Made-in-Nigeria Hyundai Grand: A mix of art and innovation

The Hyundai Grand does prove a point that a comfortable and spacious car doesn’t have to be cumbersome. And that exactly was Hyundai Motors’ conviction when it went to the drawing board to design this exceptionally cultured budget car that has become the toast of most automobile freaks worldwide.

The feature–packed Hyundai Grand responds to every expectation with alluring cabin colour, textures and shape that lend it a sport appeal that could easily make any large car envious.

From whatever angle you view this car, it is evident the Grand was crafted to meet utmost degree of needs.

The Grand is a whole new level of art plus innovation, which ordinarily gives the car an unimaginable feel.

Head of sales and marketing at Hyundai Motors Nigeria, Mr. Jatin Nadkarni affirmed this as he took delivery of the first set of Hyundai Grand cars assembled at the Hyundai Motors Nigeria plant in Lagos.

He said: “The world is changing every day, so we decided to also change the way people communicate with each other by introducing the Hyundai Grand – a car that lets you share a new language with the world.”

And true to his words, the Grand shows a sharp styling with a whole new level of innovation that attest to the brilliantly crafted exterior which leaves an everlasting impression on all those who catch a glimpse of it.

The newly designed clear headlight clusters for instance, not only look good, they improve your night vision and on-road visibility with extra safety.

Hyundai Grand is also equipped with chrome-coated radiator grille positioned to perfection to project strong presence.

The outside mirror repeaters are aerodynamically sculpted while the outside mirror is ornamented with LED repeaters for enhanced looks and safety.

Inside the car, the front and rear seating ergonomically designed bucket type front seats gives the car a premium feel with spacious and cushioned rear seats and adjustable headrests assure ample support and comfortable seating.

This is in addition to the liberal boot space to accommodate a weekend luggage with bench folding function that provides an extra flat load space.

Powered by a dual CVVT Kappa 1.25litre all-aluminum engine that emits quiet and smooth operation, the Grand will delight drivers looking for exceptionally low weight cars that maximize fuel consumption.

Manufactured only in petrol variant for the Nigerian market, the Grand offer light weight and robust five-speed manual transmission that enhances smooth and accurate gearshift for optimum performance.

The Grand’s aerodynamic designed bumper reduces forward air flow resistance and the rear spoiler effect enhances fuel economy and driving stability.

The Grand may be compact in looks; its makers did not compromise on safety. The structural safety of the Grand utilizes anti corrosive steel, ring structure application to enhance the rigidity and body robustness while its Anti-lock brake system (ABS) prevents skidding and retains the car’s steer ability on slippery surfaces. This mechanism also enables stable braking and restricts wheel lock-up during panic braking.

Lagos To Become Oil Producing State Next Year

LAGOS State may join the league of oil producing states in the country by next year, with the expected commencement of production from the Aje oil field, offshore Badagry.

Specifically, the Yinka Folawiyo-led joint venture has completed development-planning studies of the Aje oil field and planned to proceed with field start-up arrangements immediately.

 

 The partners said the Final Investment Decision (FID) are expected in the near future with first production expected at the end of 2015.

 

 The Field Development Plan (FDP), which was approved by the Nigerian Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) early this year, is primarily focused on the Cenomanian oil development.

 

 The Aje Cenomanian crude is light, sweet under-saturated oil of approximately 39.4 API gravity with a gas oil ratio of 375-480 standard cubic feet per barrel (scf/bbl).

 

 The joint venture participants have undertaken detailed development planning studies of the Aje field, which have now been completed and they are currently considering the proposal to proceed with the Phase 1 Cenomanian oil development.

 

 Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum is operating the field with partners like Jacka Resources, New AGE, First Hydrocarbons Nigeria, Energy Equity Resources and Panoro Energy.

 

 Chairman Jacka Reources, Max Cozijn, in a statement Tuesday said: “Jacka is pleased to achieve this milestone in the development of the Aje Field and of the company.

 

 “Following the final investment decision by the joint venture the first significant activity in the field will be the drilling of Aje-5 and the completion of this well and the existing Aje-4 well, in first quarter 2015. Installation of the production facilities, including tying the wells to the FPSO, will occur later in 2015. Jacka looks forward to achieving first commercial production at the end of 2015,”

 

 According to him, an independent report on the Aje field recently completed by AGR TRACS International on behalf of the joint-venture partners has indicated that the gross 2P oil reserves for the Phase 1 Cenomanian oil development are 23.4 million barrels.

 

 The gross 2C contingent resources total an additional 179 million barrels of oil equivalent, of which 15.7 million barrels of oil is attributable to the Phase II Cenomanian oil development and the remainder to the later Turonian gas/condensate development.

 

 The Aje Field is located in OML113, approximately 24 kilometres offshore Lagos, Nigeria.

 

 OML113 covers an area of 835 square kilometres and water depths range from less than 100 metres to approximately 1,500 metres. The field, which is defined by 3D seismic, can be developed with wells drilled in conventional water depths of approximately 100-400 metres.

 

 The company said, a new 3D seismic survey, covering the whole of OML113, was acquired earlier in 2014 and will be used for locating subsequent development wells as well as pursuing exploration and appraisal targets, including the possible extension of the Ogo discovery from the adjacent OPL310 exploration area.

 

 The initial field discovery well, Aje-1 was drilled in 1996. A total of four wells have now been drilled on the Aje Field and hydrocarbon resources proven at three reservoir levels (Turonian, Cenomanian and Albian).

 

 “An initial field production rate of approximately 10,000 barrels of oil per day is anticipated. Solution gas will be used as fuel. Drilling and completion operations are expected to commence in Q1 2015, with FPSO installation in mid-2015.

 

 “All major contractors have been identified (FPSO, installation, flowlines, drilling among others) and contracting discussions are advanced, in most cases to draft contracts; which provides assurance on cost and availability of services.” it stated.

 

 “No crude sales agreements have yet been entered into for the project but as the Cenomanian oil is a light crude and the project is located on major shipping routes to and from Nigeria’s main oil producing areas, sales and access to transport is not expected to be a problem.

 

 “Following the approval of the FDP by the Nigerian authorities in Q1 of this year, there are no major environmental or regulatory approvals outstanding,” it stated.