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One millionth PEUGEOT 3008 rolls off production lines at the Sochaux factory

vuyi on November 17, 2021

Press Release: Stellantis South Africa

Five years after its launch, the PEUGEOT 3008, one of the brand’s bestsellers, is already celebrating its one millionth model, which has rolled off the production lines at the Sochaux factory. The employees gathered around the PEUGEOT 3008 Hybrid to celebrate the launch of this millionth vehicle.

A huge success: The latest generation PEUGEOT 3008 has already passed the one million mark. Manufactured in Europe and China, it began by winning over the experts before it was even rolled out on the markets, since it has received seventy-six awards worldwide, including the prestigious Car of the Year award in 2017.

In France, the PEUGEOT 3008 has been the leader in its segment since its first month on the market. In Europe, it comes in second place in the SUV segment in 2021. It has also taken a strong position in Southern Europe, where it is number one in Portugal and number two in Italy and Spain.

Europe accounts for 65% of PEUGEOT 3008 sales. Its major markets outside Europe are Turkey, Israel, Japan and Egypt. More than 80% of the PEUGEOT 3008’s sales are of automatic gearbox versions, and almost 38% are in higher segments, perfectly illustrating the upmarket positioning of the PEUGEOT brand.

The PEUGEOT 3008 offers the latest generation of driving aids, as well as a PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® with a new high-quality display and a new 10-inch high-definition touch screen. The vehicle is the perfect embodiment of the “power of choice”, offering rechargeable hybrid, two- or four-wheel drive and internal combustion engines, combining driving pleasure and efficiency.

The PEUGEOT 3008 has won over customers thanks to its dynamic qualities and distinctive, modern exterior style. The interior, with its i-Cockpit®, offers a technological, warm, and cosy atmosphere, a very different environment in which customers feel at ease, and one of the best overall satisfaction levels in Europe.

First ever all-Black African Team Enters Kyalami 9-Hour Race

vuyi on November 16, 2021

Press Release: South African GT Racing Association

When the teams line up on the grid for the start of the Kyalami 9-Hour race on Saturday, 4th December, a piece of South African motorsport history will be made with the appearance of the first all-Black African team tackling the famous race.

The final round of the Intercontinental GT Championship will see Xolile Letlaka, Tschops Sipuka and Philip Kekana take on the best GT3 racers in the world behind the wheel of their Into Africa Mining Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo.

Letlaka and Sipuka raced their Huracan GT3 to two victories and a second place finish from their four starts in the 2021 SA Endurance Series, providing a taste of things to come in the Kyalami 9-Hour where they will be aiming to win the National Class. Despite missing the first round of the Endurance series, and a non-finish at the Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) round, Letlaka and Sipuka lie third in the championship standings.

  • Philip Kekana
  • Tschops Sipuka
  • Xolile Letlaka

48-year-old businessman Xolile Letlaka became the first man of colour to win a round of the Endurance series last year, his first race in a pukka GT3 car, teamed with Charl Arangies.

“It will probably be one of the proudest days of my life”, said Letlaka about how he will feel when standing on the grid with his teammates while the National Anthem is played. “Fielding a team with two drivers who grew up in rural villages in the Eastern Cape and one from Soweto speaks to my motto of “we lift as we rise.”

Tschops Sipuka needs no introduction to SA motorsport fans. He won the Polo Cup title in 2002 and 2003 before progressing into production cars in a factory-backed Audi. After a seven year absence from the sport, he returned to GTC racing in 2019, winning the East London round. The 43-year old Sipuka raced a Mercedes Supertruck and tested an Indy Lights car during his varied career.

“It will be an honour to showcase ourselves on an international stage,” said Sipuka. “Consistency and speed will be our watchwords. The Kyalami 9-Hour is going to be a very special moment for our team.”

Philip Kekana is both excited and nervous about his GT3 racing debut; having been out of the sport for a long time, he is relishing his test session ahead of the big race.

“It’s going to be a steep learning curve for me; I have to become accustomed to the car – understand how the machine works and how far I can push it. I was very excited when Xolile called to offer me the drive. I’ve been training hard since then”, said the 55-year-old Sowetan resident.

Kekana started racing Group N cars in 1997 before winning the title in 2002 and hopes the Into Africa Mining team will inspire young black children to take a bigger interest in motorsport, especially from an engineering perspective.

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.

Mazda SA prepares to introduce CX-30 2.0L Carbon Edition

vuyi on November 8, 2021

Press Release: Mazda Southern Africa

Mazda Southern African is pleased to advise the Mazda CX-30 Carbon Edition will be introduced as an additional model to the existing CX-30 range. The model line-up will now consist of 4 derivatives:

  • Mazda CX-30 2.0L Active 6AT
  • Mazda CX-30 2.0L Dynamic 6AT
  • Mazda CX-30 2.0L Carbon Edition 6AT
  • Mazda CX-30 2.0L Individual 6AT

Model specification remains unchanged for the Mazda CX-30 range, with the exception of the 2.0L Carbon Edition model. Like it’s siblings, the Carbon Edition enjoys a high level of specification, with standard features like rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, auto paddle transmission switches and smart advanced keyless entry to name a few.

