Image: Volvo

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Previously, the Volvo Versatility Finance scheme was available only for the Swedish firm’s combustion-engined vehicles, but in response to growing local demand for electric vehicles (EVs), the company has added the XC40 Twin Motor Recharge AWD Ultimate to the list of eligible cars, while also further refining its GFV offering.

Related: Review: Volvo XC60 Beast 2.0

According to Volvo, customers will now have the flexibility to choose between a 36- and a 48-month GFV contract period, with a mileage cap of 20 000 km per annum in each case. Moreover, consumers will have the option of putting down a 10% deposit to make the monthly instalment. Based on a variety of factors such as the chosen term and deposit, consumers can expect to benefit from a GFV of approximately 60% – 61% depending on the chosen contract period.

Image: Volvo

The automaker says the scheme guarantees buyback at a competitive predetermined value – provided the stipulated mileage parameters are not exceeded and the “wear and tear” conditions are met – after the agreed-upon contract term. The customer will then have the flexibility of either buying the vehicle outright, refinancing the vehicle, trading it in on a new model or simply returning it, with nothing further to pay.

“Local demand for EVs continues to gain momentum. The extension of our guaranteed future value offering gives more South Africans the opportunity to get behind the wheel of an electric SUV,” says Greg Maruszewski, Volvo Car South Africa Managing Director.

Volvo’s latest GFV offer runs until the end of September 2023.

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Image: Haval

Over the past several years, Chinese automotive brands have demonstrated consistent progress in their annual sales figures, showcasing the industry’s dynamic evolution. Let’s delve into a year-on-year comparison of sales growth for these brands during this period.

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This specific analysis zeroes in on Chery Auto South Africa and Haval Motors SA’s annual sales performance in the LCV and passenger segments. Both brands have risen to prominence, earning spots on the monthly best-sellers list. Notably, Chery Auto South Africa’s reentry into the market proved strategic after their shortlived first foray a few years prior but the brand has worked to alter that perception into a more positive one with their new fleet. Insights from their performance shed light on evolving automotive trends and consumer preferences.

Related: Who is Winning the Chinese Sales Race in South Africa?

Dr. Norman Lamprecht, the executive manager at Naamsa, provided some insights into this phenomenon. Notably, Chery Auto South Africa began reporting new vehicle sales at the end of 2021 once they had returned with a new lineup of models. As a result, although the Naamsa document shows zero sales from 2018 to 2021, Chery models have been experiencing significant demand after their return.

Want to know how well they are doing against other industry stalwarts? Read here: Chinese Manufacturers vs. Market Leaders in the Local Passenger Vehicle Segment

Turning our attention to Haval Motors SA, a brand that has consistently reported to Naamsa over this five-year period, it is evident that there has been a rise in popularity with their new lineup of models. The Chinese collection of automakers had already laid a solid foundation, setting the stage for subsequent growth. Specifically, in 2018, their sales amounted to a total of 2 554 vehicles. This comprised 109 units of the GWM H5, 551 units of the GWM M4, and the standout performer, the GWM P-Series Steed, with a notable 1 894 units sold.

Image: GWM

In the following year, 2019, Haval Motors SA experienced a considerable surge in sales. Their sales figures grew nearly fivefold compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 10 650 units sold. This remarkable growth in sales demonstrated the Group’s growing popularity and market presence. With the introduction of new models, it is expected that their ageing lineup would drop in sales. Despite the solid foundation laid, there were noticeable shifts in sales for specific models. The veteran GWM H5 and M4 experienced a substantial decline in sales, with only 10 and 124 units sold respectively. This marked a significant contrast from their previous annual sales performance.

Related: All Chinese Imported Vehicles Sold in South Africa

Breaking down the model-specific sales, the Haval H1 garnered notable attention, securing sales of 2 916 units, and the H2 recorded sales of 4 403 units, showcasing a strong market presence. However, the Haval H6 experienced a dip in sales, with only 383 units sold, while its counterpart, the H6 C, garnered better traction with 699 units sold. The Haval H9 saw more modest demand, selling 98 units, while the Haval Jolion and the GWM P-Series did not register any sales in 2019, the P-Series Steed managed to secure 2 017 sales.

Shifting focus to 2020, it’s crucial to acknowledge the impact of Covid-19 on new vehicle sales during the year. As expected, there was a noticeable drop in sales figures during this period, reflecting the industry-wide challenges posed by the pandemic. Notably, the GWM H5 saw no sales during this period, signalling its exit from the market, while the GWM M4 experienced a sharp decline, selling just 3 units.

