Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Lira and Bryan Habana join forces with Kingsley Holgate to deliver meals in South Africa

By H&H Admin

Global Land Rover ambassador Kingsley Holgate and well-known local Land Rover ambassadors musician Lira and rugby legend Bryan Habana recently embarked on an 8 day adventure to deliver food parcels to an early childhood development centre in Thembisa, Johannesburg.

What started as an objective to deliver 200,000 meals to impoverished South African communities during national lockdown in 2020, has become one of the Kingsley Holgate Foundation’s biggest ever humanitarian successes with the total tally now reaching more than 2-million meals over the past two years.

The mission was captured in a short film under the banner of #TeamDefender which is an initiative to build a community of like-minded people, who aspire to go above and beyond to make more of their world.

Kingsley Holgate, said: “When we set off almost two years ago on our Mzansi Edge expedition – an 8-day, 16,000km journey to track the land borders of South Africa, we set a target of 200,000 meal deliveries to families in rural areas bordering game reserves that were suffering losses of income due to the pandemic. By the end of the expedition in December 2020, we had surpassed our goal and delivered 250,000 meals in the form of nutritious porridge.”

Award-winning vocalist Lira, said: I may have only played a small part in the 2-million meal accomplishment, but charity and volunteering are close to my heart. Witnessing the joy that Kingsley and his team have brought to millions of people for many decades first hand has left me with an immense sense of pride. I encourage anyone to seek new experiences and find the courage it takes to make more of their world.”

Former Springbok Bryan Habana, said: “It’s a privilege to use my role as a Land Rover ambassador to give back, and I’m honoured to have joined Kingsley and his team for part of his latest expedition. The work his Foundation has done throughout the pandemic is of massive importance to communities in South Africa, and I bid him and his team farewell as they leave Mzansi’s borders to continue humanitarian efforts across Africa and into Europe.”

Kingsley Holgate’s year-long Defender Transcontinental expedition promises to be one of his most challenging geographic and humanitarian journeys to date. The expedition involves a 30,000km journey through 30 countries from the southern tip of the African continent to the most northern point of Europe, and then on to the birthplace of Land Rover at the mystical Isle of Anglesey in Wales.

It will be the first real-life expedition test for Land Rover’s new Defenders outside of South African borders, across two continents and over some of the most extreme terrain on Earth, undertaken by an experienced team that has already completed 39 gruelling expeditions to every country on the African continent and beyond – many of them world-firsts.

Humanitarian objectives for the Defender Transcontinental expedition include eye tests and reading glasses for the elderly in remote areas, the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets to mothers and children, the delivery of two million meals to creches, educational conservation work near elephant and rhino populations, and the supply of water to communities with water shortages.

Watch the film featuring Lira, Bryan Habana and the Holgates here:

Jaguar Land Rover gives second life to I-PACE batteries

By H&H Admin

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

Special Defender bull bar deal for the holidays

Land Rover South Africa is offering a special deal on Genuine Accessory bull bars for Defender customers this holiday season.

From now until 21 December, customers who purchase an Accessory bull bar for their Defender 90 or 110 will receive an R11,500 discount and a 2,573-piece LEGO Technic New Defender model valued at R3,000 thrown in for good measure.

The Genuine Accessory bull bar is available for Defenders specified with air suspension, and it is not available for X-Dynamic models. The regular price of an Accessory bull bar is R47,277 including fitment, but with the discount a customer will pay R35,777 until 21 December.

The bull bar is an alternative to the front expedition protection system or ‘A’ frame protection bar. Mounted to the front bumper via a winch cradle, it provides extra vehicle protection from disabling damage to the vehicle from impacts, allowing the vehicle and passengers to continue their journey to the nearest point of safety. A winch can be fitted to the bull bar cradle without the requirement of a winch mounting kit.

The LEGO Technic vehicle echoes New Defender with a host of realistic elements and functions, including authentic body panels and rims, four-wheel drive with three differentials, fully independent suspension, a working winch and LEGO Technic’s most sophisticated gearbox yet –  all designed to provide an engrossing and rewarding building experience for car lovers and LEGO fans alike.

