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Audi launches an affordable service plan for older vehicles

vuyi on July 8, 2020

Audi has launched the AudiSmart Service plan, an affordable new service offering which is applicable to all Audi vehicles that are 6 to 13 years old (or within a maximum mileage threshold of 270 000 KM), and which fall out of the standard Audi Freeway Plan or Freeway Plan Extension. This progressive new plan includes cover for two years and/or 30 000 KM (whichever occurs first) and includes two minor oil change services at a significantly discounted price.

The AudiSmart Service offering allows older Audi models to continue being serviced

– Hassan Salie, Head of Aftersales and Dealer Development at Audi South Africa

AudiSmart Service ensures that only trained Audi technicians will maintain the vehicle, according to the highest standards of Vorsprung service excellence. Further to this, only genuine Audi parts, specialised Audi equipment and diagnostic tools will be used in servicing the car. The plan can also be topped up at any Audi Dealership in order to cover a major service need. As part of a value added service to this package, the AudiSmart Service plan also includes comprehensive roadside assistance (Audi Assist) as an added benefit.

“The AudiSmart Service offering allows older Audi models to continue being serviced or return their servicing history at a franchised Audi Dealership which prides itself in offering the best and most comprehensive care for an Audi, said Hassan Salie, Head of Aftersales and Dealer Development at Audi South Africa. “There are many, older Audi vehicles in the market which are not covered by the Audi Freeway Plan or Freeway Plan Extension. The AudiSmart Service plan thereby gives those drivers an affordable Audi servicing option based on experienced labour and brand assurance,” he added.

AudiSmart Service plans retail from R4,800 and are available at any Audi Dealership around South Africa. The newly launched plan is part of the Audi South Africa’s suite of service and maintenance options within the Audi Freeway Plan (5 years and/or 100 000 KM) and Freeway Plan Extension (10 years and/or 300 00 KM) portfolio. These products are all available to Audi drivers throughout their various ownership cycles.

New Directors Appointed at VWSA

vuyi on July 8, 2020

Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has welcomed a number of new directors to their Board of Management.

Thabo Nkoane has been appointed as the new Human Resources Director, effective from 1 June 2020. Nkoane joins VWSA from AEL Mining Services, and boasts extensive experience in the mining and manufacturing sectors in South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa. He holds an MBL and an Honours degree in Industrial Psychology.

VWSA is proud to welcome these new directors, and I am sure our business will benefit in many aspects from their knowledge and contributions,

– VWSA Chairman and Managing Director Thomas Schaefer

Nkoane replaces Percy Smith, who has held the title of Human Resources Director since 2008. Smith is retiring at the end of July after 30 years spent in service of VWSA. 

The Board of Management has seen several changes in recent months. In December 2019, Rochelle Reddy took up the reins as the Director for Sub Saharan Africa, a new position that oversees Volkswagen’s interests in this region. Reddy has more than 15 years’ experience in international strategy development, most of which was gained in emerging African markets.

In March 2020, the company also welcomed a new Finance Director, Gustavo Dozo. Prior to joining VWSA, Dozo was Head of Finance for Volkswagen Argentina, and he has spent over 22 years working for the Volkswagen Group. Dozo replaced Henning Jens, who returned to Germany.

The Board also welcomed Reverend Nomgando Matyumza as its newest independent non-executive Board member in March 2020. Rev Matyumza has extensive management experience, having held positions with South African Breweries, Transnet Pipelines and Eskom. She has also served on the Boards of several other organisations, including Transnet and WBHO Ltd. She currently serves on the Boards of Standard Bank and Sasol. Rev Matyumza is a Chartered Accountant and holds B.Compt Honours and LLB degrees. She is a Presiding Elder and Pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

“VWSA is proud to welcome these new directors, and I am sure our business will benefit in many aspects from their knowledge and contributions,” said VWSA Chairman and Managing Director Thomas Schaefer. “I also want to thank Percy Smith for his decades of dedicated service and the impact he has made in the lives of our employees. I wish him all the best for his retirement.”

