Breaking News from Auto Report, April

Vol 1 No 2 April 2020 INSIDE: Taycan heralds Porsche’s ee-mobility course; Jaguar makes COTY history; Stirling Moss remembered; Local automakers join COVID-19 fight; fight; Major truck rivals sign green fuel agreement

JAMA chairman Akio Toyoda (front, right) addressing a video conference in which the impact of COVID-19 on the Japanese auto industry was discussed

COVID-19: Auto industry shifts gear I

n assessing the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the automotive industry, research by sector analysts indicates that, in addition to supply chain disruptions and production stoppages, changing patterns of consumer behaviour rank among the most significant concerns for vehicle manufacturers.

According to a study conducted last month by international business consultancy Frost & Sullivan, global sales of light motor vehicles are projected to fall by at least 24% this year. And analysis of March’s global vehicle sales figures by consultancy JATO Dynamics shows a 39% decline compared with the number attained in March last year.

New car registrations in the United Kingdom fell 44%, representing the lowest monthly tally suffered since 1999. It was a similar picture across Europe with new car sales for the month reportedly falling 85% in Italy, 72% in France, and 69% in Spain.

In the United States, sales declined by about 39% while, in South Africa, they dropped by 29,7% – from 47 695 vehicles sold in March last year to 33 545 units sold in the equivalent period this year.

Forced lockdowns and physical distancing norms imposed by governments around the world have seen demand for vehicles evaporate, intensifying problems for OEMS...

Equally, export sales of South Africanmade vehicles registered a significant drop-off, falling 7 905 units to a total of 28 883 units – a decline of 21,5%. “The performance of exports over the course of 2020 is linked to the duration of the Covid -19 pandemic and its impact on the global economy,” the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) warns in a statement.

According to United States-based strategy-management consultancy Zinnov, forced lockdowns and physical distancing norms imposed by governments around the world have intensified problems for OEMs. “While the initial impact of COVID19 was on the automotive supply chain and production, the spread of the virus to Europe, the United States and elsewhere has seen the automotive industry’s key concern shift to demand vapourisation,” says Sidhant Rastogi, Zinnov’s managing partner.

impacted OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers alike, estimating that, collectively, some brands have lost between 20% and 40% of their market value since the start of the outbreak.

“These factors are causing future revenue concerns as well as a delay in realising already elusive profitability in the automotive space. The industry is now in the middle of one of its toughest bear phases, though automakers are aggressively leveraging technology, pivoting their business models and re-engineering their processes and talent to recover from the crisis.”

Rastogi forecasts an increase in the leveraging of online sales channels – a strategy echoed by Frost & Sullivan’s forecasters – with carmakers enabling digital showrooms and contactless shopping through virtual reality solutions.

From a sales perspective, it’s interesting Continued on Page 2

He adds that the ongoing situation has Auto Report, April, 2020

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almost every area of the global economy, some sobering thoughts about where the motor industry is heading have come from Toyota president Akio Toyoda in his capacity as chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA).

Filming a Renault for online sale… virtual showrooms offer customers an opportunity to fully inspect all aspects of the vehicle From Page 1

to note that when the COVID-19 outbreak began to overwhelm China – forcing dealerships to shut for eight weeks, with even service departments closed – some of the country’s retail outlets elected to retrain staff in online selling, actively promoting internet-based sales.

The move appears to have paid dividends. Though China’s passenger car sales fell by 80% in February on a yearon-year basis, they recovered in March to record a drop of only 40% year on year – much of the uptick attributable to a surge in online buying.

According to a statement issued by Geely Auto – China’s largest, privatelyowned automotive brand, which introduced its own proprietary online vehicle purchasing facility shortly after the lockdown came into force – orders increased five-fold during the system’s first week of operation. Simultaneously, sales leads from the company’s website increased by a factor of 75.

Victor Yang, Geely’s Vice-President of Public Relations, says the platform represents a valuable addition to the company’s sales network, accounting for more than 10 000 sales in March.

“We have always aimed to bring greater levels of convenience to our consumers and the initial results of the new portal prove that,” he says, adding that Geely aims to expand the service to include home servicing of vehicles.

Yang says the platform operates as a complete online ordering and purchasing system that allows shoppers to select, customise, insure and pay for vehicles which are then delivered to their homes.

Even the handover can be physically contactless, he says, with the vehicle left in a designated location and the keys delivered by drone to the customer’s door. “Our dealerships are now fully immersed in the platform and are benefitting from it,” he maintains. In Europe, France’s Groupe PSA has introduced a

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similar online service, allowing customers to choose, order and pay for vehicles through a webstore portal.

“Today, all customers tend to start their purchasing journeys using the Internet and some wish to complete the whole journey online,” says Thierry Koskas, PSA’s sales and marketing director.

He says the sales platform – initially involving only Peugeot badged vehicles and confined to France – will be extended to the group’s Citroën, DS, Opel and Vauxhall brands and launched in countries inside and outside of Europe.

“This new method of purchasing our vehicles has been tested and validated by our employees,” he says, indicating that, in past months, 89% of sales to staff members have been made online.

Similarly, French rival Renault – part of the Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance – has recently introduced to the UK an online, virtual showroom which offers potential buyers a tour of the brand’s vehicles, with dedicated salespeople conducting close inspection of models on one-to-one basis.

“The platform allows buyers to search for new cars from the comfort of their homes,” says a statement, adding that a remote eSign portal facilitates the signing of financial documents without a need for the customer to visit a dealership. The statement says customers can purchase a vehicle in four easy steps, based on model, budget and payment choice, with free home delivery thrown in.

In the US, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) acknowledges that its members are looking to build on an increase in the take up of ecommerce for sales and servicing of vehicles. “The vast majority of dealerships have a robust online presence, but in the age of social distancing, those online tools have become more important than ever to customers,” says a statement issued by the organisation.

