…As Mercedes-Benz expands portfolio with new A-Class Sedan***
Japan would not be joining recent talks on the
implementation of a ban on open-loop scrubbers, the country’s Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has announced.
The decision is based on a report presented by MLIT at an
International Maritime Organization (IMO) meeting last week, in which Japan
said that it has come to a conclusion that wash water from open-loop scrubbers
does not present a significant threat to the marine environment.
Japan’s MLIT pointed to the fact that scrubber wash
water does not harm the ocean and the organisms living in it. Additionally,
burning heavy fuel oil with a scrubber is still better than running on 0.5%
sulphur fuel alone, the study showed. Avoiding the ban would also contribute to
the stabilization of fuel oil demand and ensure a smooth transition to the new
sulphur oxides regulation, it was said.
The ministry concluded that a decision to ban ships with
open-loop scrubbers in its ports would not be based on scientific facts,
thereby lending its weight to scrubber proponents.
Similar results were presented following a three-years study
published by the Clean Shipping Alliance 2020 (CSA 2020).
The CSA study revealed that the samples analysed over
three years were consistently well within the allowable IMO criteria and
regulatory limits. The Carnival-led study collected 281 wash water samples
from 53 scrubber-equipped cruise ships. After conducting relevant tests, the
results showed that the samples were well within the allowable IMO criteria and
regulatory limits.
A number of ports in the US, Europe, and Asia have
introduced open-loop scrubber bans ahead of the IMO 2020 regulation. China has
completely banned wash water discharge in its ports.
In the meantime, Mercedes-Benz is expanding its compact car
portfolio with the introduction of the A-Class Sedan, following suit with the
likes of the A-Class, CLA and GLA.
The automaker’s compact car segment is said to be
fast-growing with the acquisition of new customer groups from different regions
around the world.
This is said to have aided the authorised general
distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, Weststar Associated Limited’s resolve
to attract different customer groups in Nigeria who look to enjoy the best
driving experience regardless of their automobile preferences.
Weststar says due to an increase in demand, the A-Class is
for the first time also offered as a sedan, which follows the successful launch
of the new A-Class that pushed boundaries in major markets, last year.
The distributor says the A-Class Sedan comes with a modern
and superior sporty design, an unrivalled experience with the Mercedes-Benz
User Experience and intelligent drive functions from the S-Class.
It says the car has a completely redefined interior design
and optional equipments and appointments like Keyless-Go with hands-free
access.
It adds, “The exterior of the A-Class Sedan exudes a modern
and superior sporty design. The front end takes a very progressive look with
the low, elongated bonnet, the slimline headlamps with chrome element, the
torch-like daytime driving lights — plus the single-louvre diamond radiator
grille with optional chrome pins, and the central star.
“The side mirrors sit on the beltline, while the 16 to
19-inch wheels and the pronounced wheel arches give the A-Class Sedan a sporty
stance on the road. On the rear end there are two-part tail lamps that
emphasize width, the rear reflectors have been relocated to the modular
two-part rear bumper.
“Depending on the selected equipment, this rear bumper is
available with a black diffuser or with chrome trim strip and chrome tailpipe
tips. The multibeam LED headlamps are another highlight, they allow extremely
quick and precise, electronically controlled adjustment of the headlamps to
suit the current traffic situation. Each headlamp features 18 individually
actuated LEDs.”
Westtstar says the inside of the A-Class Sedan comes in a
modern and avant-garde look emphasising a revolution from within while the
dashboard gets a completely new design.
The cowl above the cockpit and the wing-shaped main body of
the dashboard extend from one front door to the other with no visual
discontinuity, among other designs and functions, it adds.
The dealership explains that the A-Class Sedan has been
introduced to the market with the A200 petrol engine and comes with a 1.3 litre
M282 engine producing a power output of 120 kW (163 hp) and a torque of 250 Nm.
It adds that power is transmitted by the 7G-DCT dual-clutch
transmission, an automated three-shaft manual transmission consisting of two
subtransmissions, each with its own clutch.
“This allows a particularly comfortable but nevertheless
dynamic mode of driving. The A-Class Sedan keeps up the pace with technology
from the A-Class while the MBUX comes as standard equipment,” it says.
The Managing Director, Weststar Associates Limited, Mr Mirko
Plath, describes the growing compact car family as a step in the right
direction from Mercedes-Benz.
He says the A-Class Sedan will serve more customer groups
and that owning a Mercedes-Benz will be more attractive for the younger
generation with the emotive and technological appeal of the MBUX.
Plath explains that the A-Class Sedan comes with a modern
design, the latest driving assistance systems and a very competitive entry
price.
“The compact car family of Mercedes-Benz has continued its growth in the Nigerian market with the A-Class Sedan set for its arrival. This follows the successful introduction of the new A-Class last year. Weststar Associates Limited, authorised General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria will introduce the A-Class Sedan by May, 2019,” he says.
World Maritime News with additional report from Punch
