July 2023
WWW.AuTOMOBIl.CO.ZA
THE DEEPEST BuSINESS REACH INTO THE SA RETAIl MOTOR INDuSTRy
Win R10 000 in
Automobil reader
competition
MIWA: uPSKIllING FOR CHANGE
THE IMPACT OF THE AMENDED
EMPlOyMENT EQuITy ACT
AIDC uNlOCKS OPPORTuNITIES FOR SMME’S
CONTENTS
COluMNS
03 . Driver’s Seat: Jakkie Olivier, CEO of the RMI
30 . Tech Talk: Tuning naturally aspirated engines
32 . Locating the resources to obtain wellbeing
33 . Finance: The importance of credit risk management
NEWS
05 . News
14 . Industry News
17 . New products
20 . RMI News
24 . Association News
FEATuRES
22 . Behind the Scenes with the MIWA NEC
26 . Association: Upskilling while striving to remain current
28 . Interview: Pieter Haak kept fighting back
34 . Legal: Beneficial ownership
36 . Labour: Payment of accrued leave on termination
REGulARS
38 . New models: Subaru Crosstrek
40 . Motorsport: Going racing so that kids have the ability to jump
41 . Member Update
42 . Sales: May 2023 vehicle sales figures
P7
P38
P16
www.automobil.co.za
July 2023
July 2023
WWW.AuTOMOBIl.CO.ZA
THE DEEPEST BuSINESS REACH INTO THE SA RETAIl MOTOR INDuSTRy
Editor
Reuben van Niekerk
reuben@automobil.org.za
Sub-editor
Suzanne Walker
Regular contributors
Roger Houghton
Nicol Louw
Publisher
Wilken Communica�on Management
Tel: 012-4604448
Adver�sing Sales
Greg Surgeon
greg@automobil.org.za
Automobil is produced monthly by Wilken
Communica�on Management for the Retail
Motor Industry Organisa�on. The views and
opinions expressed in the publica�on are not
necessarily those of the publishers or the Retail
Motor Industry Organisa�on. While precau-
�ons have been taken to ensure the accuracy
of advice and informa�on contained in edito-
rial or adver�sements, neither the publishers
nor the Retail Motor Industry Organisa�on can
accept responsibility for errors, misrepresenta-
�ons or omissions, or for any effect or conse-
quence arising therefrom. Permission to repub-
lish any ar�cle or image or part thereof must be
obtained in wri�ng from the publishers.
Cover image courtesy of SIB
www.automobil.co.za
www.automobil.co.za
July 2023
DRIVER’S SEAT
For information on the RMI and its workings, visit www.rmi.org.za or call 011 886 6300
s we start our new financial year on the 1st of July, business continues
to slowly recover from the battering we took during the COVID-19 pan-
demic. Unfortunately, the problems experienced with loadshedding,
and other endemic infrastructural problems, and the alarmingly high unem-
ployment figures, continue to plague every business and every South African.
We collectively watch and wait with bated breath for the economy to
improve so that businesses can once again kick start a period of regrowth
and prosperity in our country. It is in times like these that I believe the
strength of belonging has never been more important.
The RMI has continued to reflect record surpluses and reserves and in
an effort to give back to our members, we have introduced the concept
of Special Projects, all aimed at improving and enhancing our member
businesses and the environment that they trade in.
The following are just some of the Special Projects we have embarked on,
or will be embarking on:
Increasing the visibility of our brand
The strength of association with the RMI logo is clear and this year the RMI
Board approved a special project to fund production of RMI branding materi-
al, specifically to assist members in bringing their premises up to date with the
new RMI branding introduced three years ago. This enables mem-
bers to reflect our brand consistently and uniformly and makes
them instantly recognisable to customers and other key stake-
holders as members of the RMI. The branding material has been
produced and has been distributed nationally for collection.
Financial assistance
RMI membership renewal invoices for 1 July 2023 include
a discount that will benefit all members within the RMI
and is a token of our appreciation for your ongoing
support and loyalty. The discounted amount
will reflect on your invoice and there is thus
no requirement for further calculations. A fur-
ther discount per standalone business will be
provided on receipt of your BBBEE compliance
information for 31 December 2023. The normal terms and conditions apply
to this offer so please contact our local RMI office for further details and if
you are part of a corporate membership, please contact your Associational
Director for further information.
