MASSIVE TAXES HOBBLE LOCAL VEHICLE SALES - AutoLive
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www.autolive.co.za Issue No. 118 | 28 February 2019
MASSIVE TAXES HOBBLE
LOCAL VEHICLE SALES
Andrew Kirby, President and CEO of Toyota SA and Chairperson of NAAMSA.
By Roger Houghton One, common sense proposal to stimulate the statistic that showed massive growth was in the
local vehicle manufacturing industry, according swing to cars with automatic transmission, where
to research quoted by Kirby, would be for the the increase has been an astounding 48% as traffic
Massive government taxation – such as 42% on government, regional authorities, and municipali- congestion takes its toll.
cars costing between R200 000 and R900 000 and ties to buy vehicles made in South Africa wherever The Toyota CEO says that his company sees
the tax portion is even higher on luxury models possible. This would not only save valuable foreign the 2019 market at 550 000 units for the year – a
costing more than R900 000 – is a major contribu- exchange but cost the buyers – and therefore decline of 0.4% over the 2018 figure.
tor to the inability of the motor industry to grow taxpayers – less money. Speaking at the very slick and impressive,
the domestic market significantly, according to According to Kirby new vehicle sales in SA in Toyota-arranged forum Mamello Matikinca-
Andrew Kirby, President and CEO of Toyota 2019 will continue the downward trajectory that Ngwenya, the Chief Economist at FNB, said this
SA and Chairperson of NAAMSA. He was the began in 2013 – with the exception of 2017, when year will “essentially be a year of two halves” with
keynote speaker at Toyota’s second, annual State the market registered a marginal increase. In fact, little activity in the first half, leading up to the
of the Motor Industry (SOMI) event, staged at the the market has shrunk 15% in the past five years, election, “due to political uncertainty” and then,
Kyalami Conference Centre last week. going down from 649 217 units in 2014 to only hopefully, “business confidence will improve, and
The taxes on new cars include VAT at 15%, ad 552 190 in 2018. investment will follow.”
valorem excise duty, carbon tax and tyre tax, on Kirby gave some interesting insights into the Kirby gave an extensive explanation on the
which many buyers have to pay interest too as these way the makeup of the market has changed in this Department of Trade and Industry’s so-called
taxes are included in their finance agreement. This five-year period, with sales of SUVs and Crossovers “Masterplan” for the future of the local motor
high tax structure makes new vehicle ownership increasing by 33%, which was the same as the
continued on page 2
almost impossible for many. fall in the C-segment over this period. Another
Page 10 Page 14 Page 20
SAMBRA recognises Isuzu celebrates successful Boosting productivity the
the industry’s best first year Daewoo way
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Editor and Advertising Manager continued from previous page
rail, as well as the maintenance of
Liana Reiners
roads, while the delay in introduc-
liana@autolive.co.za
industry, which has been labelled ing “clean” fuel was inhibiting the
083 407 4600
officially as an extension of the introduction of the latest, more fuel
Contributors current Automotive Production and efficient and lower-polluting engines.
Development Programme and will Technology disruptors such as
Roger Houghton
be in effect from 2021 to 2035. increased electrification of vehicles
houghtonr@mwebbiz.co.za
The automotive sector cur- are other challenges.
082 371 9097
rently contributes 7% to the SA GDP, However, it was interesting
Stuart Johnston constitutes 30% of South Africa’s to hear that last year only 66 fully
stujohn@netactive.co.za total manufacturing output, is electric cars were sold in SA, com-
083 450 9255
responsible for 14% of exports and pared to a high point of 117 in 2017.
employs 112 000 people in the vehicle Meanwhile sales of petrol-electric
Advertising Sales
and component production. hybrids had also decreased from a
Liana Reiners
However, these figures pale in high of 646 units to 135 units last
liana@autolive.co.za
comparison to the targets set for the year, despite huge hype about these
083 407 4600
Masterplan, which has a vision of new tech powertrains both locally Mamello Matikinca-Ngwenya,
Address increasing local vehicle production and internationally. ■ the Chief Economist at FNB.
237 Rigel Avenue from 0.6% to 1% of global output,
which will be well over a million Commercial Vehicle Trends
Waterkloof Ridge
Pretoria vehicles by 2035, together with
2014 2018
PO Box 914 005 doubling the number of employees
Wingate Park and exports with the added challenge -6%
0153 MCV 35% 29%
of raising local content from about
012 460 4448 38% to 60% if a company wants to
maximise benefits from the govern-
Website HCV 17% 20% +3%
ment’s extended APDP.
www.autolive.co.za The Chairperson of NAAMSA
added that there were a number of XHV 44% 48%
Facebook +4%
important focus areas which needed
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to be addressed in order for the
Masterplan to be a success. These BUS 4% 4%
© 2019 WCM Media CC
included a lack of infrastructure such
Production as stable and competitive ports and
Marketing Support Services Segment Trends
Danie Dreyer
danie@marketingss.co.za
+27 (0)12 346 2168
32% 31%
Layout
Marketing Support Services
Bonita Tuson 20%
Disclaimer 15%
While reasonable precautions have 10% 10% 11% 11%
been taken to ensure the accuracy 9%
6% 7%
6%
of the advice and information given
to readers, neither the editor, the
proprietors, nor the publishers
can accept any responsibility Small car SUV C Premium 1 Ton D/C 1 Ton S/C &
E/C
for any damages or injury which
may arise therefrom. 2014 2018
MONTHLY SALES STATISTICS
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Editor’s Note Disappointing Start to
If the lessons learnt in 2018,
2019 for Vehicle Sales
as well as current prevailing
conditions are anything to go South African vehicle sales in January were held up relatively well at 552 units and 1 101
by, 2019 may hold some tough most disappointing with the aggregate of units respectively, reflecting a gain of 24.6%,
surprises for the industry 42 374 units being 7.4% lower than those in in the case of medium commercial vehicles,
In 2018 vehicle sales in January 2018. This was a continuation of the and, in the case of heavy trucks and buses,
South Africa shrunk by a low growth environment experienced over a marginal gain of 0.3% compared to the
tiny 1%. If we lay that over the past five years and sales are expected corresponding month last year.
inflation, one could argue to remain slow until at least the general elec- In contrast to the disappointing
that the market shrunk by around 4%–which is a slightly tion on May 8th. domestic new vehicle sales, export sales
more worrisome scenario. In fact, NAAMSA is predicting an The industry is hoping that the stability started the year on a relatively strong note.
