Affordability key to consumer spending in SA

Could (more) manufacture of affordable vehicles help lift the country’s automotive sector?

Affordability was a key factor driving consumer behaviour in South Africa, and it affected the auto industry as much as any other, Paul-Roux de Kock, Chief Analytics Officer at Lightstone, provider of comprehensive data, analytics and systems on property, automotive and business assets, told a recent Automechanika Johannesburg CEO event.

The CEO breakfast attracted senior executives from the private and public sectors, and de Kock was one of three speakers to flesh out opportunities and challenges facing South Africa’s automotive sector.

De Kock highlighted two insights from South Africa’s retail landscape which underscored the country’s “affordability” focus. “In our new normal we see that average dwell time at malls are back where they were before the Covid lockdown in 2020, but interestingly the number of visits has dropped by 20%”, he said...more

 
 

Fuel outlook mixed for April with consumers still under pressure

South Africans can expect a slight increase to petrol prices in April based on unaudited data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF). But, says the Automobile Association (AA), the data is also pointing to a marginal decrease to diesel prices and...more

Volkswagen AutoPavilion marks 20 years of celebrating heritage

In March 2004, the Volkswagen Group Africa plant in Kariega opened the doors to its own heritage centre for the first time. The VW AutoPavilion, which was built…more

Futuroad Expo 2024 accelerates change alongside Fleet Safety Awards at one-of-a-kind African trade show

Futuroad Expo, the premier platform for showcasing cutting-edge innovations in the truck, bus and commercial vehicle sectors, is set to take place from 19 to 21 November at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec…more

 

SAPICS | Women in Supply Chain Leadership 2024 Survey

The theme of International Women's Day #IWD2024 is 'Inspire Inclusion' and SAPICS would like to explore the experiences and perceptions of men and women from across the SAPICS network as they relate to advancing gender inclusion in supply chain…more

New truck front to save lives

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, in Sweden, have developed a new truck front concept to significantly reduce fatal crashes in car-truck collisions. The new truck front comes after the EU regulations for the maximum length of a truck…more

Is it still worthwhile learning how to drive a manual car?

In many parts of the world, manual transmissions are losing their popularity. However, in South Africa, almost 50% of new car sales still feature manual gearboxes. Given the South African market, it would make sense to learn how to drive a manual…more

 

New Ford Territory Delivers Progressive Design, Smart Technologies and Family-Friendly Features

The arrival of the new Territory heralds Ford’s entrance into the five-seater small sport utility vehicle segment with a stylish and compelling package that provides exceptional space, comfort, smart technologies and safety…more

Experience Vorsprung durch Technik: the new Audi Q6 e-tron

The new Audi Q6 e-tron is the first production model on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), marking the next step in the company’s transformation into a provider of premium electric mobility...more

Designed for family life: Distinctive Discovery DNA

Discovery Sport is a bold presence in any environment. Its Discovery DNA is clear to see, with a purposeful stance, rising waistline detail and distinctive roofline. Beautifully proportioned, it offers a unique, unmistakable character…more

 
 
 
 

Fernando wins as Ferrari stumbles

By Graham Duxbury @TheRealDux 

 

Fernando Alonso won the Malaysian Grand Prix held on this day in 2005. It was the second round of the championship and he had started from pole position in his Renault. His win made him the first Spaniard to lead the F1 World Championship.

Jarno Trulli’s second place – some 20 seconds in arrears - marked Toyota’s first podium finish. Third place was taken by Nick Heidfeld in a Williams. He had been trailing Alonso's team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella and his own teammate Mark Webber who collided at the end of lap 35. 

Fourth was McLaren's Juan Pablo Montoya, after starting from 11th on the grid. He was followed home by Ralf Schumacher (Toyota), David Coulthard (Red Bull) and Michael Schumacher (Ferrari).

The race ended Ferrari’s' run of 22 consecutive podium finishes, which started at the 2003 Italian GP. It also marked Rubens Barrichello's 200th GP. He finished in eleventh place, just ahead of Ferrari teammate Michael Schumacher. 

The Ferrari team were way down the order due to what some pundits described as a “second-hand” car. "There can be no excuses after a race like this,” said team manager Jean Todt. 'We were beaten by opponents who were stronger than us.”

Photocredit: MAXF1.net

 

60 Years of Porsche racing at Kyalami

Local motorsport publishing company, SA Motorsport Memories, previewed a new book at a function hosted by Toby Venter at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. Several motoring media, contributing photographers and other dignitaries joined…more

Daniel Pienaar announces 2024 Rally season drivers

Daniel Pienaar Technical High school in the small town of Kariega, made history last year, not only for being home to the oldest technical school in South Africa with motorsport as an official school sport…more

South African Touring Cars’ youngest driver, Anthony Pretorius, ready to take to the track

Grade 11 learner Anthony Pretorius grew up around the racetrack, so it’s no surprise that at 17 years old, he’s already taken to the steering wheel. On the road to wrapping up his schooling career next year, Pretorius’ dreams of pursuing racing are…more

 
 
 
 

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