Jaguar Land Rover offers complimentary safety checks to customers

With the relaxation of national lockdown levels many South African holiday seekers will be hitting the road for the festive season. Jaguar Land Rover is offering some appetising deals for drivers of its vehicles ahead of any planned road trips.

Any Jaguar or Land Rover driver in South Africa is welcome to schedule complimentary vehicle safety checks and premium valet services at any dealer nationwide. This service is available for all Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles, whether they are within their valid Care Plan and warranty periods or not. Customers can contact any dealer at their convenience to schedule their free safety checks between 11 October and 31 December 2021.

For vehicles with valid Jaguar or Land Rover Care Plans, which come as standard on all new vehicles for a period of 5 years or 100,000km, customers will receive a R500 discount to use on any available branded goods or accessories.

Customers with expired Care Plans and warranties are included in the offer, with R1,000 discounts to be used towards parts and/or labour on any necessary maintenance or repairs on the day of bookings.

The complimentary safety checks, valet services and vouchers may only be redeemed once per vehicle, and bookings at any dealer must be made in advance.

New Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition inspired by ‘No Time To Die’

Land Rover SV Bespoke has created a new Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition to celebrate the 25th James Bond film, No Time To Die, ahead of its world premiere later this month.

Land Rover SV Bespoke has created a new Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition to celebrate the 25th James Bond film, No Time To Die, ahead of its world premiere later this month.

Available to order as a Defender 110 or 90 and inspired by the specification of the Defenders that appear in No Time To Die, the stealthy Defender V8 Bond Edition features an Extended Black Pack with 22-inch Luna Gloss Black alloy wheels, signature Xenon Blue front brake calipers and a ‘Defender 007’ rear badge. 

The bespoke touches extend to the practical interior, with illuminated ‘Defender 007’ treadplates and a specially developed touchscreen start-up animation for the intuitive Pivi Pro infotainment system that honours Land Rover’s long partnership with the James Bond franchise. At night, customers will also spot unique ‘007’ puddle lamp graphics.

Exclusively available to just 300 buyers around the world, the Defender V8 Bond Edition’s interior features laser etching detailing that it is ‘one of 300’ and the SV Bespoke logo. Each vehicle is commissioned by the vehicle personalisation experts at SV Bespoke in the UK.

 

“The Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition is an exclusive take on the most powerful production Defender ever made, inspired by vehicles on screen in No Time To Die. It represents a meeting of two great British brands and is a unique celebration of Land Rover’s 38-year association with James Bond,” said Finbar McFall, Land Rover Brand Director.

Defenders are at the heart of the action in No Time To Die alongside two Range Rover Sport SVRs. A Range Rover Classic and Land Rover Series III are also in the film, which will be released in cinemas around the world from 30 September 2021. 

 

Based on the recently launched Defender V8, the Bond Edition is powered by a 5.0-litre 386kW supercharged petrol engine, which produces 625Nm of torque and drives through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Defender V8 90 accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 240km/h. 

It delivers new levels of performance and driver engagement by combining the V8 with expertly developed suspension and transmission tuning to create the fastest and most dynamically rewarding Defender yet. 

Exclusivity is guaranteed with only five Defender V8 Bond Editions destined for the South African market.

No Time To Die is directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and stars Daniel Craig, who returns for his fifth and final film as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007. The film will be released in South African cinemas from 1 October.

Jaguar South Africa prepares to celebrate World EV Day in an electrifying way

In celebration of World EV Day, Jaguar South Africa is giving away exciting prizes to motorists with a real passion for electric cars.

Jaguar South Africa is celebrating World EV Day on 9 September by giving away special one-on-one all-electric I-PACE driving experiences to ten lucky winners of an EV-themed quiz.

The quiz will run over seven consecutive days, with one question published per day, beginning on 9 September – World EV Day. To qualify, respondents will need to answer all seven questions correctly and should there be more than 10 successful entries, elimination rounds will be hosted at Jaguar Experience in Lonehill. 

The elimination rounds, arranged at the convenience of competitors throughout the month of October, will include an exciting driving competition on one of the Experience facility’s hi-tech racing simulators.

And yes, there will be consolation prizes for those who don’t make the cut.

Clearly, contestants will need to be genuinly interested in electric vehicles, the future of mobility and all-electric Formula E motorsport in order to scoop any of the prizes. 

