Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Isuzu Motors South Africa announces new Chairman

Isuzu Motor South Africa (IMSA) is pleased to announce Mr Naohiro Yamaguchi as its newly appointed Chairman, affective 1 October 2021

Naihiro Yamaguchi has held various leadership roles throughout his 35-years with the business. He has been instrumental to the business as International Sales Office Manager from 1999 to 2003 in Japan, various General Manager positions in Thailand from 2003 to 2015, and Senior Executive positions specialising in Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) in India from 2015 to 2021.

Yamaguchi will continue serving in his current role as Senior Executive Officer: LCV Business (LCV Business Department, Sales Division and Sales Headquarters), and will commence duty as chairman to IMSA while residing in Japan.

“We are pleased to have Naohiro Yamaguchi join the Isuzu Motors South Africa team, especially given the extensive Isuzu experience he brings with him. We look forward to supporting him in his Chairmanship as we continue to grow Isuzu from strength to strength in the markets we represent,” said Billy Tom, President and CEO of Isuzu Motors South Africa.

Naohiro Yamaguchi takes up responsibility from Shigeji Sugimoto, who has been Chairman of IMSA since March 2020. Shigeji Sugimoto fulfilled his role as Chairman while based in Dubai, and will now begin a new role as Senior Executive Officer and Chairman of Isuzu Motors Sales Co. Ltd, which is the biggest distribution subsidiary in Japan.

Lexus breaks cover on all-new flagship SUV, the LX

Lexus has unveiled the second model of the next generation of Lexus at the world premiere of the new LX in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Since its launch in 1996, the LX has been well received as Lexus’ flagship SUV due to its high-quality, ride comfort, and driving performance that can withstand all kinds of roads around the world. This has been achieved by refining the founding concepts of the LX: “reliability”, “durability”, and “rough-road driving performance”.

A taste of what to expect in the new LX

The new LX will be available with a high-output, high-torque 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo petrol engine and a powerful 3.3-litre V6 diesel twin-turbo engine.

Electronically controlled brakes (ECB) and an electric power steering system (EPS) are also adopted to ensure customers will be able to enjoy Lexus-unique driving performance to the fullest, both on-road and off-road. These innovations, plus the adoption of two new available powertrains, will contribute to improved environmental performance, reducing annual CO2 emissions when the vehicle is in use. The reduction in emissions equates to approximately 20 percent on a global cumulative basis, compared to the previous mode.

The instrument panel features Lexus’ first dual display with a 12.3-inch upper screen and 7-inch lower screen; and as a world first, the LX features a Back Underfloor View functionality, which displays the area beneath the rear part of the vehicle.

The new LX is more personalised, with the newly added VIP grade, which is specially designed with four independent seats for elegant and safe travel on all kinds of roads.

New 22-inch forged alloy wheels employ the high contrast of black and machined brilliance to emphasise that they are the largest ever offered by Lexus.

We will share local spec packages and pricing when it becomes available to us.

Honda Quest 2021: Finalist Announcement

The Honda Quest 2021 boot camp held in the Koue Bokkeveld in the Cederberg came to conclusion on Thursday October 14th.

The 28 semi-finalists were put through their paces during an extensive 3-day bootcamp which tested them on various tasks that involved more than just riding a bike.

The selection panel had the arduous task of eliminating 14 of the 28 hopeful semi-finalists by conducting theoretical and practical tests that varied from adventure related general knowledge questionnaires to African geography quizzes. The semi-finalists were also asked to perform various practical and mechanical tasks with the added pressure of time limits per task.

The individual tasks also included the assembly of adventure essential accessories to the CRF1100 Africa Twins, one of the finest adventure motorcycles, and the bike they will be using to compete in the Honda Quest 2021 competition. Additional tasks over the 3 days included the assembly of a camp, motorcycle maintenance, tyre and tube repairs among others.

The selection panel were constantly on the lookout for individuals who demonstrated the competitive spirit and determination to complete the necessary tasks that would stand them in contention to compete in the final of Honda Quest 2021. Individual interviews were also conducted with each of the 28 semi-finalists which gave the panel insight into the behavioural responses of each semi-finalist.

The finalists (in no particular order) are:

Ellio Marcello Striglia

Hein Kumm

Peter Wilhelm Siegling

Murray Ross Campbell

Clemence Neil Rieck

David Johannes Gouws

George Hugo Minnaar

Andrew de Bruin

Hendrik Schalk Visser

Shaun Engelbrecht

Ruan Carl Ueckermann

Daniel Francois de Kock

Jaco Swiegelaar

Tom Andrew Stewart

The seven teams of two will now have the opportunity to embark on a life changing adventure from 1 – 10 November as they navigate through the challenging terrain in the Northern Cape’s Richtersveld, Namakwa Eco Trail, Tankwa Karoo and Cederberg whilst competing for the title of Honda Quest True Adventure 2021. The winning team will ride off on the very bike they will have competed on.