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THE WITNESS
JULY 9, 2020
WHEELS
www.witness.co.za
AA wants licensing crisis fixed Menzi Ngubane, new car sales executive at VW Barons in Pietermaritzburg, says the dealership is grateful for good sales since lockdown. PHOTO: ALWYN VILJOEN
VW Barons busy during lockdown ALWYN VILJOEN DEALERSHIPS across South Africa were braced for low sales during lockdown, but at VW Barons in Pietermaritzburg, dealer principal Darryl Chetty asked Witness Wheels to give a big thank you to the public for buying 98 vehicles during June. National new vehicle sales were 30,7% down year-on year, with 14 086 units sold in South Africa compared to 45 953 vehicles sold in June last year. Barons new car sales executive Menzi Ngubane said the customers came from far, with one sale to a customer Upington in the Northern Cape, and several to people in the Eastern Cape. He said some of the sales were to people who did not want to risk contracting Covid-19 while using public transport or taxis and there was also a 21st birthday gift, but most customers just wanted stylish German engineering they could afford. Ngubane said sales staff now have to use social media, especially WhatsApp, a lot more to communicate with customers. Apart from the Polos, which sold 2 432 units across the Polo and Vivo ranges to retain its title as South Africa’s best selling passenger car range, Ngubane also sold several Caddy models. “I’m am a performance car enthusiast, but when I don’t want to go fast, I can vouch the Caddy fits any lifestyle, whether you transport people or bikes. Its road clearance (of 155 mm) allows you to explore where a scenic dirt road leads. “I’ve been up Sani Pass and to the Kruger Park in the Caddy, and it has all the benefits of a spacious van while driving like a car,” said Ngubane. Overall, Volkswagen sold the second most vehicles in SA with 4 448 people getting a new VW in June. The sales figures show Toyota is still SA’s top brand, with 8 442 units sold. Hyundai sold the third most vehicles at 2 457 units, followed by Ford (2 138) and Isuzu (2 040). SA’s bakkie sales put Hilux on top, with 3 131 sales across the single, extra and double cab rangers, followed by the Isuzu D-Max (1 668) and the Ford Ranger (1 242).
In Hungary, Genevation Aircraft and Alaka’i Technologies are building the Skai, billed as the first hydrogen-powered passenger drone. Using light hydrogen tanks instead of heavy lithium-ion batteries to store electricity is better suited for aircraft and trucks, which is why the Daimler and Volvo groups are also exploring hydrogen systems for their trucks. PHOTO: YOUTUBE
Hyundai’s H2 trucks Switzerland takes delivery of first hydrogen fuel cell lorries from Korea to cut emissions ALWYN VILJOEN HYUNDAI Motor Company has shipped the first 10 of 50 hydrogenpowered trucks — the world’s first mass-produced fuel cell heavy-duty trucks — to Switzerland. The trucks are powered by the Korean company’s Xcient Fuel Cells and arguably ends the debate on the benefits of storing electricity either in hydrogen tanks or lithium-ion batteries. This debate has been raging for years, with Tesla’s Elon Musk calling it foolcells and future trend analysts like Tony Seba, co-founder of RethinkX and Erik Fairbairn, CEO of POD Point, pointing out that all the negatives of batteries — their short ranges and long charging times — are in the past, but the hurdles to make, store and transport “clean” hydrogen are all still in place. The VW and Daimler groups recently took heed of these facts and have announced an end to their hydrogen programmes for passenger vehicles. VW said it dropped hydrogen because the system’s overall energy efficiency of 25%-30% is on par with an fossil-fuelled engines and compares poorly with
the 70-90% efficiency of all-electric car systems. A BMW/Toyota collaboration is following in Hyundai’s footsteps to develop cheaper hydrogen fuel cells systems for cars, but the Korean giant said the hydrogen’s quick refuelling times and expensive storage systems are better suited to electric trucks. Daimler agrees, and in April announced it will work with Volvo Trucks
to launch hydrogen-powered trucks “in the second half of the decade”. In Switzerland, Hyundai said it plans to roll out a total of 1 600 hydrogen trucks by 2025, reflecting the company’s environmental commitment and technological prowess as it works toward reducing carbon emissions through zeroemission solutions. The Hyundai trucks have seven large hydrogen tanks with a combined stor-
age capacity of around 32,09 kg of hydrogen that gives the truck a driving range about 400 km. Refuelling for each truck takes approximately 8-20 minutes. The latest electric cars typically have a range of 300 km and can be recharged in an hour using super chargers, but their range decreases rapidly with steep hills or heavy loads, which is why trucks and big SUVs fare better when the pow-
er is stored in light hydrogen fuel tanks rather than heavy batteries that add to the vehicles’ weight. Executive vice president and head of commercial vehicle division at Hyundai Motor, In Cheol Lee, said a “comprehensive hydrogen ecosystem” now needs to be built in Switzerland to lead to “a paradigm shift that removes automobile emissions from the environmental equation”. “Having introduced the world’s first mass-produced fuel-cell electric passenger vehicle, the ix35, and the secondgeneration fuel cell electric vehicle, the Nexo, Hyundai is now leveraging decades of experience, world-leading fuelcell technology, and mass-production capability to advance hydrogen in the commercial vehicle sector with the Xtravelling Fuel Cell,” he added. In addition to Xcient Fuel Cell, Hyundai is also developing a long-distance tractor unit capable of travelling 1 000 kilometres on a single charge. It will be equipped with an enhanced fuel cell system with high durability and power, aimed at global markets including North America and Europe. • alwyn.viljoen@witness.co.za
