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Mitsubishi invests in TVS Automobile

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Mitsubishi invests in TVS Automobile

Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp. has announced its plans to increase its 3% stake in TVS Automobile Solutions Pvt. Ltd (TASL) to 25%. Mitsubishi, which had bought a 3% stake in TASL last year, is investing in excess of ₹250 crore to increase its stake through primary investment and secondary purchase, subject to approval by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and other authorities, TASL Director R. Dinesh said.

The secondary purchase included the acquisition by Mitsubishi of some portion of the stake held by Kitara Capital, the first equity investor to have picked up a minor stake in TASL, Dinesh said.

The new arrangement will help TASL to source parts from Japanese auto parts suppliers directly for India’s automotive aftermarket, while Mitsubishi, along with TASL, would replicate the latter’s business model in other similar markets such as West Asia and Africa as part of global business expansion, according to Dinesh.

Mitsubishi is also one of the largest distribution houses in Japan and, in that capacity, it has access to all the auto parts made by Japanese suppliers, he said. TASL is a leading independent aftermarket player in India and part of the $8.5 billion TVS Group. With a revenue of ₹1,300 crore, the company plans to expand its overseas footprint and double sales to₹2,500–2,600 crore in the next two years.

The automotive aftermarket in India stands at $8 billion, with an annual growth rate of 10-15%, according to TASL executive director Srinivasa Raghavan.

“The aftermarket is highly fragmented with more than 100,000 garages if we consider passenger vehicles, and more than 400,000 garages if we include the two-wheeler segment. There are around 40,000 retailers and at least 4,000 distributors,” said Raghavan, who believes that these are all the livelihood players who are desperately looking for a platform that can empower them through skilling, supply chain enhancement, and technologies to sustain and grow.

TASL caters to the unorganized aftermarket, which stands at 70% of the whole segment, through genuine spare parts, technologies, processes, and training, he said.

Imperial Commercials LCV appoints Harriet Bailey as head of aftersales

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Imperial Commercials LCV appoints Harriet Bailey as head of aftersales

The light commercial vehicles’ division of Imperial Commercials has appointed Harriet Bailey as head of aftersales, to oversee quality and performance over 13 branches. Bailey joins the business from a senior position in aftersales with the Pentagon Motor Group, a sister operation to Imperial Commercials in Motus Holdings (UK) Ltd.

“LCV is no different from car or truck, in that the focus for both dealer and manufacturer is on providing a high level of service and exceeding customer expectations,” said Bailey.

“My previous role with Pentagon was a great training ground, as I gained some valuable experience in dealing with the same issues and challenges.

“Unfortunately, vehicles do sometimes go wrong, the challenge for us as a dealer is how we manage the situation by communicating clearly and promptly with our customers and using all the resources available to resolve the problem.”

Bailey joined Pentagon Motor Group in 2006 as the company’s first ever customer hand-over specialist. She moved on rapidly to become directly involved in the management of branch service operations, before helping to start and then manage the group’s centralised service booking programme.

One of her last key jobs before moving across to Imperial Commercials was working, alongside Pentagon’s service director, on a major training programme aimed at improving operational processes and ultimate customer satisfaction.

Harriet will work directly with Gareth Kaye, group van franchise director for Imperials LCV business.

He said, “Having seen what Harriet did at Pentagon, we were convinced she was the right person for our job. We have to work ever more dedicatedly on improving the customer experience and enhancing our processes.

“We have exciting plans for our division and Harriet will be at the core of developments as we move ahead.”

Silver Star Auto unveils Mercedes-Benz ambulances in Ghana

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Silver Star Auto unveils Mercedes-Benz ambulances in Ghana

Silver Star Auto Limited (SSAL) has launched Mercedes-Benz ambulances at a grand ceremony in Accra. Manufactured to respond to medical and trauma emergencies and fit to partake in disaster rescue and emergency response incidents, the vehicle can travel at high speed to provide the first aid required to save lives.

The new Mercedes-Benz Ambulances are equipped with the best life-saving devices on the market needed for medical emergencies. They include Attendant Chair, Portable Patient Monitor with ECG facilities, Monitoring equipment, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) with Adult and Pediatrics Pads, Scoop Stretchers, Resuscitation Device, Oxygen delivery system and Paramedics Emergency bag.

The grand launch which was held at the Kempinski Hotel during the climax of the German African Business Summit 2019.