Speaking of which, the grand prizes will include half-day driving courses for the ten winners who will each be accompanied by one partner. Together, they will experience the lightning fast acceleration of a Jaguar I-PACE, which can bolt from 0-100km/h in just 4.8 seconds and the exhilaration of numerous dynamic handling exercises on a variety of surfaces. Lunch will be included courtesy of TLC on the Track restaurant, which is the facility’s in house up-market eatery.

The competition is open to anyone in South Africa, but travel to Johannesburg to participate in the elimination rounds, or to redeem the grand prizes is not included. Drivers must be over 23 years-old and over and must be in possession of a valid driver’s licence.

Winners will have until 23 December, 2021 to redeem their prize, and the Jaguar Experience team will assist to make booking arrangements at the winners’ convenience. Full Terms and Conditions apply.

ABOUT WORLD ELECTRIC VEHICLE DAY: World EV Day is an annual event to celebrate and promote electric mobility worldwide and connects stakeholders from across the industry with consumers to showcase the benefits of electrification and to encourage debate on a more sustainable future.

New on the Tarmac: Meet the new Jaguar F-PACE SVR

A more refined Jaguar F-PACE SVR has made its South African debut and we have the key highlights of what it has to offer. 

A faster, more dynamic and more refined Jaguar F-PACE SVR has made its South African debut. The pinnacle of the performance SUV range is elevated to another level thanks to the latest enhancements by the Jaguar SV team. Here are the key highlights of what it has to offer:

Dynamics
  • The new F-PACE SVR is available exclusively with Jaguar’s 5.0-litre V8 Supercharged petrol engine, which produces 405kW and a torque figure increased by 20Nm to 700Nm. 
  • The increased torque and new Dynamic Launch function enables acceleration from 0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds. 
  • The V8 Supercharged F-PACE SVR is paired with Jaguar’s eight-speed automatic transmission and has a top speed of 286km/h.
  • Jaguar’s All-Wheel Drive with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics is fitted as standard
Interior
  • The interior of the new F-PACE SVR is comprehensively redesigned, with materials enhanced to heighten the dynamic character of the cabin and its controls. 
  • Seat and door inserts are finished in Alcantara, with elements such as the central cubby and leather midroll wrapped in luxurious Windsor leather.
  • The 12.3-inch HD Interactive Driver Display is wrapped in Alcantara with ebony stitching, while aluminium patterned finishers feature as standard with open-pore carbon-fibre available as an option. 
  • Optional slimline semi-aniline leather sports seats with heritage logo-inspired diamond embroidery across the front shoulder section, feature a unique perforation across the backrest, while the same pattern is used on the leather on the seatbacks. An embossed SVR logo on the headrests adds a final flourish.
  • The new SVR split-rim steering wheel is finished with tactile zinc-alloy shift paddles, providing heightened driver engagement when making manual gear changes.

Tech

  • New F-PACE SVR features all of the advanced technologies found in the latest F-PACE core models.
  • These include intuitive Pivi Pro infotainment with an all-new 11.4-inch HD curved glass touchscreen, Software-Over-Air capability, Active Road Noise Cancellation, the latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and optional wireless device charging.

The new Jaguar F-PACE SVR is available in South Africa now with a starting price of R1,835,700. All Jaguar vehicles come with a standard 5-year/100,000km Jaguar Care Plan and warranty.

And the Jaguar Land Rover Retailer of the Year is…..

Jaguar Land Rover South Africa honoured its top performing retailers during its annual Retailer of the Year ceremony held virtually, in respect of South Africa’s current adjusted Level 4 restrictions.

The Jaguar Land Rover South Africa Retailer of the Year awards recognize the efforts of the individuals and businesses that have consistently propelled sales figures through their actions and work ethic, whilst upholding and representing the stature and ideals of the Jaguar and Land Rover brands over the past year.

The Retailer of The Year awards are based on a comprehensive set of metrics on which each franchise is measured throughout the preceding year and showcases those retailers whose performance has exceeded expectations.

In addition to sales performance, scorecards also include factors that directly impact the customer experience. These include process adherence, results of standards audits and feedback from customers. The grand prize – the Retailer of the Year award – recognises the combined overall performance across all departments at the winning retailer. The Retailer of The Year award was presented to Jaguar Land Rover The Glen, which also scooped the Customer Service Retailer of the Year award and couple of second runner up places.