Professionalising our sector
We have scheduled a host of special webinars and podcasts for members
to assist on a variety of topics and concerns impacting all South Africans.
A special Skills Development Facilitator Project is also currently being de-
veloped and scoped with rollout expected during the latter part of 2023. In
addition, we have once again planned our third RMI Women Driving Change
awareness event for later in the year.
I am encouraged that a number of our associations have also embarked
on Special Projects unique to their needs and these continue to highlight the
benefit of belonging, particularly in today’s challenging times.
The RMI are currently in the midst of our national roadshows. A variety of
factors including the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a change in the way we
communicate and the emergence of digital engagement. Digital and online
meetings became par for the course during this period.
As a result of very valuable feedback received from members through
the membership satisfaction survey, the need for the re-establishment of
face-to-face engagement with members was identified and as a result, the
RMI is currently hosting a series of roadshows throughout the country which
will continue throughout July 2023.
The purpose of these roadshows is to update members on developments
within the industry, and to provide members with the opportunity to
engage with the RMI team, to share experiences, express needs and engage
on industry specific issues.
I would like to end off by expressing my appreciation and pride for the
way our member businesses have conducted themselves over the last 12
months. I have no doubt that if we maintain our focus and continue to look
for ways to add value and sustain our businesses, our sector will find the
opportunities to come back stronger together.
Jakkie Olivier , RMI Chief Executive Officer
Not the easiest of times to do business
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e at Automobil value your readership and will be
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there will be a set of questions, the answers to which can be
found on the pages of that issue of Automobil. Each month, up
until the July issue, you can enter as many times as you like. The
winner will be drawn randomly on the 31st of July 2023.
To view the fifth round of questions, to enter and for the
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OCTOBER 2022
WWW.AuTOMOBIl.CO.ZA
THE DEEPEST BuSINESS REACH INTO THE SA RETAIl MOTOR INDuSTRy
HIGHlIGHTS FROM
AuTOMECHANIKA FRANKFuRT
BuIlDING TAIlORED SOluTIONS
FOR THE TRANSPORT INDuSTRy
47 yEARS OF CHANGING GEARS
NOVEMBER 2022
WWW.AuTOMOBIl.CO.ZA
THE DEEPEST BuSINESS REACH INTO THE SA RETAIl MOTOR INDuSTRy
TEPA: GIVING TyRE DEAlERS A VOICE
lAyING THE FOuNDATIONS FOR THE RMI
TOyOTA 2000GT RESTORED
DECEMBER 2022
WWW.AuTOMOBIl.CO.ZA
THE DEEPEST BuSINESS REACH INTO THE SA RETAIl MOTOR INDuSTRy
TRANSFORMATION BEGINS
WITH THE YOUTH OF TODAY
IS THERE A FUTURE FOR
FUEL-CELL VEHICLES?
MOTOR INDUSTRY RECOVERS
DURING THIRD QUARTER
JANUARY 2023
WWW.AUTOMOBIL.CO.ZA
THE DEEPEST BUSINESS REACH INTO THE SA RETAIL MOTOR INDUSTRY
A 2023 ECONOMIC
OUTLOOK
LOOKING BACK.
LOOKING AHEAD
STAYING RELEVANT
IN AN EVOLVING
INDUSTRY
BELONGING IS BETTER BUSINESS
Here’s why…
Legacy and unity
•
We’ve been representing the retail motor industry for more than 100 years.
•
With more than 8 000-member businesses, our unity is our strength.
Your voice
RMI represents the industry at:
•
Centralised wage negotiations.
•
Various MIBCO and Industry-related Boards and committee structures.
•
Various South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)
committees and working groups.
•
The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS), defending our
industry when compulsory specifications and standards are compromised.
•
The Moto Health Care Fund, Industry Provident Funds
and the Sick, Accident and Maternity Pay Fund.
