Jaguar Land Rover has partnered with Pramac, to develop a portable zero-emission energy storage unit to give new life to Jaguar I-PACE batteries.
Jaguar Land Rover has partnered with Pramac, a global leader in the energy sector, to develop a portable zero-emission energy storage unit powered by second-life Jaguar I-PACE batteries.
Called the Off Grid Battery Energy Storage System (ESS), Pramac’s technology – which features lithium-ion cells from Jaguar I-PACE batteries taken from prototype and engineering test vehicles, supplies zero-emission power where access to the mains supply is limited or unavailable.
The partnership is the first in Jaguar Land Rover’s plans to create new circular economy business models for its vehicle batteries. As part of its commitment to net zero status by 2039, the company will be launching programmes that deliver second life and beyond uses for its electric vehicle batteries.
Post-vehicle applications exist because Jaguar Land Rover’s batteries are engineered to the highest standards and can therefore be safely deployed in multiple low-energy situations once battery health falls below the stringent requirements of an electric vehicle.
Second-life battery supply for stationary applications, like renewable energy storage, could exceed 200 gigawatt-hours per year by 2030, creating a global value over $30 billion*.
The flagship system has a capacity of up to 125kWh – more than enough to fully charge Jaguar’s multi-award-winning all-electric I-PACE performance SUV, or to power a regular family home for a week**. Pramac directly reuses up to 85% of the vehicle battery supplied by Jaguar Land Rover within the storage unit, including modules and wiring. The remaining materials are recycled back into the supply chain.
Charged from solar panels, the unit is a self-contained solution that consists of a battery system linked to a bi-directional converter and the associated control management systems. Available for commercial hire, the units are fitted with Type 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) charge connections with dynamic control and rated at up to 22kW AC to allow electric vehicle charging.
An Off Grid Battery ESS will also be deployed at Jaguar Land Rover Experience Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa – the world’s biggest – to help the site cope with inconsistent power delivery from the mains
After several months of renovations, the Jaguar Land Rover Bryanston dealership has re-opened featureing a state-of-the-art look and features.
The well-known Jaguar Bryanston dealership at the corner of William Nicol and Peter Place has undergone a complete renovation and reopened as a dual-brand retailer selling and servicing both Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles.
First opened in 1999, the dealership has serviced Jaguar customers in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs for more than 20 years.
The facility was closed temporarily in October 2020 for refurbishments, and has re-emerged as a new, 7,000 square meter premises to continue delivering world-class experiences to customers in the area.
The new dealership’s 1,300 square metre showroom floor is large enough to showcase 20 new and approved pre-owned vehicles, and visitors can relax or work in a comfortable lounge area complete with a complimentary coffee barista.
A delivery bay adjacent to the showroom offers an intimate and private atmosphere for the handover of customers’ new luxury vehicles.
The site’s overhauled service centre is equipped with 22 workshop bays and lifts, including areas dedicated for Jaguar Land Rover’s growing selection of electrified vehicles.
The spacious parking area is also prepared for the future of emissions-free motoring with two dedicated electric vehicle (EV) parking bays with 22kW AC charging stations. These chargers are available to the public with any EV or plug-in hybrid vehicle during business hours.
Hyundai’s all-new, fourth-generation Tucson SUV has arrived in the local market.
Hyundai’s all-new, fourth-generation Tucson SUV has arrived in the local market with a revolutionary and ambitious new look that follows the company’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design identity, and larger dimensions to offer a spacious, luxurious interior and a superior drive.
Since its first launch 16 years ago, the Tucson has become Hyundai’s best-selling SUV with 7 million sales globally. In South Africa, the 1st-generation Tucson was one of the models that placed the Hyundai brand squarely on the map. Its popularity continued, because 15 346 units of the previous, 3rd-generation Tucson were sold locally.
Design
The all-new Tucson features a bigger and wider body than its predecessor and has a muscular stance combined with sharp angles and dynamic proportions. It is the first Hyundai SUV to be developed according to the company’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design identity.