On the Haval front, the H1, though still in demand, witnessed a drop in sales, with 2 185 units sold in 2020. In contrast, the Haval H2 gained traction, recording sales of 4 460 units. The Haval H6 SUV and its counterpart, the H6 C, recorded sales figures of 320 and 496 units, respectively. Meanwhile, the Haval H9 had a more modest showing, selling 71 units in 2020. It’s important to note that the Haval Jolion was yet to be introduced, and thus, there were no recorded sales for this model.

Image: Haval

Shifting the focus to the bakkie segment, the GWM P-Series had limited sales at 42 units, whereas the P-Series Steed continued to perform well, selling 1 675 units. In total, Haval Motors SA recorded 9 252 units sold in 2020.

Moving on to 2021, the Haval H2 maintained a decent presence with 2 325 units sold. The Haval H6, on the other hand, experienced a surge in sales, reaching 1 693 units, surpassing the H6 C, which sold 397 units. The Haval H9 recorded sales of 105 units, and the introduction of the Haval Jolion saw remarkable success, with 5 417 units sold in its debut year. In the bakkie category, the GWM P-Series made a comeback with 4 556 units sold, while the P-Series Steed experienced a decline with 3 105 units sold in 2021.

Fast forward to 2022, Chery South Africa signalled their return to Mzansi. The Chery Tiggo series made a notable debut, with the Tiggo 4 Pro selling 4 622 units, the Tiggo 7 Pro recording 2 084 units sold, and the Tiggo 8 Pro garnering 1 307 units in total. Chery South Africa’s cumulative sales amounted to 8 013 units.

Image: Chery

For Haval Motors SA, 2022 presented a mixed picture. The H1 saw no sales, while the H2 recorded 6 units sold. The Haval H6 hit a peak, selling 4 771 units, whereas the H6 C registered only 2 units sold. The Haval H9 recorded 89 units sold for the year. Notably, the Haval Jolion continued its impressive run, with sales figures reaching 9 068 units. In the bakkie segment, the GWM P-Series achieved 4 182 unit sales, while the P-Series Steed performed well with 4 521 units sold. Haval’s total sales for 2022 amounted to an impressive 22 639 units across the expanding range.

Here is a broad look at the annual sales growth for Chinese Automakers

Haval Motors SA annual sales 2018: 2 554

Haval Motors SA annual sales 2019: 10 650

Haval Motors SA annual sales 2020: 9 252

Haval Motors SA annual sales 2021: 19 062

Haval Motors SA annual sales 2022: 22 639

Chery Auto South Africa annual sales 2022: 8 013

Dr. Normal also shared his thoughts about the recent sales growth, “Given the weak macro-economic environment in the country with high-interest rates, high inflation and pressure on household incomes affordability seems to drive new vehicle sales. Consumers are buying down to smaller vehicles or used vehicles. The Chinese brands are popular and affordable and therefore gaining traction”.

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The post How Far Chinese Automakers Have Come in SA Over 5 Years appeared first on CAR Magazine.

Mitsubishi SA has confirmed that the Eclipse Cross will be replaced by a new seven-seater model sharing its platform with the Xpander and Outlander Sport. Here is all we know so far.

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In a recent “What’s Up” interview with Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa, Thato Magasa, Ian McLaren had the opportunity to take a glimpse into the roadmap of the Japanese automaker on local soil. Part of their plans are to introduce a third model that will share its platform with the Xpander and Outlander Sport as a seven-seater to replace the Eclipse Cross.

Related: Confirmed: ASX Out and Xforce in for Mitsubishi South Africa

While news on the Xforce/ASX replacement badged as an Outlander Sport is chief for the short term in South Africa, the Japanese automaker will also be unveiling the aforementioned 7-seater SUV within the next two years. Once the Indonesian-sourced model arrives, it will replace the current Eclipse Cross package.

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The current Eclipse Cross is soon to earn veteran status, serving on the market since 2017. On offer locally, the Mitsubishi SA replacement will have to match or better its predecessor in terms of specs. Powering the Eclipse Cross is a 1,5-litre turbocharged inline-four which is good for 110 kW and 250 N.m. Power is delivered to the front wheels with a CVT and average fuel consumption is rated at 7,7 L/100 km.

In terms of dimensions, the newcomer is stated to share its underpinnings with the Xpander and Outlander Sport which means it may grow marginally. The current model tips the scales at 1 490 kg and measures in at 4 405 mm in length, 1 685 mm in height and 2 166 mm in width.

