Wheels 29August2019 by Driver News

August 29, 2019

THE WITNESS

WHEELS

www.witness.co.za

Toyota Suzuki alliance

Merc launched three new GLE models, with a slew of active driving assistants, the latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience and even a driver’s seat that ‘supports beneficial changes in seated posture by means of minute movements of the seat cushion and backrest when on a journey’. The range is powered by two new petrol engines or a new diesel. The GLE models are not cheap, starting at R1 210 500 for the GLE 300 d 4MATIC and topping out at R1 329 400 for the GLE 450 4MATIC. The GLE 400d 4MATIC offers the most power with 243 kW and 700 Nm, selling for R1 351 200. PHOTO: MOTORPRESS

Collaboration is key for future cars ALWYN VILJOEN

able growth by overcoming the new challenges surrounding the automobile TOYOTA, the world’s largest vehicle sector by building and deepening co-opbuilder, yesterday announced it will form erative relationships in new fields”. an alliance to collaborate with the 11thToyota’s announcement forms part of ranked Suzuki Motor Corporation in a slew of partnerships the company has new fields, including autonomous driv- recently entered, including one with the ing. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency to Toyota brings its strength in electrifi- develop hydrogen-powered rovers for cation technologies to the table while space. Toyota has also partnered with Suzuki offers technologies for small cars. Contemporary Amperex Technology Talks for the alCo., Limited liance date back to (CATL) to develop 2016, and in batteries for elecMarch this year tric vehicles. This the companies anagreement covers nounced they the full lifespan of would engage in a battery, concludjoint product deing with recycling velopment and the battery pack to collaborate in prosupply household duction. power. Toyota said in a Toyota also has a statement the au- The Volocopter is a drone that can joint venture with tomobile sector is carry two people and their luggage. Subaru to develop “currently experia platform dedicatencing a turning point unprecedented in ed to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for both scope and scale”. They refer to cities midsize and large passenger vehicles and around the world planning to ban fossil to jointly develop a C-segment-class fuel engines, while every week sees a new BEV SUV model for sale under each start-up company introducing “diversi- company’s own brand. fied mobility businesses”. These range In China, BYD entered into an agreefrom two-seater electric trikes shipped ment with Toyota to develop battery to buyers for self-assembly, to people- electric vehicles (BEVs). carrying drones. BYD is a world leader in electric cars The statement says that Toyota and and buses, and will supply systems and Suzuki will continue to be competitors, batteries for Toyota-branded vehicles in presumably in fossil fuel cars, but the China from next year. two companies plan to “achieve sustain- • alwyn.viljoen@witness.co.za

Events

Three new GLEs

Isuzu trucks testing gas and dual fuel PORT ELIZABETH — Isuzu Motors South Africa is evaluating alternate fuels for the range of Isuzu trucks in the African market. Dominic Rimmer, (pictured) IMSAF Executive for Technical Services, said this is part of the company’s drive to offer lower running costs while minimising the impact on the environment. Isuzu is currently looking at two types of alternate propulsion technologies for its trucks, namely; a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel ruck, and a dual fuel powered truck converted to run on natural gas and diesel. “We’ve built a handful of prototype trucks which are currently being tested in real world conditions on South African roads by a number of Isuzu fleet customers.

“If the testing is successful we could see more of these trucks paving the way for a greener motoring landscape in future,” said Rimmer. The trucks being tested are an Isuzu NPR300 and the FTR 850 AMT. The N-series truck uses Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as well as a Stop-Start fuel-saving system to create a more environmentally friendly truck while reducing operating costs.

Rimmer said CNG-powered engines emit virtually no gas particulates and produce very little carbon dioxide (CO2). Isuzu also produces three-way catalytic converter equipped CNG vehicles that achieve an excellent lowpollution emission performance. The popular FTR 850 AMT is a locally developed, dual fuel truck which can run on a mixture of diesel and natural gas. Rimmer said the control system easily switches between diesel or gas with little effect on torque and power. Sasol is already importing compressed natural gas from Mozambique and is in the process of replacing or augmenting coal with natural gas at the chemical factories at Sasolburg and the synthetic fuel plant in Secunda. — WR.

• September 18-21: The Johannesburg Expo Centre at Nasrec hosts Automechanika , a trade fair for the automotive aftermarket, as well as the Futuroad and Scalex Expos. Automechanika visitor passes are free on https://bit.ly/2VbvHHo, while free passes to the Futuroad and Scalex expos are on: https://bit.ly/321CRCr. • November 16-20: WesBank 2 500 km Fuel Economy Tour in partnership with FNB. Contact Wilken Communication Management on 012 460 4448 to enter.

WE HAVE A LARGE VARIETY OF ENGINES AND GEARBOXES TO CHOOSE FROM

MANY PERFORMANCE ENGINES AVAILABLE

QUALITY USED LOW MILEAGE ENGINES, GEARBOXES & PARTS

Other Engine Spares - Cylinder Heards for most makes of LDV’s - Replacement Turbos for most makes of LDV’s - Bell Housing Big/ Small - Gearboxes - Diﬀs

Lexus Spares 1UZ-FE - Full Gasket set - Water Pumps - Cam Belts - Flywheel - Plug Lead set - Coils - Fan Belts - Starters - Dizzy Caps - Airﬂow Meters - Engine Mountings - Gearbox Mountings - Cam Belt Pulleys - Alternators

ENGINES, GEARBOXES, HEADS, TURBOS, DIFFS, LEXUS SPARES We have in-house Workshop for Engine Exchange and Fitments

WE OFFER DELIVERIES INTO DURBAN AND SURROUNDING AREAS ON ALL ENGINE AND GEARBOX PURCHASES.

WFO Enduro’s final round THE Natal WFO Enduro Association hosts the final round in the local WFO series at Lynford School in Ixopo on September 7. The WFO will form part of the annual Lynford Country Weekend, with activities for all ages, including trail runs, air soft battles, food stalls, jumping castles,

water slides, zip lines, a tea garden, a flee market and live music. A draw for the Sea to Sky will take place at the prize giving. One day licences available on www.motorsport.co.za. For more information, phone Nadine Flanagan on 073 990 3698 or contact info@wforacing.co.za. — WR.

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