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THE WITNESS
JUNE 25, 2020
WHEELS
www.witness.co.za
Metro gives kids’ masks Community leaders at handover ceremony agree it is time to end lockdown and help people shield themselves ALWYN VILJOEN AT an informal handover of children’s masks at Grey’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday, the assembled community leaders were unanimous that national lockdown levels must soon be replaced by effective social distancing — including the wearing of masks — and voluntary isolation in order to save the economy. Metro Car Sales handed over the first of a three-month supply of masks for young patients at the three state hospitals in the city — Grey’s, Edendale and Northdale. Dr Logandran Naidoo, medical manager at Grey’s Hospital, thanked the dealership for the donation on behalf of paediatric patients, saying it will definitely help the 2 000 staff at the hospital to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. He said to date, over 98% of the hospital’s Covid-19 patients had fully recovered, with co-morbidities leading to death. Anvar Moolla, whose family trust recently employed eight to 10 people to make the masks, said the masks were made to KN95 standards, meaning the material filters out at least 95% of air particles. He said the masks were also washable, making them reusable. He said the children’s masks come with two straps lengths that tie around the head instead of hooking to the ears, to ensure a comfortable fit for the children. MD of Metro Cars Sales Baboo Essa said when the Moolla family trust approached Metro Car Sales to support the masks donation, he did not hesitate. “The Pietermaritzburg community has supported us since 1976, and this is a way
to give back,” Essa said. Essa said Metro Cars Sales would fund masks for 100 new patients a week at each of the three hospitals for the next three months. The general sentiment among the medical staff and private sector representatives at the handover was that national lockdown levels should be replaced by voluntary isolation soon, as a continued lockdown will be disastrous for even more economic sectors while doing little to slow infections. This ties in with what the chairperson of the ministerial advisory committee, Dr Salim Abdul Karim, said on a Moneyweb podcast on Tuesday. Karim said South Africa’s government controls designed to limit the spread of Covid-19 had to be replaced by “self efficacy”, where government provides people with information on preventing infection and assist them in implementing measures. “Your risk of contracting the coronavirus and your family’s risk and your community’s risk is now all in your hands,” Karim said. This means wearing masks to cut the spread of airborne viruses, keeping hands clean and keeping social distance. BECOME INVOLVED IN KZN Moolla said while a lot of women were sewing from home to help the family trust donate artful masks, more financial donations would enable them to make more KN95-standard masks for donations. Volunteers and companies who want to become involved with making or donating masks can contact Clifford Thackwray on 064 653 9545. • alwyn.viljoen@witness.co.za
Mahindra’s facelifted Pik Up S6 single cab is aimed at the driver who wants solid value for money. PHOTO: QUICKPIC
A luxurious workhorse that can handle hard work ALWYN VILJOEN
FROM LEFT: Metro Cars MD Baboo Essa, medical manager at Grey’s Hospital Dr Logandran Naidoo, paediatric specialist at Edendale hospital Yugashnie Naidoo, manager at Metro Cars Sales Rookaya Ismail, paediatric specialists Trudy Martin and Yashodhara Kannigan. PHOTO: ALWYN VILJOEN
LONG HISTORY OF QUIETLY GIVING BACK METRO’S founders, brothers Ossy and Baboo Essa have quietly been giving back to the community since they started their car dealership and transport businesses. Their social responsibilities span all over South Africa in their drive to assist in the indigenous disadvantaged communities. To name but a few of their initia-
tives, Metro Car Sales has sponsored school fees and uniforms arranged via various charitable organisations, feeding schemes in collaboration with Muslim Relief Alliance, Zanzaf and Hope for The Needy. The group also delivered a winter kit, comprising of a blanket, beanie and a pair of socks to informal areas as part of a winter warmth drive with Hope for The Needy.
MAHINDRA South Africa celebrated the reopening of its dealers with the launch of a refreshed Pik Up S6 single cab. This single cab bakkie is Mahindra’s “flagship workhorse” and drops the gauntlet to competitors listed below. The S6 single cab benefits from the design changes first seen on the S11 automatic double cab. The large, seven-slot chromed grille resembles the new look on the double cab and Scorpio models, with a reworked front bumper, integrated fog lamps and chrome detailing that turns this rugged bakkie into a bit if a looker. On a functional level, Mahindra responded to clients’ needs with a new styling bar on the load bin that adds rigidity and has stronger tie-down capabilities. This styling bar is bolted onto the rear load bay and is standard on both the 4x2 and 4x4 models. Another little luxury is an electric lock on the fuel lid which allows it to be opened remotely.
Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCi XL Price: R384 900 Power: 118kW/385Nm Warranty: 120 000 km/4 years Service Plan: 90 000 km/1 year
WE HAVE A LARGE VARIETY OF ENGINES AND GEARBOXES TO CHOOSE FROM
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HILUX 2.4D 2L2 ENGINE COMPLETE 4 BOLT R 20 000-00 HILUX 2KD 2X4 MANUAL GEARBOXES
R 5 500
VW GOLF 5 1.9 TDI BKC/ BXE ENGINE COMPLETE
R 17 500
VW GOLF5/ CADDY 1.6 BSE ENGINE COMPLETE
R 15 000
PICANTO/ATOS G4HD/G4HG ENGINE COMPLETE ALUMINIUM INTAKE R 10 000-00 MANUAL 5 SPEED GEARBOXES OLD TYPE METAL GEARBOXES R 2 500-00
TOYOTA COROLLA/RUNX ENGINE COMPLETE R 15 000-00 4ZZ/3ZZ/1ZZ MANUAL ALUMINIUM 5 SPEED GEARBOXES R 2 500-00
Mahindra said the real value is inside the cabin, which now boasts an electric rear view mirror adjustment, one-touch lane change indicators, cruise control and arm rests as standard features. The driver’s seat can also be adjusted for height. Lastly, the key fob has been replaced with an upmarket flip key with integrated remote found on the lifestyle double cab models. These upgrades add to the list of standard “luxury” features in the S6 single cab model range, all of which come with rain-sensitive wipers, automatic self-levelling headlamps and a fuel-saving start-stop system. All S6 models also include Mahindra’s integrated audio system with auxiliary port, USB and Bluetooth connectivity. This model further has dual front airbags, central locking, a 12V charging port, ABS brakes with emergency brake force distribution and air conditioning as standard.
Toyota Hilux 2.0 VVTi S Price: R281 300 Power: 102kW/183 Nm Warranty: 100 000 km/3 years Service Plan: 90 000 km/1 year
e-mail addresses. Over a threeyear period, prosecutors claim he placed some 10 800 orders for truck and vehicle parts, changing the new parts for used ones sending these back to Amazon for refund of more than $640 000. In some cases, he would replace original items with those of similar weight, including a commercial truck tire. Instead of returning the tire, he sent back two pieces of wood in the Amazon box. Other examples include ordering a vehicle suspension ball joint and returning an oil filter wrench and a stabiliser bar link kit with dog treats, according to court documents. Chaves also ordered new parts, like ceramic brake pads and a fuel injector, and returned the heavily used parts instead, according to court documents. The former fleet operator is no stanger to devious thinking, having previously pleading guilty to falsifying federal U.S. Department of Transportation records, fraudulently obtaining more loans using five different company names, and illegally operating using someone else’s identity. — WR.
weighing up to 2 500 kilograms, and with no heavy trailer deducting from the bakkies overall licensed road weight, the S6 can deliver 1 195 kg on the 4x2 model, and 100 kg less on the 4x4 model. All Mahindra Pik Up S6 models are sold with a comprehensive mechanical warranty and roadside assistance plan of 120 000 km or four years and a 5-year or 90 000 km service plan. Service intervals after the 10 000 km lubrication service are set at 20 000 km. The luxurious S6 bakkie makes a mockery of the spartan cabs offered by more expensive workhorses and delivers more power than cheaper bakkies. Wheels therefore recommend giving the S6’s wheels a good kicking before deciding on buying a new bakkie, but bear in mind, it’s a buyers market with big discounts on the list price offered by most dealers. MAHINDRA PIK UP S6 PRICING 4x2: R266 499 4x4: R311 499
4X2 WORKHORSE COMPETITORS
AMAZON SAYS TRUCKER CHEATED FEW people are aware that e-commerce giant Amazon is also rated a world leader in developing artificial intelligence (AI), with some pundits even placing Amazon ahead of Alphabet, Google’s parent company. AI has come a long way from using brute computing force to win chess matches, having now comprehensively beaten all comers in the intuitive game of Go. But a fleet operator recently taught AI that dishonest humans still can find a loophole in any system. This after federal prosecutors charged Michael Chaves (40) of East Providence, Rhode Island, with wire and mail fraud after he allegedly orchestrated an elaborate scheme to defraud Amazon out of over R11 million using a new version of the old scam to rent a car and change its new parts for old parts from a similar car. Chaves, a former owner of auto transport company CAT Transportation Inc. was arrested on June 17 and is currently held in federal custody. Court documents allege that since March 2017, Chaves opened approximately 30 Amazon customer accounts using different
UNDER THE HOOD Fleet owners who use their bakkies for work used to check only for two prices — how much per Newton metre and the average resale price. Nowadays they also check the security risk of owning the brand. Mahindra scores high on value and is low on risk. The Newtons comes from Mahindra’s proven 2,2 litre mHawk turbodiesel engine linked to a six-speed manual transmission. Featuring common rail direct injection and variable turbocharging, this block makes 103 kW at 3 750 rpm and a healthy 320 Nm from 1 500 rpm to 2 800 rpm. While 320 Newtons does not sound like much compared to the 385 Nm from the 2.2 TDCi in Ford’s single cab high rider, it is actually the second highest torque delivery among the competing workhorse bakkies. Equipped with this engine, the S6 single cab can tow a braked trailer
JMC Vigus 2.4 TDCi Lux Price: R241 880 Power: 88kW/290Nm Warranty: 120 000 km/4 years Service Plan: 90 000 km/1 year
Fiat Fullback 2.4 de-spec Price: R227 900 Power: 97kW/202Nm Warranty: 100 000 km/3 years Service Plan: 90 000 km/1 year
Jaguar is making new casts of the legendary 3,8-litre XK engine block, selling them to enthusiasts for about R310 000. PHOTO: MOTOPRESS
JAGUAR REMAKES 3,8 XK BLOCKS GOOD news for all the fans of the fat burble that comes from a big bore block — Jaguar Classic has reintroduced the 3,8-litre XK block that was a legend in the 1950s and 1960s. Unavailable new for more than 50 years, these are the only brand-new XK engine blocks available. Jaguar said in a statement the new cast iron engine blocks are a direct replacement for the 3,8-litre six-cylinder units originally fitted to the XK150, XK150 S, MkIX, Mk2, MkX, E-type Series 1 and S-type. Subject to providing documentation which confirms proof of vehicle ownership, customers can choose to
retain the serial number from their original engine block, which will be stamped on the new casting with an additional asterisk denoting the new block is a replacement item. Alternatively, the new block is stamped with a new unique serial number. Passion, however, comes at a price — the new 3,8-litre Jaguar XK engine blocks are priced £14 340 each (about R309 995), including VAT, and come with a minimum 12 months Jaguar parts and accessories warranty and certificate of authenticity, exclusively from Jaguar Classic. Fans can order online at www.parts.jaguarlandroverclassic.com — Witness Reporter.