This Carbon Edition will be the second Carbon Edition Mazda produced, and follows the same sporty red finish appearance as with the CX-5 2.0L Carbon Edition. The Carbon Edition Package on the CX-30 includes the following:

  • Black cloth seating.
  • Red stitching on the IP-upper, Console lid, Door arm rest, Door trip middle, Knee pads and Seats.
  • Black colour exterior mirrors.
  • Black 18” Alloy Wheels.

A new colour “Platinum Quartz” will be included in the overall CX-30 Range. The CX-30 Carbon Edition will be available in the following six colours:

  • Snowflake White Pearl
  • Sonic Silver
  • Machine Grey
  • Soul Red Crystal
  • Polymetal Grey
  • Jet Black

With it’s sporty appeal, we believe the Mazda CX-30 Carbon Edition offers a joyful driving experience to those customers looking for a subtle stand-out from the crowd.

The Mazda CX-30 2.0L Carbon Edition will be available for sale at all Mazda Dealers in Quarter 1 next year.

The Mazda CX-30 range comes standard with a 3-year unlimited kilometer warranty and service plan, a 3-year unlimited kilometer roadside assistance as well as a 7-year corrosion warranty.

Mazda SA aims to introduce updated Mazda CX-3

vuyi on November 4, 2021

Press Release: Mazda Southern Africa

Mazda Southern African is pleased to announce a product enhancement on the Mazda CX-3. Since it debuted in 2015, the compact crossover SUV has been a huge success in the South African market and will remain part of our model lineup going forward. 

The product enhancements include the following; the Mazda MZD Connect infotainment screen will increase from 7-inch to 8-inch, improving user experience and comfort (available in the Dynamic, Individual and Hikari models). For better safety, seatbelt warnings are introduced on the rear seats as well. 

The updated CX-3 will also include wireless charging on the Individual AT and Hikari AT models, which allows smartphones to charge easily by simply placing them on the console.

A new colour “Platinum Quartz” will also be introduced to the overall CX-3 range and the model line-up will remain unchanged with these derivatives: 

  • Mazda CX-3 2.0L Active 6MT
  • Mazda CX-3 2.0L Active 6AT
  • Mazda CX-3 2.0L Dynamic 6MT
  • Mazda CX-3 2.0L Dynamic 6AT
  • Mazda CX-3 2.0L Individual 6AT
  • Mazda CX-3 2.0L Hikari 6AT

The updated Mazda CX-3 will be available at all Mazda Dealers in January 2022.

Here are the sales figures for October 2021

vuyi on November 4, 2021

Press Release: WesBank

Stock shortages continued to thwart South Africa’s new vehicle market during October. However, the market continued to show a robust performance, despite the volumes being lower than September.

According to naamsa | the Automotive Business Council, 41,035 new vehicles were sold during October, an increase of 6.1% over the same month last year. Although September sales were the second-best volume month this year, October sales were 4.9% slower than last month. It is also important to note the context of October sales within the four months this year that have sold more than 40,000 units.

“The new vehicle market appears to be recovering strongly, demand out-stripping current supply constraints,” says Lebogang Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank. “The second half of the year has performed strongly since the mid-year lockdown restrictions, with the market trading above 40,000 units a month for the past three months.”

WesBank’s own data indicates a resurgence in the South African motor industry. “While we have seen high demand for pre-owned vehicles over the last two years, a slow shift back towards new vehicles may be currently underway,” says Gaoaketse. “Compared to a year ago, applications for to WesBank for new car deals rose 1.8% during October, while applications for pre-owned deals declined 5.9%. In addition, the bank’s used-to-new ratio has shifted over the 12-month period from 2.25 used vehicles financed for every new vehicle a year ago, to 2.08.”

However, the issue of supply is a global factor that skews the overall market picture. “Until global manufacturing stabilises off the back of the pandemic and resolves its micro-chip shortages, consumer and business purchase decisions will be swayed by availability and necessity,” says Gaoaketse. “The good news is that South African car dealers are in a much more sustainable position than a year ago.”

South Africa’s new passenger car market was up 3.1% to 27,496 units, displaying a robust consistency throughout the year. The Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) market remains far more volatile. While it was down 10.9% in September, the segment bounced back to increase 15.9% during October to 11,188 sales.