Nissan introduces new Shop@Home services in South Africa

vuyi on July 8, 2020

In response to the unique challenges posed by the COVID 19 pandemic, Nissan is rapidly transforming the customer experience to effectively bring the showroom directly into potential buyers’ homes.

All the most popular services, queries and bookings associated with a trip to your local dealer can now be done virtually from the safety of your living room. This includes an interactive video call with our dealers nationwide linking digital solutions to the physical dealer environment, enabling our customers to virtually connect with our highly skilled sales executives for a real-time virtual demonstration of the vehicle.       

In addition to South Africa, Nissan has grouped its digital and remote services under a new Shop@Home tab on its websites across Middle East, Turkey and India. Services include ordering online, get a quotation or request a call back.  

At Nissan, we listened to customers during this challenging time….

– GUILLAUME CARTIER, nissan Chairman of the Africa Middle East and India (AMI) region

The buying process can also be completed online with the help of a finance calculator and soon a pre-finance assessment will be introduced, as well as comprehensive service and warranty information.

Nissan SA will shortly be offering home test drives with a few pilot dealers, to support the customers who prefer to physically experience a Nissan vehicle of their choice. The next on the list will include a full virtual showroom experience, providing a 360 virtual tour of the dealership and all vehicles from the safety of your living room.

Nissan Chairman of the Africa Middle East and India (AMI) region, Guillaume Cartier, said: “The digital space offers huge potential to revolutionise the vehicle purchase and ownership experience. At Nissan, we listened to customers during this challenging time, and have developed a range of online features and services that allow people to choose, compare, configure and even purchase a vehicle from the comfort and safety of their own homes.”

The pandemic has had a profound impact on businesses and people….

– JONI PAIVA, NISSAN AMI REGIONAL Vice President

In addition to the Shop@Home features, Nissan’s website also has a complete section dedicated to customer wellbeing for the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes fun family activities to do under a lockdown, useful tips to be safe, and updates on Nissan’s contribution in fighting the virus under its COVID-19 Updates tab.

Nissan AMI Regional Vice President, Joni Paiva, commented: “The pandemic has had a profound impact on businesses and people. We are adapting to a ‘new normal’ by providing the functionality needed around buying and owning a vehicle, with the safety, flexibility, and ease of doing so from home or place of work. It is all about convenience for our customers.”

Jaguar I-PACE wins 2020 AutoTrader South African Car of the Year

vuyi on July 8, 2020

The Jaguar I-PACE EV400 AWD SE is the 2020 AutoTrader South African Car of the Year!

This is the first time that the competition has been won by a Jaguar and also the first win by an electric car.

The accolade is the latest in a long line of victories for the all-electric I-PACE. It won the 2019 World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year and World Green Car awards (the I-PACE was the first model ever to win three World Car titles in the 15-year history of the awards). It also claimed the European Car of Year title last year.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE400d 4Matic was placed second while the Toyota GR Supra 3.0T came third.

The win by a Jaguar and an electric car were two firsts for the contest, which is organised by the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists. Given the lockdown, the winner of the 2020 AutoTrader South African Car of the Year was announced during a virtual awards ceremony that was streamed live – this was another first for the AutoTrader South African Car of the Year.
  • Performance Car: Toyota GR Supra 3.0T
  • Performance Car: Toyota GR Supra 3.0T
There are a number of category winners in the 2020 AutoTrader South African Car of the Year, and these winners were announced as well.

Watch the 2020 Auto Trader South African Car of the Year Announcement

The winner in the Urban Category was the Hyundai Atos 1.1 Motion. This category covers compact budget-friendly passenger vehicles that are ideal for in-town driving. Buyers of these cars typically rate practicality over luxury and performance.

The next category – Family – is especially popular. It consists of mid-size sedans. Buyers of these vehicles expect quality, practicality and comfort –with an element of advanced handling dynamics thrown into the equation. The winner in this category was the Toyota Corolla Hatch 1.2T XR CVT.