However, with the COVID-19 outbreak having flipped the growth switch in

At a virtual conference held earlier this month involving executives of some of Japan’s foremost motoring organisations – the Japanese Auto Parts Industries Association (JAPIA); the Japanese Auto Bodies Industry Association (JABIA); and the Japanese Automotive Machinery and Tool Manufacturers Association (JAMTA) – Toyoda discussed the importance of implementing monozukuri, a concept of making or creating things, in the fight to defeat the virus.

Addressing delegates, he said: “Now, a situation where cars cannot be sold around the world continues and, because of that situation, there are some plants where operations have had to be stopped. If this continues, we may face a situation where some of our friends or partners may not be able to continue operations.

“However, amidst this situation, looking to the future, the underlying technology cannot be lost, and there are people with expertise that no machines can ever copy. If these resources are leaked or cut off, the future we envision will grow more distant, many years ahead.

“Before it is too late, we need work in a timely manner to tie these visions to new capital. To do that, we need the power of mekiki – an eye for identifying the crucial elements that the automotive industry should keep and maintain during the most challenging, unstable times.”

Such is the situation in South Africa’s automotive arena that, in underlining the challenges caused by COVID-19, Mike Mabasa, NAAMSA’s chief executive, says the country’s auto industry could be forced to lay off up to 10% of its workforce.

Mabasa says the number is based on a survey which he conducted among the association’s members who, he says, represent about 468 000 employees – about 110 000 of who work in the vehicle manufacturing sector.

Mabasa adds that the survey reveals that only 51% to 60% of the industry’s payroll is likely to be paid at the end of this month, while between 11% and 20% of small or medium-sized automotive businesses are expected to close because of financial pressure caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

Taycan: Mission accomplished!

The first all-electric sports car from Porsche marks the beginning of an era for the brand

orsche’s Taycan heralds a significant shift to e-mobility for the German manufacturer – by 2025, the company aims to equip every second vehicle it sells with an electric powertrain.

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Scheduled for launch in South Africa in the second half of this year, the longanticipated model – previously known by its concept name, Mission E, but rechristened using a word of Turkic origin that roughly translates as “soul of a spirited young horse” – is already on sale in some markets.

Announced earlier this month as winner of two 2020 World Car Awards – Performance Car of the Year and Luxury Car of the Year, (see story on P6) – three versions of the Taycan have been developed: an entry-level 4S derivative,

a mid-range Turbo equivalent and the flagship Turbo S. First thing to know is that the turbo nomenclature doesn’t refer to an engine that utilises forced induction. Rather, in accordance with Porsche’s naming convention, it’s used to designate specification level.

With each of the variants driven by a pair of similarly styled electric motors – one mounted on the front axle and the other on the rear – the badges offer insights into the line-up’s pecking order.

Accordingly, in standard form the entry-level 4S features a 79,2kWh battery pack that enables its motors to deliver 390kW. As an option, Porsche offers what it calls a Performance Bat-

tery Plus, which ups power output to 420kW but, surprisingly, doesn’t improve the car’s zero to 100km/h time, which is quoted at 4,0 seconds. Neither is top speed improved – that remains limited to 250km/h.

However, the Performance Battery Plus does increase driving range – from 407km to 463km – while peak charging capacity increases from 225kW to 270kW, the benefits manifest in reduced recharge times.

Similarly, while the Turbo S’s powertrain emulates that of the Turbo derivative, it has been configured to generate 560kW from its 93,4kWh battery – an increase of 60kW compared with that of the sibling.

In overboost mode, that extra power gives the model a zero to 100km/h time of 2,8 seconds – said to be 0,4 seconds quicker than the time achieved by the Turbo.

Equally, the top model reaches the 200km/h mark in 9,8 seconds while the Turbo takes 10,6 seconds to achieve the speed, according to a Porsche spokesman, who adds that, range-wise, the Turbo S travels up to 412km on a single charge, with the sibling capable of 450km. Top speed of each of the derivatives is a claimed 260km/h.

By the way, overboost mode – which is activated when launch control is used –

Under the Taycan’s skin… electric motors are mounted front and rear

Continued on Page 4 Auto Report, April, 2020

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From Page 3

lasts for bursts of 2,5 seconds. After that, output on each of the variants reduces slightly to protect powertrains from heat.

Incidentally, the Taycan is said to be the first vehicle to utilise an 800-volt electrical system, the design incorporating architecture for powerful, 270kW charging technology that enables the battery to be recharged from five to 80 percent of capacity in a claimed 22 minutes.

Trouble is, 800-volt fast chargers remain scarce in Europe and America – the Taycan’s primary markets – with most recharging at public facilities reliant on 400volt systems capable of rendering an 80 percent charge in about 90 minutes.

Charging the Taycan using a 240-volt Level 2 public or home charger is said to take about 11 hours.

As winner of the World Car Awards’ Luxury Car of the Year title, it’s not surprising that the Taycan is sumptuously appointed.

Each of the models in the range is equipped with a 10.9-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay, navigation, Bluetooth, HD and satellite radio, four USB ports, a panoramic sunroof and adaptive air suspension.

Standard safety equipment includes a rearview camera, parking sensors, forward collision warning with brake assist, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive LED headlights.

Safety items extend to blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, a night vision camera and a surround-view parking camera system.

While adding an optional performance

Inside the Taycan… Well-appointed cabin includes steering wheel mounted switchgear, five-pod digital instrumentation and discreet ambient lighting package brings four-wheel steering and active anti-roll bars, the standard chassis offers a choice between the precise handling of a sports car and the longdistance comfort of a saloon.

The basic layout features forged aluminium, double-wishbone suspension at the front and a multi-link set-up at the rear, complimented by a centrally networked, electronic chassis control system that includes three-chamber air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM).

Drivers can choose from four driving modes: Range, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus, with the command centre calculating vehicle status and regulating damper characteristics and spring rates.

