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Isuzu boldly launches its all new 7th generation ISUZI D-MAX bakkie

vuyi on March 11, 2022

By H&H Admin

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. 

Isuzu appoints Marcia Noxolo Mayaba as Department for Dealer and Business Development

vuyi on January 27, 2022

Marcia joins the Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) senior executive team as the newly appointed Department Executive for Dealer and Business Development. 

Marcia Mayaba has an impressive track record within the automotive industry, which spans over two decades.

She has worked across various fields, including truck rental, car rental, leasing and fleet management as well as having extensive retail experience, holding positions of General Manager, Dealer Principal and Franchise Executive, and was the first female in the South African Motor industry to head a Motor Group listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange when she was appointed as the Chief Executive of Barloworld Motor Retail.

During her tenure with Barloworld, Marcia also held the role of Vice President of the National Automobile Dealers Association. In 2021 Marcia was voted as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Africa – Automotive Supply Chain.

“We are excited to have Marcia join the IMSAf team, especially with her wealth of experience, where she will be instrumental in bringing to life the IMSAf vision of transformation, high performance and results,” says Mongezi Hermans, Senior Vice President Human Capital and Corporate Affairs at Isuzu. 

Looking forward to the challenge, Marcia Mayaba, Department Executive for Dealer and Business Development says “The role is both exciting and challenging at the same time. It aims at bringing about transformation, not only from a diversity and inclusion perspective, but also from the way we conduct business with our business partners and the dealer network into the future”.

Marcia completed a Gordon Institute of Business Science Programme for Management Development, a Diploma in Public Relations from Lesley Carnelley Business College and an Advanced Certificate in Road Transport obtained from the Rand Afrikaans University (R.A.U), now the University of Johannesburg.

She has also completed Dealer Principal Management Training Programmes both at OEM and retail levels. She also holds a Sewell’s Dealership Management Qualification.

New On The Tarmac: Meet The All-New X-Rider Limited Edition

vuyi on December 3, 2021

By H&H Admin

Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSA) has added three sporty X-Rider Limited Edition models to the Isuzu D-MAX range. Badged the X-Rider Limited Edition the new models will be limited to 210 individually numbered units with a numbered plaque in the engine bay.

Built at Isuzu’s Struandale plant in Gqeberha, the X-Rider Limited Edition has exclusive features such as blacked out 18-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails, X-Rider Edition Limited Sports hoop, tailgate branding, branded carpet set, and a standard load box roller-shutter.

There are three models available in the X-Rider Limited Edition, a 2.5 HO X-Rider LTD 4×2 5 speed manual, a 2.5 HO X-Rider LTD 4×2 5 speed Auto, and a 3.0 X-Rider LTD 4×2 6 Speed Auto.  

All are based on existing X-Rider models.

250 HO models continue with Isuzu’s formidable 2.5 litre turbo diesel engine making 100 kW @3400 rpm, and 320 Nm of torque between 1800 rpm and 2800 rpm. The 3.0 X-Limited is fitted with the D-MAX’s current 3 litre Turbodiesel engine which makes 130 kW at 3600 rpm and 380 Nm between 1800rpm and 2800rpm.

Combined cycle fuel consumption for the 2.5 models is 7.7 l/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 203 g/km for the manual. The 3-litre model’s combined cycle fuel consumption is 7.5 l/100 km with CO2 emissions at 198 g/km.

Isuzu is committed to providing its customers with an exceptional ownership experience and peace of mind. To this end, all Isuzu D-MAX bakkies come standard with Isuzu Complete Care, comprising a five year/unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty and a five year/ 90 000 km Service Plan. Service intervals are every 15 000 km/12 months.

Extended cover can also be purchased for Roadside Assistance, Service Plans, and Maintenance Plans through Isuzu mobility. 

X-Rider Limited Edition models and pricing:

– 250 HO D/C X-Rider LTD 4×2 M/T: R 552,400

– 250 HO X-Rider LTD 4×2 A/T: R 572 100

– 300 X-Rider LTD 4×2 A/T: R 624 400

All prices include VAT

Isuzu announces Kgothatso “KG” Montjane as its new brand ambassador

vuyi on November 11, 2021

Press Release: Isuzu Motors South Africa

Isuzu Motors South Africa is excited to announce one of South Africa’s most accomplished athletes, Kgothatso “KG” Montjane, as its new brand ambassador.

