The attention of all automakers, dealers and fans of sensational new vehicles is focused on the forthcoming SEMA, the biggest aftermarket show in the world holding November 2-5, 2021 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, United States.
Ahead of the event, Toyota has revealed the new BZ4X, a RAV4-sized electric crossover, which is the first of seven vehicles that will be added to Toyota’s BZ sub-brand for electric vehicles by 2025.
The new vehicle was revealed on Friday is a small crossover similar in size to the top-selling RAV4, and it is due in the showrooms around mid-2022 as a 2023 model.
According to Motor Authority, the crossover was previewed in April by the BZ4X concept and carries that name into production. A Subaru twin to be called the Solterra, is also coming.
The BZ4X rides on a newly developed platform, dubbed e-TNGA. It’s the first dedicated-EV platform for Toyota, and expected to come in multiple models from Toyota (and Lexus) in the coming years.
Toyota says it plans to have 15 zero-emission vehicles in its lineup by 2025, of which seven would be from the BZ sub-brand.
The BZ4X unveiled is the version for the Japanese market but similar specifications for the version are expected in the US and possibly other markets.
There’s a single battery with a capacity of 71.4 kilowatt-hours and buyers can choose from a front-wheel-drive powertrain with 201hp or an all-wheel-drive setup with 214hp.
A top speed wasn’t mentioned but 0-62 mph acceleration takes 8.4 seconds with FWD and 7.7 seconds with AWD.
In both cases, Motor Authority note that it will be close to 300 miles based on the WLTP test cycle used overseas. This figure will likely be lower when measured using the tougher EPA cycle.
Charging at up to 150 kilowatts is said to be possible, which will enable an 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes. A roof-mounted solar panel will also be available in some markets.
Toyota says it focuses on delivering reliable performance throughout the life of the vehicle. For example, the BZ4X’s range should remain consistent even in cold winters, and the battery should also retain about 90 per cent of its capacity after 10 years (based on a usage rate of 15,000 miles per year).
The interior is a modern place, featuring minimalist styling and a large central screen for infotainment. A smaller screen serves as the instrument gauge, with Toyota doing away with the traditional gauge hood to give a clearer view as well as give the cabin an open and airy feeling.
Toyota says most markets will have a traditional steering wheel; the Chinese market will feature a yoke-style steering wheel (shown below). Thanks to steer-by-wire technology, where the traditional mechanical connection between the steering wheel and tyres are replaced by electric systems, lock-to-lock with the yoke wheel is set at around 150 degrees, meaning just one hand is required for tight turns.
Toyota says this feature will be added to more models in the future, including those sold outside of China.
Stakeholders in the nation’s automotive industry are pessimistic of the future of auto fairs in the Nigeria.
Their fears are being ignited following a very low turnout recorded during the just concluded Lagos Motor Fair, which in the past 10 years has remained one of the major auto fairs in the country.
Strong indications to the future apathy from stakeholders emerged few weeks ago during the 15th edition of the Lagos International Motor Fair organised by BKG Exhibitions Limited which recorded an all time low turnout of auto dealers and other stakeholders in the nation’s automotive industry. The previous edition recorded the same low turn out.
Apart from vehicle dealers, regular spare parts exhibitors from overseas and other dealers in auto and allied products and services were absent due mainly to Covid-19
The low turnout, according to investigation has to do with the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic worsened by the poor economic situation which has not only affected car dealerships across the country, but has drastically reduced the purchasing power of car users.
BKG’s Lagos Motor Fair
Unlike other editions where over 50 vehicles would be on display by different Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and dealers, the fair witnessed abysmal number of cars and SUVs on display from Mikano Motors, Kia, OMAA, Jet Systems and Coscharis Motors.
This year, other big names that stayed away from what could be described as annual ritual are Toyota Nigeria Limited, Massilia Motors, distributors of Mitsubishi Motors; CFAO/Suzuki, Stallion Motors, dealers of over seven brands; and Westar Limited, dealers of Mercedes among others.
In his comment, general manager, marketing and corporate communication, Coscharis Group, Babarinde Abiona, said the event was not a jamboree but an opportunity to showcase what is new in the sector.
