December 3, 2020
THE WITNESS
New Creta range has a choice of three frugal engines
‘Written off cars must be made public’ When Mrs Mahamba purchased her dream second hand vehicle in August this year from a dealer in Gauteng for R378 000, she had absolutely no idea it was a rolling death trap or had been previously written off and deemed uneconomical to repair. It was only when she went back to East London and her husband wanted to book the car in for a service that they were told by the Ford Servicing Dealer that there were multiple problems with the car. The Mahambas immediately took the car to an independent accredited Motor Body Repairer to get a second opinion. Gordon Cummings Bodyworks, who inspected the car, found 35 serious faults ranging from hydraulic brake lines being secured with cable ties, to multiple structural repair issues on the frame to a front suspension that could break, collapse or shear due to heated second-hand suspension parts. The net result, a vehicle which is not only very unsafe and dangerous to drive, but one which could cause a very serious road accident. Richard Green, national director of the South African Motorbody Repairers’ Association (Sambra), an Association of the Retail Motor Industry (RMI), says this is a perfect example of why we are urging the insurers to release a write-off register which can protect unsuspecting buyers. “The lack of information available to potential buyers in the used vehicle market, with regards to previously ‘written off’ vehicles is just unacceptable,” he says. In the Cummings case the car was sold to the unsuspecting couple from a whatsapp video with a “legitimate” Code 2 Registration. “We have investigated the matter further and found the vehicle was initially sold in Cape Town in 2017 in Paarden Eiland. It was then written off in October 2019. The vehicle then found its way to Johannesburg where it was repaired at a second hand car dealership and where it was finally sold to the Mahambas,” notes Green. Green says the assessors know the Johannesburg dealer who sold the rebuild. They have visited this same dealer with a similar complaint on another Ford Ranger which was also a very sub-standard rebuild. In that case the client was advised not to buy the vehicle. “It is very concerning that they could see other repairs being done on the same premises, particularly if this is the standard of work being carried out,” says Green. In the Mahamba case, Green says Sambra gave the dealer in question an opportunity to respond to multiple questions but they declined to answer any of the questions. “We received a copy of the sales invoice instead in which the dealer had written on the invoice, ‘The client is happy with the condition of the vehicle and buying it as is. Discount was given because of the sensor problem.’ If, as suspected after investigation, this dealer was aware of the problems, or indeed repaired this vehicle and then sold it via their own second hand car sales outlet, they have acted extremely negligently and could perhaps also be accused of intent to defraud which is a criminal act.” Insurers routinely “write off” vehicles and these vehicles are sold, within a salvage contract to auction yards and while there is nothing wrong with this on face value, the problem comes in when these vehicles, still registered as Code 2 (the description for a used car), are sold to any buyer willing to pay the highest price on auction. “In many cases, like the Mahamba example, these vehicles are bought by dubious repairers and sold back into the system,” Green says.— WR.
Hyundai has introduced the new Creta (pictured), powered by a choice of three new engines — a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder with a 1 497 cc displacement; a turbodiesel 4-cylinder, with a 1 493 cc displacement; and a turbocharged petrol with a displacement of 1 353 cc. The engines are mated in different combinations to either a sixspeed manual gearbox, a conventional six-speed automatic transmission, a new six-speed Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) that uses a chain belt and pulley system with an increased gear ration span, or a seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). All derivatives are driven by the front wheels. The 1,5-litre delivers 85 kW peak power at 6 300 rpm and 144 Nm at 4 500 rpm. The new turbodiesel makes 85 kW at 4 000 r/min and 250 Nm maximum torque from 1 500 to 2 750 rpm, coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The new 1,4-litre turbocharged petrol engine is reserved for the flagship derivative — the Creta 1,4 TGDI Executive with the 7-speed DCT and a twotone exterior colour finish. This engine delivers 103 kW at 6 000 rpm
and 242 Nm maximum torque between 1 500 and 3 200 rpm. A McPherson strut front suspension and coupled torsion beam axle on the rear wheels have been tuned to give the new Creta a solid, surefooted feeling on both tar roads and gravel routes. The rear axle, which includes trailing arms and carriers on which the rear wheels are mounted, offers improved compliance characteristics that are no-
ticeable when the Creta encounters a mountain pass or a bumpy road. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ensures control even in difficult road conditions, while a tyre pressure monitoring system gives early warning should a tyre run flat. Other safety features include air bags, and three-point inertia reel safety belts with pretensioners. All models are sold with a sevenyear or 200 000 km warranty, a