•
Meetings hosted by reputable organisations recognised by government, big
business, consumers and relevant stakeholders like Business Unity SA (BUSA).
Supports your business
•
Professional industrial relations advice ensuring procedural
and substantive fairness when disciplining staff.
•
Chairing of disciplinary hearings and AUTOMATIC
entry at the CCMA, DRC and Labour Court.
•
Exceptional CPA support at the National Consumer Commission (NCC)
and the Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (MIOSA).
•
Facilitation of a business-to-business complaint where both parties are
RMI members, with a complaint resolution rate in excess of 95%.
•
Training needs and representation via merSETA and W&RSETA.
•
Industry-specific products like RMI4BEE, RMI4LAW and RMI4OHS.
Keeps you in the know
•
Industry labour relations seminars.
•
Automobil magazine and weekly web letters.
•
Commenting on industry topics in the media, and participating
in and hosting numerous conventions and shows.
NEWS
NEWS
n the last five years Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA) have put a
tremendous amount of effort into ensuring that their customer service,
customer retention and positive brand image have been improved from
their already high levels.
The result is that MMSA has been recognised as one of the star perform-
ers by Mitsubishi Motors Middle East & Africa (MMMEA) with a Platinum
award, which is the highest award given to any distributor for the period
under review. This accolade is awarded to countries competing in the parent
company’s After Sales Business Excellence
Program, which is conducted annually and
represents service excellence by MMSA and
its dealer network relative to other regions.
This latest achievement is a result of ex-
ceeding targets in After-Sales, which includes
sub-categories such as Customer Satisfac-
tion and Retention Improvement programs
as well as Spare Parts and Accessory perfor-
mance. The rewards process saw Mitsubishi
Motors SA judged on a 1000-point system that is incredibly robust and sets
the good apart from the great.
In 2021, in their first year of participation, MMSA achieved Bronze, this
was followed by Gold in 2022 and now Platinum. Such rapid improvement
in a short period of time is testament to MMSA’s approach to ‘Lifetime Cus-
tomer Loyalty’ and the extraordinary growth that MMSA has achieved over
the last few years.
Consistently high levels of performance in key areas such as Business
Revenue, Business Development, Customer
Experience and Operational Excellence saw
MMSA improve once again and walk away
with the Platinum award in 2023.
Mitsubishi are entering an extremely ex-
citing phase. The all-new Outlander has just
been launched in South Africa and locally
Mitsubishi are on the brink of an extensive
product rollout that will see the brand refresh
their entire line up in the next 12 months.
pel has revealed a new interpretation of its iconic emblem, the
‘Blitz’, which will feature on production vehicles as early as 2024.
It will continue to form a central element of the Opel Compass,
one of the main features of the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker’s exciting
and critically acclaimed design philosophy, while simultaneously continu-
ing to sit proudly at the centre of the Opel Vizor brand face. The lightning
bolt or ‘Blitz’ in German – is closely associated with electricity and is the
ideal emblem to symbolise Opel’s approach to the era of electromobility.
The sharpened, confident new ‘Blitz’, intersects the pure
supporting ring, giving the iconic emblem a progressive,
modern look. It is positioned proudly at the centre of the
compass, which remains the key graphic design principle.
The German carmaker will gradually roll out the new
‘Blitz’ across its product portfolio in the coming years
with the first production vehicle set to sport the new
look in 2024.
ans of the BMW M brand can look forward to
the fact that BMW M has now officially con-
firmed that with the new edition of the BMW
M5, it will be adding a Touring variant to its model
range. The perfect symbiosis of M-typical perfor-
mance, uncompromising long-distance comfort
and impressive spaciousness will experience a re-
naissance in 2024 with the new BMW M5 Touring.
Just like the future BMW M5 Sedan, the Tour-
ing variant will also feature a completely newly
developed partially electrified drive system. Its
M-typical performance characteristics as well as
the precisely tuned chassis technology refined
with innovative systems facilitate driving dynam-
ics and agility at a level unique in this vehicle class.