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Image: Mitsubishi

Remember that snazzy-looking new Mitsubishi that debuted not so long ago? Well, it bears the name Xforce and it was confirmed to arrive in South Africa. Well, we have fresh details surrounding the model before it goes on sale in Mzansi.

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Part of our “What’s Up” magazine segment where Ian McLaren chats to local automakers, Mitsubishi South Africa has told us that the model is set to arrive locally by the close of the year or early in 2024. Offering a lineup of several SUVs, the new Xforce will arrive as the new ASX model, which we speculated would be put to pasture after its veteran run in the market since production began in 2010. Mitsubishi South Africa has decided that the model will also be sold locally not as the ASX but as the Outlander Sport.

Related: New rumour suggests Mitsubishi ASX may soon come to an end

Their new entry, the Xforce (or Outlander Sport for us) was unveiled as a sleek-looking SUV at the Indonesia Auto Show. It is motivated by a 1,5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 77 kW and 141 N.m paired to a CVT and powering the front wheels. With 222 mm of ground clearance and some impressive departure and approach angles, the Mitsubishi SUV looks set to offer impressive usability and versatility. Based on size, it could also duke it out with the Toyota Urban Cruiser but pricing and specification will determine that once it arrives.

All technical details here: Mitsubishi Xforce Debuts as Next Model Destined for SA

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The post Confirmed: ASX Out and Xforce in for Mitsubishi South Africa appeared first on CAR Magazine.

Chinese automotive brands have been on an offensive in South Africa, frequently featuring as top runners in monthly sales charts but there are several other models from non-Chinese brands being sold in South Africa. Here they are and here is how well they have been selling this year.

Looking for a new or used Chinese vehicle? Find it here with CARmag.

Chery and Haval have managed to earn a strong reputation in the local market, doing their part to quash the preconceived reputation of Chinese-built vehicles from the past. Despite this, they are not the only imported vehicles with their origin country being China.

Related: Chinese Manufacturers vs. Market Leaders in the Local Passenger Vehicle Segment

Chinese Imported Vehicles in South Africa

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – 5 599

Haval Jolion – 5 618

Haval H6 – 3 045

GWM P-Series – 2 725

Chery Tiggo 7 Pro – 2 324

Chery Tiggo 8 Pro – 1 406

GWM Steed – 728

Kia Pegas – 656

Volvo XC40 – 392

JAC T-Series – 286

JAC X-Series – 260

Volvo XC60 – 180

Peugeot Landtrek – 183

Volvo C40 – 18

GWM Ora – 8

Haval H9 – 2

Volvo S90 – 1

Here is why these Chinese Imported models feature on the list

To the surprise of some, stalwart manufacturers not commonly associated with China are featured on this list. Up first from a non-Chinese company is the Kia Pegas, manufactured by the Dongfeng Yueda Kia joint venture and exported to several global markets.

The inclusion of Volvo on the list may come as a surprise to many but unlike the joint venture mentioned above, the Swedish automaker has models produced in the Chinese country because it is owned by the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.

Related: Who is Winning the Chinese Sales Race in South Africa?

Yes, that is the same Geely that had a short-lived period in South Africa. The automaker famed for innovative safety features was sold by Ford in 2010 and has remained Chinese-based since. Despite this, in 2021 Volvo Cars took full ownership of its Chinese manufacturing and sales operations providing more autonomy.

Last on this is a model which contends one of the most popular segments in South Africa; the light-commercial vehicle segment as a bakkie. The Peugeot Landtrek was jointly developed with Changan Automobile, a Chinese automaker, and is manufactured in Shenzhen by Shenzhen Baoneng Motor. As such, the Landtrek shares the same platform and most of the bodywork with the Changan Kaicene F70.

Image: Peugeot

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Image: Ford

“The Ranger Raptor was designed and engineered by car enthusiasts for car enthusiasts,” said Dave Burn, chief platform engineer, Ranger Raptor. “Inspired by desert racing, Ranger Raptor demands to be driven.”

Looking for a new or used bakkie? Find it here with CARmag. 

Integral for high-performance models and race drivers, shift indicators are crucial for ensuring gear shifts in the most optimum manner possible. Ford first installed one on a production vehicle with the Mustang GT350 in 2015 and their potent bakkie becomes the latest to receive this feature.

Image: Ford

Built with racing in mind and equipped with FOX Shocks and Live Valve technology, the model now offers the same handy functionality for specific conditions. In normal conditions with the e-shifter in D for Drive, the 10-speed automatic will happily trundle up and down to keep the V6 in its optimal range between efficiency and power. When set to M for Manual, the bakkie assumes a different persona and the driver behind the wheel will have to do the same to use the paddle shifters to manually change.

