Weekly SA Motoring News wrap-up
All the motoring industry news making local and international headlines this week.
Intercontinental GT Challenge Kyalami 9 Hour moves to December
South Africa’s historic international endurance race has been pushed back by three weeks to ease logistical considerations for teams, drivers and manufacturers whose regular programmes have been rescheduled due to COVID-19. This year’s Kyalami 9 Hour will now take place on December 10-12 2020
Ismaeel Hassen appointed CEO of FCA South Africa
As part of a restructure across some African markets, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ismaeel Hassen as CEO for South Africa. Out-going CEO, Pierre Martin Bos will now head up Morocco.
New Ford Bronco unveiled
Ford North America, this week pulled the covers off of the much-anticipated New Ford Bronco family. Packed with features, engineering and technology, it's sure to become a game changer and sell like hot cakes. Unfortunately, Ford South Africa has confirmed that are no plans for right-hand drive production, meaning that the Bronco will sadly not be coming to South Africa.
BMW fully unveils new iX3 electric SUV
The BMW iX3 is powered by a single electric motor sending power to the rear wheels. It produces 282 hp (210 kW) and 400 Nm of torque to enable a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 6.8 seconds with a limited top speed of 180 km/h. The 80-kWh battery pack has a 74-kWh usable capacity and offers 460 km of range.
BMW SA has confirmed that we should see the iX3 by the later half of 2021.
Range Rover celebrates 50 years with new tech and special editions earmarked for SA.
The original luxury SUV has defined the market since 1970 and only 1,970 units of the new Range Rover Fifty model will be available, to celebrate the year of its world premiere half a century ago. The limited-edition is joined by the Westminster and Westminster Black editions.
The new Westminster Edition is based on the Vogue model and will be available exclusively with a 4.4-litre SDV8 in South Africa. Privacy Glass and 21-inch Diamond Turned Alloy Wheels set it apart on the outside and the new model is available in a range of solid, metallic and Premium Metallic finishes. Inside, Grand Black Veneers combine with a Suedecloth Headlining, a Sliding Panoramic Roof, Softclose Doors and a powerful 19-speaker Meridian Surround sound system. The new Westminster Black Edition adds the Black Exterior Pack and customers are able to choose from three Gloss Black wheels ranging from a 21-inch nine-spoke design to a distinctive 22-inch Gloss Black nine split-spoke design.
Nissan logo gets a redesign.
For the past 20 years, Nissan’s outgoing logo has been a beacon on its vehicles and so much more. While keeping this essence alive, Nissan’s new “calling card” reflects the significant changes in society over the last two decades. It is a reimagination of the iconic Nissan brand logo for a new chapter.
KIA Seltos now available in CRDI turbo diesel.
With its eye-catching exterior design, high specification levels and exceptional value for money, Seltos has become one of the most popular models in the KIA range. Today, KIA Motors South Africa completes the Seltos range with the introduction of three turbodiesel-powered derivatives. 
The name of the new merger of FCA and Groupe PSA will be STELLANTIS.
The STELLANTIS name will be used exclusively at the Group level, as a Corporate brand. The next step in the process will be the unveiling of a logo that with the name will become the corporate brand identity. The names and the logos of the STELLANTIS Group's constituent brands will remain unchanged. As previously stated, completion of the merger project is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by both companies' shareholders at their respective Extraordinary General Meetings and the satisfaction of antitrust and other regulatory requirements.
Motorsport reopens in South Africa.
The permission from Minister Nathi Mthethwa and the Department of Sport and Recreation follows a formal submission by MSA regarding the safe resumption of MSA-sanctioned motorsport events. The permission from government incorporates a number of conditions prescribed by the Department. These include a restriction on spectators, the presence of a Covid-19 compliance officer at events, strict cleaning protocols, compulsory wearing of face masks at all times and temperature screening of all attendees at motorsport events.
New Land Rover Defender launched.
Unveiled to the world in September last year, the new Defender has finally landed in South Africa. Launched to SA consumers during a gala online video launch event hosted by LandRover ambassadors from around the world.
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Launch of the first-ever Maserati Hybrid.
