Fleet September 2017 by Future Publishing

September 2017

INSIGHTS FOR FLEET MANAGERS

CHANGING FACE OF FLEETS The shift from sedans to SUVs

MANAGING SUPPLIERS

Avoiding unnecessary headaches

UPDATED FIAT PANDA RANGE The little car that can

ASSESSED IN THIS ISSUE

HONDA CR-V

KIA SPORTAGE

RENAULT CAPTUR

September 2017

JAGUAR XF

DYNAMIC, EVEN WHEN STILL.

One glimpse of the Jaguar XF and there’s no mistaking it for anything but a performance car. With its taut, athletic exterior made more pronounced by its beautiful curves and F-TYPE inspired design cues, the XF truly stands apart. Once you step inside, you’ll experience the contemporary style, exquisite craftsmanship and exceptional comfort that make XF so seductive. Distinctive lines. Dramatic beauty. No wonder XF turns heads, even when it’s stationary.

LOWER EMISSIONS From 114g/km CO 2 HIGHER FUEL ECONOMY Up to 4.3l/100km LOWER TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP 2 years or 34,000km

Contact your nearest Fleet & Business centre to arrange a test drive: Jaguar Centurion: Jaguar Bedfordview: Jaguar Umhlanga: Jaguar N1 City:

(012) 678 0044 (011) 621 6300 (013) 571 2620 (021) 595 7100

jaguar.co.za/fleet-and-business

Jaguar Sandton: Jaguar The Glen: Jaguar Constantiaberg:

(011) 548 0500 (011) 682 5400 (021) 710 0900

Editor’s Note

Contents REGULARS

The future of the automobile

4 NEWS

10 NEW MODELS

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Volvo S60 Polestar Mercedes-Benz C-Class Edition C

COVER STORY 18

The little car that can: Fiat has launched the refreshed Panda with a four-model line-up, with the range now being expanded from the Easy and Lounge versions for the city car, to include the highly anticipated 4x4 and Cross versions

FLEET FOCUS 12

The changing face of fleets: On the back of great success in the LCV fleet market, Nissan is putting plans in place to extend this success to the passenger car market.

16 Managing multiple fleet suppliers in a digital world: Budget cuts, a lean staff, and outsourcing services to multiple service providers can cause fleet managers unnecessary headaches.

NEW MODELS 20 22 24 26

Honda CR-V: The battle to stay on top Kia Sportage: Seven more ways to wow Renault Captur: Renault diversifies Captur range Ford Ranger: Revisiting a Ranger

ecent announcements in the automotive industry give us a glimpse into the future of the automobile as we know it. Both Volvo and Land Rover have announced extensive electrification strategies across their comprehensive ranges, but what is interesting is that for the foreseeable future these electric cars will be sold as an alternative alongside conventional petrol and diesel models. Dr. Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen brand, announced at the Frankfurt Motor show that over the next five years, the brand will be investing about €3.5 billion in the optimisation of conventional diesel, gasoline and natural gas powertrains. During the same period, €6 billion will be invested in e-mobility. Volkswagen is set to unveil production ready electric models in the next two years. Volkswagen has also started the largest model offensive in the history of the brand; by 2020, the brand will entirely renew its portfolio as well as expanding it in key core segments. For example, Volkswagen will be significantly increasing its presence in the SUV segment. By 2020, the brand’s portfolio will include 19 SUVs. The significance of the SUV segment in the fleet market also became evident during our discussion with Nissan, which you can read on page 12. Nissan has seen a dramatic decline in the demand of C-segment hatch and sedan models, like their Almera. Fleet customers are now opting for SUV models like the Qashqai instead, which offers them efficiency during the week, thanks to small-capacity turbo engines, and services their leisure and family needs over the weekend. The bottom line is that the cars as we know them are here to stay; they might just be powered, owned, and styled differently.

TECHNOLOGY

Artificial Intelligence to drive the future of the Automotive Industry

GROUP AUTOMOTIVE EDITOR Wynter Murdoch

LAYOUT & DESIGN Heinz Bawa

EDITOR Reuben van Niekerk

PRINTING Typo Printing Specialists

PUBLISHER Richard Lendrum

ADVERTISING Sales Manager Enver Lawangi enver@thefuture.co.za 083 300 6003

PHOTOGRAPHY www.motorpress.co.za www.quickpic.co.za

Subscriptions: 1 year R250,00 (incl. VAT)

Reuben van Niekerk – Editor

Fleet is published monthly by: Future Publishing (Pty) Ltd 247 Jan Smuts Avenue Dunkeld West Johannesburg P O Box 3355 Rivonia 2128 011 803 2040 www.futuretrucking.co.za

© Copyright. All copyright for material appearing in this magazine belongs to Future Trucking & Logistics. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of advice and information given to readers, neither the editor, proprietors, nor the publishers, can accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions, or any effect arising therefrom.

NEWS

Taxi industry receive major boost with free Ses’fikile service plan Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) will increase its support to the taxi industry with the introduction of a complimentary three-year / 60,000 km service plan for all new Ses’fikile taxis sold from 1 August 2017. With the service plan, taxi owners and operators are assured of free safety inspections and comprehensive services with Genuine Toyota parts for the taxi’s first 60,000 km. The service plan is intended to support the industry viability and ensure the safety of taxi commuters. Says Andrew Kirby, President and CEO of TSAM: “The complimentary service plan will give all taxi owners and operators the opportunity to keep their vehicles in perfect running condition for longer, and will support their efforts to operate profitable and sustainable businesses.” As the largest supplier of taxis to the industry, Toyota has taken a number of steps to contain the price inflation of the Ses’fikile, given the deteriorating value of the rand and high local inflation rate.

For example, when the Ses’fikile was introduced in 2007, it was the first fully compliant taxi under the South African government’s Taxi Recapitalisation Plan. Since then, Toyota has upgraded the vehicle seating, introduced more cost-effective, locally-sourced components; kept the vehicle compliant to all regulatory requirements and subsidised Ses’fikile service/repair parts to the value of R5 million per year. In addition, Toyota has invested more than R550-million to date in the

AVIS rewarded for excellence at 2017 Business Traveller Africa awards The sixth annual Business Traveller Africa Conference and Awards took place on Friday 01 September 2017, and saw Avis Rent a Car add the prestigious Best Car Rental Company Award to its collection for the fifth time. The Business Traveller Africa Conference and Awards recognises local travel trade, and rewards excellence in South African business travel, acknowledging brands and entities that have performed with distinction over the past year. “This award is a significant accolade. We are humbled to be recognised

FLEET

by the industry and are thus encouraged to keep trying harder,” says Rainer Gottschick, Chief Executive of Avis southern Africa. “Working closely with our travel partners and service providers helps us create memorable travel experiences for all Avis customers. We would like to thank our Avis Brand Ambassadors for trying harder and exceeding expectations at every interface to ensure we deliver world-class service to our customers every day,” concludes Gottschick.

Quantum Plant at its production facility at Prospecton in Durban. Production of the Quantum was first localised in 2012 with a SKD (Semi Knock-Down) facility which was then upgraded to a full CKD (Complete Knock-Down) site in 2015. A further R11-million was invested in upskilling staff working specifically at the Quantum Plant. Toyota has also subsequently started with an aggressive localisation plan for the majority of parts and components, with the aim of mitigating the weakening rand/yen exchange rate.

