MINI Clubman Bond Street to debut at 2013 Geneva Motor Show

MINI has announced that the new Clubman Bond Street design model will make its official debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The MINI Clubman Bond Street design model bears the name of the most exclusive shopping street in London and was designed with style-conscious customers in mind.

MINI Clubman Bond Street is an exclusive ride

??Engine Capability

Four engine variants will be available depending on the market and these include the 90kW MINI Cooper Clubman, the 82kW MINI Cooper D Clubman, the 135kW MINI Cooper S Clubman and the 105kW MINI Cooper SD Clubman. All engine variants are mated to a 6-speed manual transmission as standard while a 6-speed automatic transmission will be available as an option.

Exterior Styling Features

The MINI Clubman Bond Street features a Midnight Black metallic paint finish with a Cool Champagne contrasting colour for the roof, exterior mirror caps and lower sections of the C-pillars while bonnet stripes further accent the vehicles exterior design. The MINI Clubman Bond Street rides on 17-inch light alloy wheels in Twin Spoke Black design with an exclusive Cool Champagne trim ring. The side indicator surrounds and door sill strips display ‘Bond Street’ lettering.

Interior Styling Features

The interior features Lounge Leather sports seats in Carbon Black with piping and stitching in Deep Champagne while the leather-covered instrument panel is finished in Black/Carbon Black. Furthermore, the interior surfaces are finished in Deep Champagne while the Colour Line and armrests feature leather in Deep Champagne. The floor mats feature black piping and contrasting stitching in Deep Champagne.

Options will include climate control, an onboard computer, Sport Button, rain sensors with automatic headlamp activation, a leather steering wheel with multi-function buttons, cruise control and height adjustment for the front passenger seat. A storage package and a lighting package will also be available for the MINI Clubman Bond Street.

MINI Hyde Park

Another MINI design model, the MINI Hyde Park, named after prime real estate in London will feature a combination of a Pepper White exterior with the contrasting Cool Champagne for the roof, exterior mirror caps and bonnet and side stripes. This design model comes with the same engine options offered for the MINI Clubman Bond Street.

The MINI Clubman Bond Street will go on sale worldwide after its debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

PSA Peugeot Citroen reveals innovations for the future

PSA Peugeot Citroën has revealed various ‘game-changing’ technologies at its recent Innovation Day held at the group’s Automotive Design Network (ADN) R&D centre in Vélizy, France. Some of the new technologies include a revolutionary technology called Hybrid Air as well as a new global modular platform.

??New technologies for the future for PSA Peugeot Citroen

The technologies created by PSA Peugeot Citroën have been developed to meet the challenges facing the car of the future which include urbanisation, climate change, consumers’ shifting mobility choices and new ways of using vehicles. The new technologies revealed are as follows.

Hybrid Air – Hybrid Air is a new type of full-hybrid powertrain that combines a petrol engine and compressed air for energy storage, eliminating the need for batteries and represents a key step towards a 2-litres/100km car by 2020. Cars using this technology could operate as a zero emission vehicle for 60 to 80% of the time during city driving.

Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2) – The groups new global modular platform will provide effective solutions in terms of modularity, equipment and carbon reduction. The new platform is expected to cover 50% of total production in the long term. The new Citroen C4 Picasso and Peugeot 308 will be the first models produced using the platform. The platform will be used for vehicles in the C and D segments as well as for hatchbacks, sedans, coupes, cabriolets, estates, MPVs and SUVs.

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) – In 2013, PSA Peugeot Citroën will introduce SCR to maintain its leadership position in diesel efficiency and lower NOx emissions. This technology makes it possible to eliminate NOx and reduce fuel consumption by 2 to 4%. ??Eco Hybrid – This technology will be used on petrol and diesel vehicles in the B, C and D segments and will reduce CO2 emissions by 15g and cut fuel consumption by up to 15%.

Dedicated Exhaust Gas Recirculation System (EGR) – This technology is designed to optimise fuel efficiency and deliver significant fuel savings.

