South African new car sales for December 2012

New vehicle sales in South Africa ended on a positive note in December 2012 with aggregate industry sales totalling 46 016 units, 1.8% (825 units) up on sales in December 2011, according to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA). NAAMSA predicted industry growth of around 8% in 2012 which in the event now sits at 9.2% when compared to 2011 sales.

Summary: New vehicle sales in South Africa – December 2012

  • Total units sold – 46 016 units (+1.8%)
  • Year-on-Year volume improvement of 7.6%
  • Exports up by 39.2% or 19 719 units in December 2012
  • 2012 Industry growth of 9.2% compared to 2011
  • 439 997 new passenger cars sold in 2012, up by 11.3% compared to 2011
  • New vehicle related sales turnover up by 11% in 2012

Looking forward to 2013



NAAMSA predicts 7.3% growth in domestic sales volumes for 2013 based on the assumption that the South African economy will grow, in real terms, by around 3% in 2013, while also factoring in other domestic and international trends. 



Factors that will continue to support industry growth include

  • Low interest rates
  • Improved vehicle affordability
  • New high-technology model introductions
  • Easier access to vehicle finance
  • Continued strong replacement demand

Other positive factors include expected growth in the South African economy, economic stability, investment confidence, growth and employment, car rental industry demand and a sound and stable monetary and fiscal policy environment. 



Factors that will negatively impact industry growth include

  • Rising inflationary pressures
  • Upward pressure on interest rates towards the end of 2013
  • Global economic woes
  • Domestic and international geo political events



NAAMSA predicts that domestic vehicle production will increase from approximately 550 000 vehicles produced in 2012 to about 650 000 vehicles in 2013, an increase of around 18%. The industry aims to achieve a production figure close to 1.2 million vehicles by the year 2020.



According to NAAMSA, “2013 is likely to prove a more challenging year for the SA Automotive Industry. However, the Industry remains well positioned to continue to make a positive contribution to the South African economy, particularly if economic growth in excess of 3.0% materialises.”

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Imperial Toyota Hilux in third at 2013 Dakar Rally

Giniel de Villiers and co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz have consolidated their overall third place position after Stage 5 of the Dakar Rally in South America between Arequipa and Arica. The 2009 Dakar champions finished the stage in fourth place in their Imperial Toyota Hilux. De Villiers and von Zitzewitz are the only representatives left in the Toyota Imperial South Africa Team after Duncan Vos and Rob Howie were forced to retire on Tuesday after severely damaging their roll cage.

Close battle for Imperial Toyota Hilux

Spain’s Nani Roma and Michel Perin of France won the stage in their Mini while team mates and overall leaders Stephan Peterhansel and Jean Paul Cottret placed second. Americans Robbie Gordon and Kellon Walch (Hummer) came in at third place and are placed 36th overall after losing nearly six hours after their crash and radiator problems on Tuesday.

The competition for the Stage 5 honours was a heated affair with only 1 minute 51 seconds separating De Villiers/Von Zitzewitz in fourth and Roma/Perrin in first. The top 10 overall positions remained unchanged but Argentineans Lucio Alvarez and Roland Graue in their South African-built Imperial Toyota Hilux improved by two places to settle at 25th overall after losing three hours on Tuesday with a damaged suspension.

Giniel de Villiers said, “It was not a long stage but quite fast, twisty at the beginning. We had a small problem with the rear brakes – we lost a bit of rear brake, so we’ll have to look at what the problem is tonight, but other than that it was a nice stage and beautiful along the beach.”

Dakar Rally – Stage 6

Thursday’s Stage 6 will prove to be a challenge for competitors and is the longest stage so far. Stage 6 from Arica to Calama consists of a 313km liaison stage followed by a 454km special stage, which is the first special stage in Chile. The route takes competitors through the Atacama Desert which is the driest place on earth with sand and dunes for two thirds of the distance. Two specific sections of the stage will be timed and competitors will rediscover fesh fesh (powdered sand) which may pose a challenge for the drivers.

Stage 6 of the Dakar Rally starts at 3:33 PM (SA Time) on Thursday, 10 January 2013.

