Chery has committed to deliver its flagship Tiggo 8 Pro range to the South African market within the first quarter of 2022.
The success of the Tiggo 4 Pro and the rapid growth in customer and dealer demand has prompted Chery South Africa to expedite the launch of its flagship Tiggo 8 Pro range.
“The success of the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro has surprised our dealer network, who reports increasing interest and sales of all models in the range.
Chery have also welcomed five more dealers since the introduction of the Tiggo 4 Pro, bringing their dealer network to 42 dealerships across South Africa, where customers can test drive and purchase their new Chery.
Tony Liu, Executive Deputy General Manager of Chery South Africa says that it has received a commitment from Chery’s global head office for additional production of both the Tiggo 4 Pro and the new Tiggo 8 Pro, with the first Tiggo 8 Pro models already tested and homologated for the South African market.
“We are extremely excited about the new Tiggo 8 Pro. While the Tiggo 4 Pro and our 1-million-kilometre mechanical warranty has done a lot to demonstrate the quality and technology available in Chery vehicles, the Tiggo 8 Pro will simply blow people away,” says Liu.
Two models of the Tiggo 8 Pro will be available at launch. Both will be fitted with Chery’s award-winning 1.6 TGDI petrol-engine, which used advanced thermal management, adaptive turbo charging and direct injection to deliver 136 kW and a strong 290 Nm of torque.
Chery’s award-winning 1.6 TGDI petrol-engine will be fitted to both models of the incoming Tiggo 8 Pro
Both models will also offer industry-leading levels of luxury and technology, a hallmark of all Chery products. This includes features such as Around View Monitor, an 8-speaker SONY sound system, two high definition TFT displays (with a third in the flagship model) and dual-zone climate control with pharmaceutical grade N95 air filtration.
All models will further offer 7 seats as standard, setting another benchmark it its class.
The Tiggo 8 Pro is perhaps Chery’s most awarded vehicle to date. It has won numerous awards in China and elsewhere, including the China Annual Innovation Award in 2020, the National Car of the Year in 2020 (with a voting margin of more than 1 million votes).
It was also voted the Most High-Tech SUV in the Russian 2021 SUV of the Year Awards, where Chery has grown rapidly to become a Top 10 best-selling brand.
Chery has also won the China Heart Award for domestically developed and manufactured engines for its 1.6 TGDI-engine in 2019, with high praise for the engine’s thermal efficiency, performance and low fuel consumption.
We’ll share specifics on the model range and pricing as soon as those details become available to us.
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) marked 42 years as the best-selling automotive brand in South Africa.
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) marked 42 years as the best-selling automotive brand in South Africa with a remarkable market share of 25.4%.This means that one in every four vehicles sold locally in 2021 was a Toyota product. Out of the industry total of 464 122, an aggregate of 117 659 units were delivered by TSAM.
The last time TSAM registered a market share higher than 25% was in 2003, and it was not necessarily a good year for the industry as total automotive sales were just slightly above 380 000.
This was followed by a few years where Toyota garnered a market share just above 19%. Worthy of mention however is that for the past five years, Toyota has been punching above a 20% share – an unprecedented run of success by any local automotive brand in recent history.
Hilux retains its title as the country’s best-selling vehicle with a total of 36 085 units sold – most of which were double cabs. Hiace also continued its supremacy as the ‘people mover’ of choice with a total of 15 699 models sold. The two heroes, assisted by other light commercial vehicle (LCV) models such as Land Cruiser pick-up and Dyna, propelled TSAM to its highest LCV market share of 42.2%.
Toyota’s market share of 19.2% in the passenger segment is the highest in the last 12 years – matching a similar figure in 2018 – and comes in the wake of two stellar performances by the Corolla Cross in November and December.
Other notable figures were posted by Starlet and Urban Cruiser last year – 12 103 and 8 899 respectively for 2021. Toyota’s truck division Hino posted an impressive market share of 25.1% in the Medium Commercial Vehicle (MCV) segment and registered a 5.5% share in Heavy Commercial Vehicles.
TSAM is also proud that its Parts’ Supply business distributed no less than 16 million items to domestic dealers, while close to 4 million pieces were shipped outside of the country in 2021.