  • URBAN CATEGORY WINNER: HYUNDAI ATOS 1.1 MOTION
  • URBAN CATEGORY WINNER: HYUNDAI ATOS 1.1 MOTION
  • Family: Toyota Corolla Hatch 1.2T XR CVT

The third category – Leisure – was won by the Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI Comfortline 85kW DSG. This category covers sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs). Owners of these SUVs and MPVs enjoy the freedom of driving both on and off-road. This – combined a high seating position and flexible cargo space – makes this a popular category amongst the buying public.

  • Leisure: Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI Comfortline 85kW DSG

The Lifestyle Utility Vehicles Category was won by the Ford Ranger Raptor. These vehicles typically offer supreme 4×4 ability and can be either an SUV or a single or double-cab bakkie.

The highly contested Premium Car Category was won by the overall winner, namely the Jaguar I-PACE EV400 AWD SE. Buyers of these prestigious mid to large vehicles want powerful engines, luxury features and high-end trim options.

The Premium SUV Category caters for vehicles that offer a combination of versatility, comfort, style and performance both on- and off the road. Boasting genuine 4×4 ability without low range, these vehicles are luxurious, spacious and refined. This category was won by the Mercedes-Benz GLE400d 4Matic.

The final category – sport/performance – was won by the Toyota GR Supra 3.0T. Whether it’s a sportier flagship of an existing passenger range or a pure stand-alone model, vehicles in this category have one common trait: superior performance. Accordingly, thoroughbred sports cars are included in this category.

The South African Car of the Year trophy, which has been awarded since 1986, is the country’s most highly respected and sought-after motoring accolade. While the competition has evolved over the years (categories were only introduced recently), one thing has remained true to the contest; it celebrates and rewards automotive excellence. Both the category and overall winners are considered to be benchmarks within their categories. The 2020 competition was no exception, with many of the winners having already achieved international acclaim.

If You Booze, You’ll Lose

vuyi on July 8, 2020

Did you know that the smallest amount of alcohol can affect your driving ability?

In spite of all the safety campaigns and warnings about driving under the influence, South Africans continue to practise the dangerous habit of drinking, then driving.  For some odd reason, the messaging doesn’t seem to have the desired effect, and the general attitude appears to be “It won’t happen to me”.  

The truth however is that even the smallest amount of alcohol affects the neurological system in pretty much the same way.  Here are 6-simple ways in which the consumption of alcohols affects one’s ability to drive. 

  1. JUDGEMENT

Alcohol affects your ability to assess your position on the road, (e.g., where the centre line is), as well as the position of other elements such other road users, trees, road signs etc. Good judgement is also required for assessing your travelling speed and that of other vehicles.

2. REACTION TIME

The slightest delay in reacting to the fast changing road conditions can result in accidents, injuries or fatalities and because alcohol is a depressant, it slows down your reflexes considerably.  Some researchers report that the average person’s reaction time can be reduced as much as 15 – 25% which is a considerably long time should you need to stop or avoid an obstacle.  

The general attitude appears to be ‘It won’t happen to me’.

3. CONCENTRATION

Small amounts of alcohol, as little as a BAC of 0.02%, can impair your ability to focus on the many tasks required to drive.  Once you lose concentration, you are at risk of causing or being unable to avoid an accident.  Alcohol diminishes your attention span, making it difficult to focus on everything necessary for safe driving.  It also makes you less likely to make rational decisions and you may be more inclined to drive in a manner that you wouldn’t normally drive when sober.  

4. COORDINATION

Eye, hand and foot coordination are essential for safe driving but become severely impaired under the influence of alcohol, making it difficult to turn the steering wheel or apply brakes timeously.  This obviously makes a driver who has consumed alcohol a hazard to themselves and other road users

One Drink is One too Many

5. IMPAIRED VISION 

Alcohol is a depressant which means it triggers fatigue and drowsiness, making it difficult to pay attention on the road, or even remember that you are driving in the first place which is a frightening thought!  Many motorists fall asleep whilst driving resulting in complete loss of vehicular control, serious injury or even death.

