Honda discontinues fuel-cell vehicle, Clarity - Newstrends
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Honda discontinues fuel-cell vehicle, Clarity

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Honda says it has stopped production of the Japanese market Odyssey minivan and Legend sedan due to low sale of the hydrogen vehicles.

A Honda official told Autoweek, “We discontinued the RLX after the 2020 model year, so we haven’t had it in the lineup for about a year now.”

Honda launched the Clarity six years ago, and even though it’s going away it has not ruled out working on more hydrogen technology in the future.

“The entire Clarity series played a valuable role in advancing Honda’s portfolio approach to electrification, which is an important aspect of our commitment to reduce CO2 emissions,” the official said.

The official also said, “Now, with a commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050, Honda has set a target to make 100% of our vehicles sales battery-electric or fuel-cell electric by 2040.

“We are evolving our strategy with a focus on increased application of our two-motor hybrid system to core models in advance of the introduction of our first volume BEV models in 2024,” Honda told us.

“Consistent with this strategy, Honda will conclude production of the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid and Clarity Fuel Cell in August 2021. This will ensure we have the Clarity Fuel Cell available for lease through 2022, and Honda will continue to support our Clarity customers in the marketplace.

The automaker noted that the fuel cell EV would play a key role in our zero emissions strategy, “which is being advanced by our joint manufacturing and development agreements,” Honda told us. “We continue to make significant investments in fuel-cell infrastructure and battery technology.”

To that end, Honda’s partnership with General Motors to develop fuel-cell vehicles and EVs is expected to continue.

The Clarity, Legend, and Odyssey were all built Honda’s Sayama plant, scheduled to close in March 2022.

The Clarity Fuel Cell was a lease-only car and it has been reported that a poor hydrogen refueling infrastructure contributed to slow demand for the model.

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The Beast Goes Hybrid: Jetour G700 Unleashes 900HP Fury

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The Beast Goes Hybrid: Jetour G700 Unleashes 900HP Fury

Forget everything you thought you knew about “sensible” hybrids. The Jetour G700 has arrived—and it didn’t just enter the room; it kicked the door down, waded through a river, and parked itself on the throne of the premium SUV world.

If a luxury penthouse and a monster truck had a high-tech love child, this would be it.

Design: The Art of Intimidation

At first glance, the G700 stands as a monolith of modern engineering. Measuring nearly 5.2 meters in length, its silhouette defines what can only be described as “Boxy Chic.”

With a towering stance, matrix LED headlights, and a grille bold enough to swallow a lesser hatchback whole, the G700 commands respect even before the key fob is pressed.

It doesn’t just have road presence—it has its own gravitational pull.

Performance

Beneath its shimmering paintwork lies the Kunpeng Super Hybrid CDM-O system—a 2.0L turbocharged engine paired with dual electric motors delivering a staggering 904 horsepower and 1,135 Nm of torque.

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0–100 km/h: 4.6 seconds (in a vehicle this size)

Total Range: 1,400 km

Wading Depth: 970 mm

While others check the weather forecast, you’re essentially piloting a luxury submarine.

Whether executing a “Tank Turn” across dunes or cruising silently at highway speeds, the adaptive suspension and triple differential locks ensure complete dominance over any terrain.

The Interior: A First-Class Flight for Six

Step inside and the rugged exterior gives way to ultra-luxurious serenity. Dominating the dashboard is a 35.4-inch 3K panoramic display—a sweeping digital horizon that makes most home televisions look outdated.

It’s not just a cabin; it’s a sanctuary. From Nappa leather massage seats to an 18-speaker Lexicon audio system with Dolby Atmos, every detail is crafted to shield occupants from the chaos outside.

The “Wow” Features

Military-Grade Assistance: Selected editions feature rear turboprops delivering 3,000 N of additional thrust for extraction from deep mud.

On-Board Fridge: A built-in drawer capable of chilling champagne to -6°C or keeping espresso warm at 50°C.

Oxygen Generator: For high-altitude adventures, the G700 provides an external oxygen supply to support occupants’ health.

The Verdict

The Jetour G700 is more than a vehicle—it is a statement of intent. It eliminates the need to choose between the rugged capability of a desert explorer and the refinement of a limousine.

It reigns as the king of the “Travel+” philosophy, designed for those who want to explore the world without sacrificing comfort.

The established luxury titans should be very, very nervous.

A statement by Jetour Nigeria lists the accredited dealers for vehicle as Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services Ltd, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Tab Autos Ltd, R.T. Briscoe Motors, and Mandilas Motors.

The Beast Goes Hybrid: Jetour G700 Unleashes 900HP Fury

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Mikano, Autochek Set to Roll Out Virtual Showroom, Expand Auto Finance 

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Mikano, Autochek Set to Roll Out Virtual Showroom, Expand Auto Finance

Mikano, Autochek Set to Roll Out Virtual Showroom, Expand Auto Finance 

Mikano Motors and Autochek Africa are to launch a virtual showroom and expand digital auto financing options in Nigeria, signalling a fresh shift in how vehicles are bought and financed in the country.

