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Isuzu updates Minister Ebrahim Patel on its R1.2-billion Gqeberha plant investment

vuyi on November 9, 2021

Press Release: Isuzu Motors South Africa

Isuzu Motors South Africa welcomed a high-ranking government delegation in October 2021, led by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), Ebrahim Patel.

During the Minister’s courtesy visit to the Eastern Cape vehicle manufacturer’s production facilities in Struandale, Gqeberha, the Minister met with President and CEO, Billy Tom and Isuzu senior leadership to discuss key priorities relating to the business.

Patel previously visited Isuzu in 2019, shortly before an announcement that Isuzu would be investing R1.2-billion into its next generation bakkie programme in South Africa for the South African and Sub-Saharan Africa markets. The decision resulted in the security of 1,000 jobs directly at Isuzu’s operations in Gqeberha and across its national and international dealer network, as well as around 25,000 jobs at hundreds of suppliers across the country.

Tom also updated the ministerial delegation on the progress made on the investment, including manufacturing plant upgrades to meet the new vehicle requirements and the state of readiness to launch exciting new Isuzu products into the market. The new Isuzu D-MAX bakkie, which will be launched early in 2022 will include the launch of Isuzu’s next generation trucks – all locally manufactured in Gqeberha.

In addition to the upskilling and training of staff, Isuzu has also embarked on rigorous testing of vehicles to ensure Isuzu’s promise of producing durable, reliable and capable vehicles reengineered for African driving conditions.

“Our focus remains on being able to ensure the sustainability of Isuzu’s operations in South Africa. We are committed to transformation and believe that an inclusive economy is the foundation to economic prosperity for all citizens,” said Tom. 

While no jobs at Isuzu Motors South Africa were lost during the pandemic in 2020 as a result of adjusted shifts, four-day work weeks and a salary freeze for management, Tom said he was looking forward to pre-COVID economic growth in the country. 

Over 55 000 Volkswagens sold in the first 10 months of 2021

vuyi on November 9, 2021

Press Release: Volkswagen South Africa

In a year that has been adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic as well as a global shortage of semi-conductor chips, Volkswagen has remained South Africa’s best-selling passenger car brand in the first 10 months of 2021.

In the first 10 months of 2021, the Volkswagen Passenger Car brand has sold 51 381 vehicles in the local market. The Volkswagen Polo Vivo is the best-selling model with 18 241 units sold (2 747 more units when compared to the same period last year). The T-Cross, the leader of the A0 SUV segment, is now the best-selling imported model with 5 912 units sold from January to October.

“Despite the vehicle supply challenges our Brand is experiencing, our dealer partners, which account for over 75% of total Volkswagen sales, displayed resilience to ensure that we maintain our leadership in the passenger car market in South Africa,” said Steffen Knapp, head of the Volkswagen Passenger Car Brand.

The Volkswagen model range was bolstered by the market introduction of the new Tiguan in July and new Golf GTI in September. The new Tiguan, which is Volkswagen’s second best-selling SUV, has sold 1 301 units since its launch. Meanwhile, the new Golf GTI has sold 201 units during its first two months of retail.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has improved its market share to 3.7% when compared to the same period last year. The brand delivered 4 356 units to customers in the first 10 months of 2021. 

The Amarok double cab is the best-selling model with 1 485 units sold and accounted for over 30% of the Brand’s sales. The T6.1 Kombi and Caravelle also reported good sales of 853 units during this period.

2022 will be an exciting year for Volkswagen. The Brand will introduce the new Polo, all-new compact SUV, the Taigo, and the new Polo Sedan. Performance will be taken to the next level with the market introduction of the new Golf 8 R and Tiguan R.

For Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, 2022 will also be an important year with the market introductions of the new Caddy and the highly anticipated new generation Amarok.