extremely conservative second and third quarters, marred by that should follow the election, together January 2019 export sales, at 18 289 vehicles,
political uncertainty around the elections. with government reforms and its commit- showed a substantial improvement of 4 160
Huge shifts in global buying trends is seeing manufactur- ment to revitalise the economy, will improve units or a gain of 29.4% compared to the
ers close factories all over the world. These are plants that were domestic sales figures during the second 14 129 vehicles exported in the same month
once geared to manufacture hundreds of thousands of sedans half of 2019, according to NAAMSA. last year.
each year, a market that has shrunk 33% over the last five The momentum of vehicle exports over
years. Yes, that market has been replaced by SUVs which are The January new car market the course of 2019 is expected to increase
built in other factories, but those workforces were employed in was particularly weak and at substantially and industry export sales
addition to, not to replace the original sedan workforce. for the year are, at this stage, projected
With Brexit looming and a unpredictable dollar thanks
29 040 units had registered a at around 385 000 units compared to the
to Donald Trump’s twitter antics, buying and selling cars is fall of 3 512 cars or a decline 351 139 vehicles exported last year.
becoming ever more difficult, especially for importers in the of 10.8%. Prospects for domestic new vehicle sales
South African market when one considers that after all the would be affected by the subdued current
taxes are imposed, more than 40 per cent of the asking price Overall, out of the total reported macro-economic environment and pressure
goes to the government. industry sales of 42 374 vehicles, an on consumers’ disposable income. The
It is not all doom and gloom though. NAAMSA estimated 33 633 units or 79.4% represented November increase of a 0.25% rise in inter-
President, Andrew Kirby, predicts a 550 000 unit 2019. They dealer sales, an estimated 14.3% represented est rates had impacted negatively on new
are slightly behind WesBank’s more optimistic 554 000. sales to the vehicle rental industry, 3.5% car demand due to higher vehicle financing
Companies like VW and Toyota are strengthening their to government and 2.8% to industry costs. Most motor companies expect new
offerings in Africa, but that is forward planning toward 2030 corporate fleets. vehicle sales to be flat during the first half
targets, not to survive 2019. The January new car market was of the year.
Looks like we’re in for a tough ride and the ripple effect particularly weak and at 29 040 units had
will spill over into 2020. registered a fall of 3 512 cars or a decline of In contrast, export sales
From our side, we will keep you well informed on all the 10.8% compared to the 32 552 new cars sold started the year on a
goings-on in the motor and related industries. in January last year. As had been the case
In this month’s issue of AutoLive we take a look at the for most of last year, the car rental industry
relatively strong note – at
state of the motor industry, as presented by Toyota’s Andrew had made a major contribution account- 18 289 vehicles, a substantial
Kirby and other industry and economic experts. We also ing for 19.9% of new car sales in January improvement of 4 160 units
celebrate Isuzu Motors SA’s first anniversary and reveal how 2019 – translating into one in every five or a gain of 29.4%.
far the company has come in such a short space of time. new cars sold during the month being a car
As always we introduce you to new movers and shakers rental sale.
in the industry, while we also feature three of the models Domestic sales of new light com- The expected business conditions com-
available on the local market. The most significant of these mercial vehicles, bakkies and mini buses at ponent of the latest Purchasing Managers’
is arguably Jaguar’s new I-Pace, which could change the way 11 681 units during January was virtually Index, which tracked expected business
South Africans perceive electric vehicles in a big way. unchanged from the 11 679 light commer- conditions in six months’ time, had risen
Enjoy the read and remember that feedback is cial vehicles sold during the corresponding sharply. Besides this positive development,
always appreciated. month last year. average new vehicle pricing remained at
Sales in the low volume medium and
Liana Reiners, heavy truck segments of the industry had continued on next page
Editor
liana@autolive.co.za
To advertise in
contact
Liana Reiners on 083 407 4600 or email on
liana@autolive.co.za
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continued from previous page
around 2.5% which is well below the price increases, sales across segments
inflation rate and this should assist in were hit hard, apart from Medium
improved new vehicle affordability for Commercial Vehicles that showed some
consumers, said NAAMSA. resilience – albeit in small volumes –
with 24,6% growth (552 units).
WesBank’s View Erratic fuel prices and high inflation
“The slow start to 2019 doesn’t come as continue to compound South Africans’
a surprise given WesBank’s outlook for ability to purchase new vehicles. “We
the new vehicle marketing during 2019,” have seen steady increases in deal
said Ghana Msibi, WesBank Executive duration, which continues to impact
Head of Motor Division. “We expect the new vehicle sales as consumers hold onto
first half to be slow given the increased their cars for over 12% longer than they
pressure on household budgets as interest did in September 2017,” Msibi comment-
rates slowly increase and, especially, the ed. “Given the economic environment,
political uncertainty towards the May it is prudent for consumers to delay their
elections.” vehicle purchases within the practical
While many deals would have been considerations of maintenance costs
concluded in December ahead of January and reliability.” ■
Wesbank’s Ghana Msibi.
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Monthly automotive news to and from Africa
Exports into Africa Rose 29% in January
The number of built-up vehicles exported from from 122 – and was the only other manufacturer
South Africa into other African countries rose by to export more than 100 units. Other notable
29% in January compared to the same month a exporters were: Isuzu (95), Fiat Chrysler (56),
year ago, but the total of 1 826 units remains low. Volvo Trucks (50 – including 46 to Zimbabwe), and
In fact, it made up only 10% of the total number of Honda (47).
vehicles exported from South Africa during that Eight countries bought more than 100
month, which totalled 18 829 units. units in January 2019, compared to only four
Toyota remained the leading exporter, ship- countries 12 months ago. They were Kenya (300),
ping 879 units, compared to 749 in January 2018. Ghana (229), Zimbabwe (163), Uganda (140),
Nissan was next with 459 units shipped, compared Zambia (138), Nigeria (117), Mauritius (114), and
to only 273 a year ago. Ford shipped 214 units – up Mozambique (107). ■
Zimbabweans Favour Isuzu Bakkies
Isuzu’s Double Cab bakkie sales more than doubled in Zimbabwe compared to the previous year.
