CAR NEWS

Rana Motors Unveils the Ashok Leyland Phoenix: first locally assembled – The first ever Phoenix Ashok Leyland brand of motor vehicles fully assembled in Ghana by Ghanaian engineers have been unveiled at Rana Motors’s Automotive vehicle assembling plant located at Amasaman in the Ga West Municipality in Ghana.

The new Ashok Leyland Phoenix 3-seater motor vehicle is a two-tonne payload with a five-year warranty and have a relatively cheaper fuel consumption. The Phoenix steering column comes with tilt-able and telescopic movements while the 2-point suspended cabin offers comfort and convenience. It also offers class-leading comfort that sets the benchmark in the commercial automobile industry while the vehicle also comes with multi-angle  adjustable seats.

Kassem Odaymat, Chief Operating Officer of Rana Motors,  speaking at the unveiling of the new automobile commended the government for developing the Ghana Automotive Development policy (GADP) as it had paved the way for the establishment of motor vehicle assembly plants in the country and also indicated that the phoenix truck’s launch was the results of stringer partnership between Rana Motors and Ashok Leyland and further stressed that the success of any venture was underpinned by such collaborations.

“The Phoenix, a 2-tonne payload truck, stands on an all new platform, powered by a 1500 cc Turbocharged diesel engine that delivers 80 Hp of maximum power and 190 Nm of peak torque.

What truly sets the Phoenix apart is its tailor-made features that address the diverse needs of our customers. From its fuel-efficient engine to its spacious interior, the Phoenix is designed to provide optimal performance and comfort whether it’s for personal use or commercial purposes. Its maneuverability on our small streets, robustness to tackle our diverse roads, and affordability make it an ideal fit for our country. This is more than just a vehicle; it’s a cost-effective solution”

Kassem Odaymat – Chief Operating Officer, Rana Motors

The Head of International Operations of Ashok Leyland, Rajesh R., emphasized the great progress and collaboration Ashok Leyland and Rana Motors have had over the years highlighting the high quality of their products including the new Ashok Leyland Phoenix.

“Our commitment to excellence extends beyond borders. With modern integrated manufacturing plants in India and abroad, state-of-the-art R&D centres and a global footprint spanning from Asia to Africa, we have established ourselves as a trusted and reliable partner in progress. Our products are a symbol of reliability and a testament to our enduring partnership with our customers.

It brings me immense joy to announce our collaboration with our two-decade-old partner, Rana Motors. Together we have brought the Phoenix to Ghana, maintaining the same standard as any of our vehicles produced in our modern integrated plants”

Rajesh R. – Head of International Operations of Ashok Leyland

First Secretary and Acting High Commissioner of India to Ghana, Chinpau Ngaihte in a brief remark at the launch of the new Phoenix trucks indicated that the new development reflects a great partnership between India and Ghana.

“As speakers before me said, we have gathered here in this vibrant land of Ghana to celebrate the remarkable collaboration between India and Ghana exemplified through the local assembling of Ashok Leyland Phoenix on Ghanaian soil. This achievement is a testament to the enduring partnership between our nations and a significant milestone in our shared journey towards progress and economic empowerment”

Chinpau Ngaihte – First Secretary and Acting High Commissioner of India to Ghana

Component assembly policy

The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry & New Juaben South Member of Parliament, Michael Okyere Baafi, who officially unveiled the new trucks, expressed delight about the achievement chalked by Rana Motors and Ashok Leyland.

He noted that the assembling of the Ashok Leyland brands of vehicles under the Ghana Automotive Development Programme brings to eleven, the brands of motor vehicles being assembled under the programme.

He stressed that Ghana was on the path of becoming the vehicle manufacturing hub in the sub-region through the implementation of the Ghana Automotive Development Programme highlighting the substantial positive impacts the automotive industry can have on economies.

The deputy minister added that as a measure to promote the development of an integrated automotive industry, the government was finalizing processes on the development of a Component Manufacturing policy. 