Toyota Sales Breakdown
In December, TSAM continued to power ahead with sales of 9 580 – leading in both Passenger (5 603) and LCV (3 699) segments for the second month in a row. The December retail represents 26.6% of the total sales of 35 948 units reported by NAAMSA.
Stand-out performances were recorded by SA’s favourite bakkie Hilux (2 426); the new Corolla Cross (1 752); the affordable Starlet (1 180) as well as the evergreen Hiace (1 024).
Lexus recorded a total of 51 sales, including 20 ES and 10 RX models. Hino recorded a total of 249 sales. The 300-Series posted 150 units while the 500-Series sold 72 models.
Toyota Parts Sales
From a parts perspective, 1.2 million pieces were supplied to domestic dealers while a further 305 000 units were shipped across the borders in December.
According Leon Theron, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at TSAM: “The last month of the year is not traditionally successful when it comes vehicles sales. This is mainly due to the limited days of doing business as well as many customers and dealers withholding vehicle registrations in order to record new models in the New Year. However, we are truly grateful for the 26.6% market share recorded last month.”
Theron also paid tribute to Toyota’s employees, dealers and other business partners for their support: “When we established the brand in South Africa in 1961, we focused on establishing a wide dealer network that directly serves customers. We genuinely appreciate all those who have been part of the Toyota journey to date, including dealers, staff as well as all the various brand ambassadors and customers.”
Choking is a terrifying experience for adults and even more so for toddlers, which is why letting your child eat while you drive can sometimes end in tragedy
It is not uncommon to see people eating while driving and given the fast-paced lives we lead, it’s almost understandable. Unfortunately, you can cause an accident simply by balancing a burger in one hand, while holding the steering wheel in the other.
Similarly, should you need to brake unexpectedly while your toddler is munching on, say a piece of meat, you could set in motion a scenario in which your child starts choking.
What is Choking?
Choking usually occurs when an object such as food or a small toy, gets stuck in the airway (trachea). As a result, air cannot flow normally into or out of the lungs resulting in the child not being able to breathe properly.
The trachea is protected by a small flap of tissue called the epiglottis. The epiglottis acts like a lid, locking shut over the trachea each time a person swallows. It allows food to pass down the oesophagus and prevents it from going down the trachea.
Once in a while though, the epiglottis doesn’t close quickly enough and an object can slip into the trachea. This is what is commonly known as “going down the wrong pipe”.
Stop Safely When Your Child Begins To Choke
As a parent, your first instinct may be to slam on the brakes, stop the car and attend to your child. As frightening as it may be, you will need to keep your wits about you and drive in a collected a manner as possible.
Put on your hazard lights and safely manoeuver your car towards the left shoulder of the road. If you are in the extreme right lane and should it be safer to pull over to the right, rather do so. Do not put yourself and other road users at risk by abruptly making a bee-line to the left-hand side of the road.
What Happens When Your Child Starts Choking
Parents may not always realise that their child is choking unless they are looking at them as toddlers generally can’t make any noise to attract your attention when they are choking.
In a child, choking may present as:
Being unable to breathe
Being unable to talk, cry or make any noise
Gasping or wheezing
Grabbing at their throat
Waving their arms
Being panic-stricken
Becoming limp or unconscious
Sometimes, the object may only be partially lodged in the trachea. In this instance, the child may instinctively cough it up and begin to breathe normally again within a few seconds. Other times, however, the object may be well and truly stuck, blocking the airway completely. In such an instance, when airflow into and out of the airway is blocked, the brain becomes deprived of oxygen making it a life-threatening emergency.
Steps To Follow If Your Child Is Choking
From Birth to One Year Old
Lay the baby face-down, along your forearm. Use your thigh or lap for support.
Point the baby’s head downward, lower than the body.
Using the palm of your hand, give five quick, firm blows to the baby’s back, between the shoulder blades.
If the airway is still blocked after five blows:
Turn the baby face up. Use your thigh or lap for support and be sure to support the head.
Place two finders on the middle of the breastbone, just below the nipples.
Give up to five quick thrusts downwards, compressing the chest one-third to on-half the depth of the chest.
Give five back blows, followed by five chest thrusts until the object is dislodged
If you can see the object, try to remove it with your fingers but only if you are confident that you won’t be pushing it further down the airway.