New vehicle sales trends show “Local is Lekker”

When it comes to buying new vehicles, South Africans have a growing preference for purchasing locally made cars, according to year-to-date sales data from WesBank and Naamsa. Sales records from January to July 2017 show that nine of the 10 top-selling cars and bakkies are models built in South Africa – accounting for 34.1% of passenger car and light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales, year-to-date. “It’s remarkable that the top ten sellers are all South African, especially with more than 350 models on sale today,” said Rudolf Mahoney. “This incredible demand for locally built vehicles perfectly illustrates how important the motor industry is to the local economy and consumers.” Between January and the end of July, a total 301 486 passenger cars and LCVs were sold countrywide. Of the 358 different models on sale this year, only

25 are built in South Africa. Despite only representing 7% of all models on sale, South African-built cars enjoy a healthy 45.5% of sales, compared with the 54.5% sales share for the 326 imported models on sale. Bakkies remain the most popular, accounting for 55% of year-to-date sales among SA-built vehicles. Bakkies form part of the LCV segment, which also includes minibuses and light vehicles that have been refitted for commercial use. Between 2012 and 2016, the LCV segment grew 7.1%, while total vehicle sales over that period declined 18.8%. “Bakkies aren’t just commercial vehicles any more. Consumers are also using them to enable their lifestyles. Locally built passenger cars also fill a need: many of them are mainstream models that fill the need for affordable transport,” said Mahoney. “Consumers

aren’t necessarily buying these models because they’re local. Rather, it’s a case of manufacturers choosing to build these models locally because there is high demand. However, the result benefits both parties.”

The 10 top-selling passenger cars for 2017, year-to-date:

Name

Source

VW Polo

Local

TOYOTA Fortuner

Local

TOYOTA Etios

Import

TOYOTA Corolla Quest

Local

FORD Fiesta

Import

FORD EcoSport

Import

VW Polo Vivo Sedan

Local

RENAULT Kwid

Import

TOYOTA RAV

Import

VW Polo Vivo

Local

KIA Motors South Africa announces voluntary safety recall on 2017 model year Rio models Kia Motors South Africa will conduct a voluntary safety recall of approximately 1266 Kia Rio models (2017 model year) to inspect the operation of the rear door child locks. Kia Motors Corporation has advised that there may be some Rio vehicles where the child locking function of the rear door may be inoperative due to the actuator cable length being out of specification. The affected vehicles were assembled in Korea between 10 April 2017 and 5 June 2017, and approximately 1266 Rios shipped to South Africa may be affected. Owners of the involved vehicles will receive telephonic notification from Kia Motors South Africa’s call centre.

Owners of the involved vehicles will be assisted in having their Kia dealer perform the inspection and, if necessary, repair of the Rear Door Child Locks. The inspection is quick and simple, and should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete. Should the repair be carried out, it should take no longer than one hour, although customers should be aware that the time required to inspect and potentially repair is dependent on the vehicle’s position in the work queue on the day of the booking. Kia dealers will implement this recall at no charge to the vehicle owner. If customers are uncertain about whether their vehicle could be affected,

the Kia Motors South Africa website – www.kia.co.za – also offers a convenient search function through which customers can enter their vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Alternatively, customers can contact the Kia Motors South Africa Call Centre on 010 596 2000.

September 2017

NEWS

Encouraging road safety MiX Telematics has introduced a monitoring service that allows motorists to report the driving behaviour of fellow road users. Aimed at improving road safety, the Report My Driving initiative encourages fleet owners to improve the behaviour of company drivers through the feedback of other motorists. In a statement, MiX says studies indicate a host of benefits linked to a driver monitoring service, including a 52% reduction in accident related costs, and 20% fewer accidents in vehicles displaying safety hotline stickers.

The system works as follows: • All calls to report incidents are routed to the 24/7 MiX Journey Management Centre and details are captured into the company’s database. • Calls are answered by trained security officers. All calls are recorded and logged for quality control and verification purposes. • A nominated manager at the company alleged to have committed the infringement will be notified of the incident. • A report is generated which includes all available details from any linked MiX solutions, including driver IDs, location information and video footage.

“MiX Report My Driving is an affordable and efficient driver monitoring service. It assists fleet owners in improving their driver’s behaviour through the feedback of other motorists. Drivers will be more considerate on the road because they know that other road users can report them. Driving behaviour thus improves, with vehicles involved in fewer accidents and drivers involved in fewer traffic infringements,” the statement says.

• Managers are then in a position to intervene and engage drivers based on the facts.

It adds that the initiative aims to identify high risk drivers who require additional training or counselling. “Recognition can be given to good drivers. Driver and fleet profiling enables training and safety processes to be enhanced. This helps a business to manage and mitigate on-road risk, and reduce expenses relating to accidents, insurance and fleet maintenance.”

“The success of the MiX Report My Driving programme is based on a combination of factors, including the simple, yet effective placement of safety hotline stickers on vehicles, the 24/7 MiX Journey Management Centre that operates the hotline, and the incident investigation process that follows.

We’ve got you covered 297 X 210.pdf

According to the statement, by displaying the MiX Report My Driving sticker, companies show that they take risk management responsibilities seriously. “It helps to protect your company’s brand and enhance your public image. It improves the safety of your fleet and drivers on the road.” C

FLEET

CMY

2016/05/27

11:48

“Once an incident is reported via the hotline 0861580580 or www.reportmydriving.co.za, a driver’s manager is notified of the incident and receives a systemgenerated report. If the client also has a MiX Fleet Manager solution in place, additional vehicle and driver data will be used to investigate the driving incident. “The telematics information can determine which driver identification tag was used for the vehicle involved in a reported incident, thus confirming the responsible driver. The telematics data will also confirm that the vehicle was at the reported location, and provide additional information such as the speed at which the vehicle was travelling at the time. “If a MiX Vision in-cab video solution is in place, the video and audio footage at the time of the reported incident will provide additional information to analyse the event in detail.” The cost of the service ranges between R14 and R18 a vehicle a month, depending on the size of the fleet to which the stickers are attached.

We’ve got you

covered

Goodyear Using Soybean Oil-Based Rubber in Tyres The Goodyear Tyre & Rubber Company is harvesting some unique “seeds” of innovation as it introduces a new tyre technology with support from the United Soybean Board (USB). The first commercial use of a new soybean oil-based rubber compound is helping Goodyear enhance tyre performance in dry, wet and winter conditions. A Goodyear team of scientists and engineers created a tread compound, or formulation, using soybean oil, which is naturally derived, cost-effective, carbon-neutral and renewable. By employing soybean oil in tyres, Goodyear found a new way to help keep the rubber compound pliable in changing temperatures, a key performance achievement in maintaining and enhancing the vehicle’s grip on the road surface. Goodyear’s tests have shown rubber made with soybean oil mixes more

easily in the silica-reinforced compounds used in manufacturing certain tyres. This also improves manufacturing efficiency and reduces energy consumption. The commercialisation of soybean oil in tyres is the latest technology breakthrough by Goodyear. This builds on the company’s other recent innovations, such as the use of silica derived from rice husk ash. It is also another component Goodyear is using in certain consumer tyres, along with current and past uses of components such as carbon fibre, DuPont Kevlar, volcanic sand and more. “Goodyear’s Assurance WeatherReady tyre is currently produced with soybean oil. We are initially applying this technology only in North American consumer tyres, and will decide what additional use may be appropriate,” commented Goodyear South Africa Marketing & Brand Manager, Tracy Maclear.