“This policy is meant to attract investments from component manufacturers to feed into the local automotive industry while supplying aftermarket components across the sub-region”

Michael Okyere Baafi, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry & New Juaben South Member of Parliament

Mr Baafi said the policy would further enhance the availability of certified parts and assembly components to drive the export of made-in-Ghana vehicles under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) rules.

The launch of the Phoenix trucks brings to eight the range of cars assembled in the country by Rana Motors.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo commissions KIA vehicle assembly plant – President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has commissioned the Kia automobile assembly plant in Ghana, urging the motor vehicle manufacturer to work towards making their products affordable to the local consumer.

Rana Motors

Set up by Rana Motors Limited, a local licensed dealer for the South Korean automobile company, the plant, situated at Amasaman in the Ga West Municipality of Ghana, will assemble various Kia brands for Ghana and the West African markets.

The plant is a landmark achievement that marks the rollout of the first generation of KIA motor vehicles assembled under the Automotive Development Policy of the government.

Chief Executive Officer of Rana Motors, Essam Odaymat, in his address, recounted that the dream of the company started some 35 years ago when their father, Alhaji Mohammed Odaymat arrived in Ghana and stayed throughout the years to achieve his dream.

“Rana Motors began as a humble metal fabrication workshop located at Avenor. Handwork and dedication were soon to pay off in 1986 when Rana Motors was awarded the dealership in KIA vehicles being the first to do in Sub-Saharan Africa. The establishment of the company over the years, required tremendous effort to gradually change the perception and shine a ling in what we always believed the people behind the KIA brand possessed.”

Chief Executive Officer of Rana Motors, Essam Odaymat

Mr. Essam Odaymat however expressed gratitude to the government of Ghana for laying the foundation to allow their father to realise the dream.

Chief Operating Officer of Rana Motors, Kassem Odaymat, said one key feature of the newly commissioned motor vehicle assembly plant can produce 70,000 units of annual volume with enough space and planning to include more complex assembly.

“It has been built with environmental credentials protecting the future of all of us including rain water harvesting, solar power readiness and even recycling shipping materials and metal into parts of the building,”

Chief Operating Officer of Rana Motors, Kassem Odaymat

Kassem Odaymat added that the facility is capable of meeting and satisfying Ghanaian standards and customs needs. He said it can further expand to meet the standards and customer needs of neighbouring countries in Africa which will allow the potential exportation of cars from Ghana to other markets.

“I look forward to a bright future for this facility when it will produce higher volumes with much more complex operations,”

Chief Operating Officer of Rana Motors, Kassem Odaymat

President Akufo-Addo said the opening of the plant was a major boost for Ghana’s industrial transformation agenda and that the development would enable his government to achieve its vision to make Ghana a fully integrated and competitive industrialised hub of the automotive industry in the West African sub region.

The President said the establishment of the plant had been made possible by the conscious initiative of his administration to attract investment in the automotive sector under the Ghana Automotive Development Policy initiated by his Government and further stressed that they will pursue policies that would stimulate patronage of locally assembled vehicles.

Kia is the fourth largest global motor vehicle manufacturer. The company joins other global car brands including Toyota-Suzuki, Nissan, Volkswagen, Peugeot, Sinotruck, and Ghana’s indigenous brand Kantanka, who have already established motor vehicle assembly plants in Ghana.

Noting that the critical component for harnessing the full potential of the automotive industry was a demand for assembled motor vehicles, the President revealed that his government was developing policies that would enable ordinary citizens to acquire locally assembled vehicles.

“As you may all be aware, I have directed the Chief of Staff at the office of the President, the prioritisation of the procurement of domestically assembled vehicles by state institutions to fulfill the government’s commitment to patronising made-in-Ghana products.” 

President Akufo-Addo

“We are, however, mindful of the fact that the state alone cannot purchase the sufficient numbers of vehicles to be produced from our assembly plants and will thus require Ghanaians also patronise these vehicles”

President Akufo-Addo

Consequently, the government, the President disclosed, would soon roll out an asset-based vehicle financing scheme, as pertained in other developed climes, to stimulate the demand for domestically assembled vehicles.

