By Amechi Obiakpu, Lagos on 15/02/2014
Views: 5,011
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...
Katsina to establish rice, wheat mills
Badagry Development Master Plan will not be compromised...
Reps Committee on Army/Shiite clash visits Zaria, pledges...
Weather forecast: Expect clouds and thunderstorms, sunshine and...
Buhari will rescue remaining Dapchi schoolgirl from Boko...
Standard Gauge Crime against Port Harcourt – Maiduguri...
Delta Govt. approves award of contractor-financed road project,...
Lawmaker draws battle-line over threats to ban him...
__8_150x150.jpg)
JAMB begins sale of Direct Entry forms, says...
PTDF begins scholarship selection process
Adegboruwa demands end to multiple salaries for public...
SEC probes $1bn Milost Global investment in Unity...
Gunmen abduct, gang-rape 5 activists at gunpoint
UPDATE: DSS Operatives storm Senator Abaribe's Abuja home
9 Shiite members in police net over killing of policeman
Judge’s withdrawal stalls Innoson’s arraignment
2 siblings docked over alleged kidnap of 3-year-old boy
Police lied; we didn’t attack anyone — Islamic Movement of Nigeria
14 docked for cultism, arms possession in Ogun
Oyo Govt seals 50 companies over non-payment of tax
Court refuses to order forfeiture of funds in accounts without BVN
Don’t allow politicians to use you, CJN advises judges
Buhari salutes Super Eagles over their victory against Iceland, urges them to defeat Argentina
Atiku visits PDP Secretariat, reiterate commitment towards a better Nigeria
Nigerian female sex addict opens up, says ‘I like it with both men and women’ (352,621 views)
NUDE PHOTO OF OMOTOLA JALADE-EKEINDE surfaces online (352,196 views)
Shameless Genevieve Nnaji exposes breasts in public (280,584 views)
Finally named: The full list of friends of Nigerian female sex addict who prowled Facebook (230,356 views)
Igbo scholar disgraces Femi Fani-Kayode •Demolishes claims on Igbo/Yoruba history with facts and figures (209,233 views)
OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU (the one who called himself God) IS DEAD (209,043 views)
Breaking News: POPULAR REVEREND CONVERTS TO ISLAM in Kaduna (Nigeria) (182,026 views)
OBJ’s son reported dead in Lagos plane crash •Names of more victims emerge (164,174 views)
THE FINAL DISGRACE: Igbo scholar unleashes more facts about Igbo/Yoruba history, finishes off Femi Fani-Kayode with second article (154,036 views)
My wasted years in Olumba Olumba Obu’s Evil Brotherhood (148,804 views)
Lagos plane crash: Journalist releases victims’ names (144,010 views)
Gunmen kill ASP, 2 other police officers in vain bid to kidnap Rivers PDP chieftain (135,797 views)