FedEx Express Launches New Solution For Healthcare Industry in South Africa 2–8°C environment inside the package for up to 48 hours for the standard duration box, and up to 96 hours for the extended duration box. This coldshipping packaging is designed to be easy to use, reliable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The solution can be used by the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, as well as any shipper requiring low-temperature options for their goods. The packaging is smaller, lighter and more compact than most gel-pack systems, leading to lower shipping costs for the customer. FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corporation the world’s largest express transportation company, has introduced a new temperature-controlled solution, FedEx Cold Shipping, in South Africa, which will further improve the handling of temperature-sensitive shipments. The FedEx Cold Shipping Solution includes cold shipping packaging for goods which require a refrigerated environment, and can maintain constant

Through its temperature-controlled packaging solution, FedEx Express provides customers with safe and reliable options for transporting biogenetics, biomaterials, and any other sensitive shipments to more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. “FedEx temperature-controlled packaging use cutting-edge technologies to provide healthcare suppliers with cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions for

their life-saving products”, says Mike Higley, Vice-President of Operations, FedEx Express Southern Africa. Within the next few years, temperaturesensitive biopharmaceutical products such as biologics, drugs, vaccines, and blood products are expected to be used at approximately twice the rate of other pharmaceutical products. Although these products are becoming increasingly popular, the high costs, specialised storage and transportation requirements demand that every stage of the supply chain should monitor the temperature, light exposure, humidity and movement of the shipment. The pharmaceutical market in South Africa is ZAR 39.5 billion (USD 2.8 billion), the largest in sub-Sahara Africa. “Launching this product in the South African region enables us to cater to this growing market with innovative solutions that truly transform healthcare logistics,” concludes Higley.

September 2017

NEWS

Ford and DHL take the green route Ford and the Deutsche Post DHL Group subsidiary StreetScooter have rolled out the first of their jointly produced electric delivery vans, the StreetScooter Work XL. The Work XL is based on a Ford Transit chassis fitted with a batteryelectric drivetrain and a body designed and built to Deutsche Post’s DHL specifications. The company plans to build 150 of the e-vans at the StreetScooter plant in Aachen, Germany, which DHL will run to support its urban parcel service in Germany. The two companies plan to build 2 500 e-vans by the end of 2018 for sale to third-party customers. The new e-van will have stowage space for more than 200 packages and a range of up to 200km.

“The new StreetScooter Work XL expands our e-fleet in the commercial vehicle segment. It is the perfect vehicle for parcel deliveries in major cities and large urban areas, and will enable us to cope with rising parcel volumes in an even more environmentally friendly and quieter manner,” said Jürgen Gerdes, a member of the Deutsche Post DHL Group management team. “With this commitment, we are also underlining our claim of being the market leader in green logistics.” Work XL’s load area is fitted with shelves and is accessible from the driver’s cab. The vehicle can be loaded via the tailgate and a curbside sliding door. With a charging capacity of up to 22kW, the average charging time is three hours.

Steven Armstrong, president of Ford Europe, Middle East and Africa, said the company was proud of the project and of the strong partnership it had developed with the Deutsche Post DHL Group and StreetScooter. “This joint project will be Europe’s largest manufacturer of emission-free, medium-sized e-vans, and it doesn’t come a moment too soon. Buses, cars, and of course, delivery vans play vital roles in our daily lives, but we have to find a way to make them cleaner. This project is a great step along this path.”

58Fleet – Built on the Shoulders of Industry Giants Motus Corporation, a member of the Imperial group, recently partnered with Southern Palace Group to create 58Fleet - a new, innovative business in the South African fleet industry. The name 58Fleet is derived from the 58 stars that travellers have used for navigation since the dawn of time. “When selecting a name, we wanted something that was as unique, identifiable and innovative as our service offering,” explains Quinten Indarjith, Chief Operating Officer. “The concept is further underlined by using the infinity sign in the number “8” to signify perpetual motion and flexibility.” Building on this narrative, the new, majority black-owned company - backed by major shareholders Southern Palace and Motus - is setting its sights on a superior service offering, making use of its shareholders’ unparalleled networks, scope and experience. 58Fleet’s service offering includes full maintenance leases, managed maintenance, operating rentals, saleand-leaseback and short-term rentals. “Through our shareholders, we have access to the whole value chain,”

FLEET

Indarjith says. “58Fleet is backed by the largest network representing every brand, and offers great prices for vehicles, at competitive discounts, accurate residual values, and is supported by one of the largest contract maintenance and warranty providers in South Africa.” 58Fleet operates across all business sectors and with customers from small business to national government, offering a variety of vehicle types to fleet customers, including light to heavy industrial vehicles, medium commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles. However, it is in its innovative approach that 58Fleet truly stands out. “We do not see ourselves as fitting into the highly commoditised fleet market,” says Tsietsi Nkoba, New Business Development Executive. “We focus on providing a full fleet management service solution through a living partnership with our customers. Our product-offering is dynamic and flexible because we develop our products with our customers in mind.” This commitment to innovation is made evident by the company’s exclusive service level agreement management

system, 58SLAM. It offers real-time, advanced reporting, along with precise performance and metric results with hands-on management in customers’ fleet’s efficiency. 58SLAM captures, configures, measures, reports and maintains detailed data on accidents, deal life summary, deal finance performance, e-Toll, fines, live tracking between supplier and client, and maintenance. 58Fleet is the first fleet company to offer this cutting-edge online reporting platform. It can easily be accessed via a desktop computer or smart device, making it convenient and simple to use. With the ability to leverage on its relationship with its shareholders, and tapping into their networks to deliver better solutions, 58Fleet is set to bring about change within the fleet industry. “We look forward to the future developments of 58Fleet,” says Indarjith. “With our strong customerfocus and commitment to constant innovation such as effective data management through technology, telematic solutions and our wealth of partnerships, 58Fleet is sure to make a lasting impact on the fleet industry.”

ALL-NEW DISCOVERY

TO PREVENT CREW MUTINY ALL 7 SEATS ARE FULL-SIZE

7 SEATS

LOWER CO2 EMISSIONS 207g/km

In the All-New Discovery, all three rows have full-size adult seats. So there’s no need to squabble over where you want to sit. Even if you’re seven large sailors. Which will be good news to Sir Ben Ainslie, skipper of the Land Rover BAR America’s Cup team.

HIGHER FUEL ECONOMY 6.91 l/100km 0-100 KPH 8.1 sec

Contact your nearest Fleet and Business Centre for Corporate offers. landrover.co.za/fleetandbusiness

Land Rover Centurion 012 678 0044 Land Rover Bedfordview 011 621 6300 Land Rover Umhlanga 031 571 2620 Land Rover N1 City 021 595 7100

Automobil L462 7 Seats Ad 210x275 A.indd 1

Land Rover Sandton 011 548 0500 Land Rover The Glen 011 682 5400 Land Rover Constantiaberg 021 710 0900

2017/07/20 9:26 AM

NEW MODELS

C-Class gets sportier with the Edition C The Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan range has a new model called the C-Class Edition C. This model uses distinctive stylistic elements and combination possibilities to set new highlights, while additional interior and exterior equipment items offer even greater individuality and sportiness to meet specific customer needs.

Sophisticated Pajero Sport hits SA market Mitsubishi has launched their all-new Pajero Sport - a luxurious, purpose-built sport utility vehicle, delivering similar refined driving dynamics as many powerful, spacious and luxurious sedans - and for a much more favourable price than its peers. The new-generation SUV offers improved driving dynamics, including a class-leading eight-speed automatic transmission for both the 2WD and 4WD models – the latter including low range as well as a Super Select 4-II 4WD system which now also boasts electronic off-road assistance. Under the bonnet is a four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 133kW at 3500 revs/min and 430Nm at 2500 revs/ min, coupled to Mitsubishi’s new eight-speed automatic transmission, with intelligent shift control. Additional electronic assistance allows the driver to select either the Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand or Rock setting to suit surface conditions and optimise engine output, transmission settings and braking for superior traction.