Chassis height can be adjusted, too, from a high of plus 20mm (to prevent the front spoiler from bottoming on

speed bumps) to minus 22mm (for excursions on a race track).

At speeds above 90km/h, the Taycan automatically lowers itself by 10mm to aid stability and aerodynamics and, when 180km/h is reached, the body automatically lowers by another 12mm.

Interestingly, Porsche uses two types of transmission system to transfer power from motors to road. At the front axle, a compact, coaxial, one-speed planetary gear with an overall ratio of 8:1 is coupled with an integrated, spur-gear, lightweight differential while, at the rear, a two-speed gearbox is employed.

“First gear gives the Taycan even more acceleration from a standing start, while the long second gear ensures high efficiency and power reserves even at very high speeds,” a spokesman explains.

The system is based on three shafts. In addition to two spur gear stages – which technically represent the ratio of the second gear – a shiftable, planetary gear set is also used, enabling a corresponding reduction for the very short first gear.

“Roughly 15 revolutions of the motor represent one revolution of the wheel.

This results in a very high wheel torque of almost 12 000Nm, which promotes breathtaking acceleration from a standing start,” the spokesman says.

First gear is mainly used in Sport or Sport Plus driving modes when launch control is activated, resulting in the transmission remaining in first gear for a relatively long time, before moving into second gear with a shift overboost.

Taycan on the move… top speed of the Turbo S is a claimed 260km/h

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“Second has a ratio of around 8:1 like the transmission on the front axle. Eight revolutions of the electric motor thus represent one revolution of the wheel,” says the spokesman.

India’s TVS buys Norton Motorcycles

Norton’s Commando… one of the most iconic of British motorcycles

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ndian motorcycle manufacturer TVS has bought iconic British marque Norton for £16-million (about R378-million) in a deal aimed at resuscitating the fortunes of the once prominent brand.

In announcing the acquisition, the Hosur-based manufacturer – which builds two- and three-wheelers for global markets – issued a statement which quoted managing director Sudarshan Venu as saying TVS would look to leverage its international reach and supply chain capabilities to promote the Norton nameplate.

“The badge is celebrated across the world, and presents us with an immense opportunity to scale up globally,” Venu said.

“The transaction is in line with our efforts to cater to the aspirations of discerning motorcycle customers.

TVS’s and India’s rapidly rising prominence in the international twowheeler market,” the statement said.

“We will extend our full support for Norton to regain all of its glory in the international motorcycle landscape,” he promised.

Founded by James Lansdowne Norton in Birmingham in 1898, Norton ranks among the most iconic of British motorcycle brands, famous for retro classic reboots such as the Norton Commando as well as contemporary superbikes.

With Norton facing liquidation in England, the deal – undertaken with guidance from financial advisors Rothschild & Co – involved the acquisition of assets through one of TVS’s international subsidiaries. The announcement that negotiations had been successful was made in Singapore.

“This is one of the most interesting acquisitions of a storied motorcycle maker in recent times and will reflect

According to Venu, under TVS ownership Norton will retain its distinctive identity. “We are excited about existing and upcoming products, and confident of the strong synergy that exists between us,” he said. “We will work closely with customers and employees to build success. We look forward to growing together globally.”

AA joins forces with Swedish insurer to promote road safety

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he Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) has partnered with Swedish insurance solutions company, Greater Than, in a worldwide road safety initiative developed by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

The partnership aims to engage and inspire motorists and organisations across the world to promote safe and responsible driving by taking part in the FIA’s Smart Driving Challenge.

Willem Groenewald, CEO of the AA, says the initiative looks to encourage motorists to drive in a safe, ecofriendly way. “The AA is proud to support and promote the Challenge,” he says.

The FIA Challenge, which is built on an Enerfy artificial intelligence platform developed by the Stockholmbased company, is designed to evaluate and score driving behaviour in real-time.

According to a statement issued by Greater Than, technological advancement has accelerated at a rapid rate in South Africa in recent years and the market for connected car services and userbased insurance policies has intensified.

“We’re excited about our collaboration with the AA. The partnership represents an important milestone for road safety in South Africa,” says Liselott Johansson, CEO of Greater Than.

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Jaguar’s I-Pace makes COTY history aguar’s I-Pace EV400 AWD SE is South Africa’s Car of the Year, marking the first time the competition has been won by an electrically-powered vehicle and also the first time the accolade has been awarded to a Jaguar.

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Mercedes-Benz’s GLE 400d was placed second in the competition, with Toyota’s GR Supra 3,0T third.

The I-Pace’s victory is the latest in a string of firsts for the model. Last year it was voted World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year and World Green Car of the Year – the first time a single derivative had claimed three World Car titles in the 15-year history of the awards. In addition, the model was voted 2019’s European Car of Year.

Richard Gouverneur, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover South Africa, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to add the 2020 South African Car of the Year title to the long list of awards the I-Pace is gathering globally.

Jaguar’s I-Pace… the first electrically powered vehicle to win South Africa’s Car of the Year competition, and the first Jaguar to take the honours Africa team is extremely proud to be recognised in a contest celebrating automotive excellence.”

“It’s also an honour to have an allelectric vehicle listed among a long line of high-profile previous winners since this competition’s inception.

This is literally history in the making.

Organised by the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ) and sponsored by AutoTrader, the Car of the Year competition also saw winners in a number of categories – with the IPace adding another string to its bow by winning the premium luxury vehicle category.

“We are well aware of the tough competition we faced in the running, and the entire Jaguar Land Rover South

In the urban category – which covers compact, budget-friendly passenger vehicles – Hyundai’s Atos 1,1 Motion

came out on top. The family car category was won by Toyota’s Corolla Hatch 1,2T XR CVT, while Volkswagen’s T-Cross 1,0 TSI Comfortline was judged winner in the SUV leisure category.