New Lexus IS sedan revealed ahead of Detroit Motor Show debut

Details of the new Lexus IS sedan have been revealed and is set to make its world debut at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show which kicks off next week. The new Lexus IS model range will comprise the IS 250, IS 350 and the first IS to feature Lexus Hybrid Drive, the IS 300h. F SPORT models will also be available across the full range. Unfortunately, Lexus has not provided technical specifications for the IS sedan as of yet and this information will be communicated next week.

New Lexus IS Sedan is a beauty

Exterior Styling

The new Lexus IS sedan takes much inspiration from the LF-CC Concept and features the new Lexus spindle grille frontal design, which asserts the IS’ presence on the road. Distinct character lines pass through the A-pillars and tighten up toward the rear, accentuating the wide flare of the wheel arches, giving the IS a broad, powerful stance. The passenger cabin gravitates more to the rear which adds to a sense of traction.

The new Lexus IS sedan features a new headlamp cluster design with Lexus’ trademark L-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRL) independently below. The F SPORT models are distinguished with an exclusive grille and front bumper design. The F SPORT’s grille ‘waistline’ is higher compared to standard models which increases the lower grille area, allowing for the intake of more air for cooling the engine.

Interior Styling

The interior of the new Lexus IS sedan is inspired by the LFA supercar, creating a driver focused interior. The increased width and longer wheelbase drastically improves rear seat comfort and space while the 60:40 split/folding rear seats provide expansive luggage capacity. The IS sedan also features the latest advances in HMI technology as well as an analogue clock with surface-emitting illumination. The centre console incorporates Lexus-first electrostatic switches to control the air conditioning with the touch of a finger.

The seat hip-point and the angle of the LFA-inspired steering wheel have been lowered while the steering reach adjustment has been increased to create a more sporting driving position. F SPORT models feature the LFA’s innovative driver’s meter with a moving centre ring. The F SPORT models are detailed with a perforated leather finish to the steering wheel and gear lever, metal 3-D-effect ornamentation, black seat stitching and aluminium pedals and scuff plates. F SPORT models come with a choice of three interior colour schemes including the exclusive Rioja Red finish.

Further details regarding technical specifications will be announced next week when the new Lexus IS makes its debut at the Detroit Motor Show, stay tuned.

Toyota and Lexus showcase advanced active safety research vehicle

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) and its Lexus Division have unveiled its advanced active safety research vehicle at the international Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Los Angeles which demonstrates ongoing efforts around automated vehicle safety technologies and outlines Toyota’s approach to reducing global traffic fatalities and injuries. The advanced active safety research vehicle is based on a Lexus LS and seeks to advance the industry towards a new era of integrated safety management technologies.

??Toyota works towards improving safety

Toyota’s guiding strategy is called the Integrated Safety Management Concept and incorporates a holistic vision which includes people, vehicles and the driving environment. The strategy is carried through the following five phases of operation.

  • Initial time the driver and car begin a journey from a parked position
  • Active safety systems designed to avoid a crash
  • Pre-crash aimed at preparing for a collision
  • Passive safety to help survive a crash
  • Rescue and response after a crash has occurred

Although the key components of this research could lead to a fully autonomous vehicle in the future, Toyota and Lexus envision technologies that enhance the skills of the driver, which is based on the belief that a more skillful driver is a safer driver.

“In our pursuit of developing more advanced automated technologies, we believe the driver must be fully engaged,” said Mark Templin, Toyota group vice president and general manger of the Lexus Division.”For Toyota and Lexus, a driverless car is just a part of the story. Our vision is a car equipped with an intelligent, always-attentive co-pilot whose skills contribute to safer driving.”

Advanced Active Safety Vehicle

The Lexus advanced active safety vehicle is fitted with an array of sensors and automated control systems used to observe, process and respond to the driving environment. Some of the technologies used includes GPS, stereo cameras, radar, Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) laser tracking.

This technology is able to scan movements of objects, identify traffic light colours and can measure the trajectory of the vehicle on the road. The 360-degree LIDAR laser detects objects around the vehicle up to 70 metres away. Three colour cameras can detect objects more than 150 metres away. Radars are used to determine the location and speed of objects at intersections while a distance measurement indicator measures the travel distance and speed of the vehicle. An inertial measurements unit measures acceleration and angle changes to monitor vehicle behaviour and GPS antenna’s estimate angle and orientation even before the vehicle is in motion.