ENERGY CAMPAIGNER SLAMS EUROPE’S HYDROGEN PLAN THE European Commission yesterday announced an industry-led alliance that aims to position Europe as a global leader on hydrogen, and the greenies hate the very idea. According to the draft EU document, one of the key objectives will be to deliver “a pipeline of large-scale investment projects in the clean hydrogen ecosystem” that will benefit from special status as so-called Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs). Normal EU rules will not apply to those projects, allowing national gov-
ernments to subsidise them without having to observe the EU’s usually strict state aid limits. The EuraActive website reports environmental groups have criticised the commission’s plans for favouring the oil industry. The composition of the governing board, in particular, is focusing criticism from the Greens. Tara Connolly, an energy campaigner at Friends of the Earth Europe, an environmental NGO, said the Commission is handing the keys to Europe’s hydrogen sector over to the fossil fuel industry, which she said “have no
interest in producing renewable hydrogen and just want a way to keep Europe hooked on fossil fuels”. Another critic of hydrogen systems, analyst Tony Seba, states in his “Entrepreneurship, Disruption and Clean Energy” lecture as part of Stanford’s Continuing Studies Programme, that current processes to make hydrogen at industrial scale emits more toxic gasses than the diesel engines it can in theory replace. He adds the infrastructure needed to transport hydrogen will cost billions of dollars, with no cost savings at the fuel pump.
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IN response to the unique challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Nissan SA said it will soon be offering home test drives with a few pilot dealers, to support customers who prefer to physically experience a Nissan vehicle of their choice. This follows developments at Nissan dealerships around the world to bring the showroom directly into potential buyers’ homes. All the most popular services, queries and bookings associated with a trip to your local dealer can be done virtually. This includes an interactive video call with dealers nationwide linking digital solutions to the physical dealer environment, “enabling our cus-
tomers to virtually connect with our highly skilled sales executives for a real-time virtual demonstration of the vehicle”. In addition to South Africa, Nissan has grouped its digital and remote services under a new Shop@Home tab on its websites across Middle East, Turkey and India. Services include ordering online, get a quotation or request a call back. The buying process can also be completed online with the help of a finance calculator and soon a pre-finance assessment will be introduced, as well as comprehensive service and warranty information. Nissan chairman of the Africa
Middle East and India (AMI) region, Guillaume Cartier, said in a statement: “The digital space offers huge potential to revolutionise the vehicle purchase and ownership experience. “At Nissan, we listened to customers during this challenging time, and have developed a range of online features and services that allow people to choose, compare, configure and even purchase a vehicle from the comfort and safety of their own homes.” In addition to the Shop@Home features, Nissan’s website also has a complete section dedicated to customer wellbeing for the Covid-19 pandemic. It includes fun family ac-
Awards for top Audi staff in KZN ALWYN VILJOEN DUE to lockdown, Audi’s annual Silver Diamond awards were this year awarded during a virtual event attended by an online audience of over 300 people. Six achievers from KZN were among the 38 managers and executives recognised for their achieve-
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From left: Rodney Reddy, Londeka Dubazane and Ashley Naicker. ments during 2019. Ashley Naicker is the New Vehicle Sales Executive winner in Category 3 and third overall salesman in SA in category 1 at Audi Centre Umhlanga. His colleague Rodney Reddy won
the Audi Finance Service Award in Category 1. “A big shout out to my sales team who made this achievement possible. And to all our loyal clients and future clients come visit us at Audi Umhlanga where you get
tivities to do under a lockdown, useful tips to be safe, and updates on Nissan’s contribution in fighting the virus under its Covid-19 Updates tab. Nissan AMI regional vice president, Joni Paiva, commented: “The pandemic has had a profound impact on businesses and people. We are adapting to a ‘new normal’ by providing the functionality needed around buying and owning a vehicle, with the safety, flexibility, and ease of doing so from home or place of work. It is all about convenience for our customers.” — WR. • Experience the new digital service at nissan.co.za/shop-home.html. only the best deals in our brand,” said Reddy. Londeka Dubazane is the Finance and Insurance Business Manager for Audi Centre Richards Bay and said her winning the top award for Audi’s Finance Service Award in Category 3 is the result of team synergy. “We at Audi Centre Richards Bay are eager to get you into a car of your dreams at low monthly repayments. As our slogan at Midbay Motors reads: ‘We don’t just sell you a vehicle, we help you buy a vehicle’,” she said. At Audi Centre Newcastle, Omar Dockrat is the Top Dealer Principal and Ashish Chrisenduth the Top Service Manager, both in Category 3.
