Mercedes lights up Yuletide, introduces all-new GLB to Nigeria - Newstrends
Connect with us

Auto

Mercedes lights up Yuletide, introduces all-new GLB to Nigeria

Published

on

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the newest member of its passenger car segment, an all-new GLB, thus bringing the best of the premium auto brand with its strong SUV DNA to light up the Yuletide celebrations for Nigerians.

According to a statement from Mercedes Benz representative in Nigeria, Weststar Associates Limited, the all-new GLB is the 8th entry in Mercedes-Benz’s compact class as it joins the A-Class, B-Class, CLA, GLA, A-Class Saloon, CLA Shooting Brake and the long-wheelbase A-Class Saloon.

Weststar, the authorised general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, says it is proud to announce the arrival of the all new GLB to the Nigerian market.

Exterior

It says the exterior design of the new GLB comes with great off-road appeal with its front apronwith a visual skid plate that emphasizes the GLB’s unmistakable SUV character.

Giving the other exterior details, it states, “The radiator grille comes with a double louvre finished in chrome inserts and there is the option of a diamond radiator grille with pins in chrome for the AMG line. Another highlight on the front end is the headlamps which come with the MULTIBEAM LED lighting technology.

“The side view comes with recognizable features like a raised roof railing in chrome finish, 17 – 20-inch light-alloy wheels,door panels and wheel arches (claddings). The rear-view features two-piece tail lamps with the reflectors relocated to the bumper, a chrome plated loading sill protector and visible tail pipe trim elements that complements the overall design of the vehicle.”

Interior

Mercedes-Benz GLB, Edition 1, Interieur
Mercedes-Benz GLB, Edition 1, Interior

The new MB, sporting a high-quality design, has an interior said to stand out with several comfort and luxury features.

It notes, “From fully digital displays to an off-road character, the GLB’s interior is interpreted in a young way. The dashboard wears a technical, avantgarde look, with the Widescreen Cockpit free-standing, positioned on the lower part of the dashboard, while the air-conditioning control panel wears an analogue-look with buttons in an aluminum finish.”

It gives the other standout features as three different seat variants that offer good ergonomics and a high level of comfort, ambient lightening provided exclusively by energy-saving LEDs and a centre console that comes with a stowage compartment which houses a cup holder, a 12 V socket and a USB port.

Weststar says, “The GLB impresses with plenty of space combined with compact dimensions, at 2829 mm the GLB has the longest wheelbase of the current compact-class generation from Mercedes-Benz.

“The headroom in the first seat row is 1069 mm – an optimum in this segment. At 967 mm, the effective legroom in the rear of the five-seater is at an especially comfortable level.

“The GLB is equipped with MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), the system features as standard two 7-inch displays (optionally: 2 x 10.25-inch), a sports steering wheel with Touch Control buttons on the left and right, a USB port (Type C) and Bluetooth® connection for telephony and audio sources.”

Engine

It comes with four-cylinder petrol engines which have been completely updated to relaunch the compact model series.

The auto firm notes that in comparison to the previous generation, the GLB 200 uses a 1.66 liters M282 petrol engine with an output of 163hp (120kw) and a peak torque of 250 nm; while the GLB 250 4MATIC uses a 2.0-liter M260 petrol engine with an output of 224hp (165kw) and a peak torque of 350 nm.

The GLB 200 and the GLB 250 4MATIC engines are paired with the 7G-DCT and 8G-DCT automatic transmission systems respectively.

The GLB is also equipped with the permanent all-wheel system 4MATIC, with fully variable torque distribution. This sporty all-wheel drive configuration allows the driver to use the DYNAMIC SELECT switch to influence the characteristics of 4MATIC.

It also says the latest driving assist systems from the S-Class are also on board the new GLB. Thanks to improved camera and radar systems, the GLB is able to see up to 500 meters ahead and drive in semi-automated mode in certain situations. This includes, for example, the convenient speed adjustment ahead of bends, junctions or roundabouts carried out by Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC.  The Active Lane Change Assistalso features as a new function of the Active Steering Assist in the GLB, and if the Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC is additionally on board, it is included with the extended automatic restart function on motorways.

The statement quotes Managing Director/CEO of Weststar Associates Limited, Mr. Mirko Plath, as saying, “We are proud to introduce this brand-new addition in the Mercedes-Benz family to this market.

“The new GLB caters to a growing demographic which we have also identified here in Nigeria. We strongly believe that our customers will embrace this new product as they have with our better-known products.”