Last year, a quarter of the bakkies sold in vehicles are reliable, durable and the brand name is Leading by example, the dealership is
Zimbabwe were Isuzus, increasing the brand’s one they can trust,” said de Klerk. dedicated to providing a unique, world-class
market share from 18.5% in 2017, to 25% in 2018. automotive sales and service experience–retaining
Isuzu’s Double Cab bakkie sales more than Autoworld’s two branches in customers for life and ensuring that Isuzu is with
doubled compared to the previous year – with their customers for the long run.
a massive 112% increase in this country. The
Harare and Bulawayo strive to “For the last few years we have been working
Extended Cab, also known as the King Cab in keep customers happy. on our aftersales service, as well as our values
Zimbabwe, followed suit resulting in Isuzu leading as an organisation. We still service vehicles that
the market in this sub-segment too. She also commended the performance of are out of warranty–some vehicles with high
According to Autoworld Harare Dealer Isuzu’s new SUV contender, the mu-X, which was mileages like 700 000 km still come back to us
Principal, Alison de Klerk, customers have con- launched to the Zimbabwean market in September for servicing.
fidence in Isuzu products and enjoy its reliability last year. “It’s all about having a culture of honesty and
and durability. “Isuzu offers great value for money Autoworld’s two branches in Harare and integrity combined with a solid and reliable brand
compared to similar products in the market. The Bulawayo strive to keep customers happy. like Isuzu,” de Klerk concluded. ■
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Snippets
Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Chinese Motor Companies
Alliance Top Sellers Again Hiring British Designers
The embattled three-brand alliance maintained Chinese companies with global ambitions are
its position as the world’s largest seller of light hiring British designers. Geely, controlled by
passenger and commercial vehicles, despite its Volvo Cr Group owner and billionaire Li Shufu,
founder, Carlos Ghosn, still being confined to a has appointed Wayne Burgess as head of its new
Tokyo jail for alleged financial misdemeanours. design studio to by located in Coventry in the UK.
The alliance, which topped the 2017 sales list by Burgess was the chief designer at Jaguar Land
a slim margin, claims to have sold 10.76 million Rover and also worked at Aston Martin Lagonda.
vehicles in 2018 if heavy truck sales are excluded Geely expects to expand its UK design team to
from the sales results. 100 designers and support staff within the next five
The Volkswagen Group registration rose 0.9% year to provide in-house design for its brands that
to 10.83 million, including its Scania and MAN include Lotus and Proton, a Malaysian brand.
heavy trucks and buses. Sales excluding these large Last year the FAW Group hired Giles Taylor to
commercial ranges totalled 10.6 million units, lead its automotive design team. Taylor previously
which was marginally below the Renault-Nissan- worked for Rolls Royce. (FAW is the company
Mitsubishi alliance. Dr Johan van Zyl, CEO of Toyota Europe, which has designed Red Flag limousines for senior
Toyota has announced sales of 10.39 million in his office at the Toyota Europe head government officials in the past). ■
Toyota, Lexus and Daihatsu vehicles excluding office in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by
the heavy trucks and buses produced by its Hino Mark Smyth)
subsidiary. (Total sales including trucks was Small-Volume Car Producer
10.59 million. ■ Botha, in the Public Private Growth Initiative in Cape Running Again
(PPGI), which aims to find ways for the private
and public sectors to work together to combat A company in Cape Town which produces small
SA Vehicle Prices Remain unemployment and boost the economy, according volumes of the iconic Cobra sports car is back
Below Inflation Rate to a recent article in Daily Maverick. in production after finding a new investor. Les
On Tuesday, January 29, President Cyril Hayden, the man behind the project, has a new
New vehicle prices in South Africa increased by Ramaphosa attended a Business Economic Indaba partner, Willie Oosthuizen, and has registered the
only 2.5% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of organised by Business Unity South Africa at which company as Hayden Cobra, according to an article
2018, according to TransUnion SA’s vehicle pricing the PPGI laid out its plans regarding the ways in written by Irma Venter in Engineering News.
index. Prices were below the national inflation rate which the public and private sectors could work The company currently produces 10–12 cars
for the sixth consecutive quarter. together for the common good. a month but is hoping to ramp up production
Kriben Reddy, the head of Trans Auto said What is known as the PPGI has resulted in with exports. Hayden, who started advertising his
there was a marked decrease in the rate of increase CEOs and representatives from 22 sectors of the cars in 1984, is now developing an electric Cobra,
in used vehicle pricing to only 1.6% in the fourth SA economy pledging to partner the government using technology from Dr Ian de Vries, an electric
quarter of 2018, compared to 3.5% in the same to create jobs, improve economic growth and engineer with many years’ experience in electrical
quarter a year previously. contribute to skills training. ■ vehicle applications and battery technology. ■
“Used vehicle price increases are probably low-
er than ever, which makes the used vehicle market
more appealing for buyers,” Reddy commented.
TransUnion reported a drop in new car
finance deals of 7% year-on-year in the fourth
quarter of 2018, while the number of used car deals
fell by 15% in the period under consideration.
This resulted in the ratio of new vehicle sales to
used vehicle sales decreasing to 2.03 used for every
new sale, from a ratio of 2.22 in the same quarter
in 2017. ■
Toyota’s Van Zyl Working
for Public/Private
Partnerships in SA
Dr Johan van Zyl, former President and CEO of
Toyota South Africa Motors and currently CEO of
Toyota Europe, is working with his friend, Roelf Production of the Hayden Cobra has restarted in Cape Town..
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Snippets
Honda to Close Toyota has an additional reason to leave the
UK Plant UK and that is because it will take full control
of a 300 000 units-a-year plant in Kolin, Czech
Honda’s decision Republic in 2021 when its joint venture with
to close its plant in Peugeot Citroën to build their 108 and C1 models
Swindon, in the UK, in alongside the Aygo ends. Toyota can just switch
2021 after more than 30 UK production – 129 000 units made in 2018 –
years poses the question from the UK to Kolin, in Czech Republic. ■
about the future of other
Japanese plants in this
country. Nissan has GL Events of France acquires
already announced it 60% shareholding in
will not build the next Johannesburg Expo Centre
generation X-Trail in
its Sunderland plant, GL Events, of France, which has been present
Lance Schultz, the new head of the AIDC in Gauteng. while Toyota has in South Africa for 10 years, has bought a 60%
already warned the UK share in the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec,
New CEO for AIDC Government that a bad Brexit deal will puts its the traditional venue for Automechanika
The Automotive Industry Development Council Burnaston assembly plant and its Deeside engine Johannesburg, alongside many other shows such
(AIDC) in Gauteng has appointed Lance Schultz, plant at risk. as the Rand Show. This is the largest exhibition in
previously managing director of the AIDC in the Honda Swindon is the UK’s fourth biggest Africa at with 42 000 m2 indoors and a total site
Eastern Cape, as Chief Executive of the centre. plant, ranked on output of 161 000 units in 2108. area of 510 000 m2.
According to an article by Roy Cokayne in Honda is also going to close its plant in Turkey The Montgomery Group, of the UK, a share-
Business Report, Schultz’s most recent position in 2021 as part of the global restructuring of its holder in the Expo Centre since 2002 will retain a
was as CEO of the Centurion Aerospace Village in manufacturing facilities. 40% shareholder alongside GL Events. ■
Pretoria for four years.