The most prominent highlight is the vehicle’s front grille, where Parametric Hidden Lights provide a strong first impression. When the lights are off, the front of the vehicle appears covered in dark, geometric patterns, with no distinction between the signature LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), which are seamlessly integrated into the grille.
Thanks to new half-mirror lighting technology, when the DRLs are switched on, the dark chrome appearance of the grille transforms into jewel-like shapes, bringing an eye-catching element to an otherwise sleek appearance.
To the rear, wide tail lamps with parametric hidden light details continue the design theme. The new Tucson’s rear bumper integrates parametric pattern detail with a three-dimensional effect, coupled with a sporty trim. It is the first Hyundai model to apply a hidden rear wiper, which sits under the spoiler.
Inside, a new Audiovisual Navigation (AVN) touch screen fills the centre of the vehicle. Hyundai’s designers dispensed with physical knobs and buttons, so all AVN, heat, ventilation and air conditioning functions are controlled via touch, making it the first Hyundai model to feature a full touchscreen console.
The Premium derivative features a cloth seat covering, while the Executive and Elite variants have artificial leather seats.
Customers can choose from seven exterior colours, Shimmering Silver, Silky Bronze, Phantom Black, White Cream, Crimson Red and Deep Sea.
Comfort and convenience
The all-new Tucson is equipped with a range of comfort features, including Multi-Air Mode, three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, and ventilated front seats for the Executive and Elite derivatives. Other features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a premium sound system, a wireless charging pad in the centre console, and front and rear USB ports.
The Elite variants are equipped with a panoramic glass sun roof.
Safety
The new Tucson is fitted with a six-airbag system: front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, and curtain airbags which also offers protection for rear occupants. The outer seats on the rear bench have ISOFIX latching points for fitment of child protection seats.
The latest Tucson is also equipped with the latest Hyundai SmartSense active safety and driving assistance features which include:
In the Executive derivative:
Blind-spot Collision Warning (BCW)
Rear Cross-traffic Alert (RCA)
In the Elite derivatives:
Blind-spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA)
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
Lane Follow Assist (LFA)
Smart Cruise Control (SCC)
Rear Cross-traffic Collision Assist (RCCA)
Rear Cross-traffic Alert (RCA)
Fatigue Detection/Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
High Beam Assist (HBA)
Powertrains
Two 4-cylinder engines – a naturally aspirated 2-litre petrol and a 2-litre turbodiesel – are used as powerplants for the new Tucson in South Africa.
The Smartstream G 2.0 MPI petrol engine, linked to 6-speed automatic transmission, does duty in the Premium, Executive and one of the Elite variants, while the Smartstream D 2.0 turbocharged diesel engine, coupled with an 8-speed transmission, is used in the other Elite derivative.
The 2-litre petrol engine delivers 115 kW peak power at 6 200 r/min and 192 Nm peak torque at 4 500 r/min. The turbodiesel boasts 137 kW peak power at 4 000 r/min and 416 Nm maximum torque between 2 000 and 2750 r/min.
All four variants feature four drive modes – Eco, Smart, Normal and Sport.
The Smart driving mode offers a blend of economical driving, switching to Sport mode when the system senses the driver’s urgency.
Pricing
The suggested retail prices of the variants in the new Tucson range are:
Tucson 2.0 NU Premium AT
R 519 900
Tucson 2.0 NU Executive AT
R 569 900
Tucson 2.0 NU Elite AT
R 634 900
Tucson R2.0 Elite Turbodiesel AT
R 699 900
All new Hyundai Tucsons are sold with a 7-year/200 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, a 6-year/90 000 km service plan and roadside assistance for 7 years or 150 000 km.
Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has appointed a new Human Resources Director and Board member.
Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has appointed a new Human Resources Director and Board member, to be based in Kariega, Eastern Cape.