The advanced active safety vehicle serves as a platform for developing systems that will help enhance the driver’s perception of the driving environment as well in assisting in the decision making process while improving driving skills.

This initiative forms part of Toyota’s new research toward an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) which integrates the car with the driving environment. Toyota began operation at its 8.6 acre ITS proving ground in Japan in November 2012, which is modelled after a typical urban driving environment and incorporates the use of other vehicles, pedestrians and control devices.

“The real value of research projects like this is reinforcing our focus on what a few years ago seemed an impossible dream and is now becoming more plausible,” Templin said. “We, at TMC and Lexus, consider the elimination of traffic fatalities and injuries the ultimate goal of a society that values mobility.”

New Ford models ready for launch in South Africa

South Africa will see the introduction of numerous new Ford models in 2013 that will offer style, fuel efficient engines and smart technologies. South African car buyers will see the introduction of the new Fiesta, Transit and Tourneo, Fiesta ST, Kuga and EcoSport throughout 2013.

Ford Marketing Manager, Gavin Golightly said “It’s going to be an exciting year for us with an exciting variety of models being introduced locally. From driving enthusiasts to young families and small business owners, we have something for everyone. We’ve also gone further to provide an enjoyable driving experience, be it with driver assistance technologies or smart in-car features.”

Ford’s award winning SYNC in-car connectivity system will be available on all new models and will allow drivers to make calls and select music from devices connected via Bluetooth or USB without being distracted.

New Ford Models coming soon:

New Ford Fiesta ??

The new Ford Fiesta will arrive in South Africa in the next few weeks and will feature Ford’s award winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine that will deliver a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 4.3-litres/100km. This small displacement engine rivals engines of much larger displacement and will deliver 92kW and 170Nm of torque.

New Ford Transit and Tourneo

The Transit and Tourneo models feature car-like design features and driving dynamics as well as smart technologies and notable fuel economy. These two models bring new levels of style and function to the one-tonne commercial vehicle market.

Both models are powered by the fuel efficient 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine. The Tourneo can seat up to eight passengers and the rear seats can be easily folded into numerous configurations or removed in segments or completely making the Tourneo extremely versatile.

All-new Ford Fiesta ST

The highly anticipated Ford Fiesta ST is powered by Ford’s 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine that produces 132kW and 240Nm of torque. The Fiesta ST will complete the 0-100km/h dash in less than seven seconds and reach a top speed of more than 220km/h. The Fiesta ST was developed by Ford’s Team RS and sits 15mm lower than the standard Fiesta and features standard Recaro sports seats as well as a large trapezoidal grille.

All-new Ford Kuga??

The new Ford Kuga combines appealing design and functionality and features a hands-free automatic tailgate which can be opened and closed by sweeping a foot under the rear bumper. Features for the Kuga include Active Park Assist and the sensor-based Blind Spot Information System. The Kuga’s All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system will readjust the AWD power split to give the driver the best combination of handling and traction. Two engine options will be available including Ford’s 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine or the 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine.

All-new Ford EcoSport

The Ford EcoSport is based on Ford’s global B-segment platform and was developed in South America combining small car practicality with the flexibility, spaciousness, agility and style of an SUV. The Ford EcoSport will be powered by Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. Features include a large grille, detailed headlights and cladding on the bumpers and side sills. Safety features will include ABS, Electronic Stability Program and Hill Launch Assist.

Further details will be made available when the new Ford models are launched in South Africa throughout 2013.

Jeep sales set record in 2012

Jeep had a phenomenal year in 2012 with global Jeep sales increasing by 19 percent to an all time annual record of 701, 626 units, surpassing the 1999 sales record of 675, 494 units sold.

Jeep sales increase worldwide

“The Jeep brand has achieved double-digit percentage sales increases in each of the past three years, both globally and in the U.S. market,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC.

“We expect to continue our sales momentum in 2013 with the introduction of an all-new mid-size Jeep SUV, as well as the new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which will be available with a new, clean-diesel engine,” Manley added.

