August 2022
www.Automobil.co.zA
the deepest business reAch into the sA retAil motor industry
contents
columns
03 . Driver’s Seat: Jakkie Olivier, CEO of the RMI
03 . Editor’s Letter: Reuben van Niekerk
32 . Tech Talk: Do fuel saving devices work?
34 . Wellbeing: Conversations lead to quality relationships
news
05 . News
11 . Industry News
18 . Product News
20 . RMI News
24 . Association News
feAtures
22 . Behind the scenes: Manning the RMI’s front line
26 . Compliance: Optimising ergonomics
28 . Interview: Richard Sinclair
30 . Interview: Linda Jackson
36 . Labour: CCMA makes a U-turn on mandatory vaccinations
37 . Legal: What is reasonable under contractual relationships
regulArs
38 . New models: Subaru WRX and Volkswagen Amarok
40 . Motorsport: BMW M returns to Le Mans
41 . Member Update
42 . Sales: June 2022 vehicle sales figures
Editor
Reuben van Niekerk
reuben@automobil.org.za
Sub-editor
Suzanne Walker
Regular contributors
Roger Houghton
Nicol Louw
Publisher
Wilken Communication Management
Tel: 012-4604448
Advertising Sales
Greg Surgeon
greg@automobil.org.za
Automobil is produced monthly by Wilken
Communication Management for the Retail
Motor Industry Organisation. The views and
opinions expressed in the publication are not
necessarily those of the publishers or the Retail
Motor Industry Organisation. While precau-
tions have been taken to ensure the accuracy
of advice and information contained in edito-
rial or advertisements, neither the publishers
nor the Retail Motor Industry Organisation can
accept responsibility for errors, misrepresenta-
tions or omissions, or for any effect or conse-
quence arising therefrom. Permission to repub-
lish any article or image or part thereof must be
obtained in writing from the publishers.
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August 2022
www.automobil.co.za
August 2022
driver’s seAt
For information on the RMI and its workings, visit www.rmi.org.za or call 011 886 6300
editor’s letter
his month I would like to touch on a problem regarding
fraudulent certification that we are becoming aware
of.
June and July are traditionally busy months because many
new tender requests for motor vehicle maintenance, repairs,
products and services are being issued by tender providers.
One of the prerequisites for a number of these tenders is proof
of RMI membership and accreditation. Fortunately, many
of these tender providers have the foresight to contact
the RMI or one of our associations to confirm the va-
lidity of the membership certification and to verify
the authenticity of the information submitted.
The fact that many businesses have includ-
ed this prerequisite in their tender request is
definitely a huge benefit and complement
to our organisation’s work. However, it is
concerning when we discover that fake RMI
membership certificates are being used when
submitting tender applications. It is our responsibility to ensure our
member database is fully up to date in order for us to verify the
membership authenticity and whether the automotive business in
question is in good standing. As the economy tightens up even fur-
ther, we could in all likelihood expect to see more of this fraudulent
activity happening.
We believe the most effective way to manage and neutralise
the problem is by implementing a proactive educational campaign
aimed at our members, fleet operators and consumers alike to high-
light the issue and the need to proceed with caution.
We appreciate that the maintenance of the membership data-
base is constantly evolving to accommodate the ongoing churn of
new and lapsed members. Please be advised of the issue and do
everything possible to ensure we can effectively manage this latest
development.
Jakkie olivier
RMI Chief Executive Officer
Beware of fraudulent certification
elcome to this edition of Automobil. In celebra-
tion of women’s month we take you behind the
scenes to meet five ladies who are the face of
the RMI around the country and get to know panel beater
Winny Vilankulu who is breaking down barriers in the motor
body repair sector. I also had an opportunity to sit down with
global Peugeot CEO Linda Jackson, during her recent visit to
South Africa, to find out what plans she has for this iconic
automotive brand.
We bring you the latest news from all the associations and
this months focus falls on ergonomics and the importance
thereof, while Nicol Louw debunks a few myths surrounding
fuel saving devices, which are being marketed rather aggres-
sively these days.
On a sombre note, this month we mourned the passing of
two industry stalwarts namely Andy Roth and Wynter Mur-
doch. Wynter was editor of Automobil for a number of years
and played a big role in giving it the flavour that it has today.
I was privileged to have worked alongside Wynter on this title
and a variety of other projects and am grateful for what he
taught me and allowed me to learn from him. His passing came
as a great shock and he will be greatly missed by the automo-
tive industry.
I trust that you will enjoy this issue of Automobil and as al-
ways be welcome your feedback
reuben van niekerk
reuben@automobil.org.za
Celebrating women’s month
take the Automobil reader
survey here
view the June sales figures here
To advertise in
Contact Greg Surgeon | greg@automobil.org.za