Russell Coleman will join the VWSA Board of Management from 1 April 2022. Russell brings with him over 20 years of experience in the manufacturing space, both in the automotive and FMCG industries.
Russell Coleman joins VWSA Board of Management
Born and raised in Gqeberha, he joins VWSA from Beiersdorf in KwaZulu Natal, where he held the position of HR Director Southern Africa. Before this, he occupied various Human Resources positions with companies such as Danone, Parmalat, Mondelez International and Faurecia Automotive.
“We are excited to welcome Russell to the Board of Management,” said VWSA Chairman and Managing Director, Robert Cisek. “I have no doubt that his decades of knowledge and experience of people operations within a manufacturing environment will greatly benefit VWSA and our employees.”
Volvo Car South Africa has announced that its local range of vehicles is now almost entirely electrified.
Volvo Car South Africa has announced that its local range of vehicles is now almost entirely electrified as the Swedish luxury firm moves a step closer to its global ambition of transforming into a fully electric car company by 2030.
The updated South African line-up now comprises predominantly all-electric, plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid options.
Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa, said the move is in line with the Gothenburg-based company’s global strategy and affords South African motorists the opportunity to experience the various benefits of the three stages of vehicle electrification.
“Our mild-hybrid vehicles boast reduced tailpipe emissions, improved fuel economy and stronger on-road performance, making them ideal stepping stones to our plug-in hybrids – which add the major advantage of a pure-electric driving mode – and ultimately our all-electric offering. In short, our completely renewed line-up covers all of the electrification bases,” said Maruszewski.
According to Maruszewski, Volvo Car South Africa’s decision to shift its primary focus to hybrid vehicles is based on the belief that this type of powertrain currently represents the ideal solution for the majority of the company’s local customers.
With the S90 and V90 Cross Country line-ups now also featuring exclusively mild-hybrid powertrains, the only purely petrol-powered options that remain in Volvo’s local range are the T-badged derivatives in the popular XC40 line-up.
Maruszewski further pointed to not only the world-class safety technology intrinsic to Volvo’s vehicles but also the class-leading connectivity available in various models, including the company’s latest Android-powered infotainment system, which ships complete with built-in Google apps and services.
In global terms, Volvo’s electrified line-up continues its rapid growth, with Recharge models making up 34 percent of the company’s global sales volume in the fourth quarter of 2021 and plug-in hybrids accounting for 28 percent.
The first locally engineered and produced 7th generation ISUZU D-MAX bakkie rolled off the production line today.
The first locally engineered and produced 7th generation ISUZU D-MAX bakkie rolled off the production line today.
This signifies the beginning of Isuzu Motors South Africa’s (IMSAf) mass production of their soon-to-be-launched bakkie. High-ranking officials, led by the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Oscar Mabuyane, and Naamsa CEO, Mikel Mabasa, attended the proceedings at the OEM’s manufacturing plant in Gqeberha.
Premier of the Eastern Cape: Oscar Mabuyane, President and CEO: Billy Tom
This is a key milestone for ISUZU as this 7th generation bakkie is the culmination of a R1.2 billion investment the business announced in 2019.
“ISUZU’s Struandale plant and the new generation ISUZU D-MAX programme is crucial to the communities in the Nelson Mandela Bay metro and the livelihoods of thousands in South Africa and Africa,” said Billy Tom, President and CEO of ISUZU Motors South Africa. “We are delighted to see our significant investment in the motor industry come to fruition, and to secure the jobs of so many citizens while simultaneously bringing a vehicle re-engineered for African conditions to market.”
Image Credit: @billy.tom (Instagram
The investment was also crucial in ensuring the plant is upgraded to include state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment. The ISUZU manufacturing plant in Struandale now boasts a new body shop at the Struandale Manufacturing Plant, a new chassis assembly line at Isuzu’s Kempston Road facility, significant modifications to the paint shop and general assembly areas.