NEVER do abdominal thrusts on an infant.
Over One Year To Puberty: Perform Abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuver)
Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around the their waist. For a child, you will have to kneel.
Make a fist with one hand. Place the thumb side of your fist just above the person’s navel, but well below the breastbone.
Grab the fist firmly with your other hand.
Make a quick inward and upward thrust with your fist.
Check if the object has become dislodged. If not, begin to deliver back blows.
To perform back blows:
Stand behind the person (kneel if it’s a child)
Wrap one arm around the person’s upper body to support them. Lean the person forward until the chest is almost parallel to the ground
Using the heel of your other hand, deliver a firm blow between the person’s shoulder blades
Check if the objects is dislodged. If not, continue giving back blows.
If the object does not dislodge, begin delivering abdominal thrusts AND back blows
Give five back blows followed by five abdominal thrusts
Check if the object becomes dislodged after each round of back blows and each round of thrusts
In both instances, DO NOT perform first aid if the infant or person is coughing forcefully. Sometimes a strong cough can dislodge the object.
Common Items That Cause Children To Choke
The most common causes for choking in children are:
Hard-boiled candy/sweets irrespective of size
Elongated types of food e.g., sweet/sour worms, sausages e.g., hotdogs
Bones
Toys
It is both inconvenient and distressing when toddlers are hungry, but rather than give them food while you drive, pull over for a break which could benefit the entire family. Liquids in a sippy cup could be a reasonable compromise but it is best that children are fed before departing on a trip so that they are well-nourished until the first scheduled rest stop.
Should your child choke while driving, be sure to visit a doctor immediately afterward to check that hasn’t been any damage done to the trachea, abdomen, or other parts of the body.
One of the best things parents can do, however, is to take a basic first aid course that would empower them with life-saving confidence.
The new and upgraded Haval Steed range is now available in GWM dealerships across the country.
Haval Motors SA (HMSA) is pleased to announce that a new and upgraded version of the effervescent Steed range is now available in GWM dealerships across the country.
The new generation Steed replaces the current Steed 5, Steed 6 & Steed 5e.
Overall changes include specification upgrades, design changes & engine power delivery improvement to name a few upgrades but remains on the same tried and trusted chassis as the outgoing Steed.
Model Line-Up
There are two grades available to the South African market being; the “S” grade – a workhorse level specification & the “SX” – a mid-grade specification level.
Both the Single and Double cab facelifted Steed share the same diesel engine paired to a 6-speed manual transmission. The petrol powered Steed variant has been discontinued in lieu of the greater diesel powerplant.
In December last year, the AA released NCAP results that didn’t bode well for the Steed even though the very base model was tested. The vehicle in question was the entry level without Airbags or ABS.
Taking this extremely seriously, Haval’s R&D and product planning teams both domestically and in China, jumped to action and have now re-emerged, just 12 months later, with this new generation Steed, that comes with dual airbagsand ABS as standard equipment across the range.
The model line-up is split as follows:
Single Cab 2.0 S 4×2 6MT; 2.0 S 4×4 6MT; 2.0 SX 4×4 6MT, while the Double Cab variants are available in 2.0 SX 4×2 6MT and 2.0 SX 4×4 6MT models.
KEY SPECIFICATIONS BY GRADE
“S” Grade:
Power Steering
Outer tie down Hook rail
Remote Central Locking
Dual Front Airbags
Radio AM/FM with USB
Power adjustable mirrors + Electric windows
Manual Aircon
16” Steel Wheels
Electronic 4WD (2H, 4H & 4L modes): 4×4 Model Only
“SX” Grade (In addition to the above spec on S Grade)
Front & Rear Fog lamps
Rear Bumper & Rear park Distance Sensors
Guard Rail (Single Cab only)
Partial Leather seats & Steering
16″ Alloy Wheels + Tyre Pressure Monitor
ABS + EBD
Power adjustable mirrors + Electric windows
Auto Aircon (Double Cab Only)
Chrome plated Front Grille & Door Handles
Engine Performance
Engine output is increased by 5kw & 15Nm on the new range in comparison with the outgoing model, with the torque being delivered earlier in rev range @1400rpm some 400 Rpm lower than before so turbo lag is greatly reduced.
