Asia hotbed of IT piracy despite economic growth − report

Security concept: computer keyboard with word Cyber Crime, selected focus on enter button background, 3d render. Photo credit Yepp

More than 60 percent of all computer software installed in the Asia-Pacific in 2015 was unlicensed, the worst of any region, despite growing economies and anti-piracy efforts, an industry watchdog said Wednesday.

The Software Alliance − which includes giants like Microsoft, Apple, Intel, Oracle and Adobe − said in a report that the unlicensed software in Asia had a value of $19.1 billion last year.

Piracy rates were most rampant in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Indonesia at more than 80 percent. The global piracy average was 39 percent.

While the worldwide piracy rate decreased by four percentage points from 2013, Asia saw only a one percentage point decline to 61 percent over the two-year period, said the report, which did not cover mobile devices.

The report resulted from a survey of 22,000 computer users and 2,000 information technology decision-makers and includes business, operating system, gaming and security software.

The group’s Asia-Pacific senior director Tarun Sawney called for more action to address the problem of unlicensed software, particularly for key sectors like banking.

“Whilst there’s still been improvement from two years ago on the use of unlicensed software, the rate is still too high and certainly in emerging economies, a lot of which are in Asia-Pacific, the problem still persists,” he told a press conference.

The report cited a “disconnect” between businesses’ concern about cyber-security and their attitude to unlicensed software.

It found that the worldwide rate for what it called “critical” sectors such as banking, insurance and securities industries was 25 percent.

No figure was given for Asia in those sectors.

Weststar presents Dodge Charger as fastest sedan

There might not have been any competition to determine the fastest vehicle in the sedan segment. But if the claims made by Weststar Associates Limited about the attributes of the 2016 edition of Dodge Charger are anything to go by, the vehicle will wear the crown of the fastest sedan in the world.

That assertion may be subjective; but what is not disputable is that the new Dodge Charger ranks among the fastest in its segment.

The car is powered by a supercharged 6.4 litre HEM V8 engine that delivers 485 horsepower and uncorks 475 lb-ft of torque, all harnessed by a torque-flite 8HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission.

The auto firm, which features the supercar in its latest edition of ‘The Trail’, says, “The Dodge Charger not only roars for attention while on the road, it is also an amazing sight to behold the inside out.

“The front facia, hood and rear facia have all been designed for an even sleeker, chiselled appearance. Automatic bi-funchion HID projection headlamps, LED daylight running lamps are available for great illumination.”

It lists other features of the car as a beautiful black grille, dual rear tail pipes with bright tips, available black painted roof, solar controled glass, body-colour door handles, facia and auto adjust-in reverse exterior mirror, caples full fill, GPS antenna input, heated washer fluid nozzles, variable intermittent windshield wipers and remote fuel door release with proximity keyless entry.

For the interior, Weststar says the four-way heated powered  lumbar-adjust driver/passenger seats are covered in high performance Nappa leather with Alcantara suede.

Toyota upgrades Avensis with touch-screen display

Toyota says the 2016 Avensis has received a number of small upgrades, which are meant to raise the level of the elegant luxury sedan among its peers.

The facelift, which was acknowledged as the first since the launch of the Avensis last year, shows the new car coming with updated Toyota Touch 2 infotainment system. This features a seven-inch touch-screen display with connectivity to online apps and services.

The name Avensis came from the French term avancer, meaning ‘to advance’.

Experts say the Toyota Avensis over the years has advanced in size, technology, power,and economy to challenge its rivals such as the Peugeot 508 and Škoda Superb, Mazda6 and Volkswagen Passat.

The new 2016 Avensis, bearing the minor changes, was on display at the just concluded Lagos motor fair and it expectedly elicited a lot of interest, according to the Assistant Manager (Marketing), Toyota Nigeria Limited, Mr. Kunle Alake.

A report by an online motoring journal, Automotive World, obtained on Monday, says, “The principal change for the 2016 range is the installation of the latest version of Toyota Touch 2, Toyota’s touchscreen-controlled multimedia system. Avensis benefits from latest iteration of the technology, as previewed at this year’s Geneva motor show.

“The home screen menu has been redesigned and access to the ‘My Toyota’ online customer portal has been made simpler. The satellite navigation package has been rationalised into a single customer offer – Toyota Touch 2 with Go – with the added benefit of three years’ free map and connectivity updates.”

The new Toyota Avensis, launched in 2015, is said to have established its credentials as a strong and attractive market competitor.

According to the manufacturer, the luxury sedan offers prestigious, dynamic styling, rich sensory quality inside and out and, achieved by its precision chassis and steering engineering.

The TNL, in its review of the vehicle on its website, says the Avensis offers prestige and dynamism with a touch of elegance and quality.