This special model is based on the AMG Sports Exterior and Avantgarde Interior equipment lines. The sporty exterior is augmented by 18-inch 5-spoke AMG lightalloy wheels painted in high-sheen high-gloss black, as well as LED High-Performance headlamps including full LED tail-lights. The sports suspension mated to the 9G-Tronic transmission is standard fitment. Interior features include ambient lighting including illuminated door-sills in three colours and five dimming levels. Open-pore black ash trim on the centre console, and light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim on the instrument panel and doors add to the sporty flair of the interior, while a multifunction sports steering wheel in black leather with flattened bottom section rounds off the interior. Standard safety features include Active Park Control with Parktronic and the Mirror package.

The high-quality interior offers class-leading comfort and space with generous head and legroom, as well as storage, luggage or sports equipment space for the more adventurous. All models have seven seats. If it’s value for money you crave, you’d be hard pressed to look beyond the keenly priced and well-equipped Pajero Sport. Pajero Sport 2.4 D4 MIVEC 2WD 8-speed Auto Pajero Sport 2.4 D$ MIVEC 4WD 8-speed Auto

R569 995 R599 995

Volvoupdates updates Volvo S60 S60 Polestar Polestar

Polestar, Volvo Cars’ performance brand has unveiled the 2018 S60 and V60 Polestar, complete with additional aerodynamic components made from lightweight carbon fibre which increases downforce by 30% for improved performance and handling.

Range Rover Velar order books open Only 23 S60 Polestar examples will be sold in SA, and one V60 Polestar. Aerodynamic enhancements include a new front splitter, side sills and rear spoiler extension, all made from lightweight carbon fibre. Other visual changes include high-gloss black Polestar diamond-cut wheels, carbon-fibre door mirror casings, and a new colour. The interior has been updated with new seat upholstery, blue contrast stitching and Polestar embroidering.

FLEET

Key component changes include an adjustable Ohlins shock absorber system and six-piston Brembo brake calipers with 371mm discs. Both models retain the award-winning 270kW Drive-E petrol engine, one of the most powerful four-cylinder production engines in the world, yet with fuel consumption and emissions at a leading level of 7,8 litres/100km and 179g/km.

FLEET FOCUS

The changing face of fleets

On the back of great success in the LCV fleet market, Nissan is putting plans in place to extend this success to the passenger car market. Reuben van Niekerk reports

issanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success in the fleet market is mainly thanks to two locally produced stalwart models. The NP200 remains popular and will soon be the only half-ton pickup available in South Africa. The NP300 is very competitive in terms of price and boasts proven reliability. The design might not be the most modern, but under the hood it has the same, efficient 2,5 litre diesel engine that does duty in the new Navara. These characteristics mean that it has become an evergreen favourite among fleet buyers who understand that it is an unpretentious vehicle that does what it says on the box and at a good price. Nissan representatives have noticed that in these trying times buyers tend

FLEET

to only look at price and forget to take into account the total cost of ownership, like fuel consumption, running costs, parts, and how the vehicle performs in the real world. For example, when looking at the figures, the NP200 might not be the most fuel-efficient, but due to the torque characteristics of the engine it outperforms its competitors in the real world when carrying a load or fitted with a canopy. It is not only these models that win on price - the entire Nissan range is made up of models that feature fuel-efficient engines, while they are continually striving to remain competitive in terms of parts pricing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Seventy per cent of our fleet business is pick-ups, but we are in the process of enhancing our

passenger vehicle range. Currently we have no A or B segment competitors, but that will change soon, with models like the new Micra,â&#x20AC;? said Leslie Ramsoomar, General Manager of Sales and Operations Not content with the success of only these two models in the fleet space, Nissan has put numerous strategies in place to increase its footprint in the passenger car fleet market. Nissan has seen a definite shift in popularity from the traditional C-segment hatch or sedan vehicle into SUVs of various sizes. Ramsoomar says that Nissan is positioning its product to serve the private and business needs with one vehicle. A customer that would

traditionally drive a C-segment sedan like an Almera, is now offered something like a Qashqai, which is similarly priced but offers the best of both worlds. The Qashqai is fuelefficient, thanks to a 1,2 litre turbo engine, and it is also something that can be used on the weekend for the family. Nissan is also seeing a buying down trend from those traditional C-segment offerings. An example of this is growth of 130% year on year that they have seen in the Datsun range. The Datsun Go is proving popular with security and courier companies, while the larger Plus model has found its place as a people mover. Ramsoomar predicts that consolidation of transport services

and loads will have a big effect on fleets, while an increase in online shopping will create a need for more urban delivery vehicles. The demand for company-representative vehicles will decline as technology - like video conferencing - improves. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nissan, along with an undisclosed partner, is currently in the test phase of a South African smartphonebased car-sharing system, which is something that we believe will be attractive to the next generation of drivers,â&#x20AC;? he said. As opposed to just being a supplier of vehicles, Nissan has come to the realisation that they need to position themselves as a fleet management partner and ensure that their vehicles integrate with fleet management systems. In order to do this they will

September 2017

FLEET FOCUS

need to provide the customer with the kind of information that allows them to see the car as part of the holistic transport solution. On financing trends, Ramsoomar commented that in South Africa people still have an obsession with owning cars, and still tend to go for the higherend models as opposed to leasing a mid-spec model, which is why private leasing has not really taken off. “Companies are moving back to company cars due to tax implications, and moving away from leasing. People

are also keeping cars longer. Four years ago it was normal to change cars every 22 months. That period has now increased to 36 months. It is also not uncommon to do full maintenance leases for up to 150 000 km,” he said. “In order to protect resale values of Nissan vehicles, we have taken some dedicated action which includes the amount of specific models that we put into rental companies and the controlling of vehicle buy-backs. For example, if you want a used, oneyear-old, model you can generally

only get it from Nissan, and in this way prices can be controlled to protect our customers,” said Ramsoomar. On the marketing challenges facing the fleet business, Ramsoomar commented that first, product needs to appeal to the broader market, and then each channel receives its own marketing attention, specific to those customers. Nissan has a big team just focusing on direct sales, but a lot of the fleet business comes down to relationships that they have with customers.

CONTROL COSTS WITH SHELL CARD FOR FLEETS With the economic pressures in South Africa today, fleet managers could use a little help. Look no further than Shellʼs recently launched Shell Card Platform, tailor-made specifically for commercial road transport companies and fleets. With around-the-clock support, fraud control mechanisms, detailed purchase history across categories and an online invoicing service where customers can securely store, view and download invoices, fleet managers have more control than ever. Better yet, the Shell Card Online (SCOL) service enables fleet managers to transact online, order and cancel cards as well as set up customised alerts to notify you of any unusual transactions. The Shell Card provides drivers access to 600 fuel sites nationwide, of which, more than 450 are Shell Card participating sites where you can earn Customer Loyalty Bonuses in the form of savings across the Shell network. Additional services available to Shell card customers include specialised support from the Customer Service Centre; a fraud analyst who monitors card activity and provides support on fraud-related queries; a pricing specialist, who provides monthly pricing information and support on after-sales pricing queries; and a customer promise specialist, who provides support on card and account-related queries as well as training, if necessary. There are two types of cards: Single network cards, which can only be used at participating Shell sites; Multi-network cards, which can be used at any service station in South Africa. Learn which card is best for your business today at www.shell.co.za.

Traffic fines & vehicle licencing giving you headaches?