If you are a motorist who has gotten away with driving drunk in the past heed our warning because it is only a matter of time before you become just another drunk driving statistic.  Not only could you serious injure yourself and others, you could be responsible for the death of your own family members too.  Our approach as responsible citizens towards driving under the influence should be “One Drink Is One Too Many” and we should all strive not to drink and drive.

How AARTO Will Affect Your Insurance Premiums

vuyi on July 8, 2020

Motorists will soon have to adjust their driving style in order to keep out of trouble with the law!  

President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act into law in August 2019, introducing a new demerit system for South African drivers.

In the wake of the new act, a number of insurance service providers have suggested that the bill might have harsh effects on the insurance industry – one of them being the suspension of motorist’s licenses that could most likely increase insurance premiums or excess for South African drivers in general.

The immediate concern for most motorists will be around how this new act affect their insurance premiums, says Old Mutual Insure’s Christelle Colman.

“The demerit system could potentially be linked to underwriting criteria as it does reflect driving behaviour.  Drivers with a poor record on this system could face higher premiums but that would be at the discretion of each company,” she said.

She added that depending on how efficiently the bill is rolled out, the new law could also see good drivers benefit from better premiums with the bad drivers being penalised.

“The bill does, however, paint a bit of a dim picture when it comes to how it will affect the insurance industry,” Colman says.

“The bill does, however, paint a bit of a dim picture when it comes to how it will affect the insurance industry,”

– chistelle coleman, Old Mutual Insure

“The highest risk is that drivers could lose their licenses due to speed fines (even minor ones) which could potentially mean that their existing motor policies will not respond or that they will not be able to get motor insurance,” she said.

“We already have a very high percentage of uninsured vehicles on the road. This will increase uninsured vehicles on the road and will also have a severe impact on the recovery process after an accident.”

To further compound matters, the repossession of driver’s licenses would cause driver’s claims/cover to be forfeited, Colman continued.

“Based on current policy wording cover will not exist if a driver does not have a valid driver’s license.  It will also be very difficult for insurance companies to waive this requirement as it is law to have a valid driver’s license.” She said.

Colman added that Old Mutual Insure had already begun with preparations for the implementation of the new bill and is currently reviewing their underwriting criteria to see what their approach will be.

The Modern Woman’s Guide to Replacing Worn Wiper Blades

vuyi on July 8, 2020

Wiper blades provide the driver with a clear view out of the windscreen and quickly and easily wipe away water, leaves, dust and even bird poo!

Because wiper blades are made of rubber, they naturally deteriorate over time, and have a rather short life span.  They need to be replaced when you notice the following defects: 

  • Streaking when they wipe away water
  • Unusual noises
  • Irregular movements
  • Ragged or cracked blades

Some modern cars have extremely technical wiper blade mechanisms and require the attention of a technician.  For other cars though wiper blades are still quite basic and can be changed quickly and without much fuss.  But before going into the step-by-step tutorial on how to do so, we first need to understand that wiper blades are generally made of three basic parts: the lower wiper arm that extends from the base of the windscreen, the metal or plastic blade attached to the lower arm, and the actual rubber blade which is the portion which is in contact with the windscreen.  

Here are the basic steps to follow when changing a wiper blade. 

Step 1: Raise the metal or plastic arm from the windscreen and allow it to stand unaided in its natural position which is at a slight angle to the windscreen.  Make sure it soft-locks in that position as the wiper blade is spring-loaded and could easily snap back against the windscreen, pinching your fingers or damaging the screen.

Step 2: Unlock the old, damaged wiper blade: Look at the joining where the rubber portion of the blade meets the metal arm and identify the small plastic stopper holding the blade in place.  Press the stopper and unhook the old rubber blade to separate it from the metal arm. 

Note: 

  • Use one hand to hold the wiper blade at all times to prevent it from snapping back against the windscreen
  • Protect your windshield with a folded towel just in case the arm accidentally snaps back while you attempt to change the wiper blade.
  • Some wiper blades may have pins rather than hooks

Step 3:Slide the new rubber wiper into the same end of the arm where you pulled the worn blade from and gently pivot the new wiper until the hook snaps into place to secure it.  Slowly release the wiper blade back against the windscreen

Step 4: Repeat Step 3 to replace the other wiper blade.