In 2012, each major global region recorded increases in Jeep sales compared to sales in 2011. In the Asia-Pacific region sales rose by 94 percent, Europe by 29 percent and in China, which is the largest automobile market in the world, with Jeep sales up by 107 percent in 2012.

Jeep sales – nameplate records

Jeep sales performance in 2012 marks the second year in a row that the brand has seen double-digit percentage sales increases.

New Audi SQ5 headed for Detroit Motor Show

The Detroit Motor Show kicks off on 14 January 2013 and the new Audi SQ5 SUV will be making an appearence. The SQ5 has been specifically designed for markets including the US, Canada, Russia, China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Ukraine, Germany and South Africa.

?New ?Audi SQ5 to take on SUV market

Engine Capability

The new Audi SQ5 is powered by a free-revving, supercharged, 3.0-litre TFSI V6 petrol engine that develops 260kW and 470Nm of torque. This engine is mated to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission. The SQ5 sprints from zero to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. Fuel consumption for the SQ5 is rated at 8.5-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 199g/km. The SQ5 also features quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

??Exterior Styling Features??

The new Audi SQ5 features a platinum grey radiator grille with horizontal double bars in aluminium look. The bumpers and roof spoiler further add to the SQ5’s appeal. In addition, V6 T badges can be found on the front fenders while the gloss package and exterior mirrors in aluminium look complement the windows. The new Audi SQ5 will be available in two crystal-effect finishes including Estoril Blue and Panther Black. The SQ5 is fitted with 20-inch wheels with 21-inch wheels available as an option.

??Interior Styling Features

The sporty character of the new Audi SQ5 is carried over into the interior where the instruments feature grey dials and white numerals while the pedals and shift paddles have a shiny aluminium-look finish. The interior is predominantly black with headlining available in Moon Silver. The standard power-adjustable sport seats are covered with a combination of Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara. The luggage compartment is spacious and offers up to 1 560-litres of space.

South Africans can expect to see the new Audi SQ5 later in 2013 and further details regarding South African specifications and price will be made available closer to launch.

Giniel De Villiers and von Zitzewitz fight back at Dakar

South Africa’s Giniel de Villiers has come back with a fight and has shown why he is one of the world’s top endurance off road drivers after having an excellent run in Tuesday’s special stage four of the Dakar Rally between Nazca and Arequipa in Peru.

Giniel De Villiers back on track

After suffering a 30 minute navigational set back on special Stage 3 of the Dakar Rally, Giniel de Villiers and navigator Dirk von Zitzewitz have managed to master the longest and toughest stage of the rally so far and finished fourth in their Imperial Toyota Hilux #301 and have improved their overall position to third.

The 2009 Dakar champions performed well on the 288km stage which features lots of sand, dunes and fesh fesh and arrived at the Arequipa bivouac after more than six hours on the road at 3:00 AM South African time.

“We had a good day today,” said De Villiers. “It was a very long stage, over three and a half hours of hard driving and navigating, the first really hard stage of the rally so far. The Hilux ran well.”

2012 Dakar winner Stephane Peterhansel and Jean Paul Cottret (Mini) are leading ahead of 2011 Dakar winner Nasser Al-Attiyah of Qatar and Spanish co-driver Lucas Cruz (Buggy) by five minutes, with De Villiers and von Zitzewitz 33 minutes behind.

Other competitors not so lucky??

After four stages, several potential race winners have succumbed to the challenging driving conditions. Krzysztof Holowczyc of Poland and Portuguese co-driver Filipe Palmeiro in their MINI, retired on special stage 3 after Holowczyc injured his back whilst going over a sand dune.

Argentine duo Lucio Alvarez and Roland Graue started Monday’s stage in third place overall in their South African-built Toyota Hilux and by the end of the day the pair had lost over three hours after severely damaging their suspension going over a big jump. In stage 4, the pair finished 67th and are now placed 27th overall and nearly four hours behind the leaders.

2010 Dakar winner Carlos Sainz of Spain and German co-driver Timo Gottschalk in their Buggy dropped from first place after stage 2 to 24th after a crippling 3 hour 28 minute deficit due to electrical problems on Monday and a leaking fuel tank on Tuesday.