“The new vehicle programme is dependent on more sophisticated tooling, technologies and increased automation, in line with technological advancements and improved efficiencies,” said Dominic Rimmer, IMSAf Senior Vice President Technical Operations. “We have had to make significant changes to our facilities to accommodate new manufacturing techniques where we have invested in complete new machinery and equipment in both our body shop and chassis assembly line.
Image Credit: @billy.tom (Instagram
In addition to preparing new facilities for the assembly of the new ISUZU D-MAX, ISUZU engineers have been hard at work doing validation, homologation, and durability testing in preparation for the new bakkie’s introduction to the South African and Rest of Africa (ROFA) markets.
ISUZU Motors South Africa will officially launch the ISUZU D-MAX on the 7th April 2022 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. Dubbed the ISUZU City, the OEM has appointed the services of local suppliers to ensure the launch benefits surrounding businesses.
Image Credit: @billy.tom (Instagram
The new ISUZU D-MAX is the seventh generation ISUZU light commercial vehicle to be produced in Port Elizabeth over a period of 42 years.
Volvo’s flagship hybrid SUV, the sophisticated Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid is now available with increased electric range and enhanced performance.
Increased electric range and enhanced performance. Luxury, safety, style and smart integration. Meet the latest version of Volvo’s flagship hybrid SUV, the sophisticated Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid.
The new arrival follows hot on the heels of two other electric vehicles introduced locally by Volvo Car South Africa this year; the Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge all-electric and the Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid.
Aiming to be a fully electric car brand by 2030, Volvo continues to electrify its range of vehicles and the arrival of this car in South Africa demonstrates this same commitment locally.
Local interest in electric vehicles continues to grow and a hybrid is an enticing stepping stone to electrified vehicles for the many South Africans who are considering switching to a more eco-friendly and fuel efficient car.
The Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid now delivers 107kW of power. Combined with 233kW from the two-litre turbocharged engine, the 340kW power output and the 709Nm of torque from the two powertrains, make this car with its smooth changing 8-speed Geartronic gearbox, the most powerful XC90 ever.
The new e-motor also improves all-wheel drive capability, upping power in the rear wheels by 65%, enhancing performance and driveability.
Electric range too has been boosted. Courtesy of a new long-range battery featuring a third layer of cells, nominal energy has increased from 11.6kWh to 18.8kWh, now making the electric range up to 77km.
“The average premium car owner travels less than 50km daily, so most local Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid drivers will be able to do their daily motoring on pure electric power,” says Volvo Car South Africa Managing Director, Greg Maruszewski.
The fuel efficiency and perkier acceleration that comes with hybrid technology are added benefits for drivers of larger sized vehicles like the XC90. The premium seven-seater family SUV boasts a 0-100km sprint time of 5.3 seconds, fuel consumption of 7.2 litres/100km and reduced emissions of 164g/km.
The model is offered in Inscription and R-Design trim levels. Pricing for the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid starts at R1,560,600.
It carries a 5-year/100 000km Warranty and Maintenance Plan and 5-year Roadside Assistance and an 8-year/160 000km warranty on the lithium-ion battery.
Land Rover has announced pricing for the new Range Rover which will be officially launched in South Africa midway through 2022.
The fifth-generation Range Rover will be available with four, five or seven-seat interiors together with Standard and Long Wheelbase body designs. The new luxury SUV will come in a choice of HSE, Autobiography and flagship SV trim levels, while a unique First Edition will be sold throughout the first year of production. The First Edition is based on the Autobiography and will be available exclusively in a Sunset Gold Satin finish, among a choice of five other exterior colours.
Three powertrain options will include advanced six- and eight-cylinder engines, including a new Extended Range Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).
The New Range Rover is the first Land Rover to be powered by a new 4.4-litre V8 engine, badged P530 in reference to its output in horsepower. This engine produces 390kW and 750Nm of torque, and powers the SUV from 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds with Dynamic Launch engaged, and to a top speed of 250km/h.