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FLEET MANAGEMENT

Managing multiple Fleet suppliers in a digital world Budget cuts, a lean staff, and outsourcing services to multiple service providers can cause fleet managers unnecessary headaches. Eqstra Fleet Management’s MD, Murray Price explains how you can effectively manage multiple fleet suppliers.

anaging your company’s fleet can be both complex and rewarding; it takes a dynamic skill set to be able to work around budget cuts, reduced headcounts and multiple outsourced suppliers. However, if you’re able to effectively manage all of these suppliers, then outsourcing can prove to be a lifesaver. The first step in effectively managing multiple fleet suppliers is to determine when and what to outsource. Ultimately, the goal of outsourcing is to access the expertise and resources that you lack - without the cost of actually hiring someone internally. One of the challenges of outsourcing to multiple suppliers of a similar product or service, is that you might not be creating sufficient economies of scale to command high service levels or discounted rates. This is why building good relationships with all your suppliers, and learning

FLEET

to negotiate contract terms is so important. It’s also better to take a ‘less is more’ approach, dealing with fewer suppliers (that provide a range of services) wherever possible.

arranging damage repair, and recovering funds from insurance claims. 4. Fuel: organising fuel cards, purchasing fuel and so on.

There are two common categories of tasks when it comes to fleet management. The first category is clerical or administrative duties, and the second is management. Ideally, in order to effectively maintain control, you would want to outsource the clerical or administrative duties and keep any tasks that involve decision making about allocating resources in-house.

Fleet management suppliers offer a wide variety of other services. However, these four activities are the most commonly outsourced tasks.

There are four main activities which should be considered for outsourcing: 1. Acquisition/disposal: either in company ownership or leasing. 2. Maintenance, repair, and tyres: servicing and maintaining vehicles, repairing them when they’re damaged, and replacing wear and tear items like tyres when needed. 3. Accidents: reporting accidents,

If you are outsourcing these activities, it’s important to remember that the fleet and fleet supplier relationship should be seen as having entered a partnership. This may sound obvious. However, it’s not unusual for relationships to break down if customers and suppliers aren’t able to work closely together as a team. Outsourcing to a fleet management company should be approached the same way as you would when hiring new staff. Create a ‘job description’, which clearly defines what you expect from your suppliers, what experience

and skills they need, and how you’ll review their performance. Account reviews should be much like in-house performance reviews. Both parties should sit down and go over what was expected, how reality compared with these expectations, and how the job can be done better in the future. Suppliers need an honest assessment of their performance to help keep the relationship on track. Digital tools can make life easier In order to effectively manage multiple suppliers, you’ll need a way to consolidate information in a single place, for a quick overview and cost control. Thanks to technology, this is possible. Software like Microsoft Excel and calendar reminders can help you stay on top of things. However, you also need to look at creating better efficiency by leveraging technology that offers a digital solution unique to your business’s specific requirements.

It’s best to choose a technology that allows you to automate a lot of your processes - especially if the programme can highlight exceptions to the rule, alerting you to any anomalies. Effective management of your suppliers boils down to managing expectations. You need to clearly define what you expect from the supplier and what they can expect from you. By doing this at the beginning of the relationship, you will avoid any service delivery problems down the line.

The beauty of technology is that it eliminates resourceheavy manual processes which are open to human error. Effectively managing your fleet suppliers will not only benefit you, but will also help your drivers to do their jobs efficiently. If you keep these tips in mind, you’ll be able to leverage your relationships with all of your suppliers to ensure that you have a wellmaintained, productive and profitable fleet.

September 2017

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS

The little car THAT CAN Fiat has launched the refreshed Panda with a four-model line-up, with the range now being expanded from the Easy and Lounge versions for the city car, to include the highly anticipated 4x4 and Cross versions. Reuben van Niekerk reports

iat is hoping that this range expansion - and particularly the addition of the 4x4 and Cross models - will help put the Panda and Fiat back on the South African motoring map. The design of the Panda is as fashionable and versatile as ever, and retains the same dimensions. The vehicleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s look is strongly characterised by the geometric lines of the front and rear bumpers, with aluminiumcoloured cosmetic inserts underlining the presence of underbody protection. Updated features include new colours and wheel designs. Inside, the steering wheel is pleasant to touch and adopts a modern

FLEET

double central spoke matched with the dashboard and seat upholstery. The Easy version offers, on request, radio controls and leather upholstery, which are standard on the Lounge version. The 4x4 is fitted with a leatherupholstered steering wheel, radio controls and titanium finish, which becomes silver on the Cross. The boot offers 225 litres of space, which can be expanded into 870 litres when the rear seat backrest is folded down. The Easy trim level features a radio and manual climate control system as standard equipment. The Lounge, 4x4 and Cross versions are bolstered with the new Uconnect infotainment system featuring Bluetooth, audio streaming, two USB ports and voice recognition as standard equipment Also available is a Uconnect smartphone application that gives owners information, such as the ability

at their fingertips to find their car, mileage, service requirements, fuel level and dealer info. Under the bonnet is Fiatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique twocylinder 900cc TwinAir petrol engine that produces 63kW at 5 500 revs/min and 145Nm at 1 900 revs/min, driving the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission on the Easy and Lounge versions. The Panda Cross gets a slight power boost up to 66kW. Fiat claims a very respectable fuel consumption figure of 4,9 litres/100km. The 4x4 and Cross models are fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox that features a shortened first gear, which is useful when tackling more difficult terrain by ensuring that the vehicle is operating within the optimum power band. The 4x4 is ready to tackle mountain tracks, the urban jungle, and perfectly encompasses the go-anywhere, parkanywhere attitude. The 4x4 uses a

Specifications and Costs Fiat Panda Easy Engine Type Petrol, 2-cylinder Capacity 875cc Power 63kW @ 5500rpm Torque 145Nm @ 1900rpm Transmission Type 5-speed Manual Drive wheels Front Suspension Front MacPherson strut Rear Torsion beam Fuel Type Petrol Tank capacity 37 litres Consumption 4,2 litres/100km Co2 emissions 99 g/km Performance 0-100 11.2 seconds Top Speed 177 km/h List price R184 900 Full Maintenance Lease Fixed Cost/Month R4 294 Trade resale after four Years R74 000 Monthly Maintenance & Tyres 12 Months/30 000 km R410 24 Months/60 000 km R420 36 Months/90 000 km R430 48 Months/120 000 R780 Average R510 Warranty 3 year/100 000 km 3 year/100 000 km service plan Service Interval 15 000km Average Tyre life 45 000km Fleetability rating

Priced from

NOTE: Full Maintenance Lease figures, resale values and other costs as well as fleetablity rating courtesy ABSA Vehicle Management Solutions. All calculations structured in advance. Variable costs increase with inflation unless fixed contractually. Prices correct at time of evaluation. Calculations include known fleet discounts.

R 184 900 Fleetability rating 75,36% torque on demand drive system, which activates automatically when required. The Panda Cross has a distinctive style, but all the style details serve to protect the mechanical parts. Upfront is a new bumper incorporating a skid plate in body colour, new light clusters, fog lights and LED daylight running lights built into the skid plate. Inside, the Cross model is characterised by a refined passenger compartment offering standard equipment such as automatic climate control, CD/MP3 radio with Blue&Me system and steering controls, rear head restraints, height-adjustable steering wheel, fog lights, leather steering wheel and gear knob, and height-adjustable driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seat. Compared with its 4x4 sibling, the Cross model takes the Terrain Control a step further by offering selectorcontrolled AWD features based on driving conditions. The Auto setting

75,36%

Fleet accepts no responsibility for manufacturer or dealer variances.

allows automatic distribution of drive between the two axles depending on grip levels, Lock mode sees the four-wheel drive mode active for optimal off-road use, with distribution of torque among the four wheels, transferring power to the wheels with the most grip. Hill descent ensures optimum handling when traversing steep terrain. The 4x4 model features an approach angle of 21 degrees, a departure angle of 36 degrees and a breakover angle of 20 degrees. Due to design differences, the Cross version features an approach angle of 24 degrees, a departure angle of 34 degrees and a break-over angle of 21 degrees, and can even tackle a maximum gradient of 70 degrees â&#x20AC;&#x201C; values close to those of pure offroaders and higher than those of the leading SUVs on the market. This was put to the test on a short but technical 4x4 course where the little

Panda handled water crossings, steep inclines, declines, and soft sand in its stride. At this price point the Panda 4x4 offers an affordable entry into the world of exploring off the beaten track to buyers that may not have been afforded this luxury before. The new Fiat Panda 4x4 is the successor to the international best seller, which first appeared almost 30 years ago and remains the only 4x4 model in the A-segment. The third generation has come of age, offering improved quality in terms of space, comfort, functionality, technology and safety features. The Panda is the perfect blend of a first and second car without trading the space and the comfort of a five-door compact, made even more exciting by the adoption of a 4x4 system, which offers maximum freedom of use. Numerous Mopar accessories are available to improve the look and practicality of the Panda even further.