The partnership between the long-standing Isuzu brand and the resilient sportswoman is a perfect match. The mobility agreement between one of the country’s top local motor manufacturers and the champion tennis player showcases Isuzu’s commitment to support South African legends across various fields of expertise to build a legacy of #IsuzuLegends. 

“KG is an inspiration to us all. Isuzu Motors South Africa is proud to be associated with an athlete who is bold and limitless in pursuing her passion, and we look forward to this journey together,” said Mandlakazi Sigcawu, Department Executive Corporate & Public Affairs. “She is a true South African hero, who like Isuzu, has risen to challenges and proven success in the face of adversity.”

Montjane has been ranked the number one tennis player in Africa for 11 consecutive years and is South Africa’s first black women’s Wimbledon finalist in both the singles and doubles categories. She’s currently placed fifth in the world on the ITF World Wheelchair Tennis rankings.

“I’m thrilled to partner with Isuzu. The space and versatility of the Isuzu mu-X I will be driving suits my lifestyle and profession,” said Montjane. “For me it’s more than just a brand ambassadorship. I want to use this opportunity to inspire others to be brave and limitless in overcoming adversities. Always remember that no worthwhile journey is without its challenges. It’s the adventures on the rough roads that reach greatness.”

Born in Polokwane, Limpopo with a congenital birth defect, KG went through a single amputation below the knee at the age of 12. At 19 she began her tennis career when she received the equipment necessary to play wheelchair tennis, and never looked back as she progressed all the way to the world stage.

KG represented South Africa at the 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020 Paralympics, became the first African player to compete in a wheelchair tennis Grand Slam at the 2013 Australian Open, and was the first black African woman to become a finalist at Wimbledon earlier this year.

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. 

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.” 

Get ready for the Next Generation Isuzu mu-X, set to arrive in SA by end 2021

vuyi on August 4, 2021

Isuzu’s much loved mu-X will soon be available to the South African market, complete with new features and a fresh new look.

Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSA) has announced the imminent arrival of the second generation of Isuzu’s seven-seater SUV which will be launched in South Africa later this year. Based on the Isuzu D-MAX, the first-generation mu-X has proven itself as a reliable, luxurious, and practical go anywhere family vehicle.

The upcoming Isuzu mu-X offers class leading driver assistance technology, new state of the art powertrains, and a luxurious interior designed for maximum comfort for seven occupants.

– Dominic Rimmer, Senior Vice President Technical Operations

“The upcoming Isuzu mu-X is a game changer for us, as it offers class leading driver assistance technology, new state of the art powertrains, and a luxurious interior designed for maximum comfort for seven occupants,” said Dominic Rimmer, Senior Vice President Technical Operations.

The next generation mu-X will be equipped with a suite of passive and active safety systems, as well as the latest infotainment systems with Android Auto and Apple car play. The bold exterior design is matched by an exquisitely crafted interior, with luxurious fittings and soft surfaces which should make any driving task an enjoyable and safe experience.

“We are steadily on track to launch the next generation Isuzu mu-X in South Africa,” adds Rimmer. “Vehicle testing was successfully conducted late 2020 and we continue to test the vehicle under a number of conditions to ensure it is suitably prepared for South African conditions.” 

In preparation for the entry of the next generation Isuzu mu-X, the company has also embarked on Dealer technical training for Isuzu technicians who will be responsible for the servicing and maintenance of the vehicles once sales commence.

We continue to test the vehicle under a number of conditions to ensure it is suitably prepared for South African conditions.

– DOMINIC RIMMER, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT TECHNICAL OPERATIONS

Another key element of the pre-launch activities for Isuzu is ensuring the ready availability of service and repair parts at commencement of sales. In this regard, Isuzu mu-X customers will benefit from Isuzu’s world class Parts Distribution Centre (PDC) in Gqeberha which stocks more than 30 000-line items of service, maintenance and crash repair parts. Isuzu dealers can expect to receive parts within one or two days of an order depending on the type of order placed. 

