By Amechi Obiakpu, Lagos on 15/02/2014
Views: 4,798
Mirko Plath, Managing Director of Weststar Associates, the authorised sole distributor of Mercedes- Benz products in West Africa, has expressed optimism in the new automotive policy by the Nigerian Government. It is the view of Plath that the new policy aimed at encouraging made-in-Nigeria vehicles has the ability to transform the country’s automotive industry.
He, however, expressed reservation as to the time frame, saying: “Like everywhere in the world, you don’t trade over three months; it takes time because it involves ensuring all available structures and facilities are in place to support the raw materials to build the industry.”
Speaking at the unveiling of the Neobus NewRoad N10 in the company’s office in Lagos, South-West, Nigeria, Plath averred that to build an assembly plant 80% of local content is needed and appreciable time frame.
“Whichever auto sector you have in the world, it took the country a long time to build. It took Brazil between two and three years to build its auto sector to its present state,” he said, adding: “though we have to start somewhere and I believe nobody in the industry is kicking against the policy.”
Commenting on the Neobus NewRoad N10, Alberto Pugnalin, MD, Neo Africa, stated the 59-seater bus is designed to meet the needs of all stakeholders, including bus operators, mechanics, drivers, passengers and business men/women.
His words: “The Neobus is bold, intelligent and novel. It is the first road bus series comprising of uniquely designed vehicles that pair comfort and safety. The fluidity of its lines gives the exterior an exceptional and attractive appeal, and in terms of technology, the Neobus NewRoad N10 is as modern as they come.
“Some of the features that make the classy and elegant-looking Neobus different from other busses include engineering solutions that makes it more attractive, less fuel consumption, wider seater space, amongst others.”
Pugnam believes that despite the new automotive policy, the Neobus will make a statement in the country because the vehicle, according to him, is too unique to be ignored by Nigerian consumers.
“Like everything in life, you first start with something, which is what we are doing then allow the customers react then see how it goes,” he said, adding:
“The body of NewRoad N10 comes on a Mercedes-Benz 0-500 RSD 6x2 Chassis. The bus also consists of 6 in-line vertical cylinders, air suspensions, and has an OM-457 LA- PROCONVE P-5 (Euro III) engine with 360 horsepower
“In addition, the N10 has also been developed to meet the stricter safety standards, R66, version 1, which involves under-going structural calculations by finite elements, in addition to tipping tests, front/side impact tests, maximum side-bending tests and survival cell test.
“The rear air outlet has been developed to enable great exhaustion of air in the motor. This reduces the heating in the passenger room and prevents the motor from overheating.”
•Photo shows the Neobus NewRoad N10.
Source News Express
Posted 16/02/2014 12:09:34 AM
CLASSIFIED ADS
You may also like...
We found no ghost corpers in NYSC —HURIWA...
Rivers PDP agents of violence —APC •Condemns Abuja...
Contractor yet to deliver 63 trucks of presidential...
2015: PDP tasks candidates to clinch 24 seats...
ECOWAS countries to grace Kano International Trade Fair...
DSS Gestapo invasion of judges’ residences, threat to...
Jonathan’s foster father narrates ordeal in kidnappers’ den...
Destruction of Lloyd’s house, a fulfilment of PDP’s...
BREAKING NEWS: Banks take over Etisalat
Militancy: Pro-Buhari group tells northerners to cut off...
Usain Bolt set for Man U debut
Africa rising . . . Algeria makes history,...
Nigeria opts out of AfCFTA despite huge benefits to region – IMF
U.S. to deliver 12 war jets to Nigeria in 2020
Chinedu Moghalu appointed Head, Communications & Advocacy for UN World Food Programme
US-Nigeria Investment Summit not part of our schedule, says Emefiele, Adeosun
EKITI 2018: 33 APC governorship aspirants obtain forms`
Nigeria to sustain positive growth outlook — Adeosun, Emefiele
Chibok Schoolgirl’s Parent Dies In Road Accident
Niger Govt. spends N787m on Colleges of Nursing Sciences •School of Nursing Bida gets full accreditation after 42 years
Nude gunman kills three in US restaurant
World's oldest man dies at 117
Bloodshed across Nigeria worrisome — Gowon
Regular exercise improves sexual performance: Expert
Nigerian female sex addict opens up, says ‘I like it with both men and women’ (339,366 views)
NUDE PHOTO OF OMOTOLA JALADE-EKEINDE surfaces online (334,306 views)
Shameless Genevieve Nnaji exposes breasts in public (267,509 views)
Finally named: The full list of friends of Nigerian female sex addict who prowled Facebook (219,967 views)
Igbo scholar disgraces Femi Fani-Kayode •Demolishes claims on Igbo/Yoruba history with facts and figures (201,925 views)
OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU (the one who called himself God) IS DEAD (197,901 views)
Breaking News: POPULAR REVEREND CONVERTS TO ISLAM in Kaduna (Nigeria) (172,669 views)
OBJ’s son reported dead in Lagos plane crash •Names of more victims emerge (155,022 views)
THE FINAL DISGRACE: Igbo scholar unleashes more facts about Igbo/Yoruba history, finishes off Femi Fani-Kayode with second article (146,955 views)
My wasted years in Olumba Olumba Obu’s Evil Brotherhood (138,781 views)
Lagos plane crash: Journalist releases victims’ names (136,715 views)
Gunmen kill ASP, 2 other police officers in vain bid to kidnap Rivers PDP chieftain (129,433 views)
