC boss recommends truck barrier on Ojuelegba Bridge, warns against ‘one-way’ driving
The Federal Road Safety Corps has recommended the construction of a truck barrier on Ojuelegba Bridge in the Surulere area of Lagos to prevent articulated vehicles especially trucks carrying containers from using the bridge and falling on other vehicles.
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Dauda Biu, made the recommendation while reacting to an accident around the bridge on Sunday in which a container-carrying truck fell on a passenger bus, killing nine people including two children.
A statement by the Corps Public Education Officer of the FRSC, Bisi Kazeem reported the corps marshal as expressing deep concerns over the fatal accident, which he noted was becoming a regular occurrence.
Biu also spoke on another accident recorded on Sunday that claimed 11 lives on Soka Bridge on the Lagos-Benin Highway and warned against excessive speeding and driving against the traffic popularly called one-way.
The statement said, “Whilst his concerns stem from the reoccurring container crashes on Ojuelegba bridge that has claimed several lives, the Corps Marshal recommends the construction of barricades against articulated vehicles (tankers, trucks, trailers and other heavy duty vehicles) on Ojuelegba Bridge as a permanent solution to the reoccurring crashes.”
The corps marshal who frowned on the incident explained the importance of barricading the bridge against articulated vehicles citing some of the dangers that come with their continuous use of the bridge as he called for efforts to be made towards expanding the connecting roads under the bridge to accommodate all articulated vehicles.
He revealed that FRSC rescue teams in collaboration with other Emergency Management Agencies had cleared obstructions from the crash scenes for ease of movement while the driver of the Mack truck had been arrested and handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The corps marshal also reiterated the need for the enactment of laws that will bring justice to victims of these crashes and where such laws already exist, efforts should be made to activate them so that justice will be served accordingly to both the drivers and the victims.
It stated that a preliminary investigation conducted into the fatal crashes revealed that the Ojuelegba crash involved a Mack Truck with a 40ft container with the registration number KJA 380 KD, who apart from engaging in excessive speed, also indulged in an act of wrongful overtaking and a Suzuki mini bus registered as KTU 921 YD; while the Soka avoidable menace involved a truck driven against the traffic and a Macopolo bus.
The statement said, “The container mounted on the Mack truck at Ojuelegba, according to our operatives, fell off the truck and landed on the Suzuki mini bus filled up with passengers which obviously led to the death of 9 of the passengers.
“As at the time of this statement, 11 victims were burnt beyond recognition at the Soka Bridge while the Ojuelegba crash involved 13 people comprising of nine males and four females. Out of the 13 people, nine were killed comprising five male adults, one male child, one female child and two female adults.
“Out of the four victims who survived the Ojuelegba crash, two were rescued without injuries while the remaining two sustained various degrees of injuries.
He urged the public to always use the FRSC toll free line 122 and the National Traffic Radio 107.1 FM which are always available for all road users to report emergencies at any given time.
Auto
Weststar unveils new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, sets Nigeria’s auto landscape aglow
Weststar unveils new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, sets Nigeria’s auto landscape aglow
Weststar Associates Limited, the authorized distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, has announced the arrival of the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a development expected to set the nation’s auto landscape aglow again.
The iconic vehicle is said to set new standards in luxury and innovation, bringing the legend and renowned heritage of the Mercedes-Benz brand to car lovers and enthusiasts in Nigeria.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is described as the epitome of meticulous craftsmanship and technological prowess, with its harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology, exquisite design and unparalleled performance.
Just like its predecessor, the new E-Class promises to redefine the automotive landscape in Nigeria and provide an unrivaled driving experience.
According to the auto firm, the new E-Class marks the advent of a new generation, introducing more technology and luxury.
Specifically, it says the powertrains are complemented by a fresh exterior design, creating a captivating presence on the road.
It says inside the car are new technology features permeating the cabin, providing a digital atmosphere that is both immersive and intelligent.
The new E-Class takes its digital experience to the next level with the all-new Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) Superscreen.This powerful central onboard computer processes information with remarkable speed, delivering near-instantaneous responsiveness.
It integrates a range of apps and games, including TikTok & Angry Birds, making it a versatile tool for both entertainment and productivity.
The Superscreen also introduces the Routines function, an intelligent feature that curates your driving experience based on various conditions and functions, automatically adjusting settings such as heating, cooling, ambient lighting, seat massage, and more.
The MBUX Superscreen also debuts video conferencing in the all-new E-Class, this is enabled by a built-in camera and applications like Webex& Zoom.
The standard Burmester® 4D surround sound system, complemented by Active Ambient Lighting, transforms music into a visual and auditory masterpiece. Coordinated colours and tones are illuminated on the instrument panel, elevating the music-listening experience.
The interior is designed to prioritize comfort and quality. The spacious passenger accommodation is graced with premium materials, including leather upholstery and metal trim, resulting in a rich and upscale ambiance.