The lifestyle utility category saw Ford’s Ranger Raptor take the honours, while the SUV category for premium 4x4 vehicles was won by Mercedes-Benz’s GLE400d 4Matic.

In the sports/performance car category, Toyota’s GR Supra 3,0T was judged to be best.

Kia takes World Car title, Peugeot wins in Europe

ling the sixth time the brand’s models have topped the category.

ia’s Telluride SUV (above) has been voted World Car of the Year for 2020, beating 29 contenders for top honours.

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The Korean manufacturer also took first place in the urban car category with its Soul EV. “We are honoured to receive not just

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one, but two awards from the judging panel,” said Thomas Schemera, head of Kia’s product division. “The accolades are testament to the talents and efforts of a worldwide team.”

Porsche, too, took two wins, its electrically-driven Taycan honoured as World Luxury Car and as World Performance Car, the latter victory signal-

Japanese manufacturer Mazda – celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding – took the honours in the World Car Design of the Year category, its Mazda3 deemed by the judging panel to have pushed established boundaries in terms of innovation and style.

In Europe’s Car of the Year Competition, Peugeot’s 208 (above, right) took the honours, marking the sixth time since 1969 that the brand has won the event.

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otorsport legend Sir Stirling Moss has died, aged 90.

Widely regarded as one of the world’s most talented racing drivers, the Englishman wrote his name into the history books by taking an emphatic victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia.

Remembering Stirling Moss

Driving a Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow with journalist Denis Jenkinson in the navigator’s seat, it took Moss 10 hours, 7 minutes and 48 seconds to cover the 1 000-mile (1 600km) route – the best time ever recorded for the event.

A committed ambassador for motorsport, Moss was regarded as unfortunate never to have won a Formula One World Championship, finishing as runner-up to Juan Manuel Fangio on three occasions – in 1955, 1956 and 1957 – and, in 1958, to fellow-Briton Mike Hawthorn. Between 1959 and 1961, he finished third in the championship.

Moss retired from racing following an accident during a F1 event at Goodwood in 1962, when the Lotus he was driving left the track at high speed and crashed into an earth bank.

Though he recovered from severe injuries, Moss decided to quit motorsport, saying his physical reactions had deteriorated. “If you’re not able to drive fast and safely, you should stop, if only out of consideration for your competitors,” he said at the time.

Sir Stirling’s career in motorsport be-

Reunited… 60 years after winning the Mille Miglia with Denis Jenkinson in a Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow (below), Moss again found himself behind the car’s steering wheel at a commemorative event held in Italy in 2015

gan in 1948, when he was 19, his passion fuelled by his father, Alfred – a dentist by profession – and his mother, Aileen, who had been active in racing in the 1920s and 1930s. His sister Pat, too, had been encouraged to race and rally, which she did in the 1950s and 1960s.

Stirling finished fourth in the first event in which he competed but he went on to win his next – a feat he repeated 12 times in the 15-race season to pave the way for an international career.

In 1955, as a member of Mercedes-

Benz’s works team, he competed in F1 events as well as in the World Sports Car Championship.

During the year he won the British Grand Prix and finished second in F1 races in Sweden, Belgium and Holland. In the sports car arena he won the Mille Miglia, the Tourist Trophy in Dundrod, Northern Ireland, and the Targa Florio.

Paying tribute to Moss, Christian Bouke, Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic, said the marque would aim to keep the memory of a great character and racing driver alive and honoured.

“Triumphs such as the overall victory in the Mille Miglia in absolute record time and victory in the British Grand Prix ensure that his name will forever be closely linked with the motorsport successes of this brand. Thank you, Stirling!”

Moss had a tremendous will to win. He said he was always spurred on by one thought in particular: “Today is race day. Today I’m going to risk my life.”

During his career he drove a total of 84 different cars and took part in 495 motorsport events, finishing 366 of them and winning 222 races.

For his services he was honoured with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1959 and, in 2000, was made a Knight Bachelor, meaning he was entitled to call himself Sir Stirling.

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Facing up to COVID: Who’s doing what?

order to facilitate social distancing, which will remain an issue going forward,” he says.

Kirby warns that there is no doubt that COVID-19 has dire consequences for the global economy. In TSAM’s case, he says by the end of lockdown, production volume lost will total 13 443 units.

“The impact is considerable. In monetary terms it’s hard to put a price on this as it’s not just the value of the lost production that needs to be taken into account – you’ve also got to factor in a workforce of line workers who are essentially idle,” he says.

Volkswagen South Africa, too, is doing its part to help to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the manufacture of face masks and medical equipment.

Ford’s face masks delivered to the frontline… the company’s goal is to produce 500 000 units for distribution from its Silverton assembly plant

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otor companies around the world have been at the forefront of efforts to help communities cope with the COVID-19 pandemic – and South Africa’s auto manufacturers are no exception.

In Durban, a team from Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has utilised the technical expertise of the company’s engineering department at its Prospecton assembly plant to design a prototype face shield that has gone into production.

The company aims to manufacture 20 000 shields a week for use at the plant, at Toyota dealerships and supplier premises, and which will also be distributed to local hospitals and to medics.

According to Andrew Kirby, CEO of TSAM: “Our approach is to produce over 100 000 face shields which we will deliver free of charge – but then to hand over the business to a SMME to create a new supplier who can then continue operating.”

Additionally, Kirby says Toyota will support disadvantaged communities through the distribution of food parcels in areas around the Prospecton plant, the company’s offices in Sandton, Gauteng, and its Atlas Road warehouse in Ekurhuleni, with the focus on informal settlements.

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Further, he says TSAM is providing assistance to the country’s taxi industry, having made available 40 vehicles that are used to implement COVID-19 counter-measures, including inspection of taxi ranks, sanitisation projects and education programmes, with the value of the campaign totalling about R10,3-million.