He has been part of the
AIDC on two previous occasion
and was a project manager in
Gauteng between 2002 and 2005
and managing director of the
AIDC in the Eastern Cape from
2011-2015.
Photo: https://www.expocentre.co.za
Schultz, a qualified
industrial engineer, previously
worked for Mercedes-Benz
South Africa for almost a
decade and was also a project
manager at the Nelson Bay
Municipality responsible for
the development of the regional
automotive supplier park. ■ An aerial view of the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec.
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Toyota is Certainly Leading the Way
By Roger Houghton The drive in the supply chain is to develop far
more Tier 2 and 3 suppliers to the Tier 1 companies
than is the situation at present. (This is a system
Toyota, which has been the top-selling motor com- that is very effective in Thailand, an important
pany in South Africa since 1980, certainly led the Toyota manufacturing base).
way in 2018, with its market share at a dominant Deeper component localisation has resulted in
24.2%, compared to 22.9% at the end of 2017, while 579 parts being made in SA, with 30 black-owned
at the end of 2018 it was up 22% over the 19.8% businesses taking part in the bid process. A further
share it held in 2014. 285 parts have been identified for wide localisation,
Toyota had a number of factors that assisted with a value of R622-million.
in getting to this latest market share: Hilux Toyota Hilux double cab sales grew by
double cab sales grew by 27% between 2014 and 27% between 2014 and 2018. Deeper component localisation
2018 with its extended cab derivative increasing has resulted in 579 parts being
sales in this period by 81% to give Hilux a 36% share of the segment rising from 18% to 23%;
share of the combined double cab and extended Fortuner volume gained 30% and RAV4 18% in the
made in SA, with 30 black-owned
cab segments of the LCV market; the Ses’fikile five years under review. businesses taking part in the
taxi’s volume also grew by 27% in the five years Toyota also enjoyed strong growth in the A bid process.
and this moved this model up to 93% of the local and B segments, with Yaris sales up by 233% and
minibus-taxi market. Aygo by a phenomenal 1 500%, admittedly off a Among the many skills development
low base. programmes is one which provides accredited
In the past 10 years TSAM has Andrew Kirby, the President and CEO of skills development and in the past 10 years TSAM
cultivated and sent 25 women Toyota SA Motors, also announced that 50% of has cultivated and sent 25 women engineers for
new Toyota vehicles sold in African countries training at Toyota plants overseas.
engineers for training at Toyota in 2018 were produced at the TSAM plant in Transformation is also taking place in the
plants overseas. Prospecton. “We already have a strong foothold on dealer network, with satellite dealers, that are at
this continent and currently export to 42 African least 51% black-owned, being established in joint
The company’s two contenders in the mini/ countries,” added Kirby. ventures with established dealers as mentors.
medium SUV market, RAV4 and Fortuner, were Toyota is involved in many training and Meanwhile black managers and dealer princi-
joined by two crossover newcomers, the Rush and transformation programmes to support all aspects pals will graduate from the company’s Cadet
C-HR, in this period which resulted in Toyota’s of its business. training programme. ■
TOYOTA MARKET SHARE TOYOTA MARKET SHARE
1,3% 4,4%
Market 22% Market share
growth
share
24.2% Listen to the voice
growth of 19.8% 19.9% 21.4% 22.9% 24.2% of the customer
5.7% in 2018 and respond to
market needs
22.9%
2017 2018 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
BIGGEST GROWTH CONTRIBUTORS AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLY CHAIN
2018 vs. 2014
1 Ton
D/C & E/C
OEM 1%
Hilux D/C 17,661 27%
2018 vs. 2014
31% 36% Hilux E/C 6,860 81% OEM 5%
CH-R 2,273 new Mini – Med Tier 1
Rush 2,131 new
SUV 29%
18% 23%
RAV4 5,936 18%
Fortuner 13,099 30% Taxi Tier 1
86% 93% 2018 vs. 2014 Tier 2/3 67%
Ses’fikile14,100 27% 70%
2018 vs. 2014 A&B
segments
Yaris 8,717 233%
2% 8% Tier 2/3 28%
Aygo 1,103
1500%
THAILAND SOUTH AFRICA
AUTO SUPPLY CHAIN AUTO SUPPLY CHAIN
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People
Ghana Msibi. Bonite van der Merwe. Claudia Walters. Len Brand. Manfred Bräunl.
WesBank Appoints New relations, advertising, digital and traditional comprises several sub committees who focus on
Head of Motor Division marketing, as well as the CRM field. research, knowledge development and innovation.
WesBank’s Ghana Msibi has been appointed as Having joined MSA when the company During his tenure on the board, Brand will
Executive Head of Motor division, after spending started independent operations in 2014, Van der endeavor to guide the board with his own profes-
time as the Executive Head: Sales and Marketing. Merwe – a chartered accountant – played a key role sional expertise to help discover opportunities,
Msibi joined WesBank in 2015 and has held during the initial business establishment and setup and define benchmarks for its continued success
various senior positions within the WesBank of MSA’s financial systems. Her contribution to and growth.
Motor division. In his most recent post as Mazda SA’s business processes as Finance Manager Brand is passionate about agriculture, job crea-
Executive Head: Sales and Marketing, Ghana led over the past 2 years provide her with the ideal tion, education and skills development, especially
his team to commendable results in spite of an platform to succeed Keith Scholtz, former Head of in the areas of youth employment and community
ever-changing vehicle market landscape. Finance & Corporate Affairs who has returned to and social upliftment. TATA Africa Holdings
Ghana has a profound understanding and Mazda Australia. believes in providing quality to its consumers and
passion for the motor industry. He is renowned The two new executives joined Mazda at the same time improving the quality of life of the
for his knowledge of the business and has become Southern Africa’s senior management team effec- people it serves.
known as the “Motor Man” in industry circles. tive 1 February 2019. ■ “We are committed to a vision of building
Msibi’s strong background in risk and compli- and sustaining relationships with cooperation and
ance stands him in good stead when advocating a Tata Africa CEO Appointed to trust, creating employment opportunities, and
business model that is dynamic yet robust enough BRICS Institute’s Advisory Board making a contribution to the social development of
to match any sales channel. Be it via an OEM or Len Brand, CEO of TATA Africa Holdings, has local communities. These values are closely linked
dealer partner, it’s important to him to continue accepted an invitation to take up a position on the to the vision of the BRICS Institute,” said Brand.
nurturing WesBank’s solid relationships won over BRICS Institute’s Advisory Board. “It is an honour to join the BRICS
decades and generations. Brand brings significant experience to the Advisory Board and I look forward to making a
Said WesBank CEO, Chris de Kock: “As table with a proven track record of delivering valuable contribution.” ■
Executive Head of Motor, Ghana will dedicate operating efficiencies in challenging environments
his time to further entrenching WesBank in the in developing markets and most recently has been New CEO for Porsche Middle
market and to providing strategic alignment and responsible for turning the TATA business around East and Africa FZE
continued support to dealers and OEMs. He will in Africa. Manfred Bräunl, previously Vice President
continue to bring his 16-year financial services Marketing at Porsche China Motors, will
experience and knowledge to the business and The BRICS Institute is an assume the role of Chief Executive Officer at
grow it alongside his team to greater heights.” ■ Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE (Free Zone
independent institute, directed
Establishment), starting from 1 March 2019.