September 2017

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS

THE BATTLE to stay on top Locally, the builds on a successful track record stretching back over more than 20 years, when the CR-V pioneered the compact SUV sector in South Africa. Reuben van Niekerk reports to extend that success even further with the latest version being the most advanced, most spacious and most sophisticated iteration of the popular compact SUV to date. Completely redesigned and reengineered from the ground up, the new Honda CR-V features a striking exterior design, and a more spacious, quieter cabin with extended rear legroom and an expanded cargo compartment. The pricing adopts an all-inclusive strategy, ensuring strong value, too.

ocally, the CR-V builds on a successful track record stretching back over more than 20 years, when the CR-V pioneered the compact SUV sector in South Africa. Making its South African debut last month, the fifth-generation CR-V is set

FLEET

The cabin execution is even smarter than before, with enhanced ergonomics and materials, and the infotainment systems have been upgraded with extended functionality, featuring a five or seven-inch display depending on the model. The larger 7-inch display offers enhanced functionality, including Apple CarPlay, which allows seamless integration of iPhone features and functions, such as the

iDeviceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own GPS navigation, voicecontrolled search capability and selected apps. A full-colour TFT driver information interface is dominated by a graphtype rev counter and accompanied by a digital speedometer. The overall dashboard design is clean and uncluttered, adding to the impression of elegance that permeates the entire cabin. The centre console includes a lidded binnacle that also acts as a centre armrest. Rear accommodation is generous, with best-in-class rear legroom. Folding down the rear seat backrest creates a large, flat-floored cargo space that increases the 522 litre boot to 1 084 litres. Based on a completely new platform, significant gains were made in ride quality and refinement, as well as crisper steering response, enhanced ride comfort and more composed handling.

Specifications and Costs Honda CR-V 2,0 Comfort Engine Type Petrol, 4-cylinder Capacity 1997cc Power 113kW @ 6500rpm Torque 189Nm @ 4300rpm Transmission Type CVT Drive wheels Front Suspension Front MacPherson strut Rear Multi-link Fuel Type Petrol Tank capacity 57 litres Consumption 7,3 litres/100km Co2 emissions 173 g/km Performance 0-100 N/A Top Speed 192 km/h List price R422 900 Full Maintenance Lease Fixed Cost/Month R8 704 Trade resale after four Years R200 000 Monthly Maintenance & Tyres 12 Months/30 000 km R870 24 Months/60 000 km R1020 36 Months/90 000 km R1120 48 Months/120 000 R1300 Average R1077,50 Warranty 5 year/200 000 km 5 year/90 000 km service plan Service Interval 15 000km Average Tyre life 45 000km Fleetability rating

Priced from

R 422 900 Fleetability rating 60,23% The CR-V is offered with a choice of two drivetrains. The 2,0 litre Comfort and 2,0 Elegance models are powered by a refined version of the 2,0 litre four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engine that previously did duty in the CR-V. This normally-aspirated unit produces 113kW at 6 500 revs/min and 189Nm at 4 300 revs/min. The engine is mated to a CVT transmission with G-Shift control logic, and drive is to the front wheels. Honda claims that on the combined cycle this model uses 7,3 litres/100km. The 1,5T Executive and 1,5T Exclusive models break new ground for the CR-V by offering turbocharged power for the first time, and deliver 140kW at 5 600 revs/min and 240Nm between 2 000 and 5 000 revs/min. Honda claims this model uses 7,0 litres/100km on the combined cycle. This 1,5 litre engine is coupled to Honda’s CVT gearbox, but is linked to an intelligent real-time AWD system that seamlessly transfers power from

60,23%

Fleet accepts no responsibility for manufacturer or dealer variances.

the front to the rear wheels when additional traction is required.

driver to take a break when awareness drops.

The system has been improved in that it can now deliver more torque to the rear wheels, while an updated intelligent control system means that the car no longer needs to wait for the front wheels to lose grip before sending torque to the rear.

The top of the range 1,5T Exclusive model is also equipped with an integrated satellite navigation system.

The exterior design of the 1,5T Executive shares all the key features of the 2,0 litre models, but gains 18-inch alloy wheels, and the headlights are full LED designs coupled with LED daytime running lights. Safety equipment includes dual front, side and curtain airbags. Keeping things under control is ABS, EBD as well as Honda’s Agile handling Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist and Hill Start Assist systems. Another safety feature is a Driver Attention Monitor that measures driver attention and delivers audible and tactile alerts, and then prompts the

Other standout features include an electrically operated tailgate, with programmable opening height and a tyre pressure monitoring system. The top of the range model is the only CR-V offered with Honda’s comprehensive set of Advanced Driver Assist Systems. These systems include Collision Mitigation Braking with Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist. The range is supported by a comprehensive five-year/200 000 km warranty and five year/90 000km service plan. Scheduled services are at 15 000km for the 2,0 litre models and 10 000km for the 1,5 litre turbo variants.

September 2017

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS

Seven more ways to WOW Following the successful introduction of the new Kia Sportage late last year, Kia is now expanding the range with seven new and enhanced derivatives. Reuben van Niekerk finds out why

ollowing an examination of their product planning, Kia deemed it necessary to take action in order to give customers more choice and, most importantly, more value. The first addition to the Sportage line-up sees the entry-level Sportage 2,0 Ignite model gain a six-speed automatic transmission at a marginal premium over the manual derivative. While an entry-point into the Sportage range, the Ignite model sets the tone for the remainder of the range with its comprehensive list of standard features that include LED daytime running lights, automatic headlight control, rear park distance control, Bluetooth connectivity, and steering wheel-mounted controls, to name some. The Sportage Ignite makes perfect sense for those customers that value the size, practicality and versatility of an SUV, but have no real need or desire for too many bells and whistles.

FLEET

Customers who value style above utility will be happy about the introduction of the new Sportage Ignite Plus derivatives, as this model gains several exterior enhancements, including front fog lights, an upgrade from 16 to 17-inch wheels, while the interior gains an electrochromatic rearview mirror. The Ignite Plus model is available with Kiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 114kW, 192Nm 2,0 litre petrol engine, and is equipped with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. This derivative also marks the debut of the 1,7-litre CRDI engine in the Sportage range as an alternative engine option. This unit produces 85kW at 4 000 revs/min, and 280Nm between 1 250 and 2 750 revs/min, and will be available with a six-speed manual transmission At launch, the Sportage 2,0 CRDI EX was the only mid-spec offering in the

range, paired to Kiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s much-loved 2,0 litre turbo-diesel engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. Kia is now expanding the EX model grade with the addition of a 2,0 litre option. The EX specification grade offers all of the features included in Ignite grade, but adds significant additions such as an electric parking brake, front park distance control, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, a Smart Key with Start/ Stop button, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, and electric folding side mirrors with integrated indicators. Kia is bolstering the EX models with the addition of two new EX Plus derivatives, also with a choice between 2,0 litre petrol and 2,0 litre turbo-diesel power, that slot in between the existing EX and SX all-wheel-drive models.