Hydole – This is a plug-in hybrid demonstrator that tests the potential uses of the car of the future with the aim of meeting customer expectations for driving range, comfort and affordability.

VelV – VelV is a light electric vehicle project designed to meet city and suburban driving needs with a record power consumption level of just 85Wh/km travelled.

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series in South Africa

The Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series has been launched in South Africa. The C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series is reminiscent of the successful SLS AMG GT3 customer sports car and represents technology transfer from the world of motorsport into a dynamic sports car offering.

??Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series brings racing tech to the road

Engine Capability

The C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series is powered by a 6.3-litre V8 engine that develops 380kW and 620Nm of torque while the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission puts that power to the road. Combined NEDC fuel consumption is rated at 12.2-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 286g/km. The C 63 AMG will accelerate to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 300km/h.

Exterior Styling Features

The Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series features an arrow-shaped front section with air intakes in the front apron. Openings in the aluminium bonnet help expel engine heat while a black front splitter helps enhance the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle. The side view features air outlets behind the wheel arches reminiscent of racing cars. Black inserts feature on the restyled AMG side skirts. The 19-inch AMG light alloy are painted in titanium grey and weigh 7kg less than conventional wheels and enhance suspension response and steering precision.

The rear apron features a black diffuser insert that creates a broad effect. The black grille on the upper end of the diffuser and the AMG sports exhaust with chromed twin tailpipes integrated into the rear apron define the rear-end look of the C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series. The spoiler lip is painted in body colour and helps reduce lift and provides stability at high speeds. The AMG logo with discreet ‘Black Series’ lettering is reserved exclusively for the C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series.

Interior Styling Features

The interior of the C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series is black with red highlight elements. Two AMG sports bucket seats provide maximum lateral support on the road or on the track. The omission of the rear bench highlights the vehicle’s sporty character while also reducing its weight. The C 63 Coupe Black Series is optionally available as a four-seater and includes AMG sports seats with single seats in the rear.

The AMG Performance steering wheel with a flattened top and bottom features aluminium shift paddles for manual gear changes. Red seatbelts and red contrasting stitching on the steering wheel, seats, door centre panels, armrests, centre console and gear lever add to the interior appeal. The dashboard features an exclusive ‘AMG Black Series’ logo and is finished in a high-gloss black piano-lacquer. The dashboard with its three autonomous round dials features a 3-D TFT colour display which displays oil temperature, ESP mode and gear selection in the AMG menu. The rotary switch for the C, S, S+ and M transmission modes and RACE START is located on the centre console alongside the gear lever.

The Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series is also available with optional packages including the AMG Performance Media, AMG Track package, AMG Aerodynamics package and the AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package which all enhance the overall look and feel of the C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series.

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series – Price

Model / Package Price
Mercedes Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series R1 425 000
AMG Aerodynamics package R 80 000
AMG Track package R 70 000
AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package R 65 000
AMG Performance Media R 20 000

2013 Dakar Rally comes to an end

The dust has settled, the dunes have been reshaped and South Africa’s best-selling bakkie for more than 30 years continued to make a big impact on the global stage of the world’s toughest motor race. The 2013 Dakar Rally officially came to an end on Sunday 20 January 2013, after a very successful race for the Toyota Imperial SA team who finished second overall.

The race started in Lima on the Pacific west coast and took entry to 449 cars, trucks, motorcycles and quads, on a 250 kilometre liaison section followed by a 13-kilometre special stage that ended in Pisco.

Summary of 2013 Dakar Rally

Dakar Rally Stage 1 – Confident start by team Toyota’s De Villiers and Vos

2009 Dakar winners Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz in a #301 Hilux completed the special stage in a time of 8 min 15 sec, 35 seconds behind 2010 Dakar winner Carlos Sainz of Spain and Timo Gottschalk of Germany in a buggy.

Dakar Rally Stage 2 – Several top contenders lose time with navigating problems

Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz completed the 242 kilometre special stage 2 min 35 seconds behind Stephane Peterhansel and Jean Paul Cottret of France, who lead the rally overall by 2 min 38 sec from the South Africans. Duncan Vos and Rob Howie finished 14th at 22 min 40 sec behind Peterhansel and Cottret.