Loading

Auto

Electric Mobility: Spiro Unveils Expansion Plan, Names Nigeria New MD

Published

on

Electric Mobility: Spiro Unveils Expansion Plan, Names Nigeria New MD

Spiro, Africa’s leading electric mobility company, is stepping up plans to expand its footprint in Nigeria, strengthen its battery-swapping infrastructure and deepen partnerships to make electric motorcycles more accessible and affordable to riders.

The company unveiled the growth strategy at the second edition of its Media Connect event in Lagos, where it formally introduced its new Country Head and Managing Director, Mr Prasad Sane, who will lead its operations and expansion drive in the country.

Sane said Spiro would consolidate its presence in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states while exploring opportunities to extend its operations to additional markets, as it seeks to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable transportation.

The event brought together journalists covering business, technology, mobility and sustainability to discuss the company’s progress, infrastructure development and long-term ambitions for Nigeria’s electric mobility market.

Addressing the gathering, Sane said the company was moving beyond the deployment of electric motorcycles to building an integrated mobility ecosystem designed to improve riders’ earnings, reduce operating costs and create economic opportunities.

“Today is about progress, partnership and purpose. A year ago, we shared our vision for electric mobility in Nigeria. Today, we are demonstrating tangible results and a clear path forward,” he said.

He added that his mandate was to make Spiro one of the most trusted, affordable and accessible electric mobility solutions for Nigerians, beginning with its existing focus markets.

“My mandate is simple: to make Spiro the most trusted, affordable and accessible electric mobility solution for Nigerians, beginning with Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states.

“We are moving beyond electric bikes to build a complete ecosystem centred on our promise of ‘Energy on the Move’,” Sane stated.

A major pillar of the company’s strategy is its battery-swapping technology, which allows riders to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones in under a minute, reducing downtime and eliminating the need to wait for conventional recharging.

According to Sane, the model offers riders an alternative to rising fuel and maintenance costs while supporting efforts to reduce carbon emissions and improve the economics of commercial motorcycle operations.

“Electric mobility is no longer the future. It is the present, and Nigeria is poised to lead the transition,” he said.

Under its expansion plan, Spiro intends to accelerate the deployment of battery-swapping stations and service centres across Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states to improve accessibility, operational efficiency and customer support.

The company also plans to extend its geographical reach beyond the three states, bringing its electric motorcycles and related services to more Nigerian markets.

Another priority is strengthening partnerships with financial institutions, logistics companies and rider communities to improve access to electric motorcycles and its Battery-as-a-Service solutions.

The approach is expected to support wider adoption by riders who may face financial barriers to acquiring electric motorcycles outright, while helping businesses explore cleaner and potentially more cost-effective transportation options.

Spiro also plans to scale up local assembly operations, technical training and after-sales support, with a focus on creating employment opportunities, particularly for young Nigerians and women.

The company said the measures would help strengthen its operational capacity while developing local skills and supporting the growth of Nigeria’s electric mobility ecosystem.

The Media Connect event featured live product demonstrations and operational showcases, alongside the unveiling of the Spiro Ekon M1 Version 3, highlighting the company’s efforts to develop its electric motorcycle offerings for the Nigerian market.

Spiro, which received the West Africa Sustainable Award (WASA), is positioning its expansion around electric motorcycles and battery-swapping infrastructure as it seeks to contribute to the growth of sustainable mobility across Nigeria.

Loading

Continue Reading

Auto

Jetour W Motors Celebrates Customers, Unveils Nigeria Owners Club After Brazil Promo

Published

on

Jetour W Motors Celebrates Customers, Unveils Nigeria Owners Club After Brazil Promo

 

Jetour W Motors Nigeria is stepping up efforts to strengthen customer loyalty and build a vibrant community of vehicle owners with the successful conclusion of its #WinYourWayToBrazil campaign and the official establishment of the Jetour Nigeria Club.

The twin initiatives mark a new phase in the Chinese automotive brand’s engagement with Nigerian customers, extending its relationship with vehicle owners beyond sales and after-sales services to include shared experiences, lifestyle activities, adventures and community-building programmes.

The campaign climaxed with a live raffle draw on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Jetour W Motors showroom on Adeyemo Alakija Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, where eligible customers gathered for an evening of entertainment, refreshments, networking and the eagerly anticipated announcement of the winner.

The promotion offered customers who ordered and purchased any Jetour vehicle between August 18 and September 20, 2026, the opportunity to win a trip to Brazil for the Jetour Brazil Fan Festival.

The event also featured the distribution of branded Jetour Owners Club gifts, adding to the celebratory atmosphere as customers interacted with one another and members of the Jetour team.

