Automobil August 2022

In this issue of Automobil we sit down with Richard Sinclair and visit the Motor Mech show in East London. In celebration of Women’s month we get to know five ladies who keep the wheels turning at the RMI, as well as successful panel beater Winny Vilankulu. The monthly labour column dissects the CCMA’s recent ruling regarding mandatory vaccinations in the work place and we mourn the passing of industry stalwarts Wynter Murdoch and Andy Roth.

A Driving force in South Africa’s automotive aftermarket

The Retail Motor Industry Organisation is a proactive, relevant, retail and associated motor industry organisation recognised

as the leading voice in South Africa‘s automotive after market. It serves the daily needs of its members and plays a key role

in enabling motor traders to deliver a superior service to motoring consumers. Eight Associations fall proudly under the RMI

umbrella. Inter-associational business-to-business trading is encouraged in the interests of all stakeholders.

heAd office www.rmi.org.za

Tel: +27 11 886 6300 | Surrey Square Office Park, 330 Surrey Avenue, Ferndale, Randburg, 2194, Gauteng, P. O. Box 2940, Randburg, 2125

regionAl offices

Central: Randburg tel: +27 11 886 6300 | KwaZulu-Natal: Durban tel: +27 31 266 7031 | Eastern Cape/Border: Port Elizabeth tel: +27 41 364 0070 | 

Western Cape: Cape Town tel: +27 21 939 9440 | Free State / Northern Cape: Bloemfontein tel: +27 51 430 3294

sAprA – South African Petroleum

Retailers’ Association

SAPRA represents the interests of all petroleum retailers in

South Africa. Its aim is to improve growth and profitability

for the investor. SAPRA plays an important role in tracking

global and local trends that affect sustainability and help

retailers remain relevant in an ever-changing business

environment. Retailers voice concerns through one of

the seven regional chairs strategically located around

the country, into a National Executive Committee (NEC),

where strategy and solutions are developed. This bottom

up approach is a fundamental SAPRA imperative.

sAmbrA – South African Motor Body

Repairers’ Association

SAMBRA is the pre-eminent motor body repair association in

South Africa representing the majority of accredited motor body

repairers. SAMBRA’s grading system, which was introduced over

30 years ago, regulates repairer standards in the motor body repair

industry in South Africa and instils confidence in consumers and

industry stakeholders alike. The Association works in close collab-

oration with various key industry stakeholders including Insurers,

Original Equipment Suppliers, paint and equipment suppliers, the

labour department and trade unions, as well as related SETAs – to

maintain industry sustainability and development. It ensures the

provision of technical and business management skills training in

order for members to meet the demands of the industry.

tepA – Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association

TEPA represents tyre dealers; garage/workshop equipment and

tool importers and distributors; auto part wholesalers, retailers

and independent operators in the aftermarket motor parts

industry as well as manufacturers and importers of parts for

the automotive aftermarket. The members of TEPA represent,

promote, sell and endorse the use of legitimate, bona fide,

quality branded products. TEPA members also export parts,

equipment and components into Africa and other countries in

the world. TEPA encourages at all times inter-associational RMI

business-to-business trading, intent on strengthening the RMI

Organisation as a whole. TEPA is seen as the mark of integrity

and fair trade for the consumer, the business operator and the

government. The Association is the legitimate voice of the tyre,

equipment, and parts industry in South Africa and is positioned

as an intermediary between government, business, and the

consumer.

vtA – Vehicle Testing Association

The VTA represents private vehicle testing stations that are

committed to operating within the law in accordance with the

Road Traffic Act and the relevant SANS standards. In this highly

regulated environment, the association represents the interests

of its members at government level working groups and is

committed to enhancing the reputation of the industry in all the

spheres.

ArA – Automotive Remanufacturers’ Association

ARA represents the remanufacturing trade sector. This includes

component remanufacturers involved in safety-critical compo-

nents, inclusive of but not limited to vehicle cooling, turbocharger

and braking systems; automotive engineers who machine and

remanufacture engine components by way of expert engineering

– ultimately rebuilding engines to its original specifications; and

specialists in the repair, servicing and remanufacturing of diesel

fuel injection systems fitted to diesel engines in earth moving

equipment, highway trucks, stationary engines and passenger

vehicles. ARA promotes the responsible reuse of remanufactured

engine components for a ‘greener’ environment (carbon foot-

print). Its members are dedicated to providing consumers with

only the best of advice, finest service delivery, and highest quality

workmanship.