Dakar Rally Stage 3 – Dakar Rally takes its toll

Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz suffered a navigational setback, while Vos and Howie were forced to retire with a damaged roll cage.

Dakar Rally Stage 4 – De Villiers and navigator von Zitzewitz improve their overall position to third

After suffering a 30 minute navigational set back on special Stage 3, Giniel de Villiers and navigator Dirk von Zitzewitz managed to master the longest and toughest stage of the rally and improved their overall position to third.

Dakar Rally Stage 5 – Top ten positions remain unchanged

The top 10 overall positions remained unchanged but Argentineans Lucio Alvarez and Roland Graue in their South African built Toyota Hilux improved by two places to settle at 25th overall after losing three hours on Tuesday with a damaged suspension.

Dakar Rally Stage 6 – De Villiers holds on to third place

The stage totalled 767km with a 454km special stage that was expected to shake-up the leader board but Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz were able to hold on to their overall third position. They ended the stage 42 minutes 31 seconds behind Peterhansel and Cottret.

Dakar Rally Stage 7 – Trouble free run for De Villiers and another successful finish

After a demanding week, Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz still managed to retain their overall third place position in the seventh stage which was between Calama in Chile and Salta in Argentina.

Dakar Rally Stage 8 – Rain causes delay

Although rain caused a delay, the stage was won by Guerlain Chicherit and Jean-Pierre Garcin of France in a two-wheel drive SMG Buggy. De Villiers and Von Zitzewitz were 44 minutes 3 seconds behind the leaders still maintaining the third position.

Dakar Rally Stage 9 – De Villiers and Von Zitzewitz move up to 2nd overall

Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz had an excellent start to Stage 9 as they led the first half of the two-part 593km special stage between San Miguel de Tucuman and Cordoba in Argentina, which moved them into second place overall, 49 minutes behind leaders Stephane Peterhansel and Jean Paul Cottret (Mini).

Dakar Rally Stage 10 – Toyota Imperial South Africa team consolidates 2nd place

The 632km Stage 10 will took place on the field north from Cordoba to La Rioja in Argentina and saw the Toyota Imperial South Africa Team’s Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz consolidate their second place in the general classification of the Dakar Rally.

Dakar Rally Stage 11 – Rain brings race to a halt

Rain stopped play and Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz were leading at the 110 kilometre mark but race officials declared the stage result as per the positions at the earlier CP1 (control point 1).

Dakar Rally Stage 12 – De Villiers and Von Zitzewitz in third place

Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz placed third on the 319km special stage between Fiambala and Copiapo in Argentina and were within 50 minutes of the overall leaders and defending champions Stephane Peterhansel and Jean Paul Cottret of France.

Dakar Rally Stage 13 and 14 – De Villiers and Von Zitzewitz close in on second successive Dakar podium

The duo completed the penultimate special stage 13 between Copiapo and La Serena in Chile in fourth place, then cemented their second place overall in stage 14 , closing the gap on leaders and defending champions Stephane Peterhansel and Jean Paul Cottret of France.

Dakar Rally Final Stage 15 results – Second place for De Villiers and Von Zitzewitz

It was their second successive podium finish in an Imperial Toyota Hilux in the world’s longest and toughest motor race – they were third last year at Toyota Motorsport’s first attempt – and they won the T1.1 class for petrol-powered 4×4 improved cross-country vehicles for the second year in succession.

New Subaru Forester top for safety

The new Subaru Forester has been awarded a five-star safety rating from renowned crash test institute Euro NCAP. The Forester features advanced safety systems, cutting-edge chassis design and high-tech safety systems making it the safest Forester ever built. The new Subaru Forester will be launched in South Africa in March 2013.

Safety first for new Subaru Forester

Apart from the five-star rating received from Euro NCAP, the new Subaru Forester was also awarded a five-star Australian ANCAP safety rating earlier in 2012. More than this, the Forester won the highest five-star overall rating for SUVs in the 2012 Euro NCAP crash tests.