It also states, “The styling of the Avensis gives a dynamic and unique presence. The outstanding basic performance delivers agile driving with a reassuring feeling.

“Your pleasure is enhanced by the spacious cabin with its premium-quality interior finish and satisfying equipment. Creating a new dynamism full of originality, the Avensis provides a cutting-edge at the top level in its class.

The vehicle was introduced in 1997 as a direct successor to Toyota Carina E and was aimed at creating a more modern name for the Carina E/Toyota Corona.

Engine

Another online auto journal, Carcoops, says the engine range of the new Avensis remains unchanged. The TNL lists the 2.0L manual transmission fabric seat; 2.0L automatic transmission fabric seat; and 2.0L AT leather seat as available options in Nigeria.

Performance

The auto firm says the vehicle offers optimum response and maximum performance.

One of its listed special features is an auto air conditioning system, whose “powerful performance ensures quick cooling of the spacious cabin. Independent controls for the front seats enable individual setting of the preferred temperature.”

It says the outstanding basic performance delivers agile driving with a reassuring feeling, adding, “Your pleasure is enhanced by the spacious cabin with its premium-quality interior finish and satisfying equipment. Creating a new dynamism full of originality, the Avensis provides a cutting-edge at the top level in its class.”

Safety

The Avensis first introduced Toyota innovation in active safety with the standard provision of the Toyota Safety Sense systems package on all models.

Specific safety details of the car provided by the TNL included the Electric Power Steering/Vehicle Stability Control system. The EPS replaces the hydraulic power steering and eliminates the power steering pump with the hoses as well as their weight to improve fuel economy.

The VSC prevents side skids and helps stabilise the vehicle while turning on a curve.

“For instance, when cornering on slippery roads, the system controls the amount of steering torque assist of the EPS by coordinating conventional functions such as VSC and TRC to help realise excellent controllability and driving stability,” it says.

It says the car also comes with an Anti-lock Braking System and Electronic Brake-force Distribution.

BMW enters large SUV market with X8

A renowned German automaker, BMW, may be late to the large Sport Utility Vehicle market; it has finally joined the league. It has announced that it will be introducing X8 for the 2018 market that will play in the large SUV segment.

It says the new BMW X7 will come to market in 2018 to sit above the X5 and expected to successfully compete against the high-sellers in this category such as the Mercedes-Benz GL.

It is a big, family-hauling SUV with three rows for seating seven people.

The automaker says the large premium SUV will be built upon the new car architecture and will share many of its components with other X models.

“The BMW X7 will come with some new features and a modern design, so we expect to see a larger than usual kidney grille, a massive front bumper with large air intakes and an elegant look from the side. Inside space and luxury will also be one of the main design points,” the firm says.

Under the hood, the BMW X7 is expected to use the X6 engines, from a 3.0 litre six-cylinder power plant to the 4.4 V8 with 555 horsepower.

Early projections put the sales of the BMW X7 between 40,000 and 50,000 units a year with the main markets being China, the United States and Russia.

Nigeria is also a strong market for the BMW models in Africa; next to South Africa on the continent. And this product should do well in the country.

An online auto journal, Car and Driver, writing on the platform, says, “As the BMW’s largest rear-wheel-drive platform but with available four-wheel drive, the X7 will have cutting-edge connectivity, driver-assistance, and infotainment systems.

“As to its off-road capabilities, this BMW is no Jeep, but that’s okay since its customers probably think of parking lots when they hear ‘off-road.’”

The high-end SUV will be built on the CLAR platform, which uses a mixture of high-strength steel, aluminum and carbon fiber, increasing structural rigidity while saving weight, says Car and Driver.

“Just like the next 5 Series — which is rumored to shed anywhere from 50 to 100 kg — the X7 is expected to keep its weight in check, despite its large dimensions,” the reviewer says.

Powertrain: BMW’s proven lineup of inline-six and V-8 petrol and diesel engines will channel their torque to the drive wheels through a ZF eight-speed automatic.

Looking at the competition, Car and Driver lists its rivals as Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX80, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Lincoln Navigator and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.

FG orders MDAs to buy made-in-Nigeria vehicles

Rasheed Bisiriyu

The Federal Government may have directed its Ministries, Departments and Agencies to henceforth patronise local auto assembly plants for their vehicle needs as a way to keep the industry running and improve the nation’s economy.

It is also projected that the gesture will form the plank for generating thousands of jobs.

This indication emerged on Tuesday, a day after President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated 283 locally assembled vehicles purchased by the Federal Road Safety Corps to boost its operations nationwide.

The vehicles, which included patrol cars, rescue buses and tow trucks, were supplied by Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Limited, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited and Nissan Nigeria, a subsidiary of Stallion Autos.