The Performance Shift Indicator can be enabled to give a visual and audible warning when it’s time to grab the next gear. It can be enabled and customised through the vehicle’s main menu in the 12,4-inch instrument cluster, allowing the driver to alter the Shift Tone and the Shift Point (between 4 000–6 500 r/min).

“The audible warning is particularly useful because it means you don’t have to take your eyes off the road,” said Burn. 

Related: One Bar Bakkies: Ford Ranger Raptor Vs Isuzu Arctic AT35

Enabling the Performance Shift Indicator will also illuminate the tachometer with colours as the revs increase and the motor reaches its destined maximum. The new feature can be implemented on new Ranger Raptors through the settings menu. 

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The post Ford Ranger Raptor Borrows Shift Indicator from Mustang appeared first on CAR Magazine.

On Friday 18 August, the unique and exclusive stage of The Quail – where every summer, connoisseurs and enthusiasts from all over the world gather on the Monterey Peninsula to celebrate outstanding automotive design and engineering – hosted the world première of Maserati’s new creation: MCXtrema, a veritable “beast” designed for the track – with no type approval to be driven on the road – is ready to unleash 730 hp of power, enclosed in a design as refined in the harmony of its lines as it is disruptive, in terms of the audacity of its forms.

The Trident’s new creature has been conceived as being out of the box: only 62 units of this limited-edition super sports car have been produced, dedicated to a selected, highly discerning clientèle in terms of performance, sophistication of design, luxury – all the hallmarks of a Made in Italy product – and extreme driving experience.

Presented as the Modena-based brand’s most powerful track car, the Maserati MCXtrema is a courageous and exceptional car from all points of view, designed for purist collectors and for the loyal customers of the brand, who wish to add a new “toy” to their garage that can swallow up the kerbs of the most exciting tracks during private tests.

This latest creation from the Italian luxury brand stems from the creative and engineering partnership between the Centro Stile and the Maserati engineering team; it reflects the desire to create a racing car capable of passing on the legacy of the glorious Maserati MC12 in the world of competition, to inspire the Trident’s future racing production.

In the words of Davide Grasso, Maserati CEO: “Maserati MCXtrema was created with the aim of offering an incredibly exclusive product that can set a new paradigm for our track cars. The project is dedicated to a selected clientèle who are particularly attentive to distinctive details, ranging from the most refined and innovative design to exceptional performance. MCXtrema embodies the sporting spirit typical of Maserati’s DNA, a declaration of a new pathway for our brand, devoted to superlative manufacturing and able to stand out in the world of luxury engine production with uncompromising performance”.

• The Maserati MCXtrema is a track-only homologated racing car – not type-approved to be driven on the road – dedicated to the excellence of gentleman drivers and racing car enthusiasts
• Only 62 unique vehicles produced worldwide and already sold out
• The most formidable and extreme track-only Maserati – V6 3.0-L twin turbo 730 hp (540 kW) derived from the Maserati Nettuno engine
• A car conceived to celebrate the past and set the pace for the future of the Italian luxury brand, enhancing its racing spirit 
• Uniqueness and distinctiveness at the highest level. A creative combination of mechanical mastery, technical cleanliness, compelling beauty, competitive drive and extraordinary performance
• Its design is driven by purity and purpose
• Absolutely set to pursue excellence and become a collectors’ classic

The post Maserati MCXtrema: the Trident’s new racing beast, unveiled at Monterey Car Week appeared first on CAR Magazine.

Image: Lotus

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It is no secret. Automakers are going electric but before that automakers were going the route of SUVs to help bolster sales. Now, new electrified SUVs join the ranks of firms in frequent fashion and there is a simple reason for that. In the initial half of the current year, under the ownership of the Chinese Geely Group, the Lotus marque witnessed an impressive surge in its order log, amassing a global tally of approximately 17 000 vehicles, a record-breaking feat that effortlessly eclipsed the meagre 576 units sold throughout the entirety of the preceding year.

This remarkable surge can largely be attributed to the introduction of the all-electric Eletre SUV, which made its debut towards the end of 2022. The Eletre, which commenced Chinese deliveries at the close of March this year, is expected to reach UK and European shores in the coming months.

Image: Lotus

An SUV would be the polar opposite of what Lotus founder Colin Chapman would have ever wanted, but that is the nature of the automakers wanting to survive in the industry dictated by consumers. Constructed at Geely’s Wuhan facility in China, the Eletre is energized by a potent 112 kWh battery pack, channelling power to a dual set of electric motors. These motors generate 450 kW and 710 N.m in the base configuration, while the R trim elevates these figures to 675 kW and 985 N.m, enabling brisk acceleration despite its heft and size. What was once the embodiment of lightweight sports cars has morphed into a sizable electric SUV but the reason is simple: sales. The Eletre is leading the best-ever sales year for Lotus.