Specifications and Costs Kia Sportage 2,0 Ignite manual Engine Type Petrol, 4-cylinder Capacity 1999cc Power 114kW @ 6200rpm Torque 192Nm @ 4000rpm Transmission Type 6-speed Manual Drive wheels Front Suspension Front MacPherson strut Rear Multi-link Fuel Type Petrol Tank capacity 62 litres Consumption N/A Co2 emissions N/A Performance 0-100 10.5 seconds Top Speed 186 km/h List price R369 995 Full Maintenance Lease Fixed Cost/Month R7 729 Trade resale after four Years R171 000 Monthly Maintenance & Tyres 12 Months/30 000 km R850 24 Months/60 000 km R990 36 Months/90 000 km R1090 48 Months/120 000 R1180 Average R1027,50 Warranty 5 year/unlimited km 5 year/90 000 km service plan Service Interval 15 000km Average Tyre life 50 000km

Priced from

R 369 995 Fleetability rating 59,15%

Fleetability rating

59,15%

Fleet accepts no responsibility for manufacturer or dealer variances.

Taking all of the standard features of the EX models, the EX plus adds 19-inch alloys, electric front seats, a rear-view camera, as well as seven-inch touchscreen with integrated satellite navigation. The remainder of the Sportage line-up remains unchanged, with the 2,4 GDI and 2,0 CRDI SX AWD models and the 1,6 T-GDI GT Line models rounding off the range. Kiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market analysis has shown that the bulk of the action in the highly competitive C-SUV segment takes place in a space where customers are spending between R400 000 and R500 000. With three of the new derivatives in the bottom half of this price band, and three more under R400 000, Kia is confident that even more customers will now have access to the Sportage model line-up, thanks to the exceptional value that these models bring to the range.

September 2017

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS

RENAULT DIVERSIFIES Captur range

Since its introduction in 2015, the Captur has a proven track record in the market through 6500 plus unit sales, with the Automatic model proving to be extremely popular. Reuben van Niekerk reports

he Renault Captur range now boasts refreshed styling, enhanced quality, and a more diverse model line-up, presenting a more formidable alternative within South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very popular and highly competitive SUV segment. This update marks the evolution of this dynamic model, with a prominent, redesigned upper grille with finelychromed edging, full LED Pure Vision lights and C-shaped daytime running lights. The strong personality is further defined by additional funky colours, striking new 17-inch Black and Chrome Alloy wheels, and the impactful twotone bodywork that is standard on the Dynamique model, accentuating the alluring curves of the Captur. SUV attributes are evident by a raised ground clearance and elevated seating position, enhanced by the dominant new skid plates built into the front and rear bumpers.

FLEET

The exterior is further complemented by the more inviting interior. A new leather steering wheel and optional heated leather seats, available on Dynamique models, adds to the qualitative feel, while the more supportive seats ensure maximum driving comfort. Additional improvements include discreet satin-chrome trim, a new soft-touch dashboard, and interior panels that envelop the occupants, as well as a new gear lever. The updated Captur comes fully equipped with Hill-Start Assist and keyless entry, while Dynamique models boast the Renault MediaNav touchscreen integrated tablet too. The versatile R&Go application has now also been introduced into the Captur Blaze derivative. This smartphone/tablet application adds innovative functionality to the vehicle.

Connected to the vehicle through Bluetooth, the application enables remote control of the radio, with the smartphone screen presenting an extended dashboard to display additional features and allows access to four universes: multimedia, phone, vehicle and navigation. Under the bonnet of the Captur is a choice of three turbo engines that combine driving pleasure with fuel economy, including the 66kW Turbo, 1,2 litre 88kW Manual and EDS powerplants, and a 1,5 litre dCi diesel engine. The 66kW Turbo engine is an 898 cc, three-cylinder turbo engine that delivers 66kW and 135Nm with consumption from as low as 5,5 litres/100km. The 66kW 1,5 litre, four-cylinder, common rail diesel engine is

Specifications and Costs Renault Captur Turbo Blaze 66kW

Priced from

R 229 900 Fleetability rating 77,16%

Engine Type Petrol, 3-cylinder Capacity 898cc Power 66kW @ 5250rpm Torque 135Nm @ 2500rpm Transmission Type 5-speed Manual Drive wheels Front Suspension Front MacPherson strut Rear Flexible axle Fuel Type Petrol Tank capacity 45 litres Consumption 5,4 litres/100km Co2 emissions 125 g/km Performance 0-100 12.9 seconds Top Speed 171 km/h List price R229 900 Full Maintenance Lease Fixed Cost/Month R5 523 Trade resale after four Years R108 000 Monthly Maintenance & Tyres 12 Months/30 000 km R870 24 Months/60 000 km R1080 36 Months/90 000 km R1340 48 Months/120 000 R1490 Average R1195 Warranty 5 year/150 000 km 3 year/45 000 km service plan Service Interval 15 000km Average Tyre life 40 000km Fleetability rating

77,16%

Fleet accepts no responsibility for manufacturer or dealer variances.

the perfect mix of performance and efficiency. With 220Nm on tap, it delivers great lowdown torque, and excellent economy with a figure as low as 3,6 litres/100km. The 1,2 litre four-cylinder 88kW Turbo engine is available in manual or automatic. Whether combined with a six-speed manual gearbox for great responsiveness or with a six-speed automatic EDC gearbox for greater comfort, the engine is responsive and agile, combining power and controlled fuel consumption from only 5,4 litres/100km. Safety measures include ABS, EBD and ESP along with high-efficiency front airbags, head/chest side bags, seat belts with pretensioners and Isofix three-point child seat anchors. The new Captur is offered standard with a five-year/150 000km warranty and three-year/45 000km service plan.

September 2017

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS

REVISITING the Ranger

While Ford’s best-selling Ranger double cab bakkie faces stiff competition from Toyota’s Hilux and Nissan’s Navara, it is also likely to come under threat soon from MercedesBenz’s X Class, which is due for launch in South Africa early next year. Wynter Murdoch revisits the Ranger to determine how well it has stood the test of time…

hen Ford’s Ranger bakkie was upgraded about a year ago, I said the model had the ability to meet family requirements just as easily as it could meet the needs of commercial users. From the lifestyle perspective it was the vehicle’s refined ride attributes and plush cabin that I found attractive – characteristics that I highlighted as elevating the model above competitors such as Toyota’s Hilux and Nissan’s Navara. Since then both Toyota and Nissan have introduced to market improved versions of their bakkies, each of which I’ve had the pleasure of driving. Like the Ranger they are comfortable, cultivated, capable and competent. However, with Mercedes-Benz’s X Class poised to enter the fray early next year – the model was officially unveiled recently in Europe at the Frankfurt Motor Show – all three of the brands are likely to face stiff sales competition from what is already being regarded by many motoring observers as an enviable upstart.