To really save fuel, drive like a trucker
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ALWYN VILJOEN EVERY time the fuel prices rise, I get asked how to save fuel, and I always offer the same three solutons: Don’t drive if you can share a ride. If you have to drive, use a small engine. While on route, drive like a trucker — get into the highest gear as soon as you can
“EVERYONE talks, one delivers. The new Actros.” This is the claim Mercedes-Benz made when it launched the new Actros and with the new truck crowned International Truck of the Year 2020, it is clear the truck is living up to its claim. CEO of Daimler Trucks and Buses Southern Africa, Michael Dietz, said the company has introduced over 64 new features and advancements on the Actros. Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks Maretha Gerber said in comparison to its predecessor, customers can expect up to five percent lower fuel consumption on the advanced Actros range, of which the biggest contributor is the Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC). She said PPC uses accurate digital road maps that contain data on topography, which means the truck knows the road and route profile ahead. This allows the new Actros to employ an anticipatory driving style, saving as much fuel as possible and ensuring optimal driver support. In addition, four other core features stand out on the Actros: • MirrorCam: for the first time in a mass-produced truck, the MirrorCam replaces the conventional main and wide-angle mirror with a camera system. The MirrorCam improves safety and maneuverability. • Multimedia Cockpit: Revolutionises the Human Machine Interface (HMI). Immediately eye-catching inside the cab is the new Multimedia Cockpit. The neatly arranged and clear display informs the driver about all essential driving and operating states, as well as the actions performed by Active Brake Assist 5, Predictive Powertrain Control and other driver assistance systems. • Active Brake Assist 5: The new Active Brake Assist 5 affords greater safety for pedestrians. Active Brake Assist 5 is now capable of carrying out emergency braking when encountering pedestrians crossing its path, approaching from the front or walking across. If Active Brake Assist 5 detects a risk of collision with a vehicle travelling ahead, a stationary obstacle or a moving pedestrian, the driver is alerted of the danger by a threestage escalating warning system. • Mercedes-Benz Uptime: Reliability is essential for any fleet owner or manager. With the aim of greater vehicle availability, Mercedes-Benz Uptime offers an innovative service product for customers of MercedesBenz Trucks through intelligent vehicle networking in real time and through intensive customer care. Merc also introduced six new Arocs truck models, comprising three freight carries, an 8x4 tipper and two all-wheel drives off road trucks. With new enhancements like the multifunctional steering wheel, an electronic parking brake and keyless start, Gerber said the Arcos is more functional and comfortable than ever. Furthermore, the Arocs range comes standard with a seat belt monitor, rain sensor, and rubber mats for driver and co-driver’s side. “With the addition of the new Actros and additional Arocs models, I am pleased to say we now boast a complete product line-up within the Heavy Duty Truck segment, that is not only unmatched in its design, but offers value for money to our customers” said Gerber. — WR.
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Merc adds models to truck range
and then keep both the rev and speed needles as low as you can. Driving just 20 km/h slower and keeping your engine revs between 2 500 rpm and 3 000 rpm are the two most effective tricks to reduce fuel spend by as much as 20%. Then focus on the road and plan ahead. Bad drivers always brake while good drivers al-
ways regulate. The aim is to maintain a constant speed and avoid stops. To save world-record levels of fuel, drive like vehicle parts pricing guru Malcolm Kinsey from Pinetown, who plans so far ahead, he even researches prevailing wind patterns and peak traffic times to select the most fuel-efficient route and time to drive.
Stand a chance to win this facemask with Mercedes-Benz branding by answering how many new Arocs models have been launched. E-mail your answer to alwyn.viljoen@witness.co.za. One entry per reader, the winner will be announced in the next edition of Witness Wheels on July 2.