Related: Lotus Eletre is a high-tech, aerodynamic 560 kW hyper SUV

While the Eletre has been the star child, the conventional sports car from Lotus is not yet dead since the mid-engined Emira achieved a prodigious production volume of over 2 200 units in the United Kingdom during the first half of the year. This figure represents a staggering 381% increase compared to the fiscal year 2022, as proudly stated by Lotus.

Image: Lotus

Think of the popular Eletre SUV in a similar manner to the Porsche Cayenne during its debut in 2002; a cash cow enabling the automaker to continue producing iconic sports cars that only few could afford and would choose.

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Looking for your next new or used Toyota? Find it here with CARmag. 

As it stands, electric mobility is in its infancy. Across the industry, manufacturers have sought to bolster the capabilities of their electrified offerings in reaction to a soft ban on many ICE models that we’ve come to know and love.

Image: Toyota

Seeking to realise an all-electric fleet by the end of the decade, Toyota is focusing on developing two distinct variants of its solid-state batteries. One will be a performance-oriented battery with a driving range of 1 000 km, a high energy density and a charging time of less than 20 minutes. The other battery format will be a more cost-effective battery used in general-purpose vehicles that the firm claims will have a greater driving range than current BEVs and will be capable of a sub-30-minute charging time.

Related: This Rangga Concept may be Toyota’s Baby Hilux/Stout Reboot

The batteries will be composed of a solid electrolyte which is significantly smaller compared to the battery found in the original Prius, however, boasts a 25% increase in power. Additionally, the solid electrolyte construction affords the next-generation batteries a greater tolerance to high voltages and a faster exchange of ions. The only downside of a solid electrolyte battery is its lifespan which is shortened by the constant contracting and expanding of the electrolyte, which can cause cracks that hinder the movement of ions.

Image: Toyota

Toyota claims that it has developed a technology to overcome this drawback and now seeks to develop its mass production capabilities. Additionally, a smaller form factor contributes to a lower overall weight. Toyota has also geared some of its efforts to improve the aerodynamic qualities of its future BEVs which take inspiration from the technology used by hypersonic rockets.

Related: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Envisioned as Shorteded 2-Door Cabrio

Image: Toyota

We will see these next-generation solid-state batteries underpin the firm’s new BEVs which will debut in 2026 while the firm’s HEVs will utilise the new technology and Toyota hopes to have commercialisation begin in 2027. This may then be the kiss of death for the ICE in commuter vehicles.

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The post Toyota Promises 1 000 km Range With Next-Generation Battery Tech appeared first on CAR Magazine.

Image: Mahindra

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Creating headlines not only locally but globally too, Mahindra has pulled the covers off two new models after its conference in Cape Town. Included in the two is the Mahindra Pik Up concept which looks ready to ruffle the feathers of the bakkie stalwarts but another model that had to share the spotlight is this, the Thar.e.

Related: Mahindra’s Pik-Up Concept Looks Ready to Fight Ford’s Ranger

Other than wearing the same name as the ICE-powered Thar, both models are significantly different. The exterior of the Thar.e for example is vaguely similar to its standard counterpart and more aligned with an electrified aesthetic. The newcomer has also been displayed solely with 5 doors while its counterpart comes with 3 although a 5 door version is on the way.

Image: Mahindra

Powertrains are also vastly different, with the ICE version employing either a 2,0-litre turbo-petrol or a 2,2-litre diesel engine, with the choice of manual and automatic transmissions powering either the rear or all-wheels. The electrified model is yet to divulge any of its specifications or performance although 400 km of range from a 50 kWh+ sized battery pack is expected. Capability is rumoured to be AWD with a dual electric motor setup although all of this is unconfirmed.

Related: Mahindra Thar.e Debuts as Electrified SUV to Potentially Arrive in SA

Many South Africans would still choose the conventional powertrain over the electrified one and the standard Thar is naturally quite an attractive offering for our market but the bottom line is that it won’t come to South Africa. At the unveiling last week, it was mentioned that the automaker can barely keep up with demand for the Indian market and has thus chosen to focus solely there. Would it be worthwhile arriving in the future to compete against the Jimny and the Wrangler?

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The post Why South Africa Will Only Receive the EV Thar From Mahindra appeared first on CAR Magazine.