FLEET

While we’ll have to wait a while to see whether the Merc is capable of eclipsing the proficiency of its rivals, I decided to revisit the Ranger – according to Ford still the dominant bakkie in double cab and extended cab sales charts, accounting for 2 566 units in August alone – to determine how well the model has stood the test of time. First thing to note is that, despite its premium qualities, the Ford remains a bakkie at heart – big, high-riding, long and wide with a 12,6-metre turning circle. That said, its dynamic behaviour tends to belie its commercial roots – and its interior styling and features match standards set by upmarket SUVs, a pertinent factor in terms of demands made in the family market. Comfortable but purposeful, the extensive Ranger line-up features a choice of just two engines – each diesel powered and turbocharged and displacing 2,2 litres in four-cylinder form and 3,2 litres in five-cylinder configuration. It’s a 2,2-litre version of

the vehicle that I’ll concentrate on here – the auto transmission equipped XLS derivative with a 4x4 drivetrain. The engine produces 118kW at 3 700 revs/min and a hefty 385Nm between the 1 500 and 2 500 rpm marks. The unit’s strong torque band serves the vehicle well, enabling it to maintain momentum easily whether on the open road or when negotiating off-road tracks. Though quiet and smooth at cruising speeds, the engine tends to become vocal at the top end of the rev range. It’s also a little noisy on start-up, with clatter apparent until it warms. The newly introduced six-speed auto ’box swops cogs smoothly and downshifts readily when the accelerator is prodded hard. It incorporates a sport function for faster gear changes, and a manual shift facility as well – useful when bundu bashing. Off-road, when low range is selected, the torquey powertrain allows the Ranger to treat with contempt challenging obstacles such as mud

Specifications and Costs Ford Ranger Double cab 2.2D XLT 4x2 Auto

Priced from

R 497 900 Fleetability rating 67,46%

Engine Type Diesel, 4-cylinder Capacity 2198cc Power 118kW @ 3700rpm Torque 385Nm @ 1500rpm Transmission Type 6-speed Auto Drive wheels Rear Suspension Front Independent double wishbone Rear Leaf springs Fuel Type Diesel Tank capacity 80 litres Consumption 7,7 litres/100km Co2 emissions 201 g/km Performance 0-100 N/A Top Speed N/A List price R497 900 Full Maintenance Lease Fixed Cost/Month R9 804 Trade resale after four Years R249 000 Monthly Maintenance & Tyres 12 Months/30 000 km R900 24 Months/60 000 km R1050 36 Months/90 000 km R1200 48 Months/120 000 R1320 Average R1117,50 Warranty 4 year/120 000 km 5 year/100 000 km service plan Service Interval 20 000km Average Tyre life 50 000km Fleetability rating

67,46%

Fleet accepts no responsibility for manufacturer or dealer variances.

and thick sand, while its high ground clearance keeps the underbody clear of the majority of protrusions and outcrops. Wheel articulation in cross axle situations is good, too. On tar, handling is commendable, the steering well balanced – electrically assisted and weighted for lightness at low speeds but firming in feel as velocity rises. In this sense, there’s an element of confident capability in the way the nose of the vehicle reacts to driver inputs. Over bumps or depressions at cruising speed the chassis remains composed, the vehicle’s suspension system – double wishbones with coil springs at the front, leaf springs at the rear – welltuned to maintain good balance. Inside, there is a light and airy feel to the cabin. Dashboard lines are clean, dominated by a big touchscreen and extending to a wide centre console with cup-holders, controls for the four-wheel-

September 2017

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS

drive system and a lidded bin. Ford’s SYNC infotainment system is rated one of the best in its category and trounces many similar systems installed in some passenger cars. Cushy, tastefully upholstered seats and a steering wheel wrapped in leather add an upmarket feel, while instrumentation is easy to read and clearly visible. Though the view from the front of the cabin is commanding, the vehicle’s A-pillars are wide and can prove obstructive at angled intersections.

Safety items incorporate airbags, antilock brakes with EBD, ESP with traction control and hill launch assist, plus hill descent control. Though Ford rates economy at 7,5 litres per 100km, I was hard-pressed to achieve that figure in day-to-day driving, the vehicle’s average fuel consumption over the test period settling at the 10,6-litre mark. However, since it is fitted with an 80-litre fuel tank, a range of more than 750km is possible.

Comfort features include poweroperated front and rear windows, remote central locking, audio controls on the steering wheel, Bluetooth with voice control, USB and auxiliary inputs for the infotainment system and auto-on windscreen wipers and lights.

All in all, the derivative tends to reinforce perceptions that the Ranger has retained much of the allure that has made it so popular in the sales charts over the past three years – despite concerted challenges by rivals to usurp its position.

www.fishgate.co.za_CT_6961

Rear seat accommodation is good, if functional. The slim front seats have been scalloped to allow more space for the knees of back seat passengers, while the centre tunnel isn’t overly high or intrusive. Storage space is acceptable.

If you don’t need the extra power and torque offered by 3,2-litre Ranger models, then the 2,2 TDCi automatic derivative strikes a good balance between performance and economy – whether for lifestyle or commercial use. The load bay will take 750kg of cargo, and the vehicle will pull a braked trailer carrying a load of 3 500kg.

Ctrack Fleet Tracking and Recovery offers everything you need to run a more productive fleet and save up to 20% on fuel and maintenance costs. 0860 333 444 • sales@ctrack.co.za • www.ctrack.co.za

Superior Vehicle Tracking | Stolen Vehicle Response | Insurance Telematics | Fleet Management Solutions

TECHNOLOGY

Artificial Intelligence to drive the future of the Automotive Industry After the steam engine, assembly line production and automation in production, digitisation is certainly having the biggest impact on the automotive industry, writes Trevor Hill, Head of Audi South Africa

s the ‘fourth industrial revolution’ championed by the World Economic Forum’s Klaus Schwab gains momentum, it’s thrilling to anticipate what this means for the automotive industry – and, as a result, cities of the future. Schwab and the WEF link the emergence of breakthrough technologies such as artificial intelligence to a revolution in how business and society function together into the future. It makes sense. But, what this vision needs most, is for industries like ours to take the lead in translating theory into a tangible reality. As with everything today, this happens within a context of constant change. The automotive industry is itself experiencing its own ‘fourth revolution’, and Audi is responding by transforming itself into an automotive brand that owns the future. Our focus is on driving progress as an innovator, intentionally crossing the divide between a traditional model as motor vehicle manufacturer to being a hybrid business, where our vehicles enable superior mobility for goods and people in a more modern city. Critical to this, is how we seamlessly integrate artificial intelligence across

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our product range. We know that the application of artificial intelligence opens up a new dimension of performance for vehicle products, and that AI has an exponential impact on what we call the ‘mobility value chain’. This means embracing the fact that future growth will no longer occur in the traditional car business, but instead it will shift to the usage of mobility products and services. Areas such as autonomous driving, new and sustainable drive concepts, mobility services and digitalisation of the car and vehicle environment are all examples of where our industry should be moving. This by no means eliminates the need for automotive production and technology, but instead makes a giant leap forward in how traditional technologies play a greater part in society through the inclusion of AI. With this in mind, we are focusing our business on developing alternative powertrains, integrated mobility solutions, autonomous driving technologies, and a significantly greater level of connectivity that will help us better evolve the entire mobility value chain as soon as 2020. Outside of what is included in the latest generation of luxury sedans, we are entering a time of

swarm intelligence, where cars communicate with each other and with infrastructure, then use this information to plan optimum routes and speeds. A technology called Traffic Light Information (TLI) is already in place in Las Vegas, where it communicates with traffic lights and provides drivers with a ‘time to green light’ countdown on the head-up vehicle display, telling them when the light is due to change. Cars communicating with the infrastructure around them can also cut fuel consumption in urban traffic by up to 15%, as cars ‘surf the green wave’, adjusting their speed to ensure each traffic light turns green as they reach it. The car of the future will be a car uniquely customised to client needs. It will be constantly learning, updating its knowledge, and finetuning the user experience to suit the driver’s preferences. Your car can create working conditions that are even more pleasant and productive than in the office. Car companies are offering mobility solutions that allow you to pick up a car when required, or to change the model of car you drive several times during a year. Thanks to advancements in automation, innovation and artificial intelligence, motoring and mobility is about to change permanently. How we get around has always been part of what defines us humans, and we are about to take a quantum leap into an exciting new phase of our existence.

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