About two weeks ago, local vehicles assemblers had decried the lack of patronage of their products by the government and its agencies.

Speaking on behalf of the assemblers, the Chairman, Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association, Mr. Tokunbo Aromolaran, specifically criticised the Senate for allegedly splashing about N3.9bn on the purchase of 108 high-end Sport Utility Vehicles for each of its senators, at a unit cost of N36.5m.

NAMA also said the Senate could have saved about N1.47bn on the amount voted for the vehicles had it opted for Nigeria-assembled SUVs.

It, however, was reliably gathered on Tuesday that Buhari’s directive to all the MDAs on new operational vehicles made the FRSC to restrict the vehicle purchase  to Nigeria-assembled brands.

It was, however, not clear if the ministers, chief executive officers, directors and other top officials of the government would be compelled to use only vehicles built in Nigeria as official cars.

The injection of 283 vehicles to the FRSC’s fleet was said to be the first time such large number of operational vehicles would be introduced at a go in the 28 year history of the corps.

Buhari, who was represented at the inauguration by the Minister of Interior, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd), said, “My administration has remained unrelenting in its commitment to the provision of road infrastructure and capacity development of staff members of the Federal Road Safety Corps including the provision of facilities that could enhance effective management of the nation’s highways.

He commended the efforts of the corps’ personnel for their steadfast and commitment to duties, which had helped reduce the number of road accidents and earned the organisation international recognition and accolades.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir Lawal, said the deployment of the 283 vehicles in the various patrol operations of the FRSC nationwide would lead to safer roads, boost the travellers’ confidence and encourage tourism activities.

He advised motorists to drive within the stipulated speed limits, use seat belt and carry out necessary checks and measures before setting out on any journey.

The Corps Marshal, FRSC, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi, said the approval for the vehicles’ purchase symbolised “the sustained intent of the Federal Government to raise the bar on road safety management,” adding that the gesture would lead to increased patrol activities and response time of the corps during disasters.

Jaguar rolls out first SUV F-Pace

It is a new dawn at Jaguar Land Rover as it stuns the auto world by rolling out its first Sport Utility Vehicle, the F-Pace. The vehicle is said to combine elegance with sophistication and cutting edge technology.

The luxury automaker describes it as a high performance vehicle that is designed and engineered to offer agility, responsiveness and refinement.

“When sensational performance meets dramatic looks, the result is pure exhilaration. Add everyday practicality and you have the all-new F-Pace, the first Jaguar luxury performance SUV,” the automaker declares.

The manufacturer says its decision to unveil the luxury SUV in an African country, Mauritius, is not a mistake. It is first to showcase its unique performance in appropriate terrain; and the value attached to the Middle East and African markets.

The new vehicle comes with a number of exceptional features aimed at making it a force to reckon with in the SUV category, according to the automaker.

In a statement obtained via email, Jaguar says, “On the road, it will have tremendous presence, thanks to the slender full-LED headlights, short front overhang, powerful rear haunches, distinctive taillight graphics, and a sleek aerodynamic design.”

One unique feature of the car is its revolutionary Activity Key that will be relished by those with active lifestyle. This is a wearable accessory that also serves as a key fob, designed for those with active lifestyles.

The vehicle is built on the company’s Lightweight Aluminium Architecture, and retains bold styling cues that make it undeniably a Jaguar.

Inspired by the C-X17 Concept, the vehicle has been designed in two unique paint colours. The vehicle’s first edition offers individuality with exclusive design details, high specification features and a choice of engines.

Interior

With seating for five occupants — including best-in-class legroom for rear passengers — the luxurious interior is a perfect blend of premium materials and finishes, as well as exquisite detailing.

Passengers will have access to heated- and electrically reclining rear seats, while drivers benefit from cutting-edge technologies like the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system, a 12.3-inch HD virtual instrument cluster and a laser head-up display.

F-Pace has an impressive 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space with seats up and a versatile 40:20:40 rear seat folding configuration. Every inch has been carefully considered for maximum usability.

The Operation Director, Jaguar Land Rover, sub-Sahara Africa, Nigel Clarke, was quoted as saying, “The F-Pace is our first SUV, and the latest addition to the growing Jaguar range. We are committed to developing high-performance luxury vehicles that cater to the needs of our customers all over the world.

“Sports cars are part of Jaguar’s DNA, and we’ve used this expertise to develop the F-Pace to be engaging to drive, while offering excellent interior space and superb practicality.”

Engine performance

The range of engines includes the 3.0 litre V6 380 PS Supercharged Petrol and the new 2.0 litre 4 cylinder 180PS Turbocharged Diesel Ingenium. This can achieve 4.9l/100km and CO2 emissions as low as 129g/km.