Launching the vehicle, Mr Nouhad Kalmoni, Executive Director of SSAL underscored life as a precious commodity where every second counts during emergency situations and as such assured on behalf of SSAL that with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Ambulance the precious seconds can be safeguarded to save lives of Ghanaians.

He called on the health sector particularly to target the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Ambulance describing it as an intensive care ambulance and a strong mobile van capable of taking care of any medical emergency situation.

Mr Kalmoni seized the occasion to thank the Mercedes-Benz Ambulance project partners including Carl Friederichs GmbH and Weinmann in Hamburg, Germany.

“Special thanks also go to the German Embassy in Ghana for the support and the Ministry of Health who aided in a long discussion and careful study in the making of the ambulance for the Ghanaian market”.

Mr Mustafa Kalmoni, General Manager of Commercial Vehicles-SSAL who presented the vehicle charged the market and the health sector to believe in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Ambulances as ‘the Sprinter’ guarantees safety, robustness and quality. Mr Mustafa Kalmoni also urged buyers not be convinced by shoddy vans poorly converted to ambulances, but to buy the Genuine product from Silver Star Auto Limited, the only authorized distributor of Mercedes Benz products in Ghana.

Present was the Deputy Minister of Health, Hon. Kingsley Aboagye-Gyedu who endorsed the quality of the Mercedes-Benz Ambulances. Some of the dignitaries present at the launch included the Deputy German Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Helge Sander, the CEO of the giant Insurance company, Allianz, Mr Munhwani Darlington, the Managing Director of Standard Charted Bank Ghana, Mrs Mansa Nettey and representatives of KFW Bank of Germany.

Several other Members of Parliament and District Chief Executives as well as delegations from the Ghana Health Service and the National Ambulance Service.

The event was also attended by practitioners from the Medical field including doctors, nurses and paramedics.

Firestone tyres re-launched in Ghana

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Firestone tyres re-launched in Ghana

Bridgestone Corporation, the manufacturer of Firestone tyre brands, has re-launched its operations in Ghana after a change of distribution partner.
The comeback became possible through a partnership between firestone and Infinity Group, an international company engaged in the manufacture and distribution of infinity brand of tyres, batteries and allied automotive aftermarket services across West Africa.

The Sales Director in charge of Firestone brands in Middle East and Africa, Mr Stefano Sanchini, and the Managing Director (MD) of Infinity Group, Mr Arshdeep Chadha, jointly performed the re-launch of the product onto the Ghanaian market on February 18 in Accra.

Company’s strategy

Mr Sanchini told the Daily Graphic after the launch that the comeback was part of the company’s strategy to expand its business in Ghana and Africa in general.

“We have officially re-launched the Firestone brand in Ghana with our partner Infinity Group to deliver valuable and reliable yet affordable tyres to the market. This is part of Bridgestone’s strategy to re-launch the Firestone brand in the Africa market because we are very committed to this market,” he said.

On partnering with Infinity Group, the sales director explained that infinity was eternally committed to serving society with superior quality.

“It will fulfil our responsibilities decisively. As you reach for the future, the group will remain committed to its customers with innovative products,” he stated.

Asked whether the tyre manufacturer would consider setting up a factory in Ghana, he added, “At the moment, we do not have plans to set up industrial footprint in the country, instead, we intend to focus on growing our market share in Africa in order to be the leading tyre manufacturer focusing on superior product.”

Years of experience

Mr Chadha said Infinity would use its decades of experience in tyre and automobile aftermarket business to attract the interest of Ghanaians in Firestone brand once again.

He explained that the group was committed to delivering the best in products and services to its customers, and had remained in a leadership position in the West African automobile industry.

The group has professionally established and managed retail and service centres and an enviable sales network in the automotive industry with special focus on automotive tyres, batteries, auto parts such as brake-lining pads for trucks, lubricants, coolants and complete tyre repair products across Nigeria and Ghana. In Nigeria, the group offers innovative renewable energy solution to a wide spectrum of customers.

From one branch office in 1981, the MD stated that the group today could boast 14 branches across Nigeria and four in Ghana, supported by a chain of retail and service centres.

“A testimony of the faith reposed in Infinity, its services and its world-renowned brands include Firestone, Ceat, Techking, Riken, Infinity, Exide and Rema-Tiptop,” he added.