Current Steed: Power – 105kW @ 4000rpm Torque – 305 @ 1800-2800rpm
New Steed: Power – 110kW @ 4000rpm Torque – 320 @ 1400-2800rpm
A service plan is available as standard only on the Double Cab version being 3 years/40 000 km, however an optional purchase service plan is available for Single Cab.
The new Steed will continue from its predecessor offering a warranty of 5 years or 100 000km.
Buying a car is an exciting time, but to ensure you don’t regret your purchase you’ll have to look beyond the shiny paintwork and glistening rims.
Although cars are produced en masse, finding one which suits your individual needs takes time and effort. Some people want lots of legroom, others, luggage space and there are those whose highest preference is the latest technology and driver convenience.
Here are a few other considerations to consider:
Safety features that are connected to reducing one’s insurance premiums, should be high on every car buyers’ list of priorities. These include, airbags (the more the merrier), electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, forward and rear cameras, collision alert monitors and electronic stability control, to mention a few.
Ergonomics are critical for operating a vehicle with ease and comfort so when you get behind the wheel, make sure you can effortlessly reach the car’s primary controls.
Open and close both the front and rear car doors to test their weight. It is important that all family members including minors can enter and exit the car stress-free. Similarly, check the weight of the boot door.
Make sure that items you use regularly fit in the car. These could include golf bags, strollers and car seats.
Sit in the rear seats and test leg and headroom.
Ensure that the rear seats are comfortable, supportive and adjustable. Also check if they fold down effortlessly, to increase the luggage space area.
Check that the display screens are easy to read.
Test that the pedals aren’t too soft or hard and that the steering wheel can easily be adjusted upwards, downwards, towards and away from you.
Satisfy yourself that your smartphone and other devices connect quickly and easily to the car’s Bluetooth system.
Check that the car has a modern, or updated GPS which is easy to use.
Because a car is a long-term purchase it is well worth your time to assure yourself that you are as comfortable as you can be with your decision. Once you’ve signed on the dotted line you are bonded to the vehicle for at least 60 months and that’s a long time to drive a car you are entirely happy with.
Your car insurance costs are, in a way, a reflection of who you are as, in most instances, the rates you pay are determined by factors such as where you live and your driving history.
Taking your dogs on holiday with other members of your family is a no-brainer but it’s important to protect them and yourself along the way.
Dogs aren’t just a man’s best friend – they form part of the family; and while most pups enjoy being on the road, they can prove quite distracting to drivers.
As loyal and obedient as they might be around the house and at the park, an unrestrained dog can be a hazard in a car and failure to secure your furry relative can lead to a dangerous situation.
While there currently aren’t any pet restraint laws in South Africa, one of the best ways to protect yourself and your pets is to ensure that all occupants of a car, are properly buckled up at all times, and this includes the family pet.
Here is our guide to driving with man’s best friend.
1. Make sure your dog is accustomed to traveling in the car
It is a good idea to get your pooch acclimatized to the car well before you embark on a long-distance drive; as nervous or carsick dogs can make travelling uncomfortable for everyone. For nervous dogs, start by training them to get in and out of the car, using treats as a reward.
Take their favourite toy or blanket to keep them comfortable along the drive. Practise driving with your dog often and gradually increase the distance in accordance with their comfort levels. The more often you are out on the road with them, the less nervous they will be.
2. Pack a pet travel pack
Pack essentials such as waste bags, water, bowls, grooming supplies, medication, first-aid kit, treats, lead, blanket, toys, food and any other items you deem necessary.
3. Don’t let your dog hang its head out of the window
Although they may want to, hanging their heads out of the window can lead to injury or death from oncoming traffic or obstructions. Also, hanging their heads out of the window can dry out their eyes, particularly when traveling at high speeds. Instead, keep the car well ventilated by opening the window a crack or using the air con.
4. Know the signs of overheating / heatstroke in dogs
Keeping the car well ventilated and cool is essential for your dog’s well-being and will help minimise health problems such as overheating and heatstroke. Signs of heat stroke and overheating include:
Excessive panting
Drooling
Lethargy / Unwillingness to move / Dullness
Overly reddened gums
Vomiting and or diarrhea
Loss of consciousness
5. Take breaks along the way
Just as humans need to refresh along the way, so too do dogs. Plan your trip such that it includes rest stops in places that are large enough for your pooch to stretch its legs and get some exercise. Remember to take some waste bags so you can clean up after your dog has relieved itself.