Evolutionary progress, development know-
how from racing and pioneering innovations in
the areas of drive, suspension, aerodynamics and
lightweight construction have shaped the his-
tory of the BMW M5. Engines with six, eight and
ten cylinders, M TwinPower Turbo technology
and high-revving characteristics, the compound
brake system with M Carbon ceramic brakes and
M xDrive four-wheel drive are just some of the
technological milestones with which this model
has repeatedly redefined top performance in a
sedan that is unconditionally suitable for every-
day use. The seventh generation of the BMW M5
takes up on this – with fascinating innovations for
an even more intense performance experience.
Mitsubishi Motors rewarded for
exceptional sales performance
Opel unveils new Blitz emblem
BMW confirms development
of M5 Touring
www.automobil.co.za
July 2023
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, turbocharg-
er and braking systems; automotive engineers who machine and
remanufacture engine components by way of expert engineer-
ing – 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 mov-
ing equipment, highway trucks, stationary engines and passen-
ger vehicles. ARA promotes the responsible reuse of remanufac-
tured engine components for a ‘greener’ environment (carbon
footprint). 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
www.automobil.co.za
July 2023
NEWS
Reuben van Niekerk
ord’s recent investments in its South African manufacturing facilities
are allowing the company to deliver on its ambitious targets, achieve
record production and the highest levels of quality to date for the Sil-
verton assembly plant, located in Pretoria.
As part of the massive investment announced in 2021, Ford constructed
its first on site stamping plant, built a completely new highly automated body
shop and modernised the assembly plant with the latest in production tech-
nologies. In addition a new Ford owned and operated chassis plant was con-
structed in the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone, adjacent to the
Silverton plant and a specially developed vehicle modification centre was in-
stalled to facilitate the fitment of factory approved accessories such as roller
shutters and canopies prior to delivery, a task that was previously handled by
the dealer network. These fitments can now be done using the same quality
controls and processes as those of the main vehicle assembly line.
The result is that the Silverton plant has an installed capacity of up to
200 000 vehicles per year, which includes the Ford Ranger and well as
Volkswagen Amarok as part of the Ford-VW strategic alliance. Thanks to
three shifts that work 24 hours a day, the plant is capable of producing 720
vehicles a day.
Despite these increases in volume there have also been massive im-
provements in first-time through, which is a measure of the quality of the
production components and processes and minimises the need for repairs
or reworks on the line. This contributes to the efficiency of the production,
the achievement of the required volumes and results in better quality prod-
ucts for Ford customers.
High-tech imaging system installed to improve quality control
To ensure that every vehicle that rolls off the Silverton Assembly plant meets
stringent quality criteria, the company has invested R20-million in a DeGould
Auto Scan system that replaces inspection by people with an advanced sys-
tem that utilises multiple cameras and artificial intelligence to inspect each
vehicle. The system captures high-definition full-body images of every ve-
hicle that passes through the Silverton plant’s shipping tunnel and can de-
tect any misbuilds, damage or defects smaller than what can consistently be
found by the naked eye. It takes just six seconds to capture high-definition
images of the vehicle and detect any faults.
The system also keeps a record of the vehicles condition when it leaves
the factory, allowing Ford to narrow down any subsequent damage to han-
dlers such as road freight operators, shipping handlers or the dealers them-
selves. This system is a highly effective tool in raising the quality of the vehi-
cles coming out of the Silverton plant, while providing an excellent source of
data for any claims disputes.
Investing in the working environment
Although Ford’s current production plant sees the introduction of increased
automation throughout, the plant still relies heavily on humans to build the
vehicles that they do. Creating a working environment that is welcoming for
its employees was integral in the latest round of upgrades.
Ford have spent over R20-million over the past six months updating em-
ployee facilities, canteens and communal areas. Most recently Ford installed
a fully equipped laundry facility, at a cost of R5 million, which enables em-
ployees to have their personal protection equipment clothing such as over-
alls washed on site, ready to be worn for the next shift.
Managing load shedding
Ford’s Silverton Vehicle Assembly plant in Pretoria is protected from load-
shedding as a heavy industry manufacturer. However the Struandale engine
plant in the Eastern Cape is affected from stage five of loadshedding based
on a predetermined schedule that ranges from one 24-hour period in an
eight day cycle during stage five to four 24 hour periods in an eight day cycle
during stage eight.
