January 24, 2022 - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Mercedes-Benz South Africa announces introduction of five full Battery Electric Vehicles

vuyi on January 24, 2022

By H&H Admin

Through the introduction and inauguration of Mercedes-EQ to the South African market – the all-electric world of Mercedes-Benz and the brand which represents all electric powered vehicles, Mercedes-Benz has provided further proof that the age of electric mobility has arrived.

Five new models from the global Mercedes-EQ range will be launched during the course of 2022 in South Africa as part of a clear strategic push to position the brand as a global and local leader in the electric vehicle market.

The range for 2022 includes the EQA SUV, the family-sized SUV EQB, The mid-sized EQC, based on the GLC platform, the electric business sedan EQE and the luxury sedan EQS. These fully electric vehicles from the Mercedes-EQ family are part of a transformation that’s gaining momentum rapidly.

Mercedes- EQS world premiere with Alicia Keys

Leading in electric drive and digitization is a key pillar of the Mercedes-Benz strategy that was announced by Mark Raine, newly appointed President of Mercedes-Benz Cars and Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa.

The new strategy aims to leverage the brand’s strengths in the luxury space, while unlocking the full potential of its unique speciality brands, namely AMG, Maybach, and EQ.

From L-R : Selvin Govender, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Mark Raine, President of Mercedes-Benz Cars and Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa

Market and network readiness

Raine is confident that South Africa will see a strong uptake and growth in the luxury electric vehicle market in the next 12-24 months. “Technology is the key to engineering a sustainable future. As the leading premium luxury automotive brand, we are once again leading the way into the future of the automobile and mobility as a whole”.

Raine announced that Mercedes-Benz Cars will collaborate with Grid Cars for public charging, and that every EQ customer will additionally receive a complimentary Mercedes-EQ wall charger, installed at a location of their choice.

Raine added that 36 of its Agent partners across South Africa have been appointed as Retail and Service partners for Mercedes-EQ, which will add to the public charging grid and also provide highly trained professionals both at sales and aftersales levels to help overcome any reservations around issues like range anxiety.

The new Mercedes-EQ range

Selvin Govender, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, stated that the “Mercedes-EQ range will provide benchmark performance for South African’s in the EV space. The EQ-design language of “sensual purity” combined with “progressive luxury” is highlighted by the specific exterior and interior design elements, and are completed by an EV-service ecosystem”.

EQA: all-electric dynamic sports SUV

The EQA is a dynamic, all-electric sport SUV. A close relation of the GLA, it delivers all the characteristics of that vehicle, combined with an efficient electric powertrain.

The EQA 250 derivative will be available for the South African market, with a power output of 140KW, a range of up to 412km (WLTP) and a combined electrical consumption of 17.7kWh/100km.

The EQB: all-electric family size SUV

The new EQB is an iconic electric SUV which incorporates the square forms of Mercedes-Benz off-roaders and projects them into the future. Whether it’s for a large nuclear family (7-Seat option available) or a small extended family, the new EQB offers space for many family configurations and a wide variety of transport needs. This gives it an exceptional position among compact electric cars.

This all-electric compact SUV will be available in the form of the EQB 350 4MATIC derivative. This all-wheel drive model offers a power output of 215KW, a range of up to 419km and a combined electrical consumption of 17.4kWh/100km.

EQC: all-electric mid-sized SUV

The EQC was the first car to be produced by Mercedes-Benz in the line of the new generation of the Mercedes-Benz EQ family with a battery electric drivetrain. It marked the start of the transfer of Mercedes-Benz towards future electric mobility.

This all-wheel drive model offers a power output of 300KW, a range of up to 437 km*(WLTP) and a combined electrical consumption of 21.3kWh/100km *(WLTP).

The EQE: all-electric business sedan

The new EQE offers all the essential functions of the range topping EQS in a slightly more compact format. The EQE’s interior dimensions even exceed those of today’s E-Class, carrying the concept of the business sedan into the future.

The EQS: all-electric luxury sedan

The first all-electric premium sedan from Mercedes-EQ, the EQS redefines the luxury vehicle segment. The innovative and holistic design is based on a new vehicle architecture which fuses technology, design, functionality and connectivity, delighting both drivers and passengers.

With ranges up to 780 kilometres and an output of up to 385 kW. The first models to come onto the market are the 245kW EQS 450+, with combined electrical consumption of 18.9-16.2 kWh/100 km.

We will share pricing and other details once it is made available to us

How Tyres Are Recycled In South Africa

vuyi on January 24, 2022

By H&H Admin

Old and worn tyres are difficult to dispose of due to their size, shape and because they are not environmentally friendly.

Tyres are standard equipment in vehicles but getting rid of them at the end of their life-span can be problematic. One simply cannot put unwanted tyres in the trash along with other household waste. Due to the materials used in their production, tyres are hazardous to the environment and as such need to be disposed of carefully.