Herewith a full list of the Jaguar Land Rover Retailer Awards and winners:

AwardWinner 
Retailer of the YearJaguar Land Rover The Glen
Retailer of the Year First Runner UpJaguar Land Rover Sandton
Retailer of the Year Second Runner UpJaguar Land Rover Pietermaritzburg
Sales Retailer of the YearJaguar Land Rover Stellenbosch
Sales Retailer of the Year First Runner UpJaguar Land Rover Pietermaritzburg
Sales Retailer of the Year Second Runner UpJaguar Land Rover The Glen
Sales Top Achiever AwardJaguar Land Rover Sandton
APO Top Achiever AwardJaguar Land Rover Polokwane
Accessories Top Achiever AwardJaguar Land Rover Bedfordview
Financial Services Top Achiever AwardJaguar Land Rover Pietermaritzburg
SV Top Achiever AwardJaguar Land Rover Sandton
Customer Service Retailer of the YearJaguar Land Rover The Glen
Customer Service Retailer of the Year First Runner UpJaguar Land Rover George
Customer Service Retailer of the Year Second Runner UpJaguar Land Rover East London
Merchandise Top Achiever AwardJaguar Land Rover Polokwane
Marketing Retailer of the YearJaguar Land Rover Sandton
Marketing Retailer of the Year First Runner UpJaguar Land Rover Centurion
Marketing Retailer of the Year Second Runner UpJaguar Land Rover The Glen
Best 360 Campaign Top Achiever AwardJaguar Land Rover Centurion
Best Digital Media Performance Achiever AwardJaguar Land Rover Sandton
Financial Excellence AwardJaguar Land Rover Eastern Cape &Jaguar Land Rover N1 City

 

Land Rover Defender Wins 2021 Women’s World Car Of The Year

The Land Rover Defender has been named Supreme Winner Women’s World Car of the Year 2021. The triumph is the first time a Land Rover has won the top prize at the awards and is the latest in a series of international honours for the most capable Land Rover ever made.

Defender remains true to the pioneering spirit that has been a Land Rover hallmark for over 70 years and redefines adventure for the 21st century. Iconic in name, shape and capability, it is available in a choice of body designs and can be personalised with a choice of four Accessory Packs to help owners make more of their world.

The Women’s World Car of the Year (WWCOTY) awards are the only car awards in the world with a jury comprised exclusively of woman, with 50 motoring journalists from 38 countries on five continents recognizing the best new models available. The new Defender was named Best Medium SUV 2021 at the awards before being awarded – to coincide with International Women’s Day – the headline WWCOTY prize.

This is a huge honour for the whole team and a reward for the hard work that has gone into creating such a capable vehicle.

– Nick Collins, Executive Director, Vehicle Programmes, Jaguar Land Rover

Nick Collins, Executive Director, Vehicle Programmes, Jaguar Land Rover said: This is a huge honour for the whole team and a reward for the hard work that has gone into creating such a capable vehicle. Defender has won more than 50 international awards already, which tells us that our original vision for a 21st century Defender was the right one. New Defender combines an unmistakable silhouette with state-of-the-art technology in a design that respects its heritage and delivers authentic Land Rover capability. The result is a family of 4x4s that lives up to the Defender name with an efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain and our potent new Defender V8.” 

The Women’s World Car of the Year is the only jury in the world made up entirely of women motoring journalists.

– Marta Garcia, Executive President of the Women’s World Car of the Year

Marta Garcia, Executive President of the Women’s World Car of the Year, explains that the Women’s World Car of the Year is the only jury in the world made up entirely of women motoring journalists. “This gives it enormous value because its decisions represent the liking and preferences of millions of women drivers around the globe. But cars have no gender and are not subject to stereotypes, so the winners of these awards are, quite simply, the best cars in the world. And this year’s top winner is the Land Rover Defender,” she says.

The voting was verified by Grant Thornton, from its office in Auckland (New Zealand). The firm has been certifying the results of the Women’s World Car of the Year since its inception in 2009. Paul Kane, a partner in the company, says it is always a hard-fought process.