Ford is continuously working to minimise its reliance on the grid and in
May 2022 they switched on a pioneering solar project at Silverton, which
uses 3 610 solar photovoltaic carports to generate 35 percent of the plant’s
electricity requirements. Ford will continue to monitor the situation and in-
vestigate ways to mitigate against potential risks and decrease their poten-
tial on the national grid.
Ford makes further investments
in local production facilities
TELL US WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND
RMI Executives
RMI Board Members
RMI Directors
RMI Head Office
Chief Executive Officer:
Jakkie Olivier
Cell: 082 452 5150
jakkie.olivier@rmi.org.za
Chief Operations Officer:
Jan Schoeman
Cell: 082 552 7712
jan.schoeman@rmi.org.za
Financial Director:
Renee Coetsee
Cell: 082 412 6760
renee.coetsee@rmi.org.za
Company Secretary:
Gary McCraw
Cell: 082 560 6613
gary.mccraw@rmi.org.za
Jakkie Olivier – CEO
Jeanne Esterhuizen – President
Ferose Oaten - Vice President
Frank MacNicol
Eugene Ranft
Teresa Spenser-Higgs
Les McMaster
Johann van de Merwe
Mams Rehaman
Sandra Singh
Charles Canning
Marcel van Ruler
Henry van der Merwe
Lindsay Bouchier
ARA, SAVABA
Attie Serfontein
Cell: 082 452 5153
attie.serfontein@rmi.org.za
MIWA
Pieter Niemand
Cell: 082 812 5391
pieter.niemand@rmi.org.za
NADA
Gary McCraw
Cell: 082 560 6613
gary.mccraw@rmi.org.za
SAMBRA
Jacques Viljoen
Cell: 083 337 9922
jacques.viljoen@rmi.org.za
TEPA, SAPRA
Vishal Premlall
Cell: 082 886 6392
vishal.premlall@rmi.org.za
VTA
Julian Pillay
Cell: 082 560 6625
julian.pillay@rmi.org.za
Training Director
Louis van Huyssteen
Cell: 082 560 6623
louis.vanhuyssteen@rmi.org.za
Transformation Director
Nonhlanhla Noni Tshabalala
Cell: 083 208 7161
noni.tshabalala@rmi.org.za
Labour Director
Jeffrey Molefe
Cell: 082 560 6617
jeffrey.molefe@rmi.org.za
Danelle van der Merwe
Brand and Communication Manager
Cell: 082 926 5846
danelle.vandermerwe@rmi.org.za
Nonhlanhla Noni Tshabalala
HR Manager
Cell: 083 208 7161
noni.tshabalala@rmi.org.za
Julian Pillay
Regulatory Compliance Manager
Cell: 082 560 6625
julian.pillay@rmi.org.za
011-886-6300
www.rmi.org.za
Surrey Square Office Park
330 Surrey Avenue,
Ferndale, Randburg
2194
RMI Regional Offices
Julian Pillay: Regional Manager: KwaZulu-Natal
Enrico Phillips Regional Manager: Western Cape
Peter van Mosseveld: Regional Manager: Eastern Cape/Border
Raoul Spinola: Regional Manager: Central
(Gauteng/Northwest/ Mpumalanga/ Limpopo)
Reemo Swartz: Regional Manager: Free State/Northern Cape
Central: Randburg: 011 886 6300
KwaZulu-Natal: Durban: 031 266 7031
Eastern Cape/Border: Port Elizabeth: 041 364 0070
Western Cape: Cape Town: 021 939 9440
Free State/Northern Cape: Bloemfontein: 051 430 3294
RMI PARTNERS
RMI4Law 0861 668 677
RMI4BEE 066 292 0102
RMI4OHS 072 787 5503
@AutomobilSA
Facebook.com/AutomobilSA
www.rmi.org.za
www.automobil.co.za
July 2023
NEWS
oyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has ap-
pointed Anton Falck, as Vice President of
Hino South Africa. Falck takes over from Er-
nie Trautmann, who has retired. Falck was original-
ly a student of Consumer Behaviour and Market-
ing, but since joining Toyota SA Motors in 1987, he
has done duty in several divisions of the company.