Unveiling of the tyres took place in a very well set conference room at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra in the presence of highly respected operators, corporate clients, tyre dealers from across the country, special dignitaries from Bridgestone and Infinity.

Automobile manufacturing firms in Ghana to acquire raw materials locally

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Automobile manufacturing firms in Ghana to acquire raw materials locally

The Government has announced plans to extract the large iron and steel deposits and refine them in the country to provide raw materials for automobile manufacturing companies in Ghana.

Ghana has signed agreements with a number of automobile companies to establish showrooms in the country including car manufacturing giants Volkswagen, Sinotruck, Nissan, Renault and Suzuki.

Therefore, Government presented the Iron and Steel Development Authority Bill to Parliament towards the establishment of Ghana Iron and Steel Development Authority for extraction of iron and steel resources.

Mr Benito Owusu-Bio, a Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, said this when he briefed the media at the closing ceremony of a two-week mineral resources assessment training programme for geological surveyors from eight African countries, in Accra, on Friday.

He said on the passage of the Bill into law by Parliament, the country would have the Ghana Iron and Steel Development Corporation and provide the needed impetus to attract businesses to invest in the extraction of iron and steel.

The Deputy Minister said iron, steel and aluminium were the future metals of the world and therefore the nation should not just end up exporting them like other commodities but add value to them so the nation could earn the required revenue to bolster economic growth.

“We must be ready to provide the automobile companies raw materials to manufacture vehicles to complement each other,” he added.

The Deputy Minister re-affirmed Government’s resolve to diversify the country’s mineral resource-base from traditional minerals like gold, bauxite, manganese and diamond and rather pay attention to largely un-exploited mineral commodities to fast-track national development.

Mr Owusu-Bio said through the support of the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO), Ghana would soon get a bauxite refinery to refine raw bauxite ore that would enable the nation to pay off the Sinohydro Barter Arrangement with the Chinese firm.

He said government would finance the operations of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) to work efficiently and that it was refurbishing the GGSA’s seismological equipment to function efficiently.

The Ministry had received a request from the GGSA for procurement of new equipment and had forwarded the request to the Finance Ministry for consideration. Mr said the Government was funding the GGSA to undertake a lot of seismic survey on the oil deposits at Akpafu in the Volta Region.

Dr Daniel Boamah, the Acting Executive Director of the GGSA, commenting on the frequent earth tremors experienced in parts of the Greater Accra Region recently, he said the Authority would soon receive solar panel at its seismological stations to monitor seismic activities to advice government accordingly.

Peugeot 3008 SUV Emerges ‘New Car Of The Year’ In Europe

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Peugeot 3008 SUV Emerges ‘New Car Of The Year’ In Europe

Sleek Peugeot 3008 Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) has won the ‘New Car of the Year’ at the annual Auto Trader New Car Awards ceremony held in London recently. The accolade endorsed recently by over 63, 000 UK drivers who voted for the impressive SUV to beat key rivals in that segment is coming about one year after the assembler of Peugeot vehicles in Nigeria, PAN Nigeria Limited, unveiled the mid-size people’s choice at a well-attended launch in Lagos.

The win is the 66th award for the Peugeot 3008 SUV, making it one of Peugeot’s most successful models. Unlike many other awards which rely on editorial judging panels, the Auto Trader New Car Awards are decided by more than 63,000 real car owners who voted via a survey. Drivers review vehicles in 16 different criteria, ranging from reliability and performance to running costs, to give potential buyers a complete picture of ownership.

Consumers are also asked about their overall satisfaction with their car and how likely they would be to recommend the model to others. Owners rated the Peugeot 3008 SUV highly in a range of areas, including its design, interior practicality and its innovative tech, including the Peugeot i-Cockpit® infotainment system.

Commenting on the win, Erin Baker, Auto Trader’s New Car Editorial Director, said, “The PEUGEOT 3008 SUV was a stand-out winner and has been highly commended for how comfortable and safe it feels when driving, as well as the quality of its interior and it’s good”.

According to Baker, “Owners were quick to highlight the quality of the technology that comes as standard and its features and accessories. It’s a fantastic all-rounder and a wholly worthy winner of New Car of the Year.” In his remark, Peugeot UK managing director, David Peel, said, “Certain awards stand out for us in the industry.