Americans Robbie Gordon and Kellon Walch fell into a hole in the sand dunes on stage 4 and put their Hummer on its back, resulting in over five hours lost leaving them placed 43rd and almost six hours behind the leaders.

??Dakar Rally – Stage 5??

Stage 5 starts on Wednesday at 4:25 PM (SA Time). The route starts with a 337km liaison section and a crossing of the Andes Mountains into Chile. This is followed by a 172km special stage that will see a big change in the terrain with stony tracks, river crossings and a series of valleys to keep both driver and navigator on their toes.

Team Imperial Toyota in Dakar Rally onslaught

The Dakar rally which is currently underway in Peru has proved to be tough for competitors in challenging conditions. South Africa’s Team Imperial Toyota with Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz taking advantage of a trouble-free second stage in their Imperial Toyota Hilux to claim second place, 2 minutes 35 seconds behind 2012 champions Stephane Peterhansel and Jean Paul Cottret of France (MINI). Third place is currently held by SMG of France, piloted by Ronan Chabot and Gilles Pillot.

“Today’s special stage was more difficult than we expected. It was very hot – 40 degrees Centigrade outside and 60 degrees in the car. Navigation was tricky, especially with the sun making it difficult to see the tops of the dunes,” reported De Villiers. “So I didn’t go very fast in the first part of the stage, but then things got better. At the end we’re happy because the Hilux is working well and we didn’t have any problems. This is a good sign for the next few days, which should be very difficult.”

??Tough Driving Conditions for Team Imperial Toyota

??Toyota Motorsport team-mates Duncan Vos and Rob Howie are currently in 13th place overall after rolling their Imperial Toyota Hilux while cresting a dune too fast. The pair was able to continue immediately after the Hilux landed on its wheels and are currently 22 minutes 40 seconds behind the leaders.

Vos commented, “The day didn’t go according to plan. We struggled to climb a tall sand dune and on the third attempt we carried too much speed and crested the dune too fast, with the Hilux rolling end over end. Luckily it landed on its wheels and we lost very little time as we were able to continue straight away. It was extremely hot and there were many, many dunes. Overall we felt much better than last year, but the next couple of days are going to be very tough for everyone. We have to maintain a high level of concentration and keep pushing.”

Dakar Rally – Stage 3

Stage 3 of the Dakar Rally will take place from Pisco to Nazca and includes a 100km liaison section before reaching the 243km special stage. A sequence of dunes called Ergs in Africa awaits the drivers and will prove to be a tough challenge for all the competitors. The second half of the special stage will include a route along the coast with tracks at the end of the stage which will require skill and vigilance to navigate.

Stage 3 of the Dakar Rally starts at 5:11 PM (SA time) on Monday 7 January 2013.

Peugeot 2008 Urban Crossover Revealed

Details of the Peugeot  2008 Urban Crossover have been revealed and will go on sale in Europe in the first half of 2013 and can be expected in South Africa in the first quarter of 2014. The 2008 is Peugeot’s first vehicle that was designed and developed simultaneously by several geographic markets, including France, China and Brazil.

Unique style for Peugeot 2008 Urban Crossover

The Peugeot 2008 Urban Crossover combines the driving characteristics of a hatchback with the strength of an SUV. The 2008 is perfectly suited to urban driving and is equally capable on longer journeys. The Peugeot 2008 features 17” ‘Diamond’ wheels with a matt finish while the bumpers, body sills, front and rear body protection and side mouldings offer protection from abrasions.

The front-end features a ‘floating grille’ that gives the 2008 a solid exterior appearance. The headlights are sharp and precise and mimic a cat’s pupil, adding to the 2008’s allure. LED daytime running lights are also included.

Although interior details have not been revealed, the Peugeot 2008 will feature a panoramic sunroof. Engine details remain sketchy at this point but the 2008 will make use of the e-HDi Diesel engine and a new 3-cylinder petrol engine that will ensure a CO2 emissions figure of 99g/km.

Further details regarding the Peugeot 2008 launch in South Africa will be made at a later date.