public transport Archives - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Mercedes-Benz Buses South Africa delivers 100th bus to Putco Limited

vuyi on September 6, 2021

Mercedes-Benz Buses and Putco Limited have continued their successful partnership at the official handover of the 100th bus to the bus operator.

The milestone handover is subsequent to a significant order of 100 Mercedes-Benz buses made by Putco Limited in 2020. The delivery of the fleet was done in batches beginning in December 2020 and culminating in the last 12 buses being delivered end of August 2021.

The special occasion was graced by the presence of amongst others; Larimar/Putco Managing Director, Franco Pisapia; Head of Mercedes-Benz Buses, Jason Brunninger; General Manager Marcopolo South Africa, Lucus Garbardo.

The first 23 buses were delivered in December and we have already seen a shift in perception from the general public and happier passengers.

– FRANCO PISAPIA, MANAGING DIRECTOR, LARIMAR/PUTCO

The handover is a strong reaffirmation of the brand’s ongoing commitment to redefining and shaping the future of the transport industry in Southern Africa.

The new buses comprise of OF1726, front-engine bus chassis equipped with the Marcopolo Torino G7 bus bodywork, adding to Putco’s remarkable fleet of over 1 850 vehicles.

Putco Limited is the biggest commuter bus operator in South Africa and proudly transports more than 230 000 commuters daily in and around Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and Limpopo providing safe and convenient commuting services.

We are humbled by the faith and confidence that Putco Limited has placed in our brand

– Jason Brunninger, Head of Mercedes-Benz Buses

“The handover of the 100th Mercedes-Benz bus today, is a culmination of hard work, dedication, and collaboration from both the Larimar/Putco and the Mercedes-Benz Bus teams. The first 23 buses were delivered in December and we have already seen a shift in perception from the general public and happier passengers, said Franco Pisapia, Managing Director, Larimar/Putco.

Jason Brunninger, Head of Mercedes-Benz Buses had this to say about the partnership: “We are humbled by the faith and confidence that Putco Limited has placed in our brand. Together with our body builder partner Marcopolo South Africa, we have been working tirelessly to ensure premium quality in every detail. We are proud that our vehicles are contributing to the economic success of Putco Limited and to the overall transport industry across the region to ensure our people are safe at all times”.

Moving from public transport to car ownership is easier than you think

vuyi on June 22, 2021

Owning your own set of wheels is very liberating and isn’t as far fetched as some might believe. We got some intel from Motus Retail on how to go about it.

Public transport is not necessarily cheap and the monthly travel expenses of a commuter using multiple taxis, trains, and busses or traveling long distances might very well be on par with the cost of an entry-level car. Besides the cost, owning a car is a dream for many public transport commuters.

“Research indicates that COVID-19 and the associated health and personal safety risks that commuters are exposed to when using public transport has encouraged many commuters to explore buying their own vehicle,” says the CEO of Motus Retail and Rental, Corné Venter.

Owning your own vehicle gives you the freedom to go where you want when you want safely
– CORNÉ VENTER, CEO OF MOTUS RETAIL AND RENTAL

“Owning your own vehicle gives you the freedom to go where you want when you want safely. Buying a car is a serious commitment but with a myriad of finance options to consider, buyers might be pleasantly surprised at what they can afford,” commented Venter.

Everyone’s financial situation differs, but as a general guideline, one should not spend more than 25% of their monthly net income on their total vehicle expenses. It is important to be realistic about what you can afford and just as important to stick to your monthly budget. A car loan is a long-term commitment and car-buyers should thus consider both current and future expenses when estimating their budget.

Buying a car is a serious commitment but with a myriad of finance options to consider, buyers might be pleasantly surprised at what they can afford.
– CORNÉ VENTER, CEO of Motus Retail and Rental

If you earn less than R7 000 per month, monthly installments may still be a little too much for your current budget. However, if you earn between R8 000 and R10 000 per month, you could certainly look at buying a pre-owned vehicle, keeping in mind that your total monthly vehicle expenses should not exceed R2000 to R2500. Saving up for a deposit will also help lower your monthly installments.

Motus promotes a variety of specials monthly that offer exceptional value for money
– CORNÉ VENTER, CEO OF MOTUS RETAIL AND RENTAL

Online calculators help in determining the cost of finance and the cost of ownership, permitting consumers to make an informed decision. Car-buyers can even apply for finance online, and finance applications are sent to all major banks ensuring that the customer gets the best deal in terms of repayments and interest rates.

Factors that influence your credit rating include how long you have been working for your current employer, how long you have lived at your current address, whether you own property and whether you are married.

Banks make it possible for you to structure your finance contract in a way that suits your affordability. This means that you can choose the contract term, the type of interest rate you want, whether you want to pay a deposit and if you would like to use a balloon payment.

“Motus promotes a variety of specials monthly that offer exceptional value for money,” concluded Venter.

The most important thing to do when looking to buy your first car is to shop around to ensure that you get the best deal possible.