Mercedes SLS AMG
The Mercedes SLS AMG ROADSTIR was the cynosure of all eyes during the automobile parade at the opening ceremony of the on-going Abuja Motor Show as Weststar Associates inaugurates its ultramodern facility in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, WRITES OLAOLU OLUSINA
There is no doubt that the Mercedes SLS AMG ROADSTIR is a show-stopper any day as the European auto machine which personifies opulence, style and class is living it up at the on-going Abuja Motor Show.
Described as a ‘flying car’, the two-seater sporty car was the cynosure of all eyes during the automobile parade at the opening ceremony of the I4th edition of the premium motor show in Africa which was declared open by Vice President Namadi Sambo, who was represented by the Minister of State for Commerce and Investments, Dr. Sam Otong, at the Eagle Square in Abuja on Tuesday.
The opening ceremony came a day after Weststar Associates Limited, representative of Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands of vehicles in Nigeria, inaugurated its ultramodern facility in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja
Addressing auto journalists during a facility tour of the workshop on Tuesday, General Manager, Weststar Associates, Mr. Armin Schmand, said the facility was opened for business about six months ago and has the capacity to provide after-sales services for users of Mercedes-Benz in Abuja and other states around the FCT.
Schmand said about .3 million Euros was expended for building converting the building to an ultra-modern workshop facility, while 2.5 million Euros was used to stock the facility with genuine spare parts as backup for repairs.
The workshop has four repair bays and an ultra-modern diagnostic machine which is used to diagnose every problem in the automobiles. Meanwhile, Weststar is already participating in the on-going Motor Fair as it is showcasing its commercial vehicles and passenger cars , including the Mercedes-Benz 30-seater Bus Concept (World Premier). The company is also parading the new B180 – Compact Sports Tourer, the all new GLK and the recently launched ML350 as special highlights at very attractive trade fair prices.
In his speech at the occasion, Minister of State for Commerce and Investments, Otong, said the automotive industry is generally regarded as an engine of growth whose establishment serves as an important stimulus to other economic activities. He said the industry has capabilities to generate employment opportunities, encourage the growth of other satellite industries, enhances technology transfer and acquisition and serves as catalyst to the development of other basic industries.
“The thrust of the National Automotive Policy is to ensure the survival, growth and development of the Nigerian automotive industry using local and international human and material resources. This is with a view to enhancing the industry’s contribution to the economy.
“The targets of this policy include: provision of automotive vehicles for urban and rural areas; accelerated Technological development; increased employment opportunities for Nigerians; conservation of scarce foreign exchange; establishment of integrated automotive industry; standardization and rationalization of the Nigerian automotive industry; increased private sector participation in the auto industry, and creating conducive operational environment through the introduction of appropriate fiscal and monetary incentives,” he added.
The Minister also assured of the continued support of the federal government and the Goodluck Jonathan administration to make the industry attain the desired height sooner than envisaged.