6. Restrain your dog properly
We highly recommend that you restrain your dog when traveling, irrespective of how short the drive may be. Depending on the size and energy levels of your dog, you could choose between utilizing pet travel seats, pet booster seats, safety harnesses, padded carriers, or you could simply secure them behind a metal guard – which allows them a little bit of freedom.
7. Other considerations
Ensure your pet is microchipped and that the information on it is up-to-date.
Visit the vet to ensure that your furry friend is in good enough health for the trip.
Feed your pet before your journey – at least 3 hours in advance, as this will help minimise car sickness
As responsible pet parents, it is your duty to ensure the safety of your pets and that of your family and other road users. This will not only provide a comfortable ride for all but a safe and memorable one too.
Being involved in an accident is almost unavoidable on our roads and should you find yourself in such a situation there are a few things you can do to avoid making the situation worse.
Whether it’s a mild fender bender or something more serious, these are the six things you need to avoid at all costs.
1. Do not lose your cool
Regardless of who is at fault try to maintain your cool. Do not scream, make accusations or derogatory remarks which could further inflame the situation. Instead, take deep breaths and work towards diffusing the situation by asking the other party if they are ok. Remember, everyone is under enormous pressure and neither you nor the other party needed the added stress regardless of who was in the wrong.
2. Do not leave your car in the middle of the road
Unless the damage is such that the vehicles cannot be moved it would good and considerate of you to move your vehicle out of the way. In order not to cause further incidents, your first priority is to pull your vehicle off to the side of the road to a safe distance from traffic. After turning on your hazard lights simply exit your car and approach the other driver in a non-threatening manner. “
3. Do not delay to contact the police
You must report the accident within 24-hours. No matter how minor the situation, you must report the accident and obtain an accident number for reference. Sorting things out yourself could lead to expensive repairs and mis-communication further down the line.
4. Do not delay to contact your insurance provider
Your insurance agent should always be called after you’ve exchanged the following information with the other driver: name, address, phone number, insurance company name, license plate number, name of the vehicle owner and car year/make/model/color. The police accident report will also be required which will give details of the accident such as the location, the time of the crash and a summary of what happened. Pictures of the damage done to your vehicle will also come in handy so make sure you take as many as possible including road markings and damage to all vehicles involved.
5. Do not accept cash to keep it quiet
Some drivers—if they’re at fault and face possible legal and/or insurance issues because of their record—might offer what looks like a sufficient amount of cash to “fix the problem without contacting police or insurance companies.” This is a bad idea. “Even if it doesn’t look like it will cost that much to fix your vehicle because you have no way of knowing how expensive it may actually get. There’ could also be damage that you can’t see. Contacting police and your insurer is absolutely essential.
Long-distance trips can be tiring and arduous, particularly when some of your passengers are young and restless; but more often than not, playing car games can be the answer and will help you maintain your sanity.
Road trips with your children don’t have to be difficult ordeals punctuated with a repeated “Are we there yet?” Here are some car game suggestions which might keep your restless passengers entertained long enough for them not to notice the distance you are travelling.
1. The Grocery Game
The first player is tasked with thinking of an item that can be purchased at a grocery store. Thereafter, all the other passengers must take turns guessing what that item might be by asking a question. Is it something you would find in the frozen food section? Is it edible? No? Guess again!
2. I Spy
This is a well-known game, so it won’t take a lot of instruction to learn how to play. The first person selects something either on the road or in the car without revealing what it is to the rest of the players in the car. Then they must repeat the phrase, “I spy with my little eye something that begins with the letter …” as it relates to the answer.
The other passengers then try to guess what it might be.
3. Song humming game
Take it in turns to hum your favorite song. This could be a song for a TV show or one from your favorite artist. The other passengers then take turns guessing the song as fast as possible! Whoever guesses correctly gets to hum the next tune!