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ENGEN has announced the arrival of their new Engen 1app, which conveniently offers motorists a safe and contactless way to pay. Seelan Naidoo, Engen’s general manager of Retail said by downloading and using the Engen 1app, motorists would no longer need to carry cash or cards to make fuel purchases; and loyalty points
will automatically be registered with Engen’s respective loyalty partners, including Clicks Clubcard, FNB eBucks and Edcon Thank U. Other benefits include an interactive Engen service station locator, a vehicle logbook to track your mileage, full record of your purchase history and special promotions, all offering customers a
gateway to the future of convenience motoring. “So, don’t delay ... download the new Engen 1App today by simply visiting the Google Play or Apple App store. “Join Engen’s exciting digital drive and enjoy a safe and convenient driving experience,” said Naidoo. — Witness Reporter.
BELEAGUERED Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has made no response or even aknowledged a call by the Automobile Association (AA) for his department to extend the validity of all licences beyond the August 30 deadline. Due to closed post offices and licensing centres, many thousands of motorists do not have the necessary legal driving documents and cannot renew their licences, AA CEO Willem Groenewald has said. The AA had noted that the current extension period only covered those driving licences which expired before the end of May, he said. “Any licences which expire in June or July may have an immediate 21-day grace period, but there are problems which make it difficult for these drivers to renew licences within that time.” Groenewald said the current National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) continued to be problematic, including the lack, or limited availability of slots. He also said that some centres could still be closed as a result of Covid-19 infections among staff. “Our experience is that the majority of drivers in South Africa prefer to remain compliant with the regulations, and to be on the road legally. “Although the system is often problematic, drivers take the necessary steps to ensure they remain within the law. However, given the current constraints on the system, many are faced with the real possibility that they may not be able to do this,” Groenewald said. He said a further extension beyond the end of August to the end of January 2021, would make provision for the closure of licensing centres over the festive period, and for further potential closures as a result of Covid-19. As an alternative to an extension, the AA said it also urged the Transport minister to consider allowing third party agents — such as the AA — to perform licensing renewal services, which are currently only offered through the driving licence testing centres (DLTCs). “Not only will this go a long way in dealing with the current and historical backlogs it will also alleviate the pressure on the DLTC infrastructure going forward,” said Groenewald. — Witness Reporter.
ISUZU FLEXIPAY OFFER EXTENDED FOLLOWING good uptake from customers, Isuzu Motors SA is extending its offer to assist all owners of Isuzu bakkie that are out of warranty and service plan expires. The Isuzu Take Care Campaign gives owners of older Isuzu vehicles who have their vehicles serviced at an approved Isuzu workshop, a 12-month Isuzu Complete Care Roadside Assistance Plan. Owners can also apply for an amount of up to R200 000 through an Isuzu FlexiPay loan from WesBank CashPower to pay for the vehicle service. The offer was due to close at the end of July, but Chris Jonck, aftersales, subsidiaries and joint ventures executive at Isuzu, confirmed to Witness Wheels the offer will be extended for another two months to meet demand. “This means Isuzu owners can defer the costs of maintenance and preserve their cash for more immediate needs as we work to rebuild our economy. It is our personal commitment to safeguard our customers and their vehicles at all times’,” Jonck said in a statement. — Witness Reporter.
MORE TOYOTA PARTS IN SA WORK has begun in earnest at the Toyota parts distribution warehouse in Atlas Road, East Rand, where Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) is expanding this facility to double in size from 40 000m² to 80 000m². TSAM is investing a total R365 million in the project and, when completed next year, the warehouse will be the largest automotive parts warehouse in the Southern Hemisphere. The investment is a reflection of TSAM’s commitment to both the South African economy as well as the local automotive sector. The expanded parts distribution warehouse will allow TSAM to further improve the availability of service and replacement parts on all of its vehicles – including Toyota, Hino and Lexus. It will also support over 250 dealerships in the Southern Africa region, as well as 70 international destinations where proudly South African-built Toyota vehicles are found. — WR.