nAdA – National Automobile Dealers’ Association

NADA represents the interests of business people who own or

operate new motor vehicle and motorcycle franchise dealerships

and qualifying used motor vehicle and motorcycle outlets. NADA

is committed to the image enhancement of the retail motor busi-

ness, facilitating the interface between dealers and OEMs; import-

ers and distributors; building relationships between dealers and

customers and bringing relevant industry issues to the attention of

government. NADA is the respected voice on all matters relating to

motor vehicle and motorcycle dealer business.

miwA – Motor Industry Workshop Association

MIWA, the Independent Workshop Association, representing

general repairs, auto electrical; air conditioning; accessories and

fitment as well as transmission and driveline workshops strives

to remain ahead of the ever-changing technologies and best

practices of the aftermarket motor industry. MIWA encourages

members to support inter-associational, business-to-business

trading with a view to strengthen the RMI. MIWA remains the

leading resource for members ensuring continued relevance

and sustainability.

sAvAbA – South African Vehicle and

Bodybuilders’ Association

SAVABA members are professional, certified and regulated

vehicle body builders in South Africa who manufacture

commercial vehicle body applications (tanker, coal, refrigerated

trucks and trailers) and bus bodies (commuter and tourist

type). Members manufacture using the latest equipment and

highly trained staff to ensure strict compliance with NRCS

regulations; SABS standards and all other legal specifications

and requirements.

CONSTITUENT ASSOCIATIONS

news

www.automobil.co.za

August 2022

itsubishi Motors announced that Team Mitsubi-

shi Ralliart will compete in the Asia Cross Country

Rally (AXCR) 2022 with Mitsubishi Motors’ techni-

cal support. AXCR is a gruelling, week long, 2 000-kilometer

cross-country rally that races through the unique natural ter-

rain of Southeast Asia.

The Triton rally car is classified as a FIA Group T1 rally car

(prototype cross-country vehicle). Based on the Thailand-spec-

ification double-cab model, the car’s bonnet, front and rear

doors, interior and other parts have been lightened, while the

body has been strengthened with a roll cage and under guards.

The dedicated rally car suspension provides superb handling

characteristics, while the front and rear limited-slip differential

(LSD), large-diameter off-road tyres and lightweight alloy wheels

dramatically improve handling on rough road surfaces. Tuning of

the 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine focused on reducing friction loss

and weight, and improving responsiveness in the mid-range. 

Mitsubishi Triton goes racing

022 marks the 5th edition of the Festival of Motoring, and will take place

at the popular Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit from 26 – 28 August 2022.

The theme for 2022 is Celebration, Innovation and Aspiration and

is based on the evolution of the industry and technology over the past few

years and celebrating the resilience and contribution the automotive and

related industries make to the South African economy.

With a number of leading brands on board, including Abarth, Alfa Ro-

meo, Chery, Citroen, Dunlop, Fiat, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, MOPAR, Opel, Peu-

geot, Suzuki and Toyota, the pit doors are filling up quickly. Brands are using

this opportunity to take their vehicles to the public in a time where footfall

to dealerships has dropped. The benefit to both exhibitors and visitors is

the interactive and experiential nature of the show, unlike traditional motor

shows of the past. It’s an opportunity for consumers to get into the vehicles

and test drive the cars.

2022 highlights from participating brands will include: Mercedes-Benz

showcasing the Mercedes-Benz EQ Electric Intelligence range and other

special surprises in store. Volvo Car South Africa will be exhibiting their elec-

trified Recharge range, which includes Mild-hybrids, Plug-in Hybrids, and

the all-electric XC40. Visitors will also get to see and experience the latest

Toyota Gazoo Racing models, in addition to the rest of the Toyota range.

Suzuki will add to the excitement with the evergreen Jimny on the 4x4 track,

the Swift Sport on the main track, and the new generation Baleno available

for visitors to test on the handling track. In addition, over 150 exhibitors will

display automotive products and services, as well as lifestyle, outdoor, and

customised vehicle offerings to service the needs of the visitor.

In a Festival of Motoring first, visitors will get to see demo laps of the

Cosworth-powered Minardi F1 M189, the Ferrari A1 GP car, the Renault 3.5

and the Pilbeam MP58 with the Infiniti Indy engine.

Another first is the Speed Challenge, which will see racing legends of

South African motorsport driving custom built high-performance vehicles

against the clock in exhilarating time trials. In addition, the Sunbet ZX-10

Masters Cup (Superbikes) and Legends of the 9-hour will hold an official

round at the Festival. Other entertainment will include drifting and rally driv-

ing demonstrations to keep the audiences constantly engaged. 

For any show queries, please contact Show Director,

Judy Maharaj on judy.maharaj@za.messefrankfurt.com

Festival of motoring promises

to delight

see the mitsubishi

triton in action here

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