A similar trend played out in the dealer space with passenger car and LCV volumes up 2.7% and 16.5% respectively. The market once again benefited from a sizeable volume of rental sales, with 5,002 passenger cars and 730 LCVs selling into fleets.

“Although the market looks in better shape, affordability continues to be a major consideration,” says Gaoaketse. “Significant fuel price hikes this month and the prospect of interest rates potentially increasing with the return of inflation are factors for consumers to consider when purchasing their next vehicle.” 

President Cyril Ramaphosa joins Toyota South Africa in celebrating Toyota Corolla Cross

vuyi on November 3, 2021

Press Release: Toyota South Africa Motors

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) hosted the President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa at its manufacturing plant in Durban on Tuesday. The President – accompanied by a delegation of public officials, including the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Ebrahim Patel had joined Toyota in celebrating the opening of the Corolla Cross production line in Prospecton, KwaZulu-Natal.

TSAM’s newest production line further reaffirms the company’s investment commitment to the South African economy and the local automotive sector. Established some 60 years ago, Toyota in South Africa has grown significantly over the years and now manufactures Hilux, Fortuner, Corolla Quest and Hi-ace at its Prospecton Plant, while selected Hino and Dyna models are produced as SKD or semi-knocked-down assemblies.

In his remarks, President and CEO of TSAM Andrew Kirby noted: “If you tally up the investments we’ve made in this plant spanning the last five years – of which Corolla Cross accounts for R2.6 billion, we arrive at a cumulative figure of over R6.5 billion. So, we are therefore committed to further developing and strengthening our business in South Africa and making a difference in the country, our communities, our suppliers, dealers, customers and of course in own employee’s lives.”

The introduction of the Corolla Cross model has generated a total of 575 new jobs at the TSAM plant while over 1200 direct jobs were created in the component supply base. Another significant focus during the project was to maximise the local content for this model.

This resulted in the localisation of 621 parts with 56 local suppliers – 16 of which are Black-owned. TSAM has also onboarded five new Tier-1 suppliers (all Black-owned) and 12 new Tier-2/3 suppliers. The economic contribution with TSAM’s local suppliers for this project is over R1.4 billion per annum.

To mark the official opening of this significant event for TSAM, President Ramaphosa had initially officiated a ribbon-cutting ceremony – flanked by Andrew Kirby; Imai-san; Nigel Ward; Minister Patel and other regional public officials – before addressing a number of dignitaries and other stakeholders in the automotive industry in the company’s auditorium.

According to Ramaphosa: “I had called upon Japanese carmakers to strengthen their investment in South Africa. A few months later at the second South Africa Investment Conference, Mr Andrew Kirby came up to stage to announce Toyota’s new investment (R2,6 billion)… I am particularly pleased to see that the announcement that was made has led to the creation of so many jobs – a total of 1 775 jobs made through the announcement of the investment [of the Corolla Cross production].”  

The new Corolla Cross is based on the acclaimed Toyota New Global Architecture platform, or simply the TNGA platform. As of August 2021, 32 Toyota and Lexus models are using this platform and now account for approximately 70% of global Toyota sales. From a regional marketing perspective, the Corolla Cross is produced in both right- and left-hand drive variants and is also the first model to be produced en masse on the continent. It will be exported to more than 40 countries in Africa.

Here are the powertrains available within the incoming Range Rover

vuyi on November 2, 2021

The new Range Rover SV is an exquisite interpretation of Range Rover luxury and personalisation, handcrafted by Special Vehicle Operations

Press Release: Land Rover South Africa

The new Range Rover maintains its compelling combination of effortless performance and peerless refinement with a comprehensive line-up of advanced six- and eight-cylinder powertrains. Spearheading Land Rover’s Reimagine strategy, a pure-electric model will join the family in 2024, bringing full-time zero tailpipe emissions driving to the Range Rover for the first time.  

In South Africa the new Range Rover will be available in a choice of new Extended Range Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrains, the P440e and P510e, and the Ingenium diesel D350 engine. A powerful new petrol flagship – the P530 Twin Turbo V8 – delivers increased refinement and performance and is 17 percent more efficient than the previous Range Rover V8.

The new Range Rover is the first Land Rover to be powered by a new 4.4-litre V8 engine, which deploys two parallel twin-scroll turbos – one for each cylinder bank – to minimise turbo lag and optimise efficiency. The new engine produces 390kW and 750Nm of torque, and powers the new Range Rover from 0-100km/h in 4.6s with Dynamic Launch engaged, and to a top speed of 250km/h.

The powerful D350 diesel produces 257kW and 700Nm of torque, and powers new Range Rover from 0-100km/h in 6.1s. 

