Colin on Cars: Recent Episodes
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News, views and interviews all about cars, motorsport and the motor industry.
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Change your driving style to save fuel
By making some small changes to the way you drive, monthly fuel saving could mean Rands in the wallet.
Fuel saving means cents in your pocket
Changing your driving style can go a long way to reducing your fuel use and saving you meaningful money at the fuel pump.
Auto supply chain further disrupted by Russian invasion.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has already sent oil price soaring and further disruptions to global supply chains are likely. However, the auto industry is resilient.
Positive outlook for car sales this year.
Today's guest: Håkan Samuelsson (President & CEO Volvo Car Corporation)
With economies opening up, last year was good for some and predictions show promise for improved activity this year. Connect with Håkan Samuelsson on LinkedIn
Today's Guest: Adv Stefanie Fick (Executive Director of the Accountability and Governance Divisions at OUTA)
In a landmark ruling by the Pretoria High Court, the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act (AARTO) and its Amendments have been declared unconstitutional and invalid.
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) challenged the constitutional validity of AARTO and the AARTO Amendment Act and asked the court in October 2021 to declare both the main act and the amendment act unconstitutional. Connect with Stefanie Fick · Join and support OUTA now
Toyota plans 30 new electric models by 2030.
Toyota is planning to launch a host of electric vehicles across the Toyota and Lexus brands by 2030, with the first of these due next year.
Daimler Trucks and Buses SA goes it alone.
Guest: Michael Dietz (President and CEO Daimler Trucks & Buses Southern Africa)
A new dawn for Daimler Trucks & Buses Southern Africa as it prepares to start life as a standalone company from December 01.
Smarter mobility and smart thinking
Guest: Andrew Kirby (President and CEO Toyota South Africa Motors)
The Toyota Corolla Cross is the first hybrid vehicle to be manufactured in South Africa and ushers in a new era for the company. Connect with Andrew · Corolla Cross
Can Africa progress towards greener motoring?
Guests: Hiten Parmar (Senior Engineer - Electric Vehicle Systems uYilo eMobility Programme) George Mienie (CEO AutoTrader) Kumail Rashid (E-mobility Division Lead (Asia Specific) ABB) Henry Botha (Head: Strategy and Business Analytics: ABSA)
Africa needs to develop a single, cohesive plan for moving its car-buying population towards electric cars and that will involve plans for charging stations, vehicle roll-out, affordability and many other factors. Is Africa ready for Smarter Mobility? Connect with Hiten · Connect with George · Connect with Kumail · Connect with Henry
Car of the Year and auto parts pricing inexorably linked
We look at the SA Car of the Year Competition and the Automobile Parts Pricing survey and how they are linked through winners from the Stellantis Group.
Kiger bites into the small SUV market and Toyota adds hybrid options
Guests: Jaco Oosthuizen (MD Renault South Africa) Wayne van der Merwe (GM Products Renault South Africa)
We take a look at how the market is playing out and why Renault has elected to introduce its small SUV, the Kiger. We also take a brief look at Toyota's expansion of its Hybrid offerings with Corolla and RAV4. Connect with Jaco · Connect with Wayne · Renault South Africa
Palisade takes Hyundai to the R1-million price level
Guests in this episode: Stanley Anderson (Sales and Operations Director, Hyundai SA) Oscar Makola (Marketing Director, Hyundai South Africa)
The Palisade moves Hyundai into the big leagues in more ways than one and marks its first foray into the R1-million club. The Volkswagen Golf GTi goes on sale and there is a chance to bring out the James Bond in you. Connect with Stanley · Connect with Oscar · Hyundai Website
Stylish new versions of the Tiggo spearhead the revival
Today's Guest: Kathy Bell (Transport Specialist, Standard Bank)
Now as a wholly-owned subsidiary of its Chinese parent, Chery is looking to crack the local market as well as supply sub-Saharan Africa. Kathy Bell from Standard Bank offers some advice for entrepreneurs in the transport industry. Connect with Kathy on LinkedIn · Chery Website
Cape Town's iconic backdrop makes city ideal for Formula E
Cape Town ticks all the right boxes to be a host city for a round of the 2022 ABB FIA Formula E world series of racing.
All-new Mazda and demystifying electric vehicle terminology
We take a quick look at the new Mazda BT-50 and set about demystifying some of terminology associated with electric vehicles.
Volkswagen unveils electric plans
The Volkswagen Group is transforming into a software-driven electric and autonomous driving mobility company.
Pothole Project forges ahead with road repairs
The private sector is picking up where national and municipal systems have failed to keep the main road free of potholes. Read the story
The new eActros truck and Volvo's own operating system.