four-year or 60 000 km service plan; and roadside assistance for seven years or 150 000 km. Creta pricing 1,5 Premium (manual) R374 900 1,5 Executive IVT R429 900 1,5 Executive IVT (2-tone) R434 900 1,5 Executive TD (auto) R469 900 1,5 Executive TD (auto) (2-tone) R474 900 1,4 TGDI Executive DCT R484 900
New Triber offers performance and fuel economy Renault’s new Triber offers the perfect balance of performance and fuel economy, thanks to a small but strong one-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine that generates 52 kW and 96 Nm torque. Dual variable valve timing (VVT) makes the Newtons available from 3 500 rpm to deliver a responsive drive and a claimed fuel use of 5,5 litres per 100 km. A gear shift indicator on the digital tachometer assists with driving at an optimum speed for better fuel efficiency, while the on-board computer keeps the driver informed about driving-related information, like fuel consumption and average speed and distance to empty. A new five-speed “Easy-R” automatic transmission offers drivers a
Triber comes with the French marque’s high passive safety level, including emergency lock retractor, retractable three-point seatbelts in the front and second row of seats, and three point seatbelts without retractors in the third-row seats. Renault’s EasyFix seats allow for the two rear seats in the third row to be removed to allow for optimised space. Four models are on sale, all with a two-year or 30 000 km service plan and a fiveyear or 150 000 km warranty. Services are at 15 000 km. The new Renault Triber can make the school run easy for large families. PHOTO: QUICKPIC manual mode should the driving requirements call for this, which will be the case up KZN’s steep hills
with all three rows in the back occupied by pupils. Safety is a key selling point for Renault, and the
Pricing Expression: R183 900 Dynamique: R193 900 Prestige; R209 900 Prestige: AMT R219 900.
VW launches a highly powerful V6, 190kW Amarok VW celebrated the Amarok’s 10th year with the introduction of the 190 kW Amarok. The 3,0-litre V6 TDI is tuned to generate 190 kW from 3 000 to 4 500 rpm and 580 Newton metres of torque from 1 400 to 2 750 rpm which is channelled through its standard eight-speed automatic gearbox. The Amarok, which is one of the quickest double cab bakkies in the market thanks to launch control available for fast acceleration, completes the zero to 100 km/h sprint in just 7,6 seconds and has a top speed of 207 km/h. The average fuel consumption is 9,5 litres per 100 kilometres.
The Amarok is the most powerful bakkie on sale in South Africa now. PHOTO: QUICKPIC With an over-boost function that powers the Amarok to a maximum power output of 200 kW for 10 sec-
onds, it is the most powerful bakkie on sale in South Africa at the moment.
Motor dealers hopeful Latest vehicle sales show stability South Africa’s hard-pressed motor dealers are feeling cautiously optimistic about the future, following the release of the November new vehicle retail sales figures by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa). “Even though the retail sales figures remained muted in November, which once again reminded us of the challenges facing the overall automotive industry in these times, the general feeling of dealers is that they are slightly more hopeful than they were a few months ago,” said Mark Dommisse, the chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (Nada). The total dealer retail sales figure of 33 547 units in November was 5% above the October figure, but still 3,8% lower than the sales achievement in November 2019, when 34 861 units were sold. Dealer sales equated to 85% of total sales in November, with the rental market taking 8%, the government 3,9% and corporate fleets the remaining 2,8%. Dommisse continued: “The monthly sales decline across the entire new car market has remained steady since halfway through 2020. What we need to know now, is what direction the government is going to take to handle the growing number of Covid19 infections while still preserving a recovering economy.” The Nada chairperson went on to say that the pricing of pre-owned vehicles is holding up well, but there is a concern
about a decrease in the supply of used vehicles. He added that he believes this shortfall will continue into 2021 and is problematic for the industry. “Fortunately, interest rates are remaining low, and we still have the rand holding up against the dollar as well as a stable oil price. The looming wage dispute between the government and the trade unions could affect the economy. “With economic uncertainty, customers are wary of spending on big ticket, durable items. Instead they are tending to hold onto savings and disposable income for the time being. “Another problematical area is the backlog in renewing vehicle and driver’s licences, as well as the threat of the rigorous AARTO regulations taking effect without amendment, which will have farreaching negative outcomes for the motor industry. “The good news is that the industry has started on its long road to recovery with fairly consistent sales results over the past five months. This is bringing a measure of stability to the market. We also know that the pandemic has altered the way many people travel and anticipate ongoing changes in the commute between home and work into the future. “This will impact on the type of vehicles they buy or whether a significant number will switch to shared transport options,” said Dommisse. — WR.