4. Family storytime
This game begins with one of the players saying a sentence to begin an imaginary story. This could be something like “There was once an elephant named Tshepo”. The next player then continues with their own sentence, and so the story continues. This is a great way to let the kid’s imaginations run wild and see what they come up with!
5. Fortunately/unfortunately
This continuous story game involves each person adding a phrase one at a time. Each phrase must start with either the word fortunately or unfortunately. The aim is to make the story entertaining and funny story. Example: Unfortunately Johan’s car broke down at the side of the road… fortunately his friend Mark was driving past… etc.
6. Monotone song lyrics
Say the lyrics of one of your favorite songs but with no tune or melody. The other passengers must try and guess the song from the words alone!
7. In my suitcase
The first player states the phrase “I’m going on holiday and I’m taking …” followed by an item (toothbrush, suitcase, etc). The next person must repeat the phrase, including the previous person’s item, then add an item of their own. Keep going and see how many letters you can get through before someone forgets!
8. The quiet game
This is a great game when attempting to restore order in a car full of squabbling siblings. An adult simply challenges the kids by asking ‘Who can stay quiet the longest?’ Just like that, your car will become a haven of peace and tranquillity. Be warned, the silence may not last for as long as you might like it to in which case offering a ‘reward’ may be a worthwhile consideration.
9. Sing-a-long
The first player starts by singing a few lines of a song. The next person jumps in to connect the lyrics with another song starting with the last word from the previous player’s song, i.e., the last lyrics of player one’s song should be the first lyrics for player two sings). Here’s an example: “Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you….” “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy…” “Happy birthday to you!”
We are confident one or more of these games will help maintain order as you make your way to your destination and make your travels more pleasant and memorable.
What you use to wash your car matters and; contrary to popular belief, items such as dishwashing liquid and laundry detergent aren’t best for the paint on your car.
Washing your car regularly is a simple way to maintain its value. Richard Green, National Director of SAMBRA, shares some do’s and don’ts which may help you to keep your car sparkling clean .
Do this to keep your car’s paintwork in tip-top condition;
Use a dedicated carwash product that is milder and specifically designed for use on automotive paint. Before applying the soap, rinse all surfaces thoroughly with water to remove loose dirt and debris that could cause scratching. Apply the soap with a large, soft natural sponge or a lamb’s-wool mitt. For more stubborn deposits such as grease and road tar, you may need a slightly stronger product. Wash one section at a time and rinse each section before moving on to the next. Remember to work the solution into a lather to provide plenty of lubrication.
Use a different sponge to clean the wheels and tyres and be careful to use a product specifically formulated for tyres.
Be careful how you rotate your sponge. Moving your sponge in circles when you clean your car can create light, but noticeable scratches called swirl marks. Instead, move the sponge lengthwise across the bonnet of the car and other body panels and always ensure your sponge is perfectly clean to avoid scratching the paintwork. Remember to use a different sponge to clean your wheels.
Just like we all enjoy an occasional visit to the spa, treat your car to a seasonal waxing to help protect it from the elements as well as to give it a like-new shine. It is worth noting that premium-priced car wax brands do not necessarily hold up any better than lower-priced alternatives. In fact, some moderately priced liquids have scored quite well in independent tests.
Do this to avoid scratches and fading;
Don’t use household cleaning agents like hand soap, dishwashing detergent, or glass cleaner on the paint. These are not formulated for use on a car’s paint and may strip the protective wax off. Avoid any gimmicky products that claim to remove marks as these more often than not also strip the protective wax layer off the car’s paint.
Don’t use any wax or shine products on your tyres. Many products advertise they add shine to tyres; remove sidewall dirt and oils but may erode the rubber or cause the tyres to crack over time. The reality however is that modern tyres have waxes in the material of the rubber to protect them from the environment. According to Green, even if a dull appearance may occur over time, this is just the waxes migrating to the surface which in reality help protect the tyre. Fortunately, and easy on the budget, simple soap and water is really all you need for tyres.
Don’t wash your car when the body is hot. Heat speeds up the drying of soap and water, making washing more difficult and increasing the chances of spots or deposits forming. This is particularly true immediately after driving your car or after it has been parked in direct sunlight for a long time.
Don’t use an abrasive towel or other material that can leave hairline scratches in the paint.