The new E-Class remains a four-door layout, emphasizing passenger experience and convenience. It boasts of an aerodynamic design that not only enhances its appearance but also reduces wind noise. With the assistance of nearly 500 microphones, engineers have meticulously measured and minimized wind noise, ensuring a serene cabin environment even at high driving speeds.
The exterior design comes with a host of features such as light alloy wheels, chrome highlights, and a Mercedes-Benz pattern radiator grille.
Additionally, the new E-Class boasts flush-fitted doors and metallic paintwork.
The new E-Class comes with upgraded standard equipment that includes KEYLESS-GO, and the AVANTGARDE equipment line for the interior and exterior.
The new E-Class offers two remarkable powertrains to cater to diverse driving preferences. The E 200 model boasts an advanced 4-cylinder petrol engine with mild hybrid and 48-volt on-board electrical system, delivering a combined power output of 204 horsepower with a torque of 320nm.
While the E 300 model features tremendous pulling power even at low engine speeds, with its advanced 4-cylinder petrol engine with mild hybrid and 48-volt on-board electrical system, it delivers an even more powerful output to 258 horsepower and 400nm of torque.
The E-Class is also equipped with a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission, which ensures seamless power delivery, and its suspension system includes Airmatic air suspension with ADS+ continuously adjustable damping and rear-axle steering.
The rear-axle steering comes with up to 4.5 degrees of articulation.
At high speeds, this noticeably improves driving stability. While at low and medium speeds, the driver negotiates bends with more agility and benefits from a smaller turning circle when parking and maneuvering.
The firm says at Mercedes-Benz, safety always comes first. This is greatly emphasized in the new E-Class which is equipped with an array of new and extended driving assistance systems; including Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side, Blind Spot Assist, and Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC.
This enhances driver safety and reduces workload, making driving more comfortable and secure for Nigerian road users.
According to the statement, the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class is now available nationwide at Weststar’s authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships such as Barbedos Cars Limited, MB Automobile Services Limited, Skymit Motors Limited, Sunny Motors Limited, and Tetralog Nigeria Limited.
Auto
I dedicate my ‘Outstanding GM of the Year’ award to Suzuki team, says Diouf
I dedicate my ‘Outstanding GM of the Year’ award to Suzuki team, says Diouf
Echos of the last edition of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association Awards held on December 14, 2023 at the prestigious Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, are still reverberating.
One of the personalities honoured with an award for her track record in turning around the fortune of an auto firm and growing the numbers of a Japanese brand in Nigeria, is Aissatou Diouf, general manager Suzuki by CFAO Nigeria Limited.
She was presented with an award as the ‘Outstanding GM Of The Year’.
Reacting to her recognition as the ‘Outstanding GM Of the Year 2023’ by NAJA, Aissatou Diouf said, “I am sincerely humbled, honoured, and exhilarated by the recognition as the ‘Outstanding GM Of The Year 2023’ by the Nigerian Automotive Journalists association.”
The excited Suzuki by CFAO GM declared that the accolade extended beyond personal triumph, resonating as a collective success for the entire Suzuki by CFAO team.
In her submission, the prestigious award serves as a powerful affirmation of the Suzuki dealership’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and, most importantly, the unwavering dedication to exceeding customer expectations.
She said, “This award fuels our passion for continuous improvement and reinforces our pledge to set new standards in the automotive industry”.
The firm noted in a statement that Aissatou Diouf’s motivation is deeply rooted in Suzuki by CFAO’s ethos.
Since inception, relentless pursuit of delivering top-notch vehicles, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and prioritizing customer satisfaction has been the cornerstone of the Suzuki brand’s success.
According to the company, the true catalyst is the collective spirit and synergy of Suzuki team members in terms of their commitment, passion, and tireless efforts, which set Suzuki by CFAO apart and propel them forward in a highly competitive industry.
Suzuki by CFAO’s success in the Nigerian market is a result of a comprehensive strategy.
The general manager noted that the franchisee had meticulously studied and adapted to local market dynamics, offering reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles tailored to the unique needs of Nigerian drivers.
It stated that the establishment of a robust dealership network ensures accessibility and exceptional service, while adaptation to the diverse preferences of the drivers has been pivotal, making every Suzuki journey synonymous with trust, reliability, and unparalleled satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Aissatou Diouf is spearheading the novel ‘Suzuki Empower Her’ project, now in its second edition.
‘Suzuki Empower Her’ is a transformative initiative dedicated to empowering and upskilling female technicians in the automotive industry, breaking gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.
The project aims not only to empower individuals but also to drive positive change within the industry by creating equal opportunities for women to excel and contribute.
The firm said the ‘Suzuki Empower Her’ project has ambitious long-term goals focused on breaking societal stereotypes, fostering gender equality, and contributing to a more inclusive automotive landscape.
By providing comprehensive training and creating opportunities for female technicians, SEH aims to be a catalyst for transformative change within the industry, promoting diversity, it stated.
Looking ahead to the future of Suzuki business in Nigeria, the award winner emphasized that the future is both promising and dynamic.