Internally, Kirby says TSAM is doing everything in its power to guarantee the security of its employees. “Starting with our workforce – that is the 7 883 employees on our physical payroll – to instill security and ensure business continuity, we have secured full pay for all our staff during the lockdown period.

“Those in a position to work remotely have been doing so at full speed and will continue to do so to varying degrees in

In partnership with start-up Gusco – a beneficiary of the company’s Community Trust – it is producing soft fabric face masks for distribution across Port Elizabeth’s Nelson Mandela Bay Metro which borders VWSA’s factory site in Uitenhage.

Additionally, the company – which is part of Government’s Coronavirus Task Force Team – is using 3D printing technology to produce parts for mechanical ventilators which will be mass produced at the plant.

Thomas Schaefer, Chairman of the Volkswagen Group South Africa, says the company is continually investigating ways in which it can offer support to the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.

“It is very important for all key stakeholders to collaborate in order to flatten the curve of infections and protect lives,” he says. “VWSA is made up of employees with diverse talents and qualifications, and we have made these skills available to the Metro and the country.”

Continued on Page 9

Refurbishment complete… Renovations by a team from Isuzu created additional room for COVID patients at two hospitals in Port Elizabeth

From Page 8

Similarly, Isuzu Motors South Africa has responded to the Metro’s Business Chamber initiative by volunteering to undertake renovations at Port Elizabeth’s Provincial Hospital and at the Livingstone Hospital, the aim being to increase patient capacity.

Spearheaded by Angus Clark, Isuzu’s maintenance manager, the team worked around the clock to refurbish the facilities, completing the job in eight days.

“Rooms required cleaning and painting and electrical fittings needed fixing.

Also, we converted rooms into ablution and shower facilities, added additional internal and external plumbing, replaced toilets and repaired broken beds and trolleys,” Clark explains.

Renovations at Livingstone Hospital were aimed at ensuring an additional 135 beds for coronavirus patients, with special isolation facilities created to allow medical staff to change and sanitise before entering wards.

Oxygen and vacuum equipment was serviced and additional attachment points created for the extra beds. “We also replaced over 100 broken windows and hung screens and curtains in the wards,” says Clark.

At the Provincial Hospital, a decommissioned casualty building was refurbished to accommodate 25 beds and serve as a transfer location for COVID-19 patients.

In addition, the team helped to erect marquee tents at Dora Nginza Hospital, Livingstone Hospital and Laetitia Bam Clinic in Kwanobuhle near Uitenhage, all of which serve as temporary testing facilities.

Fighting the coronavirus… transport for screening personnel courtesy of Nissan munities in Soshanguve, Ga-Rankuwa, Winterveldt and Hammanskraal – as well as other areas north of Pretoria – to conduct coronavirus tests. The programme will run for as long as Government deems COVID-19 testing necessary.

Pretoria. Production exceeds 10 000 shields a day, and the company has invited suppliers and business partners to make donations to the initiative in order to help to reach the production goal of 500 000 units.

“Nissan Group of Africa is committed to fighting the disease,” says Shinkichi Izumi, the company’s managing director. “We adopted the project in Gauteng North as this is where most of our employees and their families reside.

We believe that a comprehensive screening programme is key to combating the disease.”

“Individuals and companies can support the project by making donations to the Gift of the Givers bank account. All funds raised will be used by Ford to purchase material,” says a statement issued by the company.

Also in the Tshwane area, the Gift of the Givers Foundation has joined forces with the Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa to support the auto manufacturer’s efforts to produce 500 000 COVID-19 face shields.

The Foundation has provided a bank account for donations which will be used to buy materials needed to make the shields. Ford has provided funding for 57 000 kits, 44 000 of which have already been produced by a team of 85 employees and supplier company volunteers at its Silverton Assembly Plant in

Denise van Huyssteen, Isuzu’s Corporate Affairs, Business Strategy and Legal Executive – who is also leader of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber Task Team – says the company’s efforts form part of a larger COVID-19 response strategy. “During this time of crisis, we strongly believe that it is important that, together with our partners and stakeholders, we rally together to do what’s in the best interests of the city and its people as a whole,” she says.

In Gauteng North, the Nissan Group of Africa has joined forces with the University of Witwatersrand Reproductive Health and HIV Institute to support a Department of Health-backed COVID-19 screening programme.

The company has made available 12 vehicles to transport researchers to com-

The shields – a vital part of personal protection equipment – are sent by Ford to the Department of Health for distribution to front-line medical and essential services personnel.

Ockert Berry, Ford’s Vice-President of Operations, says the company is grateful for the support it has received from the supplier network.

“Our partners have stepped up and made valuable contributions through monetary donations, as well as the provision of materials, packaging and transport, all at no cost,” he says.

The shields are manufactured to global health standards using clear polyethylene sheets, polyurethane foam padding and a headband.

Instructions are provided on how to wear the shields correctly and, since they are reusable, sanitising and storage guidelines are included.

If you would like to contribute to the cost of face shield materials, Ford would welcome your donation:

Above: Toyota’s face shield...the company aims to manufacture 20 000 units a week at Prospecton

Account Name: Gift of the Givers Bank: Standard Bank Account number: 052137228 Branch: Pietermaritzburg Branch Code: 057525 Deposit Reference: Ford Auto Report, April, 2020

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GM and Honda agree to jointly develop EVs ing efficiencies will ultimately provide greater value to customers,” says Rick Schostek, Vice-President of Honda America. He adds that the expanded partnership is aimed at unlocking economies of scale to accelerate each of the brands’ electrification roadmaps and advance efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“We are in discussions regarding the possibility of further extending our partnership,” he says.

A mock-up of GM’s modular EV platform showing the Ultium battery pack

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eneral Motors and Honda have agreed to jointly develop two, allnew electric vehicles based on the US manufacturer’s flexible global EV platform and powered by its proprietary Ultium batteries.