NEW CEO FOR SUMITOMO RUBBER SA
Off road ABS and stability control enhance the Amarok’s safety features and four disc brakes all round give the Amarok V6 190 kW enormous stopping power. It also has the largest bin, largest loading width and the largest cabin in its class. The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Amarok comes standard with a three-year or 100 000 km manufacturer warranty, five-year or 90 000 km Genuine Easy Drive Service Plan and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty, which is the best in its class. The service intervals are 15 000 km. The Highline lists for R921 900 and the Extreme for R996 000. — Witness Reporter.
Sumitomo Rubber SA (SRSA), manufacturer of the Dunlop, Sumitomo and Falken tyre brands for the African continent, has announced the appointment of Lubin Ozoux (pictured) as the new CEO and executive director, effective from January 1, 2021. Ozoux will take over the role from outgoing CEO Riaz Haffejee, who has led the company for the past eight years. Ozoux is the current group director: sales, marketing and operation at SRSA, and has been a key member of the executive committee. He joined SRSA in 2017 as director: export (Africa) leading the expansion into key African markets, and later taking on the responsibility of sales in Af-
rica, including South Africa. Prior to joining SRSA, Ozoux spent 11 years with Hilti Corporation. He has extensive sales, marketing, engineering and management experience. — WR.
Ford Wildlife Foundation helps hippos The Ford Wildlife Foundation (FWF) has provided a locally assembled Ford Ranger to the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) School of Life Sciences in Pietermaritzburg to help in its collection of biological information on the hippopotamus amphibious, or hippo as it is commonly known. Despite being an iconic African megaherbivore, until recently relatively little research had been conducted on hippo ecology and behaviour. With the support of the Ford Wildlife Foundation, which has provided the vehicle for a minimum of two years, the UKZN hippo research team will be better equipped to gather crucial data for ongoing hippo conservation management and monitoring. In addition to providing valuable information to benefit the conservation of hippo across the African continent, the team is addressing issues such as human-hippo wildlife conflict and hippo impacts on freshwater resources and fisheries in South Africa. Hence this project will contribute to a growing body of knowledge and increase the overall understanding of this important but understudied species. Professor Colleen Downs, of the Downs Research Lab at the UKZN
Innovation for Benz The International Truck of the Year jury (IToY) has awarded its prestigious 2021 Truck Innovation Award to fully-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros and the fuel-cell concept Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck. The IToY jury, consisting of 25 commercial-vehicle editors and senior journalists, representing major trucking magazines from Europe and South Africa, highlighted the company’s comprehensive approach to emobility based on a clear-cut, long-term strategy. Michael Dietz, CEO of Daimler Trucks and Buses Southern Africa, said the awards follow the SA 2020 International Truck of the Year title awarded to the
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WHEELS
www.witness.co.za
A chassis frame weakened by heating and welding. PHOTO: SAMBRA
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VIEW OUR SPECIALS - HURRY WHILE STOCK LASTS Staff unload a Ford Ranger Double Cab 4x4 used by the UKZN School of Life Sciences and sponsored by the Ford Wildlife Foundation. School of Life Sciences said there has been a globally decline in field research, often because of the associated travel costs and difficulties in getting to field sites. “The Covid-19 pandemic has further exacerbated this, yet conservation measures for wetland species living in regions of the world where logistic or economic constraints curtail field research are more important than ever,” she said. Downs added that having a capable 4x4 vehicle will enable the researchers to access various research and field
sites across several provinces to access hippo field sites regularly. This is the second UKZN School of Life Sciences project supported by the Ford Wildlife Foundation. Doreen Mashinini, general manager marketing at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, said: “We are delighted to support further the commendable work the university does, empowering the team to access remote and often unchartered terrain to conduct important and valuable hippo research. — Witness Reporter.
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new Actros, which was launched in South Africa earlier this year. Dietz said local dealers look forward to introducing these innovative front-runners to our market in the future. — WR.
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