In this episode: Andreas von Wallfeld (Head Marketing Mercedes-Benz Trucks) Hakan Samuelsson (CEO Volvo Cars) Mickey Kataria (Android)
Mercedes-Benz Trucks launches its first fully electric heavy duty truck and Volvo Cars takes connectivity to the next level. Andreas von Wallfeld · Hakan Samuelsson · Mickey Kataria
Things you need to know
Even though much needs to be clarified the AARTO rollout is still set for July 1.
This episode attempts to try and make some sense of the very cumbersome and onerous legislation.
Kia keeps the sedan alive and the auto industry seeks free trade
Kia has launched a new well-specced sedan to compete in the A/B market segment and the auto industry is looking to re-industrialise in Africa with comprehensive Free Trade agreements to help boost GDP. We also offer some tips for driving during load shedding.
Agilitee launches electric motorcycles designed for ease of mobility
Guests in this episode: Krieky du Plessis (Chairperson - Agilitee) Boni Roberts (COO - Agilitee)
Locally assembled electric motorcycles and scooters are aimed at bringing green energy and mobility solutions to South Africa and beyond these borders. Connect with Krieky du Plessis · Connect with Boni · Agilitee
Cementing opportunities for women owner-drivers in trucking
As road freight needs increase, opportunities are being created for more owner-driver operations with women at the wheel.
Lafarge and Volvo Trucks has committed to a new training programme. Lafarge · Volvo
Gaining clarity on electric cars and climate change.
Moving to electric cars will benefit the climate but the change will not happen before the middle of this century.
Lots of eye-candy in the finalists for Car of the Year
The SA Guild of Motoring Journalists has picked the finalists for this year's SA Car of the Year competition - but does it still have meaning? Car of the Year Finalists
Renault gets a new logo and business plan while Volkswagen offers VR tech
Guest: Sithabile Nophumulo (VP Marketing, Renault South Africa)
In this episode we take a look at the evolution of the Renault logo and the new business direction the company is taking ahead of the launch of radically-styled Kiger. Connect with Sithabile on LinkedIn · Renault South Africa
Accident stats go up and servicing goes high-tech.
Research shows car crashes are increasing as a result of Covid lockdowns and Ford is rolling out new technology for its service centres.
The Motor Industry is getting busier!
Burn Run 2021 was an epic success and there are a plethora of new models on the market.
Burn prevention training on the run
Anneri du Plooy (Founder and CEO of Hero Burn)
While the Round Table charity fundraiser, Burn Run is an epic adventure on dirt roads for participants, it is an opportunity for the Hero Burn Foundation to speak to young children at rural schools in remote parts of South Africa about fire and burn prevention. Tell me more about Round Table
Government must act now to resolve the issue
Today's guest is Layton Beard from the Automobile Association.
The e-Toll saga has been dragging on for years with the vast majority of the road users refusing to pay the toll fees and yet, Government still will not accept the system is a total failure. Automobile Association of South Africa
South Africans face hefty fuel price increases and additional taxes on that, while research shows it is the un-safest country in which to drive. Read the Zutobi research
VW plans to make cars more software driven
Change is happening rapidly in the automotive world and Volkswagen has recently outlined plans to speed up its moves into electric vehicles but also to make these more software driven. VW South Africa
Sales of new vehicles are still down on last year but holding their own.
We look at how local sales and exports are coping in the Covid-affected economy and Isuzu joins Burn Run that seeks to raise awareness of the dangers of fire and teaches burn prevention while on a fun event. Round Table Burn Run
The new C-Class is bigger, sleeker and more connected.
Guests in this episode: Dirk Fetzer (Director Project Management C-Class) Belinda Gunther (Head of Colour and Trim)
Borrowing quite heavily from the S-Class the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class grows both in size and in terms of on-board systems and connectivity.
The South African motorist has again been harshly dealt with in the latest Budget Speech. Connect with Dirk Fetzer on LinkedIn
New GT3 smashes Nurburgring record
Guests this episode Frank-Steffan Walliser (VP Porsche Model line 911 and 718) Andreas Preuninger (VP Porsche GT Cars)
The seventh generation Porsche 911 GT3 has been launched and it is much quicker than its predecessor but the urban racer is still good to use of a daily basis. We also have a quick insight into the new Kia X-Line. Connect with Andreas Preuninger on LinkedIn · Read more about this story
Suzuki launches Vitara Brezza and Peugeot offers the 2008
Launch season is underway and we take a look at the new Suzuki Vitara Brezza, the Peugeot 2008 and hear how Volvo Cars turned it all around.