Executive Team Appointments by an advisory board comprising Bräunl will lead a team of 52 professionals who
at Mazda SA leaders from business and support the brand’s operations across 20 countries
Mazda Southern Africa recently announced that government, and academics from with 21 importers and 65 Porsche facilities in the
Claudia Walters has joined the company as all five member countries of the GCC, Levant, Africa and India. The organisation,
Head of Marketing and Communications. At the BRICS alliance. was established in 1999 as a wholly-owned subsidi-
same time, Bonite van der Merwe took up the ary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart.
role of Head of Finance & Corporate Affairs. The BRICS Institute is an independent Prior to his five years of experience at Porsche
Walters brings a wealth of Marketing and institute, directed by an advisory board compris- China, Bräunl was the Global Head of Marketing
Communications experience gained from more ing leaders from business and government, and at Maserati in Modena (Italy). He also previ-
than 18 years in the automotive industry. academics from all five member countries of the ously held senior management positions at BMW,
Van der Merwe’s background focuses BRICS alliance. The Institute is governed by 20 including the role of Managing Director at BMW
extensively on areas such as brand strategy, public members who form the Advisory Board, which Canada in Toronto. ■
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Awards and Accolades
SAMBRA Awards the Industry’s Best
Winners of the Equipment Suppliers awards – left to right: Vinay Winners in the OEM category – left to right: Charles Claasen from
Ramjattan from Bosch, Marco Willemse from Gondolier and Deon Toyota SA and Annelise van Staden and Byron Rudman from
de Kock from Bosch. Volkswagen/Audi.
Toyota South Africa received top honours for the well as the Service Excellence and Green Practices demonstrated
all-round best Original Equipment Manufacturer awards in the category for Insurance Companies. by an unusually
(OEM) at the 2017/2018 SA Motor Body Repairers’ The awards ceremony took place in high response
Association (SAMBRA) Awards. Johannesburg earlier this month and honoured rate from
RSB Autogroup scooped the Service Excellence top vehicle insurers and OEMs, as well as paint SAMBRA mem-
award in the Paint Suppliers category and equip- and equipment suppliers, for excellence in service bers nationwide.
ment supplier, Gondolier, took the overall Service provision to SAMBRA members. SAMBRA
Excellence award in the Equipment Suppliers SAMBRA, an association of the Retail Motor National
category. Short-term insurer, Santam, scooped the Industry Organisation (RMI) represents the Director, Richard
Insurer of the Year award for the period 2017/18, as majority of motor body repairers in the country. Green, empha-
SAMBRA focuses on creating and maintaining sised that the
industry sustainability and development and the body’s current Winner of the Paint
annual Awards is one of its flagship projects. focus was on Suppliers award,
Full List of Winners “The SAMBRA Survey upon which these levelling the Lawrence Glen from
awards are based, has been conducted each year playing field to RSB Group.
OEM Category: since 2011 to monitor the business relationship enable small and
1st Place – Best OEM: Toyota SA between the insurance and motor body repair medium enterprises (SMEs) to gain equal access
2nd Place – Best OEM: Volkswagen industry. It was subsequently extended to also to the industry, especially encouraging partners
3rd Place – Best OEM: Audi
include OEMs, as well as paint and equipment to ensure prompt payment of all invoices to small
Best Training Programme: Audi
suppliers, each of which makes a vital contribution businesses as a key priority of their businesses, and
Communication Excellence: Toyota SA
to the motor body repair industry,” said Jeanne to remove any barriers to the achievement of that
Equipment Supplier Category:
Overall Service Excellence: Gondolier Esterhuizen, SAMBRA’s National Chairperson and goal. It was to underscore the importance of this
Best Training: Bosch Automotive President of the RMI. business value that SAMBRA introduced a ‘Best
Best Product Support: Bosch Automotive The survey is independently managed and Payer’ award for insurers.
Paint Supplier Category: audited by Lightstone Consumer. It targets the Guest speaker, Dionne Kerr, CEO of Siyakha
Overall Service Excellence: RSB Autogroup eligible 880 SAMBRA members nationwide to rate Consulting, hit an optimistic note, saying that
for RM product. insurers, OEMs and suppliers on the following fixed direct investment into SA last year was at
Best Training: RSB Autogroup factors: fair business practices (especially prompt a 10-year high, and that local businesses should
Best Product Support: RSB Autogroup payment which now has a dedicated award), green mirror the confidence of foreign investors by
Insurance Category:
practices, relationship satisfaction, quality of vehi- implementing a ‘Buy Local’ and import replace-
1st Place – Best Insurer: Santam
cle damage assessment and repairers’ interaction ment programme. “It’s now that we need to
2nd Place – Best Insurer: Old Mutual Insure
with claims staff, payment speed, customer service, achieve economic change and build a sustainable
3rd Place – Best Insurer: Hollard Insure
Best Payer: MiWay training programmes, product support and more. and growth oriented South Africa. The South
Most Efficient: OUTsurance This survey – and its outcome – has become African government creates more incentives
Green Practices: Santam an important yard-stick against which all partners and grants on skills development than any other
Service Excellence: Santam evaluate themselves and their services to panel country in the world except Sweden and Norway,”
shops, and ultimately, the consumer. Its value is stressed Kerr. ■Subscribe for free @ www.autolive.co.za Page 11
Corporate Social Responsibility
Toyota Cares – Help for Disabled and Youth
Toyota SA took the opportunity at its State of
the Motor Industry forum to promote its softer
side with the announcement of two important
corporate social investment programmes, one for
physically disabled sportsmen and -women, and
the other for the young people of SA.