The mu-X is manufactured at Isuzu’s Samrong vehicle assembly facility in Thailand. It will be fully imported into South Africa for sale to the South African as well as Right-Hand Drive markets of rest of Africa. 

Additional product information and pricing will be made available closer to the launch date.

New record for Suzuki dealers in first full month of post-lockdown sales

vuyi on July 13, 2020

Suzuki Auto South Africa has surprised the market with a stellar sales performance in June, with sales figures returning to pre-lockdown levels and its dealer network breaking all existing records.

The S-Presso seems to be the perfect vehicle for cash-strapped South Africans looking for a reliable new car

– André Venter, divisional manager sales and marketing – Suzuki Auto South Africa

“All credit goes to our national dealer network, which worked very hard to reopen all their dealership floors, while meeting government and Suzuki standards for sanitation and safety. Their rapid action allowed us to meet the pent-up demand for good quality, affordable vehicles such as our new S-Presso and popular Swift,” says André Venter, divisional manager for sales and marketing at Suzuki Auto South Africa.

 

According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers (Naamsa), Suzuki Auto SA has leapt up the sales charts by selling 1 433 units, with all but one unit sold through the dealer network. This not only ranks Suzuki 7th overall in the sales rankings but gives it a 4.49% share of the total vehicle market and a 7.17% share of the passenger vehicle market.

We will support our dealers as they continue to trade under difficult circumstances

– ANDRÉ VENTER, DIVISIONAL MANAGER SALES AND MARKETING – SUZUKI AUTO SOUTH AFRICA

The S-Presso has proven to be a very popular new model, with a massive 555 new units finding new homes in June. This is the model’s first full month of sales, after Suzuki cancelled its in-person launch and launched it digitally shortly before of the start of South Africa’s national lockdown.

“With a starting price of only R139 900, a service plan and 5-year warranty included, the S-Presso seems to be the perfect vehicle for cash-strapped South Africans looking for a reliable new car. Its design as a compact SUV, with more interior space and high ground clearance, certainly helps,” says Venter.

 

Other Suzuki models that have proven popular after sales restarted, include the Suzuki Swift (297 units), the Ignis (86 units) and the Jimny 4×4 (249 units).

…we have been forced to increase our support staff and available parts storage

– ANDRÉ VENTER, DIVISIONAL MANAGER SALES AND MARKETING – SUZUKI AUTO SOUTH AFRICA

While the entire automotive market has not recovered in step with Suzuki, it is heartening to see a return of general sales activity. Naamsa reports that 31 867 vehicles were sold in June, which is significantly up from the 12 874 vehicles sold in May. It remains well below the 45 953 units sold in June last year and it is a full 105 054 vehicles fewer than in the first six months of 2019.

  • (Photo by Cornel van Heerden) www.cornelvanheerden.com
 

“It was impossible to predict the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown or to fully gauge its impact on dealer health, but based on June’s sales it looks like there is a glimmer of hope for the auto industry. We will support our dealers as they continue to trade under difficult circumstances and will fully support the industry, which remains a very significant investor and employer in South Africa,” says Venter.

  • (Photo by Cornel van Heerden)
  • (Photo by Cornel van Heerden)
  • (Photo by Cornel van Heerden)
  • (Photo by Cornel van Heerden)
 

Suzuki last year celebrated its first ten years in South Africa with a new all-time sales record for the year and the introduction of exciting new models such as the Swift and Swift Sport. This year, it hopes to maintain this momentum by moving into new corporate offices, with adjacent parts storage.

“With the growth in our car parc and dealer network, we have been forced to increase our support staff and available parts storage. We have already identified a new corporate head office and warehouse facility in Johannesburg and will move as soon as it is safe to do so,” says Venter.

Are Green cars safer than ‘normal’ cars?

vuyi on July 3, 2020

Songo Didiza, a true ‘greenie’, entrepreneur and green economy expert is the founder of Green Building Design Group. She is a contributor for Driving In Heels, focusing on green mobility in the motoring sector

This past December holiday I was overjoyed to join my sisters on our annual Ubuntu road trip to the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape. The trip was particularly interesting because some of our party were on Honda sponsored motorcycles whilst others we cocooned in the comfort of the spacious 7 seater Isuzu mu-X. We travelled a distance of over 2000kms of tarmac and rough wild coast terrain which was evenly matched by both the adventure motorcycles and the dynamically powered SUV.