Euro NCAP evaluates Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Pedestrian Protection and Safety Assist. The Forester SUV scored well in all areas and was awarded maximum score for the protection of all body areas in the side barrier test while its front bumper scored top marks for pedestrian leg protection. Subaru’s Ring-Shaped Reinforcement led to the outstanding results which optimises the chassis impact energy relay structure using high-tensile steel and reduces weight and increases safety performance in collisions from all directions while enhancing passenger safety.

Visibility has been improved with the A-pillars sitting 200mm further forward than before and all-round raised seating positions further improve visibility while also enhancing crash safety performance.

Safety Features

The new Subaru Forester is equipped with a wide range of active and passive safety systems. Standard safety systems include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC). The new Subaru Forester is also equipped with seven airbags including a driver’s knee airbag as well as a collapsible brake pedal and steering column. Five three-point inertia reel seat belts are also included along with ISOFIX child seat mounting points with tether anchors. A reversing camera which links to the multi-function display provides a clear view behind the Forester. The Subaru Forester also features a Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system which provides better control and stability for the vehicle, making it safer all-round.

Marketing Manager at Subaru Southern Africa, Ashley Lazarus, says “the all-new Forester represents a crown jewel for Subaru in many respects, with safety being an important facet of its focus. With its top Euro NCAP safety rating and its advanced technology, the new Subaru Forester is sure to appeal to a wide variety of existing and new customers in South Africa.”

New Rolls Royce Wraith officially teased

Rolls-Royce has officially released a teaser image of its new Wraith which will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2013. The Wraith is the coupe version of the Rolls-Royce Ghost and although Rolls-Royce has not provided much information, all will be revealed when the Wraith makes its first appearance in Geneva.

According to Rolls-Royce, the Wraith features a ‘graceful silhouette that gives expression to a bold and thoroughly contemporary luxury motor car’. Its flowing lines are a hint of its power and the Wraith will be the most powerful Rolls-Royce in history while exhibiting design cues that can be traced through the model generations. 



Rolls-Royce concludes, “When Wraith is present, for that fleeting moment, the world will stand still.”

New Aston Martin Rapide S unleashed

The new Aston Martin Rapide S has been officially revealed and boasts even more power and torque than the previous Rapide. The Rapide S is the most powerful four-door Aston Martin to date and has been re-designed and re-engineered to offer a refined and balanced sports car experience.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said, “The Rapide S is to me, without doubt, the most beautiful four-door sports car on the market today. This is, very clearly, the power of luxury in action.”

New ?Aston Martin Rapide S offers class and superb performance

??Engine Capability

The new Aston Martin Rapide S is fitted with a more powerful and efficient AM11 V12 engine. The new 6.0-litre AM11 V12 engine produces 410kW, some 60kW more than its predecessor, with a maximum torque figure of 620Nm. Performance has improved and the Rapide S accelerates to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds compared to the 5.1 seconds achieved in the outgoing model. The new Aston Martin Rapide S will reach a top speed of 306km/h. In terms of fuel consumption, the Rapide S consumes 14.2-litres/100km on the EU combined cycle with a CO2 emissions figure of 332g/km.

The AM11 V12 engine position has also been lowered by 19mm compared to its predecessor and the result is sharper agility with a reduction in the car’s centre of gravity. The Rapide S also features an Adaptive Damping System (ADS) which automatically alters the suspension settings to suit the driver’s needs and that of the driving environment. The ADS has three settings including Normal, Sport and Track.

??Exterior Styling Features

The new Aston Martin Rapide S features a new full grille complemented by single bi-xenon headlamps with integrated LED side lights and indicators while the rear-end features clear LED lamps. The rear boot lid ‘flip’ has been re-designed to counteract lift at higher speeds. ?The Rapide S rides on 20-inch, 20-spoke silver painted alloy wheels. The Rapide S is also available with a new optional Carbon Exterior Pack which adds a front splitter, rear diffuser, mirror caps and rear lamp infills, all made from carbon fibre.