Step 5:Test that you have replaced the blades properly and that they work, by allowing the reservoir water to run down the windscreen and turning on the wiper blades.  They should wipe the water away noiselessly, and without streaking.

Why You Need UV Protection On Your Sunglasses

vuyi on July 8, 2020

Your eyes are constantly in motion, focusing and refocusing as objects approach

– thembela moyo, founder and owner – fresh vision optometrists

As a driver, you must fulfil many requirements, often simultaneously: you must react quickly, follow the speed limits, and correctly assess the driven distances and distances to hindrances. You rely on your eyes more so than any other sense.  Your eyes are constantly in motion, focusing and refocusing as objects approach, and contending with distractions, such as oncoming headlights or the glare of the setting sun.

One of the biggest threats to your eyesight is the harmful effects of Ultraviolet* (UV) rays and nothing causes discomfort when driving quite like bright sunlight reflecting off the tarmac or car windows, sending searing pain directly into your eyes.  Not only do UV rays cause sunburn and wrinkles around your eyes they also damage your retina which is why you should only wear sunnies with UV protection.  

There are 4 areas that can help you make an excellent sunglass choice. 

  1. The Material Of The Lens: Take a look at what the tag says about the composition of the lens, which is the most important aspect of sun protection. Make sure the material blocks the harmful UV rays. This will usually be indicated by a percentage which ideally should be 100 %.
  • Lens Colour: This is an area where you can surrender yourself to your fashion whims as the colour of the sunglass lens does not affect UV protection. People would tend to think that the darker the colour of the sunglasses the more protection from UV rays they are but this is a myth. 
  • Polarization: Simply put, polarization functions like miniature blinds on your sunnies.  The coating blocks out horizontal rays whilst letting in vertical light but these ‘blinds’ do not protect your eyes from the harmful effects of UV rays.  Hence, even if you have polarized sunglasses you still need a UV-blocking material or coating for protection.
  • The Right Frame. When choosing the right frame, look for comfort and as much coverage your face size can support to protect your eyes and the skin around your eyes. Wrap-around styles are especially helpful because they block light from the sides as well as the front.

It is important to point out that certified UV protective sunglasses do not necessarily equate to a pricier tag either and there are several brands on the market that offer stylish sunglasses with the required UV protection at affordable prices. Cheap imitations can be temptingly priced but remember that they often do not have any UV protection at all, therefore you must think twice about prioritizing stylish looks above protective functionality.

The importance of eye health in relation to driving, cannot be emphasized enough and as important as it is to purchase the right type of car for your needs, it is similarly important to purchase the correct type of eyewear for your eyesight and ever changing requirements of our daily driving conditions.  

Be kind to your eyes and look after them by choosing wisely because without healthy eyes you compromise your driving safety.  Remember, protection is key.

Ultraviolet radiation, a type of energy produced by the sunand some artificial sources* 

Installments, Balloons And GFVs – Which is Best for you?

vuyi on July 8, 2020

“The temptation of a new car can sometimes lure a buyer into a commitment that isn’t an ideal fit for their budget,”

– Ghana Msibi, WesBank Executive Head MotorING Division

WesBank has taken three of the most common purchase plans and simplified the jargon to help buyers choose the best payment plan for them. 

  1. Instalment finance

This is the most straightforward of all vehicle finance options. Monthly repayments are calculated on the purchase price of a vehicle minus whatever deposit is put down at the start of the deal. 

Finance terms can be structured into time frames of between 12 and 72 months. The longer the term, the lower the monthly repayment will be, but be aware that interest will add up over longer terms and the total amount repaid to the bank will increase proportionally.

  • Instalment finance with a balloon payment

Similar to instalment finance, except a portion of the purchase price is set aside so that the repayments are calculated on a lower amount. Simply put, balloon payments are similar to deposits except they’re payable at the end of a term instead of at the beginning. 