A powerful D350 3.0-litre straight-six turbodiesel produces 257kW and 700Nm of torque, and propels the New Range Rover from 0-100km/h in 6.1s.
The new Extended Range P510e PHEV combines the inherent refinement of Land Rover’s 375kW in-line six-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine, with a 38.2kWh lithium-ion battery and a 105kW electric motor integrated with the transmission. Together, the powertrain provides up to 113km of near-silent pure-electric driving and with instantaneous electric torque the new P510e accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.6s.
New Range Rover pricing:
D350 HSE Standard Wheelbase R2,861,000
P530 HSE Standard Wheelbase R3,026,000
D350 Autobiography Standard Wheelbase R3,310,000
P530 Autobiography Standard Wheelbase R3,475,000
P510e Autobiography Standard Wheelbase R3,527,000
D350 First Edition Standard Wheelbase R3,434,000
P530 First Edition Standard Wheelbase R3,581,000
P510e First Edition Standard Wheelbase R3,582,000
D350 Autobiography Long Wheelbase R3,392,000
P530 Autobiography Long Wheelbase R3,557,000
D350 First Edition Long Wheelbase R3,516,000
P530 First Edition Long Wheelbase R3,663,000
D350 Autobiography Long Wheelbase 7-seats R3,422,000
P530 Autobiography Long Wheelbase 7-seats R3,587,000
D350 SV Standard Wheelbase R3,857,000
P530 SV Standard Wheelbase R3,920,000
P510e SV Standard Wheelbase R3,962,000
D350 SV Long Wheelbase R4,279,000
P530 SV Long Wheelbase R4,343,000
* Prices include VAT but exclude CO2 tax.
The New Range Rover will be launched in South Africa toward the middle of 2022. All Land Rover vehicles come with standard 5-year/100,000km Land Rover Care Warranty and Maintenance Plans.
According to naamsa | the Automotive Business Council, February new vehicle sales grew 18.4% compared to February 2021 to 44,229 units, a performance approaching volumes realised during the second half of 2019.
The new vehicle market continued to surge ahead during February, recording its best sales month since March last year.
According to naamsa | the Automotive Business Council, February new vehicle sales grew 18.4% compared to February 2021 to 44,229 units, a performance approaching volumes realised during the second half of 2019.
“Despite the traditionally short February selling month and in the face of interest rate hikes and fuel price increases, new vehicle sales performed reassuringly well during the month,” says Lebogang Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank. “Consumer demand was strong during February, particularly for new vehicles as opposed to used, borne out by WesBank’s 14.2% increase in finance applications for new vehicles alone.”
That activity was particularly strong on the passenger car dealer floor, sales through that channel growing 27.9% during February, well ahead of market growth. Overall passenger car sales grew 22.4% to 29,563 units with a slightly flatter performance from the rental market this month.
Light Commercial Vehicles were up 9.4% to 12,290 units compared to February last year.
“Although year-on-year growth during February looked inspiring, passenger car sales were actually marginally (463 units) down on January sales,” says Gaoaketse. “Light Commercial Vehicle sales during February, however, were 2,666 units or 27.7% ahead of January, likely as a result of erratic supply continuing to hamper the market.”
The market has further headwinds to face as fuel prices will exceed R21 per litre inland during March and are destined to rise further amidst tensions in Ukraine. Industry could also face additional complications over and above microchips as supply and manufacture is potentially disrupted in the region and Russia.
“The situation could amplify the divide between consumer and business demand and the market’s already hampered ability to supply,”says Gaoaketse.
“This increasing amount of pent-up demand may only be balanced by affordability considerations thanks to increased running costs, and household incomes, which remain under pressure.”
It’s a far better situation to be in than weak economic activity and the market is rejoicing thanks to increased activity in sales with the consequent ripple effect throughout the value chain.