His previous experience includes area manage-
ment, marketing communications, vehicle sales,
dealer representation, overseeing Automark,
TSAM’s used vehicle franchise and more recently
running the Toyota Academy of Learning.
“I am honoured to have been granted this
rare opportunity to head up, what we believe to
be an important truck brand in South Africa and
to ensure that Hino makes a valuable contribu-
tion to the local economy,” said Falck.
“We are pleased to have successfully launched
the highly anticipated new Hino 700 last month.
This vehicle sets a new standards in its class,
boasting exceptional performance and outstand-
ing safety features at a highly competitive price.
The product has been well received and the initial
feedback from both our dealer network and cus-
tomers has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We are aggressively promoting the Hino 700
and anticipate that over the next few years, the
Hino 700 will help us establish a strong presence
in the extra-heavy segment, where we have not
played a significant role previously,” commented
Falck.
The Hino SA Vice President said the compa-
ny’s initial commercial market forecast for 2023
was around 31 500 units. However, after five
months of sales, it has become evident that the
market is larger than anticipated, with an impres-
sive growth rate of 11.6% over 2022. Taking this
into account, Hino SA expects the total commer-
cial vehicle market to range between 33 500 and
35 000 units in 2023.
Falck explained that Hino trucks, which have
been on South African roads for more than 50
years, have not only proved popular in terms
of sales volumes, but the dealer network of 65
dealers – 21 exclusive truck dealers and 44 dual
car and truck outlets – continues to provide
outstanding customer satisfaction. Hino was
once again ranked best overall in the 2023 Quar-
ter 1 DataTrack survey, in addition to achieving
the highest score in sales and service.
“The current market trends and our success-
es indicate a promising future for Hino in South
Africa. We are confident that our reliable trucks
and competitive pricing, coupled with our strong
dealer network and aftersales support efforts,
will position us favourably in the southern Afri-
can commercial vehicle market going forward,”
concluded Falck.
ontinental have launched their most sus-
tainable series tyre to date – the UltraCon-
tact NXT. With up to 65 percent renewable,
recycled and mass balance certified materials, it
combines a remarkably high share of sustain-
able materials with maximum safety and per-
formance. Continental is the first manufacturer
to launch a tyre with both a high share of sus-
tainable materials and maximum EU tyre-label
performance in volume production. All 19 sizes
available will carry the highest possible rating
(“A”) of the EU tyre label in rolling resistance, wet
braking, and exterior noise
Depending on its tyre size, the UltraContact
NXT is made from up to 65 percent renewable,
recycled and mass balance certified materials.
Renewable materials account for up to 32 per-
cent. The proportion of recyclable materials is
up to five percent. Furthermore, Continental
sourced an amount of up to 28 percent ISCC PLUS
mass balance approach certified materials from
bio, bio-circular and circular feedstock.
Renewable materials account for up to 32 per-
cent of the UltraContact NXT. This includes resins
based on residual materials from the paper and
wood industries. Used in tyres, resins allow highly
flexible compounds to improve the material’s grip.
The Ultra Contact NXT contains silicate from the
ash of rice husks. Rice husks are an agricultural
waste product which may be processed into sili-
ca through a new, less energy consuming process.
Silica helps to optimise characteristics such as grip,
rolling resistance and tyre life. As in every tyre,
natural rubber is a key material of the UltraCon-
tact NXT. It remains indispensable as it ensures the
highest tyre performance properties because of
its elevated level of strength and durability.
In addition, Continental is using recycled steel
in the UltraContact NXT. The innovative ContiRe.
Tex technology has also been adopted for the Ul-
traContact NXT. It generates high-performance
polyester fibres to reinforce the tyre carcass
through recycling PET bottles, which otherwise
would have ended up in incinerators or landfills.
