IN THE NEWS
Exciting Year ahead for Mazda SA
Mazda South Africa begins the new year with a clear vision and an exciting roadmap, confidently affirming our commitment to our local SA market. Mazda remains focused on delivering exceptional value, innovative, high-quality products, and an ever-evolving premium customer experience despite complexities in the SA automotive industry.
HINO 700 RIG EXCELS AS A CATTLE TRANSPORTER IN NAMIBIA
The latest Hino 700, launched in South Africa earlier this year, is already carving niches for itself in the local market.
TAKING STOCK
Now is the perfect moment to assess the lessons we have learned, evaluate performance and focus on how South Africa and our Government of National Unity (GNU) can apply these critical lessons to build resilience, avoid mistakes and safeguard the future of SA Inc.
Regular ‘report cards’ for road worthiness
Roadworthy checks are both a legal requirement and responsible approach to ensuring your vehicle’s safety on the road. Unfortunately, legal requirements for roadworthy checks can leave opportunity for neglect that can result in tragic consequences.
EDITOR BLOG
FLIRTING WITH THE INCOMING EV TIDE.
The sun has now set on 2024 and the big question is, what is in store for the Automotive Industry from 2025 onwards. It is therefore wise to take a few steps back before venturing forward to say, 2035 which is the anticipated date set for the global automotive economy to transition completely to EV’s and derivatives thereof.
It is vital that South Africa invest in emerging technology changes, to the infrastructure to enable to transition to energy efficient vehicles (EEV) use. This could initially start with the hybrid-internal combustion engine (ICE) route such as the use of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV’s), followed by battery electric and hydrogen vehicles. South Africa is likely to lag compared to the development of EEV markets across major developed economies but the economy will more than likely absorb many more EEV’s by 2035 and probably achieve a 50/50 split with ICE vehicles by then. In the meantime the industry continues to grow in the ICE market and judging by the volumes recorded in 2024 there can be no doubt that we are equipped to cater for the demands of the transport industry with vehicles in whichever shape or form is required.
The bus industry plays a vital role in our economic infrastructure and continues to rely on the mechanical method of propulsion and practically cannot venture into the realm of EV’s at this stage. Proof of this was our attendance at the recent handover event of the latest G8 MarcoPolo bus to Intercity Express for long distance routes and simultaneously MAN MarcoPolo ANDARE commuter buses to Eagle Liner who already has 36 units in service.
Other market segments such as SUV’s, bakkies and commercial heavy trucks continue to be absorbed into the Country’s infrastructure without too much regard for the incoming EV revolution.
The management of Transport Torque wish all our contributors and readers and clients, best wishes over the festive season. Be SAFE on the roads.
Pierre Sanson
Issue 11 – 2024
MAGAZINE