“We have also shown commitment by implementing the zero-rating of VAT on the sale of domestically assembled vehicles. This means that there is no VAT on the sale of domestically assembled vehicles even to the end user to make domestically assembled vehicles affordable,

”President Akufo-Addo

President Akufo-Addo told the gathering that he had charged the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta to submit to Parliament the required legislative instruction proposing the implementation start date of the Customs Amendment Act (2020) and implementation of those outstanding provisions would trigger the full implementation of the Ghana automotive development policy and drive further investment into the industry.

The President also disclosed that the Trade and Industry Minister would soon submit to Cabinet for approval the Ghana Automotive Component Manufacturing Policy (ACMP), outlining incentives to attract investors into the component manufacturing sector. 

The policy, he stated, would also support ‘artisans at Suame in Kumasi, Kokompe in Accra, and other enclaves to upgrade their capacity to fit in the automotive industry.

President Akufo-Addo expressed hope that the incentives granted to Rana Motors would translate into competitive pricing of motor vehicles for the Ghanaian consumer.

“We look forward to the transitioning of this assembly plant into a fully integrated vehicle production plant in Ghana,”

President Akufo-Addo

First Locally Assembled Suzuki Swift Unveiled in Ghana – Toyota Tsusho Manufacturing Ghana Company Ltd (TTMG), based in Kpone, Tema unveiled the first locally assembled Suzuki Swift in Ghana. Toyota Tsusho Manufacturing Ghana Company Ltd (TTMG), Toyota Tsusho Corporation (“Toyota Tsusho”)’s vehicle assembly company in the Republic of Ghana, began SKD* production of Suzuki Motor Corporation (“Suzuki”)’s Swift compact car in Ghana in September 2022.

Automobile assembly in Ghana rides on the back of a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in developing Ghana’s automotive industry, signed between Toyota Tsusho Corporation (TTC) and the Government of Ghana.

With the introduction of the Ghana Automotive Development Policy, the Government of Ghana aims to enlarge the automotive industry and create new opportunities for skilled Ghanaians. The policy cater the necessary framework to establish assembly and manufacturing capacity in Ghana and to create a fully integrated and competitive industrial hub for automotive manufacturing in collaboration with the private sector, global, regional and domestic. 

The Suzuki Swift is a subcompact automobile known for its fuel efficiency, affordable price, and fun-to-drive nature. In addition, the Swift is perfect for city driving as it has a tight turning circle, excellent visibility, and light controls. As a result, the Suzuki range in Ghana has demonstrated impressive growth in market share across various automobile segments, with CFAO Ghana PLC recording a sale of 2900 units since its introduction in 2015.

During his welcome address, Mr Akira Yamada, Managing Director of TTMG, disclosed his appreciation to the Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), Toyota Tsusho Corporation (TTC), CFAO Ghana PLC and the Ministry of Trade & Industry for making possible this laudable feat for TTMG, and Ghana’s automotive industry.

‘This assembly project marks an important milestone for both parties since it is the first Suzuki assembly effort with TTC.’ He added, ‘In 2022, Suzuki sales in Africa increased by 60% to 116 thousand units and in Ghana increased by 63% to over 1 thousand units. Therefore, we have positioned this alliance as essential to our company’s strategy in the African market. We will continue strengthening it to enhance Suzuki’s presence in Africa, especially in Ghana.’

Mr Koichi Suzuki,Managing Officer, Middle East and Africa Division of SMC

Mr Shinichiro Otsuka, Chief Operating Officer for TTC, Africa Division, declared his gratitude to the government of Ghana for issuing the necessary certification to TTMG as a vehicle assembly facility, which was in line with the Ghana Automotive Development Policy. He added, ‘We are committed to contributing to the economy, industry and society of the republic of Ghana through automobile production together with Suzuki Motor Corporation.’

At the unveiling event, Mr Adedamola Adelabu, Managing Director & Country Delegate of CFAO Ghana PLC, gave an overview of Suzuki’s performance in Ghana’s automotive market. He shared that ‘By 2022, Suzuki attained a market share of 5%, and currently holds a market share of 17%, reflecting a growth of 293%. The Swift model alone accounts for 30% of total sales volume.’