According to a statement released by the companies, the exterior and interior of the new models will be exclusively designed by Honda, and the platform will be engineered to support the brand’s driving character.

Production of the vehicles will combine the development expertise of both companies, and the cars will be built at General Motors assembly plants in North

America. Sales are scheduled to start in the 2024 model year.

General Motors and Honda have an ongoing relationship regarding electrification which includes collaboration in fuel cell research as well as the development of the Cruise Origin, an electrically powered, self-driving vehicle whose capabilities were demonstrated in San Francisco earlier this year. Also, since 2018, Honda has been part of GM’s battery module development programme.

“The new collaboration will put together the strength of both companies, while combined scale and manufactur-

According to Doug Parks, GM’s VicePresident for Global Product Development, the new agreement builds on a proven relationship between the two companies, simultaneously validating the technical advancements and capabilities of the US manufacturer’s new EV platform and Ultium batteries.

“Importantly, the agreement represents another step on our journey to an allelectric future and delivering a profitable EV business through increased scale and capacity utilisation.

“We have a terrific history of working closely with Honda, and this new collaboration builds on our relationship and like-minded objectives,” he says.

As part of the agreement, Honda has agreed to incorporate GM’s OnStar safety and security services in the two vehicles, along with ADAS related technology such as hands-free driving capability.

Top award for Hyundai’s Exoskeleton yundai’s latest exoskeleton wearable robot, the Vest Exoskeleton (VEX), has won an award for product design at the 2020 Red Dot Design Awards, a prestigious international competition now in its 60th year.

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The VEX was developed in line with the motor company’s commitment to health and safety. It has been designed for use by production-line employees who need to work with their hands above their heads, usually on the underside of vehicles.

Assembly line workers in the US who tested the VEX’s capabilities reported that it reduced fatigue in their arms and shoulders while boosting productivity and safety.

Dong Jin Hyun, Head of Robotics at Hyundai, said the vest, which is worn

10 Auto Report, April, 2020

like a backpack, was one of a number of innovative products the automaker was in the process of pioneering.

Another was the Chairless Exoskeleton, dubbed CEX, which enabled workers to maintain a sitting position without having to use a chair.

Hyun said Hyundai was considering marketing the VEX to assembly plants around the world. He said if the item

was produced commercially, costs were expected to be about 30% less than those for similar worker aids.

Top truck makers sign green fuel deal

Green Deal… Daimler’s Martin Daum (left) and Volvo’s Martin Lundstedt look to a joint future

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haring a vision of sustainable transport and a carbon neutral future, Daimler Truck AG and the Volvo Group have signed a preliminary Green Deal agreement to develop, produce and commercialise fuel cell systems for heavyduty vehicle applications.

According to a statement released by the companies, Daimler will consolidate all of its current fuel cell activities in the joint venture. The Volvo Group will acquire 50% of the business for about €600-million (about R1,236-billion).

“Transport and logistics keep the world moving, and the need for transport will continue to grow. Truly CO2-neutral transport can be accomplished through electric drivetrains with energy coming either from batteries or by converting hydrogen on board into electricity,” says Martin Daum, Chairman of the Board of Management Daimler Truck AG. He adds: “For trucks to cope with heavy loads and long distances, fuel cells are one important answer and a technology where Daimler has built up significant expertise through its Mercedes-Benz fuel cell unit over the last two decades. The joint initiative with the Volvo Group is a milestone in bringing fuel cell powered trucks and buses onto our roads.”

Martin Lundstedt, President of the Volvo Group, says electrification of road transport is a key element in delivering a carbon neutral Europe by 2050 and ultimately a carbon neutral world.

accelerate the market introduction of fuel cell systems in products used for heavy-duty transport and demanding long-haul applications,” the statement says.

“Using hydrogen as a carrier of green electricity to power electric trucks in long-haul operations is one important part of the puzzle, and a complement to battery electric vehicles and renewable fuels,” he says.

“In the context of the current economic downturn cooperation has become even more necessary in order to meet Green Deal objectives within a feasible timeframe.

“Combining the Volvo Group’s and Daimler’s experience in this area to accelerate the rate of development is good for our customers and for society as a whole. By forming this joint venture, we are clearly showing that we believe in hydrogen fuel cells for commercial vehicles – but for this vision to become reality, other companies and institutions need to support and contribute to the development, not least in order to establish the fuel infrastructure needed.”

According to the statement, Volvo and Daimler will be 50/50 partners in the venture, which will operate as an independent and autonomous entity, with the two companies remaining competitors in all other areas of business.

“Joining forces will decrease development costs for each of the entities and

“The common goal is for both companies to offer heavy-duty vehicles with fuel cells for demanding long-haul applications in series production in the second half of the decade. In addition, other automotive and non-automotive use cases will also form part of the new joint venture’s scope.”

To enable the joint venture, Daum says Daimler will bring together all groupwide fuel cell activities in a new business unit which will include the operations of Mercedes-Benz Fuel Cell GmbH, which has long-standing experience in the development of fuel cell and hydrogen storage systems. Production facilities in Germany and Canada will also be included in the deal.

The signed preliminary agreement is non-binding. A final agreement is expected in the third quarter.

Volkswagen adds fourth vehicle to its Kenyan assembly operations

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ust over three years after Volkswagen ventured into sub-Saharan Africa, the brand’s assembly facility in Kenya is going strong.

Opened in December 2016 in Thika, the plant was the first to be established by the brand as part of its African expansion strategy. It has since opened an assembly facility and mobility solutions company in Rwanda, with Memorandums of Understanding to establish

plants signed with governments in other sub-Saharan countries.

The Thika facility began assembling Polo Vivos from SKD kits in 2016, and has since added the Caddy and five-seat Tiguan to its line-up. The seven-seat Tiguan Allspace was recently included

in the facility’s line-up, making it the fourth vehicle to be assembled there.