Jaguar says the new F-Pace combines maximum driving exhilaration with efficiency.

“Technologically advanced to the core, F-Pace keeps you safe, connected and entertained. It has the capability for every road and the capacity for every day. The F-Pace is a Jaguar for you, a Jaguar for your family.

Exterior

Visually inspired by F-Type, the new Jaguar F-Pace is a performance SUV that has the DNA of a sports car.

“From the hood bulge to the pronounced rear haunches, its powerful looks make it distinctive and give it a head-turning road presence. F-Pace reinvents the energy, strength and purity of form of F-Type,” Jaguar says.

Copyright PUNCH.          

Peugeot introduces advanced 3008 SUV

Peugeot 3008 SUV

Rasheed Bisiriyu

Things are looking up for Peugeot both at home and abroad as the frontline French automaker has announced the introduction of what it calls its “most advanced vehicle” to date.

This is coming at a time Peugeot Nigeria Limited, the local assembler of the Peugeot brand of vehicles, is getting a big chunk of the nation’s automobile market. The firm supplied over about 50 per cent of 283 vehicles recently purchased by the Federal Road Safety Corps to boost the corps’ operations across the country.

The new 3008 SUV is said to be bigger, lighter and a better performer than its predecessor. According to the manufacturer, the vehicle also brings new technology and a unique driving experience to the popular C-segment SUV market, which will be formally unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September this year.

A report obtained from the automaker’s website says the new model comes with the latest generation Peugeot i-Cockpit, which includes an advanced sensory engagement for the driver and passengers. This is to enable the owners/drivers to enjoy and exploit the full potential of their new 3008 SUVs.

Interior

The New Peugeot 3008 SUV is one of the most compact models in its segment, offering greater passenger and luggage space over the outgoing model.

Specifically, the vehicle’s length of 4450mm is 80mm longer than the current model and has a longer wheelbase. Its interior space has greatly improved, most notably for rear occupants who now have an additional 24mm legroom, 4mm elbow room and 36mm headroom.

The front elbow space has also increased by 17mm, despite the width of the new model being identical to the outgoing version at 1840mm, and height being 19mm lower at 1620mm.

“With a luggage capacity of 520L (under the luggage cover), this is almost 90L bigger than the previous generation. Like the previous version, owners can remove the luggage cover and fold the second row of seats flat; this results in a total luggage capacity of 1580 litres, one of the largest and most versatile load capacities in the segment,” it states.

Increased performance

The ultimate driving experience of the new vehicle is made possible with its reduced weight. The new model is said to be 100kg lighter than the previous generation versions.

Peugeot says, “This has been achieved though intelligent design and use of materials to provide improved efficiency, better fuel economy, increased performance, a more dynamic driving experience and class leading safety.”

It also notes that Very High Strength Steel and Ultra High Strength Steel have been used in the construction of the new model with a thermoplastic boot floor and tailgate and aluminium wings, front suspension arms and rear seat frames.

New Peugeot i-Cockpit

The new model offers the automaker the opportunity to expand the evolution of the Peugeot i-Cockpit as it features sensory buttons.

It says, “By simply pressing a dedicated key — next to the toggle buttons there is the opportunity to further enhance the driving experience: with i-Cockpit Amplify. In this way, all the senses are immediately aroused.

“With Amplify, occupants are treated to three exclusive fragrances from internationally renowned perfumer, Scentys and Antoine Lie. This includes ‘Cosmic Leather’, a vibrant and sensory fragrance, ‘Aerodrive’, a lively and stimulating fragrance, and ‘Harmony Wood’, an authentic and relaxing fragrance. Fragrance diffusion is adjustable, with three levels of intensity.

Connectivity

The driver’s need to stay connected while driving the new 3008 SUV is made possible with the use of MirrorScreen, induction smartphone recharging  and 3D connected navigation.

It says, “With the Mirror Screen function, a smartphone screen can be reproduced on the touch-screen to make best use of its applications. It is compatible with MirrorLink protocols (Android smartphones), Android Auto and Apple Carplay (iPhone 5 onwards).

“And with a touch of a button on the steering wheel, there is a remote voice recognition function through the smartphone (Android S-Voice and Apple Siri).”

Safety

Its special safety features include Active Safety Brake and Distance Alert, a distance alert function with automatic emergency braking (to avoid a collision or to limit the severity by reducing vehicle speed) and Active Involuntary Crossing Line, a lane departure alert for safer driving with visual and audible warnings and active vehicle control.

It also has the Driver Alert Warning function; with constant analysis of vehicle trajectory against road markings, it can then trigger several levels of audible and visual alerts and remind drivers to take a break after two hours of continuous driving and at a speed greater than 65km/h