He appealed to the government to create an enabling environment and policy that supports the business that makes the automotive industry a viable economy.
He said with the entry of more players in the industry it shows there is a win-win solution for everyone.
Alluding to the poor turnout at the fair, managing director, BKG Exhibitions Limited, Ifeanyi Agwu, said it is indeed a seriously challenging time in the automotive industry in Nigeria.
Agwu said it is a season that has thrown up more challenges than ever before. A lot of companies have closed shop while a large number are merely existing and direly in need of life supports. This, he said, can be confirmed by the number of exhibitors in this year’s edition.
He added “Ordinarily it is the delight and wish of any serious player in the industry to showcase amongst others but here we are witnessing the opposite.
“All the relevant stakeholders must join hands and release the synergy that will see the sector regain the traction it has gained with the introduction of the NAIDP. This will help to fast track the development of the sector.
For Toyota, their absence in the fair has to do with cutting of expenses which are usually associated with such fairs.
A source at the Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL) attributed its non-appearance at motor fair to the short notice from the organisers and finance issue.
“Everyone is cutting down on cost and eliminating expenses that have no direct bearing on sales”, the source hinted.
In his views, former Director of Policy and Planning of the NADDC, Mamudu Lukman said, “The industry is now in a state of suspended animation.”
He said the absence of the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) is virtually killing the industry.
“We are hopeful that the minister of industry and finance will soon realise that they were wrongly advised and send a revised NAIDP to FEC for consideration. I understand it’s ready but I don’t know what they are keeping it.
“Section 38 of the 2020 Finance act makes it practically unattractive to invest in local value addition like basic assembly. If you can import a fully built pickup at 10%, why will you import the same vehicle in SKD form? It doesn’t make sense. So everyone is now an importer. It would have attracted more participation if tagged special auction for new and used vehicles.
“Workers already trained by the industry are gradually dispersing as the companies cant continue to retain them.
“We just lost Toyota to Ghana. They approached us first. I know. I led the investment delegation to meet with Toyota Tsumitomo in Japan and the company was quite receptive. The only key demand was that Nigeria should legislate the NAIDP, but the president was advised no to sign it. Those who so advised know themselves.”
Also speaking on the motor fair, a senior lecturer at the mass communications department, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Dr Oscar Odiboh said that the low turnout is clearly a backlash from the economic situation, together with the impact of the covid-19 pandemic.
According to Odiboh, due to economic downturn, people have not been able to raise enough money to buy new cars, adding that even tokunbo vehicles were equally affected.
Odiboh, who is also an automotive and communications consultant, said the only people who were able to participate in the motor show were ardent visitors as very few people are buying cars.
“The economic situation has a role to play in it. In 2009/2010, it affected the auto show. The same in 2011- 2015. The show was affected these previous years and attendance was based on the factors I mentioned above”. Dr Odiboh said.
In his views, the marketing manager, Kia Motors, Nigeria, Olawale Jimoh confirmed that Kia Motors attended the event and that it was okay.
Olawale stated that the event was okay and that it afforded them the opportunity to display their new models.
R – L : Abiona Babarinde, GM, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group; Dr. Aliyu Jelani, DG, National Automotive Design and Development Council; Sola Adigun, General Manager Sales, Renault, Coscharis Motors; Olayinka Oladipo, Sales Manager, Renault, Coscharis Motors, during the exhibition of Renault brand of vehicles at the 15th Lagos Motor Fair held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos
Olawale hinted that the fair was the first major event that was able to bring auto assemblers together.
Attributing the low turnout to covid-19 pandemic and reduction in purchasing power of the people, Olawale said “the low turnout is due to Covid-19. Again, part of the cause also is the continued reduction in the purchasing power of the people. There has been continued reduction of the purchasing power of the people because the economy has been unstable, which has affected the auto sector”.
Speaking further, Olawale stated that one good thing about the motor fair was that it gave them the opportunity to interact with the Director General of National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr Jelani Aliyu who was on ground during the opening ceremony.
“The opening ceremony of the auto fair gave us an opportunity to have first hand experience to see the DG, NADDC. At the show, the DG made some good promises which has to do with government support for the auto sector. If the promises came to fruition, it will assist to boost the industry once again”, Olawale said.
