Hyundai forms partnership to speed up flying taxi project – Newstrends
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Hyundai forms partnership to speed up flying taxi project

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Hyundai Motor has joined forces with Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC), Hyundai Engineering & Construction Company and KT Corporation to take its Urban Air Mobility (UAM) programme to the next stage, including conducting test flights.

In January the automaker unveiled a personal air vehicle (PAV) concept at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Called S-A1, the ‘flying taxi’ is driven by multiple electrically driven rotors, giving it a range of 60 miles (100km) and a cruising speed of up to 180 mph at an altitude of up to 600 metres.

The four partners signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) earlier this month with the aim of launching a commercial flying taxi service by 2028.

In June the South Korean government announced a national ‘UAM Roadmap’ outlining the steps needed to commercialise UAM vehicles in the country.

Hyundai Motor said it would align its UAM programme with the roadmap and would also join the Korean UAM Grand Challenge, the public private joint demonstration project that provides the basis for jointly studying the construction and operation of ‘vertiports’, or airports for UAM vehicles.

Hyundai would push forward with the development of the overall UAM vehicle business while IIAC would look to establish the required infrastructure and would study the feasibility of utilising UAMs vehicles as airport shuttles, Hyundai Construction would be responsible for building the vertiports and transit hubs and KT would install the communication infrastructure.

Jaiwon Shin, executive vice president and head of Urban Air Mobility Division at Hyundai Motor, said: “The breadth and depth of this partnership shows what it will take to build a comprehensive UAM ecosystem to serve megacities like Seoul. Building a robust infrastructure and business model is just as important as developing innovative UAM vehicles. This partnership demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment to facilitating progress for humanity by ushering in a new era of urban air mobility that will revolutioniSe transportation.”

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Updated: NADDC, Toyota, Carloha, Weststar, LSM, Nord, others confirm 2025 Auto Summit participation 

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Updated: NADDC, Toyota, Carloha, Weststar, LSM, Nord, others confirm 2025 Auto Summit participation 

 

Many bjg organisations and prominent stakeholders have thrown their weight behind the forthcoming Nigeria Auto Industry Summit (NAISU) slated for July 31st, 2025 in Lagos.

The National Automotive Design and Development Council, Toyota Nigeria Limited, Carloha, Weststar Associates Limited, Lanre Shittu Motors (LSM) and Nord are among other stakeholders that have confirmed their participation in this year’s event.

Apart from NADDC, other major organisations partnering with NAJA to host this year’s programme are the Nigeria Association of Automotive Manufacturers (NAMA) and African Association of Automobile Manufacturers (AAAM).

Riding on the huge success of the maiden edition held last year and with a lot of interest coming stakeholders and prospective participants, NAJA says the event can only get better.

NAJA in a statement gave the main theme of this year’s Summit holding in Lagos as “NIGERIA FIRST: LOCAL CONTENT AS CATALYST FOR AUTOMOTIVE ECONOMY”.

It quoted Mike Ochonma, the Summit Organizing Committee Chairman, as saying, “Last year, NAJA premiered the Nigeria Auto Industry Summit (NAISU) as a platform for stakeholders and participants to converge and critically x-ray the auto industry and proffer solutions that will take the industry to greater heights for the benefits of all players in the industry and Nigerians at large.

“For this year, critical government agencies like NADDC, Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and others have also confirmed their participation for this year’s event.

Theodore Opara, Chairman of NAJA, also lent his voice, saying, “NAISU has come to stay as evidenced by the wholehearted embrace by the stakeholders in the auto industry.

“And the interests already received this year show that this event is on the right trajectory for the benefit of all in the industry.

“Also, this year promises to radically work on entrenching local content and work more on the long-awaited Auto Industry Development Plan of the federal government, which also remains a focal point of discussions in the sector.

“This year’s NAISU promises to be a better version of last year and plans are already in top gear to ensure all expectations are met and exceeded.”

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Jetour expands SUV lineup in Nigeria with feature-rich X50

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Jetour expands SUV lineup in Nigeria with feature-rich X50

Jetour Nigeria has expanded its SUV lineup with the introduction of the all-new Jetour X50—a compact SUV making its debut in the Nigerian market.

Designed with a blend of innovation, comfort, and safety, the Jetour X50 promises to deliver a premium driving experience while maintaining affordability.

The stylish five-seater SUV is packed with high-end features that cater to both urban drivers and adventure seekers.

Safety at the forefront

The X50 comes equipped with a full suite of advanced safety features, including driver, passenger, and side-seat airbags, offering all-round protection.

It also includes a Vehicle Stability Control System, Electronic Parking Brake, and Auto Hold System, enhancing safety and ease of driving, especially in traffic or on inclines.

Parking and maneuvering are simplified with a 360° Surround View Camera and Parking Sensors. Additionally, Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are integrated to minimize blind spots and prevent potential collisions during lane shifts or reversing.