A new type of comfort zone is here to challenge the status quo. The 6th generation C-Class boasts minimalist design, luxurious comfort and innovative assistance systems.
The new C-Class, which reaches local showrooms from December 2021, is manufactured in the Mercedes-Benz Cars plants in Bremen, Beijing and East London.
Mark Raine, Co- CEO for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa says the fact that East London is one of three global manufacturing plants for the new C-Class is a ‘massive success story’ for the local industry.
Mark Raine:Co- CEO for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa Image: Going Places/Malaysia Airlines
Bigger, better, sleeker
“The new C-Class is a sportive incarnation of luxury. It combines dynamic proportions with reduced design lines and sculptural surfaces. I have no doubt that the new C-Class will excite current and future customers with its wide range of high-tech features derived from the flagship S-Class”, said Mark Raine, Co- CEO for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa.
Considerably larger than its predecessor, with a length of 4751 mm and a width of 1820 mm, the wheelbase of the incoming C-Class has been increased by 25 mm to 2865 mm. It features a dynamic exterior design and a sumptuous interior that borrows heavily from the flagship S-Class.
“The new C-Class is being launched into the South Africa market initially with the C200 and C220d engine derivatives, both sporting four-cylinder units from the current modular FAME (Family of Modular Engines) Mercedes-Benz engine family,” said Selvin Govender, Director of Marketing and Sales for Mercedes-Benz Cars.
The C200 boasts power delivery of 150kw and 300Nm of torque, while the C220d delivers 147kw and 440Nm of Torque. The C220d achieves a combined fuel consumption of 4.6l/100km and the C200 achieves a combined fuel consumption of 6.6l/100km.
Govender added, “The C200 is also available at launch in a limited debut edition known as Edition 6, which has numerous visual accents which underlines its exclusivity. Edition 6 will be limited to 400 units.
It is important to prepare well for the trip, whether you’re travelling for just a few hours or embarking on a long road trip with overnight stops.
It’s been another tough year filled with mental and emotional stress, increased responsibilities, on-going financial commitments and uncertainty over the coronavirus pandemic.
As we get into the holiday season, taking much needed time off to relax is a definite must. Restrictions on global travel present South Africans with a perfect opportunity to explore our beautiful country. However, it is also the time when the roads become congested with a high number of vehicles ranging from passenger cars and motorcycles to trucks and buses.
Here are some road safety tips to take note of before you set off:
Tyres
Before you set off, remember to check your tyres. The tread on your tyres should be within the legal limit and the pressure should be adjusted especially if you have a heavy load. It is also a good idea to ensure that you have packed the correct tools with which to change a flat tyre and that the spare wheel’s pressure and tread are in good condition before you embark on your trip.
Lights
One of the most important (and cheapest to replace) items on your pre-travel checklist should be your car’s lighting system. Ask a friend or family member to help in ensuring that all lights including headlights, taillights, brake lights, hazard lights and indicators are working properly.
It is recommended to drive with your lights on at all times on a long journey, so as to ensure you are visible at all times.
Brakes
Effective brakes are crucial on all vehicles, not only during long-distance driving but at all times. Brake pads should be inspected by a qualified technician – any squeaks or scraping sounds are signs that brake replacements are probably necessary.
Vibrations on your pedal when braking indicate warped discs, which are a sign that the brakes either need skimming or replacing.
Battery
It is also important to have your battery checked by an authorised dealer. This is a simple and relatively quick test. While battery replacement can be relatively pricey, so could the cost of a tow truck if one is needed to come to your rescue.
Wipers
Streaks or smears on your windscreen are a sign that your wipers may need to be replaced. Driving through rain or a thunderstorm with worn wiper blades is an extremely dangerous and unnecessary risk, even more so on long drives.
Fluids
Most modern cars make the inspection of fluid levels such as coolant, power steering and brake fluid quite easy for the average driver. If you’re uncomfortable doing this yourself, have them checked by your dealer or at the filling station. If the car is lacks any fluids, this could lead to overheating during the drive.
Driving for long hours on busy roads requires patience, staying alert and focused concentration, especially if you’re traveling with young children.
Be aware of other cars on the road at all times, drive within the speed limit and remember, safety first. A little respect goes a long way on the open road. Be mindful at all times.
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