The partnership, set for formal unveiling on February 27, 2026, at Mikano Motors’ Victoria Island showroom in Lagos, will see the creation of a dedicated Mikano Motors Virtual Showroom on Autochek’s marketplace.

Through the platform, customers can browse Mikano’s vehicle lineup — including Changan, Maxus and other brands in its portfolio — compare models, and access tailored financing options without leaving the digital space.

Buyers will also be able to explore structured auto loans, flexible payment plans and receive quicker credit assessments within a single ecosystem.

The move effectively migrates critical stages of the car-buying journey online, reducing the delays traditionally associated with financing approvals and documentation.

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Group Executive Director of Mikano, Joelle Haykal, said the initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to enhancing customer experience.

“Our goal is not just to sell vehicles, but to simplify ownership,” she said, noting that integrating financing into the buying process gives customers more flexibility and control.

Autochek, a technology-driven automotive marketplace operating across Africa, leverages data analytics to power credit decisions and financial services designed to lower the barriers to vehicle ownership.

By embedding financing directly into vehicle listings, the platform aims to streamline transactions and improve transparency.

Industry analysts say the collaboration reflects a broader trend of digital transformation sweeping across Nigeria’s automotive sector, as dealers and financiers adapt to evolving consumer expectations.

For Mikano Motors, a subsidiary of Mikano International, the deal expands its market reach through digital channels. For Autochek, it strengthens its presence in Nigeria’s new vehicle segment.

Together, both firms are betting on a hybrid retail model that blends physical showrooms with seamless digital access — redefining the path to car ownership in Nigeria.

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MOMAN, ALCMAN Partner BKG to Drive Nigeria’s Shift from Auto Imports to Industrial Production

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MOMAN, ALCMAN Partner BKG to Drive Nigeria’s Shift from Auto Imports to Industrial Production

 

In what industry stakeholders view as a decisive move toward industrial rebirth, BKG Exhibitions Limited has entered into a strategic partnership with the Motorcycle Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and the Automotive Local Content Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (ALCMAN) to accelerate local automotive manufacturing and reduce the country’s heavy reliance on imports.

The alliance, formalised in Lagos, signals a coordinated private-sector effort to reposition Nigeria’s automotive ecosystem from an import-dependent market to a production-driven industrial base capable of delivering value addition, technology transfer, and large-scale employment.

For decades, Nigeria’s automotive sector has been dominated by the importation of fully built vehicles and, more recently, the assembly of semi-knocked-down (SKD) and completely knocked-down (CKD) kits.

While these models generated commercial activity, stakeholders argue they failed to build deep industrial capacity or strengthen indigenous engineering expertise.

The new partnership seeks to change that narrative by transforming trade exhibitions into structured industrial platforms that connect manufacturers with policymakers, institutional buyers, investors, and international technical partners.

A senior executive at BKG Exhibitions said the collaboration represents a deliberate shift in strategy.

“Exhibitions must go beyond passive marketplaces. They must become engines of economic transformation where Nigerian manufacturers secure contracts, attract capital, and demonstrate production competence,” he said, noting that Nigeria already possesses strong demand but lacks a coordinated ecosystem to convert that demand into domestic output.

“Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest mobility markets, driven by rapid urbanisation, a growing youth population, and expanding last-mile logistics services.

“Motorcycles and tricycles play a critical role in urban transport, agriculture distribution, and the fast-growing delivery economy.

“However, a substantial portion of these vehicles and their components are imported, placing pressure on foreign exchange and limiting domestic industrial growth.”

MOMAN President Rev. Lambert Ekewuba emphasized that strengthening local production would go beyond import substitution.

“When we manufacture locally, we create jobs, retain capital, and build the technical foundation for advanced automotive engineering,” he said.

ALCMAN Chairman, Chief Anselm Ilekuba, stressed the importance of developing a resilient components ecosystem, describing it as the backbone of any successful automotive industry.

“No country becomes an automotive powerhouse without first nurturing strong supplier networks. Nigeria must empower small and medium-scale enterprises producing metal parts, plastics, electrical systems, and other inputs,” he said.

Under the alliance, future exhibitions will feature dedicated pavilions showcasing Nigerian-made components and vehicles, offering manufacturers direct access to government agencies, transport operators, and regional distributors.

Analysts believe such curated exposure could gradually shift procurement patterns toward locally produced alternatives.

Beyond the domestic market, the partnership aims to position Nigeria as a manufacturing hub serving West and Central Africa, leveraging opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Industry leaders say expanding export capacity will depend on strengthening standards, financing mechanisms, and technical capability.

The alliance also plans coordinated advocacy for policies that support localisation, including improved access to financing, reduced duties on industrial machinery, technical training aligned with modern production systems, and procurement frameworks favouring locally manufactured goods.

Economists argue that a revitalised automotive manufacturing base could stimulate growth across steel, petrochemicals, logistics, warehousing, and tooling industries, reinforcing the sector’s role as a catalyst for broader industrialisation.

Coming at a time when Nigeria is intensifying efforts to diversify its economy away from oil dependence, stakeholders say the success of this alliance could mark a turning point — shifting the country from being one of Africa’s largest automotive consumption markets to an emerging centre of production, innovation, and regional trade.

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