The company’s strategic focus involves expanding its footprint across the country, introducing innovative models that incorporate cutting-edge technology, revolutionary design, and a strong commitment to sustainability.
The firm said, “We are dedicated to enhancing customer experiences, exceeding expectations, and playing a leading role in shaping the future of mobility in Nigeria.”
Exciting plans are underway for 2024 that will culminate in the unveiling of new Suzuki models tailor-made to meet customers’ needs.
These vehicles will not only embody the latest technological advancements but also showcase innovative designs and a strong commitment to sustainability.
“Our goal is not just to introduce new models but to redefine the Suzuki by CFAO driving experience. We invite our customers to stay tuned for the exciting reveal of vehicles that will set new benchmarks in the automotive industry in 2024”.
Auto
Jetour shines at Lagos Motor Show with exceptionally designed models
Jetour shines at Lagos Motor Show with exceptionally designed models
Jetour Mobility Services stole the show with its models at the just concluded Lagos Motor Show held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
This came after a similar performance at the last Abuja Motor Fair which took place the International Conference Centre.
The Lagos Motor Show offered the company the opportunity to showcase its superlative models cutting across the Dashing, X70 Plus Elegance, X90 Plus Cruise and the X70 Liberty.
Its pavilion constructed like a mini showroom, cozy and welcoming, stood out and obviously attracted almost all quality visitors to the fair.
It showcased the X90 Plus – Cruise – as the lead of the pack, offering fantastic and mouth-watering features that are hard to find in its class.
With the Jetour X90 Plus, what you find are affluent experience.
Compared to its peers, the Jetour X90 Plus offers enviable manoeuvrability and stability courtesy of its 1780mm height and exciting interior space based on its 4858mm length and 1925mm width.
Its sophisticated nature is emboldened by the hexagonal chrome-plated front grill, complemented by Tri-LED headlights. Connecting its double waistline is a new angular designed bumper, stealthy housing, front cameras and radar sensor.
The 5-Star safety-rated vehicle comes with 75% high-strength steel body cage, 360-degree panoramic camera with front and rear radar, as well as advanced safety features.
Its 1.6 litre four-cylinder Turbo engine is made to deliver 197 bhp of max power, just as its 7-speed DCT transmission powers the front wheels seamlessly. It also comes with a 2.0 litre Turbo engine that delivers 254 bhp of max power in addition to the 1.6 L engine.
Also displayed was the X70 Plus compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) that is pragmatic, stylish, comfortable and delivers power on demand.
It offers an intelligent air purification system, intuitive infotainment system, advanced wireless technology, 360-degree parking system and an electrical 6-directional control driver seat.
Other features include cruise control, lane departure warning system, blind spot monitoring, keyless entry start, multi-functional steering wheel, anti-lock brake system, front and back airbags and tyre pressure monitoring system among others.
Paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the vehicle’s 1.6-litre turbo engine produces a maximum of 197 horsepower, facilitating better fuel consumption efficiency.
Still on the Jetour line up is the X70, the seven-seater SUV produced for people who desire modern technology, comfort, adventure, and affordable luxury.
The 1.5-litre turbocharged engine delivers a maximum power output of 147 horsepower and a torque output of 210 Nm.
The X70 range comes with a sleek and modern design. Its front features aggressive and sporty styling coupled with sleek headlights that give the X70 a bold appearance.
There is also the Jetour Dashing, coming with a conventional petrol engine. It comes with two engine options with a 1.5-litre turbo engine mated to a 6-speed dual clutch transmission or a 1.6-litre turbo engine mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.
Its borderless-style air intake grille, overall large fastback shape, and bilateral four-outlet exhaust ports highlight the aesthetics and dynamic figure.
Measuring 4,590/1,900/1,685mm with a 2,720mm wheelbase, the vehicle features a progressive design with sharply cut lines and sporty touches, to attract young buyers.
Jetour currently has four different SUVs, with petrol and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) powertrains. But the Dashing is the first vehicle to feature the brand’s new Kunlun Architecture.
Marketing and technical personnel of Jetour Mobility Service were on hand at the Jetour stand to attend to the numerous visitors to the show ground.
The show was graced by prominent personalities, among them the Emir of Borgu kingdom, Niger State, Mohammed Haliru Dantoro.
-
Entertainment6 days ago
Daniel Emma wins Episode 2 Season 2 of Sabipas 10 Balls Snooker Challenge
-
metro7 days ago
Adeleke raises alarm over planned attacks on schools, farms
-
News7 days ago
BREAKING: Ningi resigns as Chairman of Northern Senators Forum after his Suspension
-
metro7 days ago
Soldiers uncover illegal arms factory in Delta
-
International2 days ago
Niger Republic terminates military agreement with US
-
Uncategorized6 days ago
FG secures $1.3bn for Kano-Maradi rail project
-
News5 days ago
Insecurity: U.S ready to help Nigeria tackle kidnappings – FG
-
metro7 days ago
JUST IN: Hoodlums invade hospital in Enugu, kidnap director, 1 other