 “The government of Ghana is fully committed to working with all stakeholders to promote industrialization and make Ghana the industrial hub for the automotive industry in Africa”

Honourable Samuel Abu Jinapor, Minister for Trade & Industry

After a special tape-cutting ceremony, the Suzuki Swift vehicle was unveiled amidst fanfare and audience applause. The commissioning ceremony is another commendable milestone for TTMG, SMC, TTC and CFAO Ghana PLC; a union of sound investment and technology transfer aimed at making Ghana a competitive automotive hub in Africa.

Overview of TTMG

Company Name	TOYOTA TSUSHO MANUFACTURING GHANA CO. LIMITED
Location	Tema, Republic of Ghana
Capital	8 million U.S. dollars
Shareholder	Toyota Tsusho 100％
Representative	Akira Yamada, Managing Director
Established	June 2020
Business Description	Automobile assembly and production
Production Vehicles	Toyota Hilux, Suzuki Swift
Production Volume	1,700 units/year

Toyota Unveils All-New Prius HEV in Japan – Toyota Motor Corporation announces today that it has begin sales of all-new Prius Series Parallel Hybrid (HEV) models. It will also unveil Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) models around March this year.

Launched in 1997 as the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car, the Prius has driven uptake of HEVs as a new-generation eco-car with outstanding fuel efficiency. These days, hybrid technologies are employed in a wide range of different models that are loved and enjoyed by people all around the world.

With a range of powertrain options being developed to promote carbon neutrality, Toyota wanted to create a new Prius HEV that customers would enjoy and cherish as the automobile of choice for generations to come. Developed under the “Hybrid Reborn” concept, this new model is an exhilarating package that adds a design inspiring love at first sight and captivating driving performance to its core strength as an environmentally friendly car.

The main features of the new Prius are as follows.

Vehicle outline

A design inspiring love at first sight

• Inheriting the signature monoform silhouette of the original Prius, the new Prius has been reborn with a lower center of gravity and even more stylish proportions. The simple yet sculpted body expresses exhilaration that appeals to the senses and a universal beauty that will remain popular into the future.
• The “island architecture” concept achieves a low-stress, spacious interior with a cockpit that makes it easy to concentrate on driving. Altogether, the interior offers intuitive operation and an enjoyable driving experience.
• A total of eight body colors are available, including two newly developed, solid base colors of Ash and Mustard that create a sporty impression, bringing touches of color to the daily lives of customers to create a stronger sense of attachment.

Captivating driving performance

• The new Prius is equipped with the latest fifth-generation hybrid system in both the 2.0-liter and 1.8-liter models.
• Compared to the previous model^*1, the 2.0-liter Prius (Z and G grades) achieves improved fuel efficiency of 28.6 km/L^*2 and maximum system output of 144 kW (196 PS), which is 1.6 times higher than the previous model^*1. This model achieves a high level of balance between the outstanding environmental performance of a Prius and the captivating driving performance of a car that reacts as expected with satisfying acceleration and responsive driving.

• With a long list of improvements, including updates to all electric modules, the 1.8-liter Prius (U and X grades) achieves great fuel efficiency of 32.6 km/L^*3. The refined driving performance and seamless acceleration of a hybrid provide feelings of agility when starting off and the responsiveness of direct driving power.

• The second-generation TNGA platform was developed as part of continuing improvement of the matured TNGA platform to achieve the exhilarating styling and driving performance of the new Prius, allowing for a lower center of gravity and large-diameter tires.
• This version comes with the latest E-Four system. Employing a high-output motor and other features, it offers improved uphill performance on low-friction road surfaces, like snow-covered roads, and greater stability when turning.

Advanced Safety and Driving Support Systems

Toyota Safety Sense, the latest active safety package, is a standard inclusion. Including the Advanced Safety System with an expanded range of detectable objects, the new Prius also comes with the following added features.

– Rear vehicle proximity notification [first for a Toyota brand vehicle^*4]

Using the Blind Spot Monitor’s rear millimeter-wave radar, this feature detects vehicles in the rear and, if another vehicle is approaching, it alerts the driver via the Multi-Information Display and buzzer.