Beyond the excitement surrounding the raffle draw, the occasion provided a platform for Jetour W Motors to unveil the Jetour Nigeria Club, an initiative designed to bring owners of the brand’s vehicles together through a structured calendar of activities and shared experiences.

The club, officially established for the first time in Nigeria, is expected to create opportunities for members to participate in organised adventures, social gatherings and other community initiatives while strengthening their connection with the brand.

Registration for membership will open soon, with all Jetour owners invited to join the emerging community.

The development reinforces Jetour W Motors Nigeria’s strategy of building lasting relationships with customers in a competitive automotive market where ownership experience, customer engagement and brand loyalty are becoming increasingly important.

The #WinYourWayToBrazil campaign follows the successful Jetour Africa Expedition — Nigeria Edition, which brought together Jetour owners, influencers, media professionals and members of the company’s team for a distinctive experience combining driving, adventure and Nigerian culture.

The expedition was the brand’s first major activation specifically designed to bring Jetour owners together in Nigeria, providing an opportunity for participants to connect beyond their individual vehicle ownership experiences.

With the Brazil campaign and the launch of the national owners’ club, Jetour W Motors is building on that foundation by creating more opportunities for customers to interact, participate in brand-led activities and develop relationships with fellow owners.

The approach reflects a broader effort to position vehicle ownership as an experience that extends beyond the showroom, encompassing lifestyle, recreation and a sense of belonging to a growing community.

Jetour W Motors Nigeria is the authorised distributor of Jetour vehicles in the Nigerian market, where the brand continues to expand its presence through customer-focused initiatives and engagement programmes.

The planned opening of membership registration for the Jetour Nigeria Club is expected to provide the next opportunity for owners to become part of the community and participate in activities designed to deepen their connection with the brand.

Loading

Continue Reading

Auto

FRSC hands over Safeline Bank to ROBOPAY, targets digital financial transformation 

Published

on

FRSC hands over Safeline Bank to ROBOPAY, targets digital financial transformation 

 

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has handed over ownership of Safeline Microfinance Bank to ROBOPAY NIG. LTD., paving the way for a major recapitalisation and technology-driven transformation of the financial institution.

The divestment, which took place on Monday, October 5, 2026, at the bank’s premises in Abuja, is expected to reposition Safeline Microfinance Bank for stronger competitiveness, improved service delivery and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving financial services sector.

The development, according to a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, is part of the strategic efforts under the leadership of the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, to reposition the institution for greater efficiency and competitiveness.

Safeline Microfinance Bank was established by the FRSC to provide financial services and opportunities to members of the Corps and other stakeholders.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Chairman of the Board of Safeline Microfinance Bank, Ibrahim Babagana, a Deputy Corps Marshal (Rtd.), said the decision to divest the bank followed a careful assessment of the prevailing regulatory environment and emerging government policies affecting the microfinance banking industry.

Babagana said sustaining the bank under the changing financial landscape would require substantial additional capital, greater investment in technology and enhanced human capital.

He explained that the Board therefore resolved to transfer ownership to an investor with the capacity, resources and commitment to make the required investments and place the bank on a sustainable growth trajectory.

The former FRSC chief expressed confidence in ROBOPAY, saying the company had demonstrated the competence, commitment and vision required to build on the foundation established by the Corps and take Safeline Microfinance Bank to a new level.

He identified strengthening the bank’s capital base, deploying modern technology and investing in human resources as critical priorities for its survival and competitiveness in the increasingly digital financial services market.

Responding on behalf of ROBOPAY NIG. LTD, Malam Aliyu Abiodun thanked the Board and management of Safeline Microfinance Bank for the confidence reposed in the company, describing the acquisition as a significant milestone and an opportunity to unlock the institution’s considerable potential.

Abiodun said the bank already had valuable assets, structures and an institutional foundation which the new owners would build upon through strategic investments in financial technology, capital and human resources.

He said ROBOPAY would deploy FinTech solutions to modernise the bank’s operations, improve customer experience, expand its service offerings and strengthen its competitive position within Nigeria’s financial services industry.

According to him, the new ownership would retain and leverage the institutional foundation created by the FRSC while introducing innovative technology-driven solutions capable of opening new growth opportunities for the bank.

The transaction thus signals more than a change in ownership, as it ushers Safeline Microfinance Bank into a new phase anchored on recapitalisation, digital innovation and professionalised financial services.

Both parties expressed commitment to ensuring a seamless transition, with the ultimate objective of building a stronger, more competitive and sustainable institution capable of delivering greater value to its customers and stakeholders.

Loading

Continue Reading

Trending