Volkswagen has five showrooms in Kenya, with the brand’s share of the passenger car market pegged at 5,3%.

“We believe in Africa,” says Thomas Schaefer, Chairman of VWSA. “Our success in Kenya is part of our journey as a reliable partner. We are proud to have led the way for automotive development in sub-Saharan Africa.”

Auto Report, April, 2020

11

REVIEW

More muscle for Nissan’s Micra

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ith a view to extending the appeal of its compact Micra hatchback range, Nissan recently introduced to the line-up a performance-orientated model powered by a 999cc, threecylinder, turbocharged engine duces 84kW.

reacts with alacrity. With torque peaking at the 180Nm mark – and an additional 20Nm available as an overboost function – momentum is easy to maintain, the Micra capable of holding steady at 120km/h on the freeway without much prodding. Also, acceleration through the gears is reasonably pacey, which adds enjoyment to the driving experience.

Japanese manufacturer Nissan’s recently upgraded Micra offers spirited performance and a range of improvements that endow the model with plenty of go to match its show that pro-

A product of the Renault-NissanMitsubishi Alliance’s strategic cooperation agreement with Daimler AG, the newly developed engine – which features a number of technical innovations, including a special frictionreducing coating on the cylinder bores – delivers almost 20kW more power and 40Nm more torque than the outputs achieved by the 898cc unit which drives the original models in the Micra line-up.

In this respect, Nissan’s aim appears to be to promote spirited performance while at the same time maintaining high levels of fuel economy and low CO2 emissions – and from those perspectives I believe the new Micra meets its objectives.

The car is fun to drive, the powertrain responsive and the gruff engine note adding aural appeal. While an element of turbo lag is apparent at the bottom end of the rev range, once on the move the car

In line with the engine’s sporty demeanour, ride height of the model has been lowered by 10mm. Also, the steering rack is said to be quicker than that of the original version, while suspension is firmer. Transmission, too, has been improved, the six-speed, manual gearbox which has replaced the original fivespeed equivalent offering slick shifts.

On this point, a Nissan SA spokesman says demand for automatic transmission in the compact hatchback segment is increasing, and it is likely that a CVT system will be introduced to the Micra range later this year.

While the car’s suspension changes have helped to promote sensations of liveliness fostered by the engine’s increased power and torque, the ride remains compliant, the overall impression being one of striking a well-crafted balance between sportiness and comfort.

Also notable is the fact that, in hard Continued on Page 13

12 Auto Report, April, 2020

From Page 12

cornering, the Micra’s chassis remains commendably flat, the vehicle’s lower centre of gravity helping to curb body roll.

As far as fuel economy is concerned, Nissan’s tests show a combined cycle return of 5,0 litres/100km – an improvement of 0,1 litres/100km on the figure delivered by the original engine. While carbon emissions remain similar to those of the 66kW unit – 115g/km – the car’s zero to 100km/h time has been improved by 2,2 seconds – dropping from 12,1 seconds to 9,9 seconds. Top speed remains 170km/h.

As far as technology goes, the biggest upgrade in the cabin in terms of Tekna and Tekna Plus variants concerns the installation of a Bose Personal audio system as part of the Apple Carplay, Android Auto compatible infotainment unit.

The system incorporates an under-seat mounted amplifier and high-quality speakers in doors, dashboard and driver’s seat headrest, each facet aimed at delivering top class sound reproduction. “This isn’t just your run-of-the-mill sound system – it’s a rich, immersive 360-degree soundstage,” says a statement issued by Nissan SA. The vehicle’s cabin is light and bright, roomy at the front and well-appointed, with soft touch plastics in high traffic areas and solidly crafted controls adding a quality feel. While the instrument cluster is stacked with old-fashioned – but easy to read – analogue dials, it is complemented by a useful, digital, trip computer and, on the infotainment side, a seven-inch display screen with integrated Bluetooth.

Standard features in the top-of-the-range Tekna Plus derivative include keyless

Performance enhancements help to endow Micra with much-needed street-cred

entry; leather upholstery; a 360-degree parking camera; blind-spot monitoring; idle stop/start; central locking; cruise control; and steering wheel switchgear.

Though the rear of the cabin is tighter than the front section from a passenger perspective, the back seat is easily able to accommodate two adults in comfort, while the load bay holds a claimed 300 litres of luggage – about average for the segment. With rear seat backs folded down, cargo space increases to more than 956 litres.

Safety and security features include front, side and curtain airbags; vehicle dynamic control; hill start assist; Isofix child seat anchors; auto-on lighting with auto hazards; anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.

In terms of rivals, the Micra competes against popular models such as Volkswagen’s Polo, Ford’s Fiesta, Mazda’s 2 and Renault’s Clio which, incidentally, is built on a similar platform.

However, since it’s now better equipped to take on its competitors in the performance stakes, the Micra gains a significant amount of much-needed streetcred that is likely to serve it well in the popularity charts.

SPECIFICATIONS & PRICES ENGINE Type Displacement Power Torque

Three-cylinder, petrol 999cc 84kW @ 5 150 rpm 180Nm @ 1 750 rpm

TRANSMISSION Type Six-speed manual Drive Wheels Front SUSPENSION Front MacPherson Struts Rear Twist Beam Axle PERFORMANCE 0-100km/h Top Speed

9,9 seconds 170km/h

DIMENSIONS Length Width Height Wheelbase Kerb Weight Boot Volume Fuel Tank

3 999mm 1 743mm 1 439mm 2 525mm 1 070kg 300 litres 41 litres

PRICES Acenta Plus Tekna Tekna Plus

R318 800 R340 100 R351 100 Auto Report, April, 2020

13

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pel brand ambassador Jürgen Klopp, coach of Britain’s Liverpool Football Club, is one of the first people to drive the German manufacturer’s new Mokka.