TSAM is to partner with the SA Sports
Association for the Disabled (SASAPD) to promote
sporting codes offered at Paralympic level for
athletes with disabilities. This ties in with Toyota’s
support for the Paralympics to be staged in Tokyo
next year.
The Toyota Cheetahs rugby franchise from
Bloemfontein will also support this venture, while
Hello Computer, affiliated to Toyota’s advertising
agency, FCB, will be the social media partner for
the SASAPD.
The partnership will see Toyota donating
a Quantum minibus to one SASAPD-affiliated
school a year for three years.
Toyota also named Paralympian silver
medallist Ntando Mahlangu as its latest
brand ambassador.
Toyota launched two youth-focussed initia-
tives for 2019. The first is the Yes4Youth Campaign,
which is championed by President Cyril
Ramaphosa and driven by the private sector. This
initiative aims to offer internship and practical
work experience training for a million unemployed
youth to launch their work careers. Toyota will Paralympian silver medallist Ntando Mahlangu (left) was named as Toyota’s latest
offer employment to 497 youth from areas near brand ambassador.
its main operations – Alexandra, Thembisa
and eThekwini.
The company also launched its Safe2School
and Safe2Home campaign which will be piloted
at four schools in the eThekwini municipality
in KZN.
In addition, the Toyota SA Educational Trust
supports several youth- and education-focused
initiatives, including Toyota Teach, Toyota
Technical Education Programme and the Toyota
Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies, a
business school. ■
Dr Johan van Zyl President CEO Toyota Europe and trustee Toyota SA Educational Trust
at the opening of the Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS).Subscribe for free @ www.autolive.co.za Page 12
Corporate Social Responsibility
Ford Collaborates with Rally to Read
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa
(FMCSA) recently collaborated with the Read
Educational Trust to support its Rally to Read
education initiative in Mpumalanga.
The campaign took place in the Hazyview
area, with representatives from Ford joining
the Rally to Read team during their visits to ten
schools in the White Hazy district, where books
were donated for the foundation phase classes.
A total of 173 teachers and 8 890 learners from
the ten schools in this region will benefit from
the Ford-backed Rally to Read project, providing
them with over 10 000 foundation phase books,
110 educational toys and games and 250 arts and
crafts sets.
“As part of Ford’s community programmes,
we strive to make a meaningful impact in three
key areas, comprising education, road safety and
environmental conservation. The Rally to Read
initiative is a perfect fit for our education pillar, as
it assists in uplifting and better equipping rural Rally to Read aims to enhance education in and the resulting poor levels of literacy amongst
primary school teachers and learners,” said Neale remote rural areas through training workshops, learners,” commented Bertus Matthee, National
Hill, Managing Director, Ford Motor Company of mentorships and the delivery of carefully selected Director of the Read Educational Trust.
Southern Africa. books to enable sound teaching methodologies to “We are extremely grateful for the support
“We are delighted to partner with Rally to be implemented. from Ford, as its active participation and backing
Read with a contribution of R1.3-million for “Education provides the foundation for of the Rally to Read project will create crucial
2019 to empower teachers, learners and their community empowerment and upliftment, and the building blocks for under-equipped teaching staff
parents for a brighter, more prosperous future,” rural areas of South Africa face the biggest chal- to provide better education for our current learners
Hill added. lenges in terms of the quality of teaching available, and future leaders,” Matthee concluded. ■
Isuzu Donates Bus to Local School
The learners from Heatherbank Primary School
close to Theesecombe recently received a transport
boost with the donation of a 60-seater Isuzu bus.
The 108 learners, from Grade 1 to Grade 7,
are transported daily from Walmer Township and
surrounds to school. According to school principal,
Ellen Lovemore, the bus was very much needed as
the old bus they were using had recently broken
down. “We are grateful to have reliable transport
to ensure our learners get to class and back home
safely every day,” she said.
The donation was made possible by Ironman
4the Kids in collaboration with Isuzu Motors
South Africa.
The bus was handed over by Gary Stephenson
(left), Ironman 4the Kids co-founder, Michael
Sacke (middle), Isuzu Motors South Africa, CEO
and MD to Ellen Lovemore. With them is Deputy
Executive Mayor, Councillor Thsonono Buyeye. ■Subscribe for free @ www.autolive.co.za Page 13
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IMSA Celebrates a Successful First Year
One year after the official launch of Isuzu Motors
South Africa (IMSA), the company has made
great progress and has a long list of achievements
to celebrate.
Isuzu’s investment in SA preserved 1 000
direct jobs and secured around 4 000 jobs through
its network of 80 dealers in South Africa, and 35
dealers in Sub-Saharan Africa. The company also
ensured the continuity of business with around
430 direct and indirect suppliers; while managing
its smooth transition to new operations and to a
new dealer network.
IMSA successfully transitioned to new IT sys-
tems and moved its engineering equipment from
Kempston Road to the Vehicle Conversion and
Distribution Centre in Markman Township in Port
Elizabeth. Furthermore, Isuzu’s dealer network
also went through major changes in line with its
dedicated focus of providing the right solutions
to light commercial vehicle, SUV and commercial
From left to right: Shigeyuki Hiroki, Japanese ambassador to SA, Isuzu Motors Ltd.
vehicle customers.
President and Director Masanori Katayama, Isuzu Motors Ltd. Senior Executive Officer
In 2018, Isuzu expanded its product portfolio
and IMSA Chairman Haruyasu Tanishige and IMSA CEO and MD Michael Sacke at the
in Southern Africa through the addition of its official launch of the new company In February 2018.
new SUV competitor, the mu-X. The 40-year-old
KB bakkie’s name changed to D-MAX, aligning “Isuzu secured a commercial vehicle market
to the global naming convention with a new, share of 14.1% in 2018, while Isuzu D-MAX sales
enhanced version hitting the market at the volumes were up over 8.7% compared to the
same time. previous year, achieving a market share of 14.4%.
For the first time in 2018, Isuzu became the Overall, we are very pleased with these sales figures
highest volume selling truck brand in South in the first year of operations,” said Isuzu Motors
Africa. Additionally, Isuzu has occupied the num- South Africa CEO and MD Michael Sacke.
ber one position in the medium- and heavy-duty From a Sub-Saharan African exports perspec-
commercial vehicle segment of the local market for tive, Isuzu Motors South Africa’s sales increased by
six years in a row. 17% in 2018, compared to the previous year.
With the introduction of the D-MAX in
October, the KB name officially came to
an end.
“As we look towards future growth, Isuzu is
keen to play its part in the economic development,
growth and transformation of South Africa along
with our customers, dealer network and partners.
As a company we experienced a wave of positive
change throughout the organisation; operation-
ally, strategically and in the market place,”
said Sacke.