Other safety features include an Auto Lockout System, Automatic Door Lock, Alarm System, and Power Windows.

Smart Technology and Driver Convenience

Jetour has equipped the X50 with a range of smart technologies for an enhanced driving experience.

The SUV features Smart Entry, a Push Start button, and multiple Drive Modes (Eco, Normal, and Sport) to match varying driving preferences. Cruise Control adds further convenience on longer journeys.

In the cabin, drivers will find a 10.5-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Voice Command capabilities. Wireless charging and a Phone Mirror function further boost tech appeal.

Luxury-Inspired Comfort and Design

With comfort in mind, the Jetour X50 offers leather seats, an electric sunroof (optional), auto air conditioning with rear vents, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.

The Auto Fold Outside Rear View Mirror and LED fog lamps enhance both aesthetics and functionality.

The SUV also comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, ensuring a smooth ride and modern look.

Performance and Efficiency

Under the hood, the Jetour X50 runs on a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, delivering 115 kW of power and 230 Nm of torque.

The engine is paired with a Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), offering a responsive and fuel-efficient drive ideal for Nigerian roads.

Designed for the Nigerian Market

Measuring 4,397 mm in length, 1,841 mm in width, and 1,652 mm in height, the X50 features a bold, aerodynamic design tailored for local preferences.

Its compact size and efficient engine make it a versatile option for both city driving and weekend getaways.

The name “Jetour,” meaning “convenient travel” in Chinese, reflects the brand’s mission to provide accessible luxury and innovation to modern drivers. Jetour has already made a name for itself globally in the SUV and crossover segment.

Reliable After-Sales Support

Jetour Nigeria assures customers of dependable after-sales service, including genuine spare parts availability and dedicated technical support—further positioning the X50 as a smart and secure investment in the market.

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Suzuki By CFAO wins Transport Awards, GM dedicates honours to loyal customers, team work

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Suzuki By CFAO wins Transport Awards, GM dedicates honours to loyal customers, team work

 

 

General Manager of Suzuki By CFAO, Mrs Aissatou Diouf, has expressed delight over her recent “Distinguished Auto Personality Of The Year Award'” and the “Mini Bus Of The Year Award” given to the Suzuki Eeco at the last Nigeria Transport Lecture/Award held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

The female general manager of the enterprising Suzuki dealership said,

“Receiving the ‘Auto Personality of the Year’ award at the 11th Nigeria Transport Lecture is truly an honour that reflects not just personal recognition, but the collective success of our entire Suzuki by CFAO team.”

According to her, “this award validates our commitment to transforming Nigeria’s automotive landscape by making reliable, affordable transportation accessible to everyone.

“It reinforces our belief in our tagline… ‘There is a Suzuki for everyone’ – we’ve worked tirelessly to ensure that whether you’re a small business owner, a growing family, or an entrepreneur, there’s a Suzuki vehicle that meets your specific needs.

“This recognition motivates us to continue innovating and expanding our impact in Nigeria’s transport sector, particularly in providing solutions that drive economic growth and improve mobility for all Nigerians.”

The Suzuki By CFAO boss dedicated both awards – the ‘Auto Personality of the Year’ and the Suzuki Eeco’s ‘Mini Bus of the Year’ recognition – to the team at Suzuki by CFAO sharjng the company’s vision of revolutionizing transportation in Nigeria.

“This achievement belongs to every team member who believes in delivering quality, reliability, and value to our customers.

“I also dedicate it to our loyal customers and the Nigerian market that has embraced Suzuki vehicles,” she stated.

She further declared that the Eeco’s Mini Bus Award particularly reflecting Suzuki’s commitment to the commercial transport sector as proven through its fuel efficiency, durability, and versatility that makes it an ideal solution for Nigeria’s growing logistics and passenger transport needs.

“We expect this recognition to further strengthen our position as we continue bringing innovative automotive solutions that support Nigeria’s economic development and provide sustainable transportation options for every Nigerian.”

With over 26 years of experience across several industries – technology, equipment, lift elevators, construction and automotive, Aissatou is an accomplished Pan-African business leader with a global outlook. Having worked with brands across different industries, her professionalism has been instrumental in ensuring their competitive edge is sustained for results across Africa.

During her tenure as Director of Operations, she effectively oversaw the development of the Yamaha brand in the Benin Republic and upgraded subsidiaries in 6 countries.

These countries are Senegal, Mali, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Liberia, as well as startups in Nigeria for over 2 years. She is an innovative Corporate Executive with a focus on Operations and Finance.

She is a Senegalese national with a vast professional voyage across the African continent and France.

Aissatou Diouf is a skilled professional with an MBA in International Management from the prestigious Université Paris Dauphine. She is a member of GAIA Africa, a reputable Women in Business Club and a member of Rotary club Nigeria.

She is passionate about mentoring young female professionals, promoting both local and international women in business, women empowerment, and charity.

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