Auto producers’ target only Nigerian market, not manufacturing environment
Research has shown that every global auto group always target delivery of every new product into the Nigerian market, but has no plan to produce in Nigeria.
Latest in the business strategy include Kia coming with Seltos and Susuki, coming with Suzuki XL6.
Already, all is set for the new mid-sized Kia Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) Seltos to debut in Nigeria before the end of 2019, courtesy Kia Motors Nigeria.
Unveiled in India on Thursday, last week, the new Seltols is being positioned by the South Korea auto firm to compete directly with sister brand, Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks among others.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Kia Motors Nigeria, Jacky Hathiramani, who saw silent on setting up manufacturing plant in Nigeria, said the new Seltols will debut in December this year in Nigeria.
According to him, the Seltos comes with Kia’s signature Tiger nose grille flanked by sleek projector headlamps with heart-shaped LED daytime running lights integrated. Also, a sculpted front bumper, diamond-cut alloy wheels, sleek LED taillights are available.
Kia Seltos boasts of a 1.4-litre T GDI petrol, 1.5-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre VGT diesel engine. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual gearbox, a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and a 6-speed advanced automatic transmission.
On Suzuki XL6 debut, Kenichi Ayukawa, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “There is a considerable increase in demand for premium MPVs owing to the ever-evolving customer needs.”
While maintaining silence on setting up manufacturing base in Africa or Nigeria in particular, he noted that the new premium MPV XL6 based on the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga MPV, comes as a six-seater and with BS-VI compliant petrol powertrain only.
He said Maruti Suzuki XL6 comes with a fresh styling that makes it different looking compared to the Ertiga. It gets quad-LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights and LED taillights, while the front grille comes with chrome garnishing adding more style to the car.
At the exterior, other styling elements include all-black alloy wheels, roof rails and side claddings.
Inside the cabin, Maruti Suzuki XL6 gets three-row seating arrangements, while the features include 17.8 cm touchscreen Smartplay infotainment system, flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel, leather seats, cruise control, rear AC vents, ventilated cup holders etc. The interior receives a premium stone finish with silver accents.
Based on 5th generation Suzuki Heartect platform, the power source for this MPV is a BS-VI compliant K15 petrol engine that is available with options of a 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic gearbox. The engine is combined with a Li-ion battery for the Smart Hybrid technology.
The engine churns out 104.69 PS of power at 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm.
Ayukawa added “At Maruti Suzuki, we always bring out products that match and complement customer’s demand. Backed by NEXA’s focus on creation and innovation, the XL6 is a testament of our commitment to bring the newest technologies to our customers.”
“The XL6 strikes a perfect balance of style, space, comfort, performance and safety. We are confident that our exclusive 6-seater, the XL6 will strike a chord with today’s customer who seeks Comfort and Style,” Ayukawa added.