“Fortunately, there are flexible finance options for buyers to choose from. WesBank wants to ensure that all consumers fully understand what’s available so they can make smarter, more responsible decisions on their car-buying journey.”

– GHANA MSIBI, WESBANK EXECUTIVE HEAD of MOTORING DIVISION

Buyers must be cautious of the amount put into a balloon because they will be responsible for the lump sum once the finance term is finished. While it may be attractive to have lower monthly repayments because a larger chunk of the purchase price is placed into a balloon, the repayment of a balloon can be an unexpected debt as this amount will either need to be settled or refinanced at the end of the deal.

  • Guaranteed future value 

Guaranteed future value, also known as GFV or any number of brand-specific titles, is becoming an increasingly popular form of vehicle finance in South Africa. It is important to note that a vehicle’s value begins depreciating (losing monetary value) from the moment it leaves the showroom floor. In line with this depreciation, a GFV plan calculates what the future monetary value of a vehicle will be if specific conditions of vehicle condition, mileage and maintenance are met. This future value is guaranteed at the start of the agreement.

This makes planning ahead easier as consumers know exactly what their car will be worth once the pre-determined contract term (usually between three and four years) is reached. The customer is given three choices at this point – they can either enter into another GFV deal and drive away in new vehicle, settle the outstanding amount and own the vehicle, or simply return the vehicle to the respective dealership and walk away (provided the driver didn’t exceed the allotted mileage and the vehicle is in an acceptable condition).

With a GFV plan, a consumer is essentially only paying for the use of the car. This is why it’s important to know more or less the distance the vehicle will cover during the GFV term. Consumers are liable for penalties if any conditions of the GFV agreement aren’t met.

Every WesBank-approved car dealership has a Finance and Insurance (F&I) executive to inform and assist consumers in their buying journey. The F&I can give you financially sound advice and explain what you can and cannot afford because their role is regulated by the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act as well as the National Credit Act (NCA).

Vehicle finance can be daunting and difficult to understand but that is not an excuse as information is readily available. It’s simply a matter of asking questions without fear and ensuring that you fully understand the terms and conditions of your vehicle finance contract prior to signing it.  

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Fuel Tank

vuyi on July 8, 2020

The ever fluctuating petrol prices are beyond our control but practicing good driving habits could save you money

Motorists often underestimate the impact their driving style has on the fuel efficiency of their cars but the truth is that a few adjustments could make a huge difference.  Here are a few useful tips to help motorists be greener and more fuel-efficient drivers.

  • Drive smoothly
    Aggressive driving such as rapid acceleration, speeding and braking can lower your fuel mileage significantly. So, accelerate smoothly, brake softer and earlier, and stay in one lane while it’s safe to do so. Not only do these driving techniques save fuel, they also prolong the life of your brakes and tyres. 
  • Slow down
    Speeding wastes fuel. Aim for a constant speed. Driving at 90 km/h instead of 100 km/h can improve your fuel efficiency by 10-15%. Pumping the accelerator sends more fuel into the engine, emptying the tank faster.
  • Don’t keep your engine idling
    Today’s engines don’t need a warm up. Start the car immediately and gently drive away. Don’t leave your car idling. Prolonged idling increases emissions and wastes fuel. Turn the engine off whenever it is safe to do so, such as when stationary for more than 30 seconds, this avoids unnecessary energy consumption of an idle running engine.
  • Remove unnecessary cargo
    Reducing the amount of cargo you keep in your boot or on your back seat can improve your fuel efficiency as less energy is needed for acceleration. Try to travel as light as possible, keep only the most important items (like an emergency kit, jumper cables, a small toolset, and a small jack) in the vehicle.
  • Only use A/C on the highway
    Your fuel economy drops by up to 15% when you use the air conditioner at low speeds. So, if it isn’t too hot, turn off the air conditioner and roll down your windows instead. However, at 90 km/h or higher, using the air conditioner is preferable to opening windows because your vehicle has much lower wind resistance with the windows closed; and because the engine produces more power at higher revs, so it is able to run accessories like the A/C compressor more efficiently.
  • Ensure your tyres are correctly inflated: Incorrect wheel alignment and underinflated tyres lead to increased resistance between the tyres and the road.  This makes your engine work harder than it ordinarily would, leading to higher fuel consumption, and increased wear on the tyres. Check your tyre pressure at least once a month and before and after a long distance drive. Alignment should be checked at least every six months, or after run-ins with potholes.