“Continuing to provide outstanding after
sales and customer support, we are planning
another robust year in 2019; which started with the
consolidation of Isuzu Motors South Africa’s Truck
and Bakkie plant. This represents a key milestone
for the company with the assembly of our market-
leading commercial vehicles commencing at its
new site in Struandale,” he added.
continued on next page
The first shipment of mu-X SUVs arrived in SA in April 2018.Subscribe for free @ www.autolive.co.za Page 15
continued from previous page
The R27-million project of relocating the
Isuzu truck production facilities from Kempston
Road in Port Elizabeth to IMSA’s headquarters
in Struandale, Port Elizabeth, ensures all bakkie
and truck manufacturing now takes place under
one roof. The relocation follows the official
merging of Isuzu’s truck and bakkie business
in February last year with the establishment of
one company.
According to Sacke, having both Isuzu produc-
tion facilities under one roof has many advantages,
including driving a common team culture and the
optimisation of shared resources.
“It took many months to study,
plan and execute the truck plant
move and offered the ideal
opportunity to correct historical The opening of the consolidated manufacturing plant in Struandale.
layout inefficiencies.”
Managed by IMSA’s internal team using local
After 21 years of truck production at contractors, site preparation took around eight
Kempston Road, it was the end of an era when months (Phase 1), followed by the relocation, com-
the last truck rolled off the production line on 30 missioning and start-up of the truck facility in just
November 2018. seven weeks (Phase 2). Phase 2 took place during
“We started with regular production of our the shutdown period, which also included in-depth
trucks at their new home in Struandale in January training for the truck manufacturing team.
2019. These changes have resulted in greater By positively promoting a single com-
efficiencies in terms of our manufacturing support pany culture, the new modern site will allow
resources and an opportunity to improve the for shared production learning. “By uniting
application of our lean manufacturing system,” the two manufacturing facilities, the end result
Sacke explained. will be even better, that is, quality products and
“It took many months to study, plan and services to both our truck and bakkie customers,”
execute the truck plant move and offered the ideal Vermeulen concluded. ■ Isuzu’s range of trucks.
opportunity to correct historical layout inefficien-
cies,” said the Manufacturing and Supply Chain
Executive, Johan Vermeulen.
A 50% improvement in space
utilisation under one roof
was achieved, and a 22%
improvement in the overall amount
of space required.
“Materials are now stored closer to the truck
line which reduces travel distances substantially.
This improves efficiency and eliminates waste and
unnecessary cost. We also used the opportunity
to work together with our source plant to change
the way that material is packed, providing us with
easier access to the correct material at the correct
time. We also came up with some innovative
solutions with regards to material storage,”
Vermeulen added.
Compared to the Kempston Road location, a
50% improvement in space utilisation under one
roof was achieved, and a 22% improvement in the Regular production of Isuzu trucks at their new home in Struandale commenced at the
overall amount of space required. beginning of this year.Subscribe for free @ www.autolive.co.za Page 16
We Drive
Subtle and Classy Peugeot 308
By Stuart Johnston However, you might be surprised at the way through the small-diameter steering wheel. The
the 308 accelerates, considering it only has a only way to achieve this is to drop the steering
1,2-litre turbo motor. There is a big focus on the column way down, so you see over the top of the
Peugeot’s 308 has an integration about it that grows power band towards mid-range urge, rather than steering wheel rim, to get an idea of speed, revs,
on you the more time you spend with the car. From top-end power. It produces 96 kW, a figure that trip reading, water temp, etc.
the moment you start the engine to the time you equates easily with an advanced 1,6-litre non-turbo Once you’ve done this and got used to the
ease it back into your parking spot at home, you motor. But this 1,2-litre turbo’s strong suit is the steering wheel position quite close to your thighs,
can be sure that driving the latest version of the 230 Nm of torque it produces from a low 1 750 r/ you find that the quickness of the steering and the
308 will be a subtly satisfying experience. min, so urge is always on tap, and plenty of it. fluidity of the ride become a constant source of
This occurs even before you’ve climbed into pleasurable feedback in the Peugeot 308.
the car. Walking around it, at first you are looking You might be surprised at the way Styling-wise, this version of the 308 (the Allure
for features that jump out and grab you. After a the 308 accelerates, considering model) comes with 16-inch wheels and slightly
day or so, you are appreciating the sleek, integrated it only has a 1,2-litre turbo motor. higher profile rubber than is the norm in this
shape as a whole, pleased that this is a car that only market. The wheels are fairly unremarkable by
It produces 96 kW, a figure that
gradually yields its charms to you. Peugeot standards, and as this model is unadorned
equates easily with an advanced
This goes for the engine, first off. When you with extra air ducts or stripes (or GT badges), the
start it up, at first you aren’t aware it is a three- 1,6-litre non-turbo motor. car can be overlooked at first. A bigger set of wheels
cylinder petrol engine, because the traditional low- would give it more visual panache, but doubtlessly
rpm vibes of the three-cylinder design have been The 308 has a very well-constructed body mess with the ride quality.
so well dampened. Our test car was the six-speed shell that provides torsional rigidity without any Pace-wise, the 308 is rated with a 9,7 second
automatic version, and pulling away the progress is resonance. The suspension is similarly firmly set- 0–100 km/h time and a top speed of 200 km/h.
as smooth as silk. up, but I was surprised that it handled small road More than enough for most tastes, and fuel con-
Smooth progress is one of the underlying undulations very well. What was the most pleasing sumption worked out at around 7,0 litres/100 km
themes of the Peugeot 308. The traditional aspect for me was the accurate steering, which with most of this running done in urban situations.
fluid-drive automatic gearbox enables absolutely enables you to place the car with great precision. Priced at R369 900, the 308 is well worth a
unruffled forward motion as you warm up the car Aah, the steering! The most controversial look if you are shopping in the VW Golf/Opel
and ease through urban streets. And even when part of the Peugeot 308 is that, for some reason, Astra/Hyundai Elantra league. It comes with
you punch the throttle hard, the acceleration is the designers placed the instrument pod in such a a three-year/100 000 km warranty and a five-
fluid, rather than startling. way that it is very difficult to see the instruments year/100 000 km maintenance plan. ■Subscribe for free @ www.autolive.co.za Page 17
We Drive
Further Jimny Adventures
By Stuart Johnston that had us wondering if we were about to toss a 1,5-litre non-turbo motor, and 130 Nm of torque,
Jimny into the waters of the quarry, or any deep can do.