Any award based on owner feedback is extremely important for us and it’s fantastic to see so many owners praise their PEUGEOT 3008 SUV. Our commitment to building vehicles that feature uncompromising quality, an instinctive driving experience and sharp design is clearly paying off.” The New Car of the Year award is just the latest in a range of accolades won by the Peugeot 3008 SUV, including Carbuyer’s ‘Best Medium SUV’, ‘Mid-Size SUV of the Year’ in the 2019 Fleet News Awards and ‘Best Mid-Sized SUV’ in the 2019 Driver Power survey.

The Peugeot 3008 was officially unveiled to the local market by PAN Nigeria Limited at a launch held in Lagos in the first quarter of 2018, an event that attracted crème-d-la crème of the nation’s automotive industry. Reacting to Peugeot 3008’s latest award, the Managing Director of PAN, Ibrahim Boyi, said the SUV’s string of honours is a confirmation that all the attractive technological, safety and luxury features the company highlighted at the launch last year, were no marketing gimmicks, but true attributes of the car.

Owning a foreign registered car will now be more costly

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Owning a foreign registered car will now be more costly

Motorists using vehicles bearing foreign registration number plates are set to be subjected to new tough conditions. Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) said those using such vehicles would have to prove they worked in the countries of origin and submit work permits or proof of residency.

Foreigners from the East African Community (EAC) and Common Market of East and Southern Africa (Comesa) have not been spared and will have to provide proof of ownership and if they are an agent of the owner, have power of attorney from them.Diplomats will also have to prove their diplomatic status in addition to proving they work in a diplomatic capacity.

“Prior to gaining entry approval, the foreign operator from EAC and Comesa countries must have a valid temporary importation of road vehicles form (Form C32) which is issued at a border station,” said KRA and National Transport Safety Authority in a joint statement yesterday.

Meanwhile, foreigners from outside the two regional blocs will have to produce valid international circulation permits from countries of origin or pass sheets.“Individuals without these documents will not be allowed entry into or to locally operate a foreign registered motor vehicle, and any such vehicle operated without the above will be impounded,” said the two agencies. Even with all the documents, the car owners will have to apply for a foreign motor vehicle permit, which will be done online via the eCitizen portal. Applicants will need the Form C32 or an endorsed international circulation permit from the country of origin as well as Comesa insurance.

KRA said vehicles whose owners did not meet the conditions should re-export them or risk having them impounded. Some Kenyans have been using foreign registered vehicles, especially from the neighbouring countries, considering they are cheaper, with some allowing older vehicles into their markets. While Kenya currently only allows importation of vehicles up to eight years, Tanzania allows imports of cars as old as 10 years and only recently did Uganda pass a law limiting importation of vehicles manufactured more than 15 years ago. Burundi, Rwanda and South Sudan, on the other hand, have no formal age limits for used cars. EAC member states are racing against time to finalise talks on proposals to lower the age limit for imported used cars by 2021. Kenya has already announced plans to limit the age of used vehicles with engine capacity above 1500cc imported to five instead of the current eight years.

Trade and Industrialisation Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya has maintained that the Government will not backtrack on the proposed change. Japanese auto export company Be Forward’s Market Development Group Global Business Department Manager Kei Tsuchiya said their focus would be on ensuring customers get value on newer vehicles whenever they wanted to resell.

“We aim to ensure that customers are able to capitalise on the vehicles’ resale value to match their dynamic interests,” said Mr Tsuchiya. He spoke at the recent launch of the firm’s new outlets in Ruiru, Kiambu and on Mombasa road, Nairobi.

Total Life Cost of Industrial Equipment

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Total Life Cost of Industrial Equipment

When purchasing industrial equipment (such as pumps or generators) or cars, it’s important to look at the whole life cost of the product to ensure you get the best value. Here is a guide to making sure you get the best value from your products and gain maximum benefit from your purchase.

For cars, this calculation can be found in a wide variety of publications online, which look at the cost of owning a car over say 3 years. These guides can include depreciation, fuel, insurance and condition, giving you a current day estimate of future value. That model is great in such a global mass-market industry, but how do you compare other products? Is it possible to get the best value?

Welland Power Diesel Generators

Firstly, there are often a range of people selling similar equipment. In this case selected a trusted supplier. For example Rift Valley Machinery for generators or pumps in Kenya, but there are other excellent suppliers offering a good range of solutions. By selecting someone who offers a range of solutions they can advise you on a range of products, rather than a single solution. Each of these suppliers will offer either a single brand or a  range of brands in the different market segments.