– Approaching vehicle proximity support (recording function and vehicle reporting suggestions) [first for a Toyota brand vehicle^*4]

If an automobile approaching from the rear is too close, this system offers the driver suggestions for dealing with the issue, including contacting the police or the HELPNET emergency call service. In vehicles equipped with a drive recorder, in addition to automatically recording the event, the system stores the data in a dedicated area that makes it difficult to record over.

– Secondary Collision Brake (rear impact mitigation when stopped) [first for a Toyota brand vehicle^*4]

Using the Blind Spot Monitor’s rear millimeter-wave radar, this system detects vehicles in the rear and, if it determines a very high possibility of a collision while the vehicle is stopped, it applies the brakes to reduce speed if a rear collision occurs. Compared to the previous model, this system enables an earlier reduction in speed by applying the brakes prior to a collision.

KINTO Unlimited: New car subscription service launched

• The new “KINTO Unlimited” car subscription offered by Toyota and KINTO opened for subscribers on January 10. To start, the new Prius U grade will be available on this service, which will be the only service offering it.
• KINTO is a subscription service^*5 which includes insurance, tax and other costs combined into a monthly subscription charge. Using new Toyota technologies, KINTO Unlimited will be provided with two additional values in the form of upgrades that ensure evolution of the vehicle’s software and hardware and connected services that ensure protection of cars and people using the customer’s driving data. These additional values will help maintain the value of the car, which is considered in advance to reduce the monthly subscription charge to start at 16,610 yen per month (including tax)^*6.
• The Prius Z and G grades will be available on the usual KINTO subscription service.
• More information on KINTO Unlimited and KINTO’s other services is available here (https://kinto-jp.com/lp/prius/

Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato makes its EMEA unveiling – Automobili Lamborghini presents the Huracán Sterrato[1] to VIP guests and media from Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), at its floating Lounge created in Doha. The Huracán Sterrato was formally presented by the Lamborghini executive management team, headed by Chairman and CEO Stephan Winkelmann. Joined by Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Federico Foschini, behind-the scenes workshops with Chief Technical Officer Rouven Mohr and Head of Design Mitja Borkert provided comprehensive insights into the design and engineering evolution of Sterrato.

“The Huracán Sterrato is the culmination of a development project that is entirely symbolic of Lamborghini’s philosophy: pushing expectations and possibilities to produce something unexpected but immediately recognizable as a Lamborghini. Following the car’s official unveiling in Miami, its presentation in Doha has enabled us to share the inspiration and evolution of this fun, all-terrain super sports Lamborghini with our EMEA clients, where the production Huracán Sterrato has received an equally enthusiastic reception.”

 – Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO, Lamborghini

Initially conceived in 2017, a two-year development period saw the Sterrato concept presented in 2019, with the 1499-unit production automobile announced just one week ago on the occasion of the Art Basel Miami Beach, for delivery in 2023 and 2024. While the world premiere in the United States had featured two different liveries in Verde Gea and Bianco Phanes, the Sterrato displayed on the terrace of the Doha lounge was dressed in Bianco Isi with the Italian flag livery, showcasing the Italian pride and heritage of the super sports automobile manufacturer from Sant’Agata Bolognese.

The Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato comes with a 5.2-liter V10 engine with maximum power output of 610 hp and 560 Nm of torque (at 6500 rpm), combined with 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and electronically controlled all-wheel drive with back mechanical self-locking differential. The exterior expresses the adventurous spirit of the Sterrato right from the first glance. The increased ground clearance by 44 mm ensures greater suspension travel, the front (+30 mm) and rear (+34 mm) tracks are wider.

In addition to protecting the Sterrato’s body, the aluminum front underbody protection, the reinforced sills, the rear diffuser and the sturdy wheel arches all emphasize its muscularity. The classic air intake located on the rear hood not only enhances the sporting spirit of the model, but also helps supply the engine with clean air when driving on dusty tracks. 

Clienteles joining Lamborghini in its pop-up Lounge floating on a pontoon in Doha Bay, were also able to consult Lamborghini’s Ad Personam specialists to configure their new Sterrato, selecting from more than 350 exterior paints and finishes, 60 internal leathers and a host of other finishes and options for virtually unlimited personalization potential.