bog wading that would need towing out at the risk The latest Jimny has more ground clearance
A couple of days ago Suzuki Auto South Africa or- of serious clutch plate deterioration. and wheel travel than the previous model. It also
ganised an off-road refresher for the Jimny at Bass And yet what Pepper devised as challenges has a charm that makes you want to take the little
Lake, the dive and bundu-bashing resort in Henley for us enabled us to get a good grasp on the off-roader home with you and cuddle it. Women
on Klip, about an hour away from Jo’burg (or more Jimny and also explained some basics of 4×4-ing, and men alike are generally smitten by the vehicle.
if you happened to live near the Malibongwe Drive regarding steering and wheel-placement that But one should keep in mind that, first and fore-
on-ramp to the N1, as I do, and spent 40 minutes could come in handy on some of the toughest most, it is a tiny conveyance designed to drive over
cursing other motorists doing diabolical things trails in the world. some amazing obstacles. It is conceived in the ilk of
to by-pass a fender-rending accident a few metres the Jeep Wrangler or Land Rover Defender, and is
from the on-ramp). The Jimny doesn’t have a rear not supposed to be all things to all SUV drivers.
I hadn’t been to Bass Lake for a decade or more differential lock, but instead uses After all, you wouldn’t expect an off-road
and it was interesting to meet the owner Alan Adventure-type bike to corner or brake alongside
Pepper once again, who reckons he has schooled up
ABS-related individual braking to the likes of machinery ridden by Marc Marquez or
to 10 000 scuba divers and off-road adventurers at prevent torque transfer to a wheel Andre Dovisioso!
his resort over the past two decades. that has started to spin. Is the Jimny a potential Car of the Year win-
Suzuki organised this day around the old ner? Perhaps its specialisation will count against it.
water-filled quarry in view of the fact that the up- The Jimny doesn’t have a rear differential But its price at R265 000 (for the entry GA model)
coming Car of the Year test days on March 11 and lock, but instead uses ABS-related individual won’t. Not that Suzuki would be too worried
12 will not include much in the way of hard-core braking to prevent torque transfer (and loss of about the effect a win or a loss in COTY will have
4×4 romping. And after a morning at Bass Lake, general forward motion) to a wheel that has on sales. At Bass Lake, the Suzuki representative
the journalists who made the trip all came away started to spin. By proper aligning of the steering confided that the waiting list on Jimnys is now
with renewed respect and affection for the Jimny. and approaching dips, dongas, ruts and rocks hovering around the 12 month mark! It seems as
What I enjoyed about the Bass Lake experience with some pre-planning, it was indeed remark- if these people have already made their COTY
was that we didn’t tackle any cliff shearing descents able what the Jimny, with just 75 kW from its decision, for 2019 and 2020! ■
Bass Lake off-road guide Alan Pepper supervises some Jimny axle articulation.Subscribe for free @ www.autolive.co.za Page 18
We Drive
Rewriting the Electric Car Rule Book
BY STUART JOHNSTON
This week Jaguar launched its new I-Pace all-
electric SUV to the media, and the response to the
new car was simply stunning.
Quite apart from acceleration that is in
the supercar league – a 0–100 km/h time of 4,8
seconds – this car comes with a range on a single
battery charge that approaches 470 km. An
overnight charge will enable battery capacity to be
fully charged from zero to full capacity in less than
12 hours.
But the new I-Pace comes with quick top-up
capability, thanks to the fact that Jaguar has moti-
vated the first realistic network of charging stations
located all around the country. A charge enabling No shocks as the electric Jaguar storms the Jukskei river.
80 per cent capacity (for a range of over 350 km/h,
takes just over an hour. motors totalling 294 kW and just under 700 Nm On the media launch we did a whole bunch
And to add another 100 km of range to your of torque. of acceleration and manoeuvre tests on the skid
I-Pace at one of the 85 charging points to be avail- These motors drive directly onto the axles pan at the new Jaguar-Land Rover Experience
able across the country from March 2019, a quick through a gear set and differential. The result is centre in Lonehill. We then set off on a 200 km
top-up can take as little as 15 minutes that the I-Pace, despite weighing 2 200 kg, can drive towards Magaliesburg, which included fast
Jaguar has thus enabled the I-Pace to be accelerate with the fastest Jaguar F-Type SVR road driving, plenty of full-throttle acceleration
used as a viable commuter all week long, and a over a distance of about 200 metres. This instant and hard fast drives on dirt roads that proved the
long-distance holiday car as well. What this all acceleration is accompanied by absolutely no noise I-Pace to have excellent dirt road bump absorption
means for the electric Jag, the third all-electric car whatsoever. So, yes, driving the I-Pace is quite and stability. We even did a water-crossing over
to be introduced to SA, is that it can be bought and eerie, at first. the Jukskei River with the car knee-deep in water,
used as a completely viable car without the need of Also taking a bit of getting used to is the without any “shocking” experiences!
having a back-up “long distance” car on standby in regenerative braking. Flooring the accelerator And when we arrived back in the Bryanston/
the garage. results in stupefying acceleration, but backing Lonehill area, our car still had well over 120 km of
The range, and the roll-out of charging sharply off on that pedal, conversely, results in charge in the battery. Gentle driving would have
stations, is just one aspect of the car that is very fierce engine braking. The electric motors reverse seen that figure be much higher, so that 470 km
exciting. Perhaps even more exciting is the amaz- their polarity to charge the batteries the instant range is very much a reality.
ing performance of this car. you lift or partially lift off the accelerator. So yes, this is the first all-electric car
The Jaguar I-Pace is fitted with a large pack What you learn to do, intuitively after the first available here that is going to be useable as a
of Lithium-ion batteries located low down in the few jerky actions, is to ease your foot off the ac- single entity, whatever your needs. It has accom-
car between the axles, just above the floor pan. celerator to brake gently. Of course, for maximum modation for five people and a boot of over 650
This battery pack drives an electric motor at braking effect, the I-Pace comes with a conven- litres. The only thing is that it is a Jaguar. This
each axle, so you have two very powerful electric tional set of four disc brakes, one at each wheel. means it has superb interior finishes, styling
and prestige, but that it costs R1 687 200 for
the least-expensive model. And you’d have to
add R30 000 for a home wall-charging unit that
Jaguar’s EV partner, GridCars, will install for
you in your home.
I was quite prepared to dislike this all-electric
car. But the I-Pace is so well-realised as a car that
handles beautifully, goes exceptionally, and which
delivers on its manufacturer’s promise, that I
came away from the experience as if I’d stuck my
fingers into an electric wall socket for a micro-
second. Slightly shocked, but hugely stimulated
by the experience of what is very much the future
of motoring. ■You can also read
