Weekly SA Motoring News wrap-up
Bridgestone proposes closure of tyre manufacturing plant in Port Elizabeth
Bridgestone Southern Africa (BSAF) has announced its proposal to close its bias tyre manufacturing plant in Port Elizabeth. This move is fully in line with the recently announced mid-long term business strategy laid out by Bridgestone Corporation which plans to strengthen its core tyre business through focus on premium profitable growth segments. The announcement confirms the company’s dedication to implement this strategic framework. BSAF has as of today initiated a Section 189 notice and a consultative process in compliance with the South African Labour Relations Act.
Porsche presents the new Panamera
A true sports car, exclusive saloon, a hybrid pioneer, this versatility and unique symbiosis of opposites has characterised the Porsche Panamera right from the start. The core features of the second generation, which has been on the market since 2016, will now be enhanced even further. The new Porsche Panamera is available to order now. Information on the basic retail price, model specifications and local availability can be obtained at the nearest Porsche Centre.
Motus Financial Services partners with Discovery Insure expanding its warranty offers
SA’s leading automotive group, is renowned for its innovative approach to aftersales service and offerings. One of the solutions is a partnership between Motus Financial Services and Discovery Insure that offers Discovery Insure vehicle owners a telematics-based warranty with unlimited cover for mechanical breakdowns and electronic failure. This revolutionary product is made possible by the claims data collected by Motus over multiple decades of operating in the motor industry, which allows it to cover a more comprehensive list of critical components, with no limits.
V-Class V 300 d now available for sale in South Africa
The introduction of the V 300 d to this already successful model range, Mercedes-Benz hopes to take the MPV segment to even greater heights. The V 300 d is equipped with the four-cylinder OM 654 engine, with a 2 litre displacement and boasts 176kW of power complimented by 500Nm of torque making it the new top performer in the segment. In the acceleration phase, the V 300 d can deliver an additional 30Nm of torque in addition to the 500Nm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in up to 7.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 220 km/h.
| Model Description | Retail Price incl. VAT | CO2 tax incl. VAT. | CO2 tax incl. VAT. |
| V 300 d AVANTGARDE | R 1 425 023 | R15 180 | R1 440 203 |
| V 300 d AVANTGARDE with AMG Line | R 1 500 003 | R15 180 | R1 515 183 |
| V 300 d EXCLUSIVE | R1 627 250 | R15 180 | R1 645 880 |
Refined special editions, new infotainment and new engines for Evoque and Discovery Sport
Land Rover’s best-selling compact SUVs, the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport, are now even more efficient and digitally connected, with state-of-the-art Pivi infotainment, a new efficient diesel engine, and unique Special Editions.
The sixth generation Volkswagen Transporter range gets a facelift
The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles T-Series range has been refreshed with a facelift that will now be called the T6.1.The facelifted Transporter range consists of the Pick Up (Single and Double cab), Panel Van, Crew Bus, Kombi, Caravelle and California. The T6.1 range will go on sale in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia from January 2021.
Ford Everest range expanded
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has bolstered its Everest seven-seater SUV line-up with the addition of a new XLT 4x4 derivative powered by the impressive and frugal 2.0-litre Single Turbo engine in combination with Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission. At the same time the Everest’s lighting technology has been upgraded, with the introduction of high-tech LED headlamps as standard on all XLT models, as well as the range-topping Everest Limited.
New entry-level Mercedes-AMG range launched
Mercedes-AMG has taken the wraps off its new Mercedea-AMG 35 4MATIC range, offering an attractive entry point into the AMG stable for younger target groups looking for a high level of performance and style. The A 35 4MATIC will be available in South Africa in hatch, sedan and CLA 35 4MATIC formats. Because the development of the A 35 4MATIC was integrated into the development process of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class from the start, it was developed at the same time as the A 45 S 4MATIC+, making it possible to inject the AMG DNA into every relevant detail. The result can certainly be experienced by the driver in the form of authentic driving performance.
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