New Lamborghini products including Urus Performante[1], Urus S[2], Huracán Tecnica[3] and Huracán STO[4] were also accessible for test drives, while the VIPs and journalists present enjoyed the Lounge’s hospitality overlooking the Doha coastline. Invited VIP guests and Lamborghini owners visiting the area can experience the world of Lamborghini from 21 November to 18 December. 

[1] The vehicle is not yet offered for sale and is therefore not subject to Directive 1999/94/EC. The fuel consumption and emissions data are in the type of approval stage. 

[2] Fuel consumption and emission values of Urus Performante; Fuel consumption combined: 14,1 l/100km (WLTP); CO2-emissions combined: 320 g/km (WLTP)

[3] Fuel consumption and emission values of Urus S; Fuel consumption combined: 14,1 l/100km (WLTP); CO2-emissions combined: 320 g/km (WLTP)

[4] Fuel consumption and emission values of Huracán Tecnica; Fuel consumption combined: 14,5 l/100km (WLTP); CO2-emissions combined: 328 g/km (WLTP)

[5] Fuel consumption and emission values of Huracán STO; Fuel consumption combined: 13.9 l/100km (WLTP); CO2-emissions combined: 331 g/km (WLTP)

Lamborghini Squadra Corse announces Romain Grosjean as official Factory Driver with Iron Lynx Team – Lamborghini Squadra Corse is delighted to announce the arrival of Romain Grosjean as an official Lamborghini Factory Driver from 2023. The experienced former Formula 1 driver will also be a key cog in the development of the Lamborghini LMDh project, which will unveil in 2024.

The Swiss French driver, who has spent the last two seasons racing in the IndyCar Series, will make his factory unveiling at the 24 Hours of Daytona aboard a Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2, run by Iron Lynx, alongside fellow Lamborghini Factory Drivers Andrea Caldarelli and Mirko Bortolotti. Grosjean will also contest further endurance events throughout the 2023 season, with a full programme to be announced in due course.

In addition to his GT3 programme next year, Grosjean will also join Caldarelli and Bortolotti as a test driver for Lamborghini Iron Lynx’s LMDh car, with which it will compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship in 2024.

Romain Grosjean History

Born in Geneva but competing under a French licence, Grosjean spent nine seasons in Formula One and recorded 10 podiums. He raced for Renault, Lotus and Haas before switching to the IndyCar Series in the US in 2021. A versatile driver, Grosjean has a number of junior single seater titles to his name over the years, winning the Formula 3 Euroseries in 2007, AutoGP in 2010 and the GP2 Series in 2011. He has equally raced in GTs and took a race win on his FIA GT1 World Championship debut in Abu Dhabi in 2010 as well as contesting the Spa 24 Hours the same year.

Iron Lynx, which is owned by the Swiss company DC Racing Solutions Ltd, will be the partner Lamborghini team in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship. Iron Lynx and Lamborghini will also work in close collaboration with PREMA Engineering, which will utilize its 30-year championship-winning expertise.

Speaking about the latest step in his career, Grosjean said:-

“First of all, it’s an honour to be joining Lamborghini, it’s such an iconic brand for everyone who loves cars, including myself and my kids. On top of that, I am very excited about two things: the first is starting in Daytona with the GT3 which has been very successful in Daytona and a really good team like Iron Lynx and team-mates around me, so that is going to be a nice discovery for myself. And then, later in the year developing the new LMDh which is a beautiful car – I’m lucky to have seen it – and an incredible project in endurance. It’s becoming a very exciting category with all the constructors coming. With Lamborghini being such a successful brand, I hope we can do well in the future.” 

Lamborghini Head of Motorsport Giorgio Sanna added:-

“We are very proud to welcome Romain Grosjean to the Lamborghini family, for this new and exciting period in the history of Squadra Corse. He’s a driver with a huge amount of experience in various categories over the years and will be able to add a great deal of value to both our GT3 programme but more importantly, the development of our LMDh car as well. I am looking forward to seeing Romain out on track in Daytona which will hopefully be the start of a very successful partnership going forward.”