Guests Toni Herbst - Media Liaison | Suzuki SA Tyrone Paulson - DJ | Heart FM Hakan Samuelsson - CEO | Volvo Cars Connect with Håkan Samuelsson on LinkedIn · Connect with Toni Herbst on LinkedIn · Connect with Tyrone Paulsen on LinkedIn · Suzuki.co.za
That's $ 1,050,000,000 !!!
Ford is investing heavily in its factory where Ranger is produced.
Today's guests Cyril Ramaphosa (RSA } President) Andrea Cavallero (Ford International Market Group | Director Operations)
Ford investment in its Silverton plant and in the Tswane Special Economic Zone adds impetus to an already vibrant auto industry in South Africa and will mean a significant number of new jobs being created. Ford.co.za · Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn
Conti becomes OE supplier to Ranger Raptor
Continental Tyre in Port Elizabeth will supply first-fit tyres for Ford Ranger Raptor models for domestic and export markets.
Aspiring rally drivers can see their dreams come true with the participation by Motorsport South Africa in FIA Rally Star. Conti Website · Ford Website
Carlos Tavares (CEO Stellantis) Stellantis becomes the world's fourth largest automaker
The fourth largest automaker came into being this week with the formal launch of Stellantis, born from a merger between the Peugeot group and FCA (Fiat/Chrysler). The new company includes brands such as Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Opel and Vauxhall.
We also take a look at the new direction Kia will be following in the future and hear more about Mercedes-Benz's first entry into the compact SUV electric vehicle segment with the EQA.
Plenty of new model activity this year.
Despite Covid and a tightening economy the auto industry is literally bursting at the seams with new model activity. This episode takes a look at the most relevant of these destined for dealer showrooms.
New and used vehicles sales show positive growth.
Several new model launches and improved new vehicle sales augurs well for the recovery of the motor industry.
Auto exports are significantly down because of the Covid pandemic
South African automakers are under increasing strain as exports dwindle because of the slowing of sales in export markets along with reduced purchasing power at home.
Automakers in South Africa will need to keep adapting
South African automakers have shown immense flexibility and adaptability over the years.
Going forward this will be tested even further.
As a disruptor, Covid has also influenced business thinking.
Disruption during the Covid pandemic has forced many businesses into re-thinking customer interactions and how to deal with the growing online requirements of these people. FNB Features · Motus Online · Fortuner's Fresh Face
More than just a safety cell
Chelsy Pinto (Suzuki SA | Product Planning and Sales Development Coordinator)
All cars have a passenger safety cell built into the design but Suzuki's HEARTECT platform takes this much further and forms the basis of its small car design success. Chelsy Pinto · Suzuki Blog
Delving into the Kinsey Report and Hyundai launches a new Grand i10
Stanley Anderson (Hyundai Sales and Operations Director)
Replacement car parts prices are rising and the annual Kinsey Report shows just how much. We also take a drive in the new Hyundai Grand i10 and chat to Sales and Operations Director, Stanley Anderson.
New app that reads all messages and emails
Texting while driving is a root cause of many avoidable road crashes but, a new app developed by a South African reads all messages, SMS, Whats App and emails out loud so is there is no reason to touch your phone while driving. read the article
What to think about before signing on the dotted line
Buying a new car is a financial and emotional experience and both must be weighed against each other for the final decision to be a long and happy one. We take a look at some of the things you need to consider.
A clever move by Ford to fit a USB port into the rearview mirror
Ford South Africa is fitting a USB port to the rearview mirror of selected Ranger models to make it easier and tidier to drive your dash cam. Also, Audi is rebranding itself for the future. Read more about Dash Cams
A moment of microsleep could cost you your life Eugene Herbert (MasterDrive | Managing Director)
In this edition we talk about the dangers of microsleep and some of the issues surrounding drivers back on the roads after a five-month layoff.
We also take a brief look at two new Volkswagen models. Arrive alive with Masterdrive · Read about this micro killer
The all-new Isuzu D-Max will be manufactured in Port Elizabeth Billy Tom (Isuzu Motors South Africa | Managing Director)
Covid locked us all in our homes but good things were still happening and one of these is the contract secured by Port Elizabeth's Isuzu Motors South Africa to build the all-new D-Maxx bakkies. Isuzu South Africa
Rallying behind literacy
The Rally to Read distribution of books and teaching materials is going ahead despite the economy and lockdown woes. We also take a look at the new Jaguar F-Pace and add-on service options from Mahindra. Rally to Read · Mahindra service plans · New Jaguar F-Pace
In this episode it's congratulations to a South African making motorsport waves overseas and we delve into the data generated by the growing connectivity of motor cars. Read more about these stories