In a standby generator application, the two most important elements are fuel consumption (although this may not be as important if its only running for a few hours), future value and availability of spare parts. Choosing a brand that offers good spares availability is key to maintaining your investment for the long term and will also help to maintain the value.

Country of origin is also a factor, brands from emerging markets tend to have poorer availability of spare parts. If the unit is cheaper, but you cannot repair it (all units will at some point get a fault!) it will cost you more than buying a good unit initially. Top generator brands would be Caterpillar, Cummins and Welland Power. Top pump brands might be xylem or Grundfos.

Look and research your product before buying, take the advice of a business who has been around for a long time, rather than a cheaper start up and let your investment pay you back many times over.

Ford honors Nexteer Automotive at 21st annual world excellence awards

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Ford honors Nexteer Automotive at 21st annual world excellence awards

Nexteer Automotive earned recognition as a top-performing global supplier at the 21st annual Ford World Excellence Awards. Nexteer’s Suzhou, China facility was presented with a 2018 Silver Level Manufacturing Award for Electric Power Steering (EPS) Production by Hau Thai-Tang, Ford Chief Product Development and Purchasing Officer, and Linda Cash, Ford Vice President, Quality and New Model Programs.

“2019 marks Nexteer’s second consecutive year for achieving a Ford World Excellence Award. The back-to-back recognition of Nexteer demonstrates our on-going commitment to be a partner of choice – delivering quality, technology and manufacturing of safety-critical motion control solutions for global OEMs,” said Mike Richardson, president and executive board director, Nexteer Automotive. “We appreciate this recognition from our valued customer and look forward to continuing our strong collaboration in advanced steering and driveline technologies for Ford – that in turn delivers safety, fuel efficiency and performance to Ford drivers around the world.”

“Ford’s annual World Excellence Awards recognize our top-performing suppliers for their contributions to our success,” said Thai-Tang. “Suppliers like Nexteer play an instrumental role in helping us achieve our vision of being the most trusted mobility company.”

Honorees were recognized for achieving the highest levels of global excellence in 10 categories, including:

  • Gold and silver for supplier manufacturing sites demonstrating superior quality, delivery and cost performance throughout the year
  • Quality, sustainability, safe and smart categories for suppliers that demonstrate leadership in Ford’s primary brand pillars
  • Aligned business framework for suppliers that most exemplify the framework’s principles, with an emphasis on quality, value and innovation
  • Special recognition for suppliers that delivered results exceeding expectations
  • Diverse supplier of the year and supplier diversity development corporation of the year to honor suppliers that excel in integrating diversity into their organization and business process
ABOUT NEXTEER

Nexteer Automotive (HK 1316), a global leader in intuitive motion control, is a multi-billion dollar global steering and driveline business delivering electric and hydraulic power steering systems, steering columns, driveline systems, as well as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving enabling technologies for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The company has 26 manufacturing plants, three technical centers and 14 customer service centers strategically located in North and South America, Europe and Asia. The company serves more than 60 customers in every major region of the world including BMW, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, GM, PSA Group, Toyota and VW, as well as automakers in India and China. www.nexteer.com

Hyundai, Opens Assembly Plant in Ethiopia

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Hyundai, Opens Assembly Plant in Ethiopia

Korean auto giant, Hyundai opens an assembly plant in Ethiopia. This comes a month after German auto giants DW announced entry into Ethiopia. The plant is a joint venture between the South Korean carmaker and decorated Ethiopian athlete Haile Gebreselassie who owns Marathon Motors brand.

Hyundai Motor Company CEO, Mr. Won Hee Lee, was in town for the inaugural ceremony as was Gebreselassie and high ranking government officials including Foreign Affairs minister, Workneh Ghebeyehu.

Also Read: Hyundai inks partnership with Yandex for self-driving car technology

This becomes the second major business area of Haileselassie who also operates a hospitality business under the Haile Resort brand. The former Olympic and World Champion in athletics aside business has also served as president of the Ethiopian Athletics Federation, a post he relinquished in November 2018.

Ethiopia’s economy has been on an upward trajectory in the last few years despite anti-government unrest that roiled especially its largest region – Oromia. The coming into office of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in April 2018 has added more economic boost to his wide ranging democratic reforms.

International lenders have provided key budgetary support to the government, while Abiy’s reforms are loosening up the formerly tightly controlled economy.

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