BMW SA embraces a vision of life-long learning, will build all-new school in Ga-Rankuwa

vuyi on July 8, 2020

Education is the motor that drives our society and prepares the economy for the future

– Iika Horstmeier, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Human Resources of BMW Group

Midrand, South Africa – BMW SA will build a brand-new school in Ga-Rankuwa. The R113m school will accommodate 1600 pupils from grade RRR to Grade 12, and supports the company’s vision of life-long learning.

The new school will close the gap between the company’s Early Learning Centre at Plant Rosslyn and its graduate and training programmes, and makes the concept of life-long learning with BMW possible.

The investment underlines BMW Group South Africa’s continued commitment to education and to the communities of Soshanguve and Ga-Rankuwa, where so many BMW Group Plant Rosslyn associates live. In co-operation with the Gauteng Department of Education a site has been located and construction is expected to begin in 2021.

BMW Group SA is currently reaching out to education experts to partner with us on the project. Fees at the school will be benchmarked to other schools in the area and linked to average incomes in the neighbourhood the school will serve.

Education at the heart of BMW Group SA’s commitment to South Africa

Education, training and skills development are at the heart of BMW Group’s activities in South Africa. In 2018 year the company opened a R73m Training Academy at Plant Rosslyn, and at Midrand head office in April 2019, a brand-new R109m Dealer Training Centre was opened to support our retail network partners.

We have a dream of people taking their life-long journey of education with BMW, from pre-school to a graduate programme and on-the-job learning

– Tim Abbott, CEO: BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa

Additionally, BMW Group South Africa is handing over 20 BMW X3s to schools, universities and science centres around the country. The first car was handed over to Soshanguve Automotive School of Specialisation in May 2019, with another six following over the course of 2019. The remaining cars will be distributed over the course of the year.

A long-term commitment to Education in South Africa

“Education is the motor that drives our society and prepares the economy for the future” emphasized Ilka Horstmeier, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Human Resources of BMW Group.

Tim Abbott, CEO: BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa said this was “one of the most exciting projects we’ve ever embarked upon in this country”.

“We have a dream of people taking their life-long journey of education with BMW, from pre-school to a graduate programme and on-the-job learning. We’ve supported more than 140 schools across the country over the years, but this project plugs that gap permanently,” Mr Abbott said.The BMW Group is committed to improving education worldwide.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announces annual 2019 Global Dealer Of The Year Award results

vuyi on July 8, 2020

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced the results of the company’s celebrated Global Dealer of the Year Awards, with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Orlando being awarded the prestigious 2019 Global Dealer of the Year Award. The Awards included:

Global Dealer of the Year: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Orlando

Regional Dealers of the Year: 
  1. UK, Western and Southern Europe, Russia: Avilon, Authorised Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dealer
  2. Germany, Northern and Eastern Europe: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Prague
  3. Asia Pacific: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Phnom Penh
  4. Middle East & Africa: Rolls-Royce Motor AGMC, Dubai
  5. Greater China: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Shenzhen
Additional Awards: 
  1. Global Sales Dealer of the Year: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Beijing
  2. Ownership Services Dealer of the Year: Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive
  3. Global Provenance Dealer of the Year: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Tokyo
  4. Global Bespoke Dealer of the Year: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Toronto

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, “I am proud to announce the results of our annual Global Dealer of the Year Awards. I congratulate all the successful dealers, but especially Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Orlando – a professional, well-organised and high performing team, with outstanding achievement in all key areas of the business. A worthy overall winner.”

Rolls-Royce motor cars are sold in more than 50 countries worldwide through a global network of 135 dealerships. The dealers support the business’ ongoing dedication to customer hypercentricity, putting the marque’s extraordinary clients at the very heart of the Rolls-Royce brand.