The new vehicle market is already 18.8% up to 85,559 units during the first two months of the year compared to the year-to-date performance of 2021, outrunning many forecasts already made for the market this year.
“This bodes well for the continued recovery of the new vehicle market,”concludes Gaoaketse.
The integration of brands and on-going dealer network expansion continues at Stellantis South Africa, with the latest expanded facilities now open in Richards Bay, KwaZulu Natal.
Fury Motor Group is expanding their existing facility on the North Coast already representing sales and service for Stellantis’ Opel brands. A revamp of their existing showroom along with a brand new showroom planned for Stellantis brands will extend Fury’s offering to sales of the Jeep, Fiat, and Fiat Professional range.
Founded in 1995 with a single dealership in Sandton, Johannesburg, Fury Motor Group has grown quickly across brands, building confidence for customers around the country. The group first expanded into KZN in 2007 and now forms part of the Hatfield Motor Group.
“We believe the current mix of dealers in the KZN region continues to bolster our customer experience in our constant drive for improved customer satisfaction,” said Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director of Stellantis South Africa. “Fury Motor Group is well-established and trusted amongst our customers. We look forward to providing our customers in Richards Bay even more convenience through Fury.”
Leading the team at Fury Richards Bay is Dealer Principal, Greg Massey-Hicks. “Our constant drive to improve and grow is as much a Fury business value as it is a customer philosophy for us in Richards Bay,” says Massey-Hicks. “We are proud of the hard work we put into building solid customer relationships. Offering benchmark service levels comes with a great responsibility. That’s why we work so hard to uphold the four core components of what makes Fury Motor Group’s service the best in the industry: our People, our Brand, our Ethics and the Community around us.”
Fury Richards Bay is open to handle Opel, Fiat, Fiat Professional, and Jeep customers.
Nitrogen gas is an alternative to compressed air but did you know that it’s good for your tyres too?
Many motorists use air in their tyres but very few seem to know about the benefits of using nitrogen instead. Since converting to nitrogen many years ago I can confidently attest to the numerous benefits of using it instead of air.
Before getting into an overview of the benefits of using nitrogen in your tyres, let’s first discuss what nitrogen is.
What is nitrogen?
The air we inhale comprises approximately 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen. In its purest form, nitrogen is simply dry air that is completely devoid of oxygen. Nitrogen is:
Non-combustible
Non-corrosive
Non-flammable
Environmentally friendly
Unlike air, nitrogen does not oxidize (or weaken) the rubber of the tyre.
Of all known gasses, nitrogen has the biggest molecules which means it seeps through tyres much slower than air. As a result, it takes longer for a tyre pumped with nitrogen to lose pressure than one filled with air.
Image credit: Arrive Alive
The benefits of using nitrogen:
As mentioned I am a firm believer in using nitrogen for the following reasons.
Tyres run cooler because nitrogen does not hold heat, which drastically reduces instances of having a burst tyre.
Cooler tyres also mean better handling on the road, here’s why: When tyres heat up, their inflation pressure increases, resulting in a smaller tyre footprint (the area in contact with the road). The smaller the tyre’s footprint, the less grip, so the cooler the tyre the better it grips
Nitrogen reduces tyre pressure variation normally caused by fluctuating temperatures.
Due to its molecular structure, nitrogen escapes through the tyre’s inner liner at a slower rate than air, meaning the pressure in your tyres will hold for longer.
Nitrogen does not contain moisture, meaning a notable reduction in corrosion to the rubber of the tyres.
Image credit: Planet F1
With the above in mind, I am sure you’ll agree that using nitrogen in your tyres is a good idea. As a result of the above-mentioned benefits, tyre manufacturers agree that nitrogen can improve a tyre’s lifespan by up to 20%.
While I’m not an expert, I am further encouraged by the fact that Formula 1 race car drivers use nitrogen in their tyres, and if it’s good enough for Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton, it’s good enough for me!
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.