Interior Styling Features

The interior of the new Aston Martin Rapide S features pure glass transmission selector switches in the centre console while optional Duotone perforated red and black leather have been used for the first time in the Rapide S. The Rapide S seats up to four passengers while the automatic folding individual rear seats create additional space for luggage. A new piano black interior pack is available and adds a deep, mirror-like shine to the facia, transmission tunnel centre plate and door handles while the instrument binnacle gets a darker surround and the steering wheel is finished with black horn-push surround.

Additional options include a reversing camera and a twin-screen rear seat entertainment system with wireless headphones, remote control and a 6-disc DVD changer. Also on offer is the ‘Q by Aston Martin’ service which offers uniquely-tailored options for individualisation. The Q service focuses on fashioning colour and materials to customer choice and specification, allowing owners to get creative with the vehicle.

The new Aston Martin Rapide S will be available from its 146 dealers worldwide in February 2013 and prices will be announced closer to launch. It has not been confirmed whether the new Aston Martin Rapide S will be available in South Africa.

Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS Review

After winning the 2011 South African Car of the Year title, the Hyundai Elantra is expected to be a rather impressive and complete package. How good is it really?

Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS review by David Taylor

Hyundai Elantra is an attractive sedan

As far as passenger sedans go, they’re not the most attractive cars and if you know someone who has just purchased one, they’ll probably be at great pains to tell you that it’s an all-new vehicle. Let’s face it, these aren’t exciting but they’re the bread-and-butter models designed for the everyday drive to work and back. For a Korean five-door box, the Hyundai Elantra is one of the better designs and it’s a vehicle that I’d consider purchasing based just on looks alone. It’s rather easy on the eye and has gentle flowing curves to the design.

The Elantra’s smart engine tech means power meets efficiency

Underneath that attractive body is a strong 1.8-litre engine which has 110kW and 178Nm on tap. If you think about it, most 2.0-litre engines push out these figures. Even though it has the power of a 2.0, it still retains the economy prowess of a smaller 1.8-litre. The result is a vehicle that has plenty of power to overtake on the national highways at 120km/h, yet it is still able to return figures of 7L/100km or less. The engine was noticeably refined while cruising, but once driving hard, became a little on the noisy side.

Effortless and comfortable to drive

The Hyundai Elantra GLS is one of the simplest and enjoyable to drive. It’s effortless in operation thanks to a light clutch that won’t strain your calf muscles and an impressively smooth six-speed gearbox. One of its strengths is the ride quality. It is comfortable when driven on all types of road – a trait that many other manufacturers would do well to learn from. Another great strength is that the cabin is very well put together and it feels like you’re in a vehicle costing substantially more.

Hyundai goes all-out with kit

Speaking of cabin, I was so caught up in the upmarket feel of the Hyundai Elantra that I felt disappointed when I checked the specification levels. Then again, when the vehicle costs under R250,000 I quickly realised that this is one of the biggest bargains and I shouldn’t be too fussy! Here’s why. Dual zone climate control is present, as are comfortable seats, rain sensing wipers, park distance control, radio controls on the steering wheel as well as a radio with CD/MP3/Aux. This radio isn’t quite as modern as its counterparts as it doesn’t have RDS. So instead of saying ‘Five FM’, it’ll have the frequency instead. It’s annoying but not the end of the world.

Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS – Conclusion

Does it wear the South African Car of the Year award crown deservedly? Yes it does. It’s a seriously impressive package for the money, and coupled with the comprehensive warranty that Hyundai offers, you’d be mad not to consider the Elantra GLS as a family vehicle. The current mindset of the South African buying public confuses me as there are still car buyers out there who claim Korean cars are of inferior quality. If the latest Hyundai products are anything to go by, the Koreans are able to match their European counterparts in terms of specification, build quality and value for money. There’s a reason why Korean products are winning awards and being nominated for countless more. The Hyundai Elantra may not be the most exciting car to own or drive, but then again not many people are petrolheads so as a sensible car purchase, this a good choice.

