Ford Motor Company and its local dealer Coscharis Motors have said they would continue to dedicate their efforts to showcase the importance of investing in youth skills development in Nigeria.
World Youth Skills Day, marked every year on 15 July, is one of the new United Nations (UN) International Days of observance established by the UN General Assembly in 2014.
Africa has the world’s youngest population and it is growing rapidly. African countries will need to address the rise in youth unemployment. Nigeria is no different. According to Trading Economics, approximately 25% of the youth in Nigeria are unemployed. Industries such as the auto sector present an opportunity for governments to tackle youth unemployment. It’s essential that the youth are given the necessary skills to succeed in the industry to ensure competitiveness. Adequate training is the bedrock of any industry.
Coscharis Motors in partnership with the Lagos State Government has designated an automotive training centre in the revamped premises of Eko Engineering Ventures. The objective is to produce qualified staff for the local motor industry. The ultra-modern training centre was officially opened in 2012.
Ford and Coscharis Motors have donated several vehicles to the CG-Eko LLP training centre to be used for practical training. These include three Ford Ranger pick-up trucks, a Ford Everest SUV, 1.5-litre Ford Figo and a Ford EcoSport.Â
From the years 2013 – 2017, as many as 41 technicians were trained using the donated Ford vehicles at the training centre.
Abiona Babarinde, Coscharis group General Manager, Marketing, and Corporate Communications, says: “The role of employees in the much-changed motor industry of the 21st century – particularly technicians – means that extensive training is required as vehicles become increasingly high tech. Today’s automotive technicians are very different from the general mechanics of old. We, at the Coscharis group, are thankful that Ford believes in our mission and vision by providing practical support to our projects. We will continue to work together with Ford to develop the automotive industry in Nigeria.â€
Coscharis Motors have taken various other initiatives to develop Nigeria’s automotive industry with the training of technicians as an important means of closing the skills gap being a major focus. The company believes that establishing a fully functioning automotive industry will contribute significantly to youth training while decreasing the high unemployment in Nigeria.
“The recent appointment of acclaimed car designer Jelani Aliyu as Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has added renewed vigour to the development of the local motor industry as Jelani’s own career began in this industry,†added Babarinde.
The United Nations says that fostering the acquisition of skills by the youth will enhance their ability to make informed choices about life and work, while empowering them to gain access to a changing labour market and viable employment opportunities.
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 Increased Torque in the New Golf
W
ith the release of the new Volkswagen Golf, fans of this compact class leader are set to be more obsessed than ever before. This little firecracker packs one particularly stylish punch, with its sharper and sleeker features, the Golf retains its crowning reputation for refinement and sophistication. But of course there’s more to the new Golf than meets the eye; you can count on it to lead the way when it comes to safety, power, usability and pioneering technology… and that’s exactly why you already want one.
Under the Bonnet
The first thing you’ll notice on the spec sheet of the new 2017 Golf is the increased torque owing to the next generation TSI engine. Even the modest 1.0l engine of the Trendline Golf will take you from 0-100km/h in 9.9 seconds, while the GTI model will get you there in just 6.4 seconds. If you look at the top speeds of new Golf range you can expect to reach speeds between 196km/h and 248km/h depending on the model. Whichever model you choose, you need not fill a spot in the slow lane.
In the Cockpit
When you slip into the driver’s seat, the first you will notice; after the sleek, stylish interior, is the updated infotainment system and the improved driver assistance systems.
Drivers can rely on the convenience of:
Active Info Display – allows driver to easily access different information profiles.
Trailer Assist – assists in the manoeuvring of a trailer.
Adaptive Cruise Control – limits and ensures car speed remains consistent.
Gesture Control – the optional 9.2†touchscreen senses your hand movements, allowing you to swipe through menus, tracks and radio stations with the swish of your finger.
Safe and Secure
Not one to neglect the most important aspects of a car, Volkswagen reaches further into its arsenal to pull out more innovative features. Over and above the curtain, side, front and passenger airbags, the new Golf boasts Blind Spot Detection, Rear Traffic Alert, and with Front Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking.
Finishing Touches
The sprinkles on the cake are the Golf’s sharper, more refined lines. The front headlights have been broadened and the rear tail lights feature attention grabbing LEDs. Perfection from every angle, the new Golf inspires the next generation of Golf drivers to suit up or risk being outdone by their new mobile companion.
To GTI or Not to GTI?
It would be naïve to say we haven’t all dreamed about the exquisite power housed under the bonnet of the Golf GTI. Think about this: 0-100km/h in a minuscule 6.4 seconds! A top speed of 248km/h! At this point you are thinking beyond the need to get from point A to point B, you are getting there safely, stylishly and quickly. You will never have to worry about getting stuck behind a pantechnicon on a steep incline without the power to overtake ever. That’s all we really want right? Well, that and the sports suspension; 6-speed DSG and progressive steering.