With the ContiRe.Tex technology, Continen-
tal has developed a more energy-efficient and
eco-friendly alternative that allows it to recycle
between nine and fifteen plastic bottles for each
tyre, depending on the tyre size.
For the UltraContact NXT, Continental uses up
to 28 percent ISCC PLUS mass balance certified
materials. These are sustainable synthetic rubber
and carbon black made from biobased, bio-cir-
cular and/or circular feedstock. Synthetic rubber
is a performance-defining ingredient of modern
passenger car tyres, as its properties can be en-
gineered specifically for its application. Carbon
black is used in rubber compounds to optimise
stability, strength, and the durability of tyres. The
ISCC PLUS certified balance mechanism ensures
transparency and traceability throughout the
supply chain by tracking the origin and character-
istics of raw materials, verifying compliance with
sustainable criteria, and certifying the resulting
products.
Hino undergoes
management change
Continental launches tyre made
from renewable materials
NEWS
ichael Humphreys has been appointed by Supa Quick as its new
managing director to lead the company in line with Bridgestone
Southern Africa’s vision of delivering accelerated social and
customer value as a sustainable solutions company. In order to achieve
this, Humphreys’ appointment seeks to establish a new management
structure that has an increased focus on distinct Bridgestone business
portfolios including the Supa-Quick franchise, its core tyre and rubber
business and its mining solutions business.
Humphreys has extensive retail and franchise experience
that he has built up over more than 20 years in this environ-
ment, which makes him ideally suited to drive Bridgestone’s
vision for Supa Quick. He transitioned from designing retail
spaces as an architect to helping brands like Spar and Eskort
improve their retail efficiencies.
“The main vision is to become the franchise brand of choice through-
out Southern Africa. One of the benefits of including all the equity stores
under our brand is that it gives us a foothold in South Africa, Namibia,
Botswana, Zambia and eSwatini. This increases our negotiating pow-
er with suppliers because we’re exponentially growing our stores to
about 230 this year. That makes us significantly bigger than the clos-
est competitor,” says Humphreys.
Humphreys concludes that he relishes the challenge of
changing the mindset of motorists to view regular main-
tenance not as a grudge purchase, but an essential pur-
chase. And that the proposition for franchisees will be
all the more attractive as Supa Quick has a dedicated and
professional team committed to helping franchisees grow
their business.
Supa Quick appoints
new managing director
issan South Africa is launching Value Advantage Parts, an initiative that
offers a carefully curated line up of parts and kits tailored to the needs of
out of warranty vehicle owners and offers a cost-effective alternative to
Nissan Genuine Parts while upholding the trusted standards for Nissan-validated
quality.
“Considering the prevailing economic challenges in South Africa, Nissan South
Africa remains committed to providing more accessible and affordable vehicle
maintenance and repair options. Value Advantage Parts address the concerns
of cost-sensitive customers without compromising on quality, durability, wear
and tear, or safety specifications,” says Ibrahim Rageh, Nissan Africa Aftersales
Director.
The range of Value Advantage Parts including essential items such as service
kits, oil filters, air filters, cabin filters, wiper blades, brake components, clutch kits,
shocks, and many more are designed to offer the best possible performance and
longevity for out of warranty Nissan vehicles, tested and validated according to
Nissan technical standards.
These parts and kits have been made available for a range of Nissan models in
South Africa, from iconic local favourites like the Almera and 1400 bakkie, to the
daily commuters like the NV350 taxi. All Value Advantage Parts are available for
over-the-counter sales, but when fitted by a participating Nissan dealer, also main-
tain a 12-month, peace-of-mind warranty.
Value Advantage Parts serve as an option between Nissan Genuine Parts and
less expensive, aftermarket parts. Nissan Genuine Parts are the same as the ones
that were fitted in the vehicle when it was manufactured, while Value Advantage
Parts are a cost-competitive alternative validated to Nissan Aftersales standards to
service out of warranty vehicles.
For more information about Value Advantage Parts and to find
your nearest Nissan dealer, visit https://www.nissan.co.za/
owners/nissan-replacement-parts/value-advantage-parts.html
Nissan South Africa introduces
value advantage parts
10
www.automobil.co.za
July 2023