  • Why you should: Looks fantastic, good warranty, great to drive, great specification and huge boot.
  • Why you shouldn’t: Can’t think of anything.
  • It would be better if: Put RDS radio in – Hyundai/Kia STILL hasn’t sorted this out.
  • View the Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS: New / Used
  • Competitors worth checking out: Chevrolet Cruze, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Kia Cerato

Hennessey Venom GT sets Guinness World Record

The street-legal Hennessey Venom GT supercar achieved an official Guinness World Record by accelerating from 0-300km/h in a blistering 13.63 seconds at the Ellington Airport in Houston,Texas on 10 January 2013. The recorded acceleration time was an average of two runs made in opposite directions within one hour and validated by a VBox 3i GPS-based data logging system.

The Power of Venom


The Hennessey Venom GT completed the first run in 13.18 seconds with a 6km/h tailwind while the second run was finished in 14.08 seconds with a 10km/h headwind and resulting in a two-way average of 0-300km/h in 13.63 seconds overall.

The feat was made possible with the Venom GT’s 7.0-litre V8 engine with twin Precision turbochargers that produces an outstanding 928kW and 1 564Nm of torque.

This street-legal supercar uses Michelin Pilot Sport Cup DOT-approved radial tyres, 93 octane fuel and the interior comes complete with a high-end audio system, air-conditioning and bespoke Alcantara leather seats.

“I have never ridden in anything this fast, the acceleration is absolutely amazing” said Guinness World Record adjudicator Philip Robertson after personally experiencing the car’s performance.

During testing a few weeks before the world record attempt, the Hennessey Venom GT accelerated to 300km/h in 13.48 seconds before reaching 370km/h in a time of 19.96 seconds. 

Hennessey plans to build a total of 29 Venom GT’s and one third of the production run have already been sold. Each vehicle is custom built to order and requires six months for completion.

Geely grows after 2012 success

Chinese automaker Geely had an extremely successful year in 2012 and is now China’s second largest car exporter. Geely’s exports totalled 100 300 vehicles in 2012 marking an increase of 164% compared to 2011.

Dr. Zhang Lin, Vice President of the Geely Group and General Manager of Geely International, was quoted saying, “Geely’s strong export sales are due to Geely’s new range of highly competitive vehicles and increased investment in key areas such as quality and branding. Geely has now entered a strategic period for export sales, (and) later in 2013 we will add more models to our export line-up such as the GX7 SUV which will help us continue with our sales success.”

??Key Geely products delivered to key markets

One of Geely’s success stories for 2012 was the EC7 which will be launched in South Africa in May 2013. The Geely EC7 includes the EC7-RV hatchback and the EC7 compact sedan. The EC8 mid-size sedan was exported to several countries in Europe, Africa and South America and proved hugely popular in these markets. Both vehicles accounted for 40% of total exports by Geely. The EC7 series’ exports increased by as much as 500% year-on-year when compared to 2011 export figures.

Geely has several Complete Knock Down (CDK) facilities in key markets around the world which deliver faster product delivery and lower consumer costs. However, there are no current plans to manufacture or assemble vehicles in South Africa. CKD facilities have been established with local partners in Russia, Ukraine and Indonesia while a new CDK plant was opened in Egypt in 2012 and is where the EC7 is produced. In addition, plans for new production facilities in Ethiopia and Brazil are well underway.

Model expansion for Geely??

Geely will continually introduce new models into export markets and this will include the GX7 SUV followed by other new models. Geely plans to aggressively expand in each market with increased investment, new models and better training policies for sales staff to ensure customer satisfaction in all markets.

Geely was re-launched in South Africa in 2011 as one of the brands under the Dacar Motor Group. Henri Meistre, Managing Director of Geely South Africa said, “These plans include South Africa, where we have already expanded our dealer network to 40 dealers across the country, including Namibia and Botswana opening soon. The new quality direction of Geely is being noticed, and we are very optimistic for the local launch of the EC7 in May this year.”