Recycling is the safest and most effective way of getting rid of tyres. It is a long term solution which gives new life to old tyres through the manufacture of other products which can be used in various industries.

The Process of Recycling Tyres

Tyre recyclers collect old tyres from retail outlets and transport them to tyre recycling processing facilities for processing.
Tyres are sorted by size and composition then placed on conveyor belts ready for shredding.
The first stage of the tyre shredding process reduces each tyre to approximately 5cm pieces. The second stage used a granulator, which further reduces each 5cm piece into a 19mm size granule.
Next, the steel within each tyre granule is removed (the steel is re-useable), then stored into large hoppers in preparation for the next stage of the process.
Depending on the fineness required for the manufacture of the end product, the granules are cut further and pushed through various sized sieves to produce different levels of coarseness.
At this stage of the recycling process, the tyres are as small as breadcrumbs and as such are called ‘rubber crumbs’.
The rubber crumbs are packaged according to coarseness, ready for distribution.

Products Made From Recycled Tyres

There are many different products made from recycled tyres. These include:

1. Athletic Tracks

Rubber granules are mixed with polyurethane binder to produce surfaces such as athletics tracks. The use of recycled rubber provided assistance with impact absorption and injury reduction.

2. Playground Surfaces

Recycled rubber is used in the production of play safe surfaces such as children’s playgrounds. Similar to sport surfaces, the playground surfaces made from rubber crumbs and shreds, are durable, porous and low-maintenance. They also assist with impact absorption and injury reduction.

3. Brake Shoes

Rubber crumbs are used in the manufacture of asbestos-free brake shoes. The advantage of using recycled rubber in producing brake shoes is that the rubber component reduces noise and improves wear and tear due to its heat-resistant nature.

4. Matting Surfaces

Various matting products are made from recycled rubber for both commercial and domestic use. These include non-slip door mats and marine surfaces. Mats made from recycled tyres are hardwearing, weather resistant and can be washed easily.

5. Sports Surfaces

Recycled rubber is used under synthetic grass for added softness. Rubber crumbs are also processed into a material which is used to hold the synthetic grass upright when laid onto the pitch.

6. Tile Adhesive

Recycled rubber is becoming more commonly used in the manufacture of tile adhesives, allowing the adhesive to retain a great deal of the flexible properties of cured rubber. The flexibility of rubber prevents the tiles from cracking as a result of building movement over time. In addition, recycled rubber provides water-resistant and sound dampening properties.

7. New Tyre Production

Recycled rubber is in the manufacture of passenger tyres. By mixing recycled rubber with uncured rubber to form a filling compound prior to the tyre baking process, tyre manufacturers are able to reduce the amount of new materials used in the production of passenger tyres. This results in lower cost of tyre manufacture.

8. Building Materials

Mixed with polyurethane binder, recycled rubber granules are used in the production of building materials such as insulation for use in under flooring and walls.

Source: SA Tyre Recyclers

Safety Tip of the Week: Things Expectant Moms Need To Know – Part One

vuyi on January 24, 2022

By H&H Admin

Expectant mothers have a lot to contend with, ranging from swollen feet, mood swings, nausea and the constant need to pee! Sadly, not many can afford to sit back for the duration of their pregnancy and may need to occasionally drive themselves.

Here are 4 things that expectant moms need to adjust to when driving:

Position Yourself Further Back

It is important to create space between yourself and the steering wheel & airbag whenever you drive. A distance of about 20cm to 25cm should allow you to continue to reach the controls safety but should you feel overextended, make the necessary adjustments. At this distance, the airbag would still be effective should it deploy, however, the point is to minimise the full force of its impact on your delicate cargo.

Tilt The Steering Wheel

Instead of leaving the steering wheel pointed at your abdomen, tilt it safely up towards your breastbone on account for your change in seating position. Tilting the wheel automatically changes the angle at which the airbag will deploy in the event of an accident.

Check out Part Two of this 2-part series in the link below:

Safety Tip of the Week: Things Expectant Moms Need To Know – Part Two

Remove Extra Layers

Wearing a lot of bulky, restrictive clothing is likely to make you uncomfortable when driving. Rather, stick to one layer of clothing which won’t restrict your movement.

Gauge How You Feel – Emotionally and Physically

Given all the emotional and physical changes women go through at various stages of their pregnancy, it is a good idea to check in with your body and mind before getting into the driver’s seat. Your emotions and state of mind are vital to your ability to drive safely so be honest within yourself. If you feel that you shouldn’t be at the wheel but still need to get about, get someone else to drive you instead.

The Final Word

Driving when expectant is, for the most part, safe, you wear your seatbelt correctly. If you can comfortably and safely sit at the wheel without concerns about sickness and distractions you should be fine.

It is always a good idea however, to clear any doubts you may have with your healthcare provider.