The new Extended-Range PHEVs combine the inherent refinement of Land Rover’s in-line six-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine, in a choice of 323kW or 375kW outputs, with a 38.2kWh lithium-ion battery – with usable capacity of 31.8kWh – and a 105kW electric motor integrated with the transmission. Together, the powertrain provides up to 100km of near-silent pure-electric driving. With instantaneous electric torque the new P510e (375kW) accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.6s.

The state-of-the-art PHEVs can reach up to 140km/h allowing customers to enjoy the new Range Rover as an EV-only model for most journeys in town and country, with overall CO2 emissions lower than 30g/km9. Typical Range Rover customers will be able to complete up to 75 percent of trips using electric power only6 if they begin each journey with a full charge. The clever packaging of the battery, beneath the vehicle and within the wheelbase, ensures both luggage space and all-terrain capability are uncompromised.

The use of advanced eHorizon navigation data also allows the hybrid system to optimise energy usage across a journey, to provide a peaceful arrival at a destination on electric power, while also optimising EV usage for travel in low emissions zones. 

All powertrains are driven through a smooth and responsive eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox and twin-speed transmission, which provide a set of low-range ratios essential for towing or off-road driving when more control is required. 

The new Range Rover will be launched in South Africa toward the middle of 2022 with pricing to be available closer to the time.

Toyota Announces Global Launch Of The All-New GR86

vuyi on November 1, 2021

The long-awaited Toyota GR86 is now available for sale in Japan but we’ll have to wait till 2022 to find out when it will be available in South Africa. 

Press Release: Toyota South Africa Motors

The GR86 was jointly developed with Subaru Corporation (Subaru). In addition to building New Energy Vehicles, the two companies also share a desire to continue delivering the excitement, thrill, and joy of driving sports cars.

The GR86 shares the same base as the Subaru BRZ. However, Toyota focused on delivering the unique driving feel of a GR vehicle, with intuitive handling and instinctive responsiveness, linear response as well as outstanding agility at the upper limits of performance. 

While carrying on the tradition of the 86 and engaging in friendly rivalry with Subaru’s BRZ development team, TGR sought to develop a vehicle that would realize a GR-like evolution. As a result, the new GR86 has been reborn as a car designed with outstanding driving feel that is both direct and satisfying.

Exterior

The front of the vehicle features the GR-specific Functional MATRIX Grille, which fuses performance and aesthetics. To mark its evolution from the 86 to the GR86, the GR86 logo has also been redesigned.

Interior 

Equipped with a BOXER Meter, comprising a 7-inch colour screen and LCD metres, the car’s opening animation sequence is inspired by the piston movements of the GR86’s horizontally opposed engine, and fosters a sense of excitement even before the drive begins.

The metre display embodies the GR86’s sports performance, changing according to which driving mode is engaged. NORMAL mode shows the current speed in large numbers inside a circular tachometre; in Sports mode (available on AT grades only), the edges and rings of the tachometre gauge turn red; TRACK mode takes inspiration from racing car displays, and shows engine speed in large numbers.

The GR86 seats deliver a sensation of being at one with the vehicle. The lightweight front seats use independent pads used to support the body, and, in order to withstand the lateral and longitudinal g-forces generated during aggressive sports driving, they are covered in an extremely grippy material.

The new GR86 provides outstanding agility

Sporting a lightweight, compact engine with a low center-of-gravity in line with previous iterations, the GR86 increases its displacement size from 2.0 to 2.4L. The engine delivers superior driving performance as a consequence, achieving 0-100km/h acceleration in just 6.3 seconds―down from the 7.4 seconds of the previous model. Engine responsiveness has also been enhanced, providing smooth, stress-free sensations from low to high rpms.

A sports car that provides a secure and safe car life

The GR86 is equipped with EyeSight5 Driver Assist Technology (AT grades only). Featuring pre-collision braking technologies that help avoid collisions and mitigate damage, the system provides support for safe everyday driving.

GR PARTS maximize the appeal of the GR86

TGR has prepared a selection of custom GR PARTS to maximize the appeal of the GR86. From everyday driving to sports driving, a wide-ranging parts line-up enables all customers to personalize their GR86.Toyota South Africa Motors says local timing for launch as well as sales will be confirmed in 2022.  

WATCH: Here’s your official glimpse at Ford’s #NextGenRanger pickup

vuyi on September 14, 2021

Ford South Africa has released the first official glimpse of the #NextGenRanger, which will be launched in 2022.

Ford South Africa has released the first official glimpse of the #NextGenRanger, which will be revealed later this year and which will be launch in 2022.

At its core, the next-generation Ranger will be the ideal pickup partner for work, family and play.

Embracing excellent off-road credentials and dynamic driving DNA, Ford South Africa expects that customers will rejoice at the toughest, most capable and connected Ranger pickup yet developed by the company. 

Ford South Africa says that this is not just a Built Ford Tough truck, but, the smartest, most capable and most versatile Ranger yet.