The question that plagued me was ‘would I be able to drive my EV to a destination such as Coffee Bay and back without worrying about my safety?’

– Songo didiza, founder – green building design group

Our drive was pleasantly uneventful, that is until we turned off the highway and headed towards Coffee Bay when driver and riders had to employ some pretty nimble skills in order to manoeuvre between gigantic sized potholes and stray animals. It got me wondering if there were any electric vehicles (EV) on the market that would be up for this challenge? 

As an EV pundit, I must say I had to scratch my head for this one. (In my previous article I had touched on the safety of EVs. This was addressed from a performance perspective. It was clear as the EV technology improves that these cars can also be held to the same performance standards as convention internal combustion engines). The question that plagued me was ‘would I be able to drive my EV to a destination such as Coffee Bay and back without worrying about my safety?’

Before I delve into the safety and durability of EVs we need to understand the different types that are out there on the market. 

There are three main types of electric vehicles (EVs), classed by the degree that electricity is used as their energy source. BEVs, or battery electric vehicles, PHEVs of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and HEVs, or hybrid electric vehicles.  

Battery Electric Vehicles, also called BEVs (and more frequently called EVs), are fully electric vehicles with rechargeable batteries and no petrol/diesel engines. Battery electric vehicles store electricity on board with high capacity battery packs. Two of these are currently available in South Africa in the form of the BMWi3, Jaguar I-PACE and the Nissan LEAF. Two of these are suitable for city driving. They are not recommended for long distance drives at the moment ( > 1000 kms).  

Hybrid Electric Vehicles or HEVs, are hybrid vehicles powered by both petrol/diesel and electricity. The electric energy is generated by the car’s own braking system to recharge the battery. This is called ‘regenerative braking’ which is a process where the electric motor helps to slow the vehicle and uses some of the energy normally converted to heat by the brakes. Regular HEVs most commonly use an internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric batteries to power electric motors. Many HEVs reduce idle emissions by shutting down the ICE at idle and restarting it when needed. An HEV gets all its energy from petrol, however, the HEV’s engine is smaller and maybe run at various speeds, providing more efficiency. The Toyota Prius is one of the most commonly available HEVs within the global car market. All Prius’ sold in South Africa are HEVs. 

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles or PHEVs can recharge the battery through both regenerative braking and ‘plugging in’ to an external source of electrical power. PHEVs have batteries that can be recharged by connecting a plug to an electric power source. It shares the characteristics of both conventional hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles, having an internal combustion engine and batteries for power. 

While ‘standard’ hybrids can (at low speed) go about 1-3 kms before the gasoline engine turns on, PHEV models can go anywhere from 16-64 kms before their petrol/diesel engines provide assistance. Hybrid cars are all the rage these days with every automobile manufacturer moving into the forte to make its mark. Whether you are driving a cost-effective Toyota Prius or a costly BMW i8 these provide the owner with benefits like better fuel efficiency and lower environmental emissions. 

FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUMS

vuyi on June 10, 2020

ABOUT

The FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUMS  aim to educate, inform and empower male drivers and motorcyclists on the nuances of motoring/biking and vehicle ownership. The Forums focus on similar topics as in the Gals Garage Workshops – finance, safety, vehicle maintenance and driver/rider training.

A key topic within the FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUMS is the safe travel of expectant women, babies and toddlers.

Using various manufacturers’ vehicles, the FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUMS  showcase different vehicular features, technologies and services and how those fit the everyday lifestyle of the guests at the Forums.

The FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUMS are extremely popular as they provide a bonding platform for groups of men who attend either as family members or friends.

PAST EVENTS

The first ever FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUM was held in association with Subaru South Africa at Bass Lake Adventures. 20 men attended the forum and spent the day experiencing various Subaru vehicles on the challenging courses within the facility. Thereafter the Forums continued with Isuzu South Africa in association with celebrity Chef Benny Masekwameng and with Bona Magazine as our media partner.

Due to COVID-19 regulations the FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUMS are currently on hold until further notice but will resume as soon as government regulations permit.