E-power for Opel’s new Mokka

Heavily disguised, the car is undergoing road tests with engineering teams in Britain and Germany – and the big news is that for the first time there will be an electric version of the vehicle in the line-up.

Production is scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of this year, with the first cars off the assembly line – including the electric model – due for delivery early in 2021.

Heavily disguised new Opel Mokka with Liverpool Football Club coach, Jürgen Klopp

Though still camouflaged, pictures of the Mokka show crisp proportions with short front and rear overhangs, illustrating the French-owned brand’s new design language – dubbed “detoxed” by the vehicle’s stylists. A fully digitised interior is said to give the cabin a modern and progressive look.

“The second-generation Mokka is allnew and its technology – including epower – is being thoroughly tested before market launch,” says a statement.

Like the first generation model, the new Mokka is described in the statement as compact and robust – “even more closely tailored to driving in the city, even more stylish to make a big impres-

sion, fully aligned with the further developed Opel design philosophy.”

The statement quotes the brand’s CEO, Michael Lohscheller, as saying that he has followed the development of the car closely over the past two and a half years. “I am very proud of the results,” he says. “I can promise that the new Mokka will be one of the most exciting cars in our long history!

“This second generation model shows everything Opel stands for – it will change perceptions of the brand.

“Our engineers still have important work to do, but I'm looking forward to presenting the new Mokka soon.”

Following his drive of the electric version of the car, Klopp pronounced it “super – you will have a lot of fun.”

Jaguar Land Rover expands electrified line-up

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aguar Land Rover is expanding its electrified vehicle line-up through the introduction of its latest plug-in hybrid technology in two best-selling models – the Range Rover Evoque and the Land Rover Discovery Sport.

The system combines a 1,5-litre, threecylinder, combustion engine – the smallest in the brand’s Ingenium range – with an electric motor to provide the option of traditional petrol-fuelled power, allelectric performance for short trips, or

combined petrol and electric drive. Collective power output from the units totals 227kW – 147kW from the combustion engine and 80kW from the electric motor, which is mounted on the rear axle.

Nick Rogers, Jaguar Land Rover’s Executive Director of Product Engineering, says the pioneering system – which was designed, engineered and manufactured in-house – limits CO2 emissions to 32g/ km in the case of the Evoque and 36g/km in the case of the Discovery Sport.

“Additionally, each of the vehicles has an impressive all-electric, zero tailpipe emission range – 66km for the Evoque and 62km for the Discovery Sport,” he says.

According to Rogers, battery charging has been made as easy as possible, whether the vehicle is on the move or is plugged in. While being driven, energy generated during acceleration or braking can be harvested and used for charging purposes.

When plug-in charging is required, the 15kWh battery can be powered up from zero to 80% in as little as 30 minutes, using a public rapid charger, or 84 minutes using a dedicated home wall box.

Time taken using a typical domestic electricity supply is about six hours, 40 minutes.

Jaguar Land Rover has filed over 40 patent applications for the technologies used in the system, a number of which are related to the high voltage, beltintegrated starter generator. According to a spokesman, confirmation of the introduction of the models locally is expected to be announced in due course.

14 Auto Report, April, 2020

Ford upgrades EcoSport range

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ord has added a new derivative to its EcoSport range – a six-speed auto version of its entry-level, petrolfuelled Ambiente model. Additionally, the company has upgraded specifications on Trend and Titanium derivatives, enhancing safety and comfort features.

powered by a 1,5-litre, three-cylinder engine that produces 91kW and 151Nm. “The convenience of automatic transmission makes the Ambiente perfect for busy city driving, while delivering comfortable and hassle-free open-road cruising,” Mashinini says.

According to Doreen Mashinini, the company’s General Manager of Marketing, equipping the most affordable model in the EcoSport line-up with automatic transmission is aimed at providing an exceptional value for money proposition in the compact utility segment.

In addition to the new derivative, EcoSport Trend and Titanium models benefit from inclusion of Ford’s Collision Mitigation System, a pre-collision assist feature that alerts the driver to a potential collision with a vehicle ahead, pre-charges the brakes and, if necessary, applies maximum braking pressure once the driver depresses the brake pedal.

The model, previously available only with a five-speed manual gearbox, is

Cruise control with an adaptive speed limiter has now been added to Trend models, while the Titanium gains front parking sensors to complement the rear sensors that are standard across the range. In addition, each of the models is now equipped with an underbody protection shield.

“These attributes, combined with the EcoSport's impressive list of safety, comfort and convenience features, plus a standard four-year/60 000km service plan, ensure that the expanded range is more appealing and competitive than ever,” Mashinini says.

With the addition of the new model, a total of seven EcoSport derivatives are now on sale.

FORD ECOSPORT PRICING 1,5 Ambiente 5-spd M R279 700 1,5 TDCi Ambiente 5-spd M R289 900 1,5 Ambiente 6-spd A R297 600 1,0 EcoBoost Trend 6-spd M R319 200 1,0 EcoBoost Trend 6-spd A R333 900 1,0 EcoBoost Titanium 6-spd M R357 000 1,0 EcoBoost Titanium 6-spd A R370 400

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hough Honda India announced recently that it would be discontinuing production of its BR-V model, the vehicle will continue to be sold in South Africa.

That’s the message from Dinesh Govender, General Manager of Honda Motor Southern Africa, who says the local company is in the process of securing sufficient stock from India while an alternate source of production is being investigated.

Govender says the BR-V represents a core model in Honda Motor Southern Africa’s line-up. “The vehicle is the only seven-seat sport utility vehicle (SUV) in its price class. This affords it a significant advantage in the market and, with the Amaze compact sedan, it is consistently one of our top two bestsellers,” he says.

Honda SA elects to stick with BR-V A spokesman for Honda India says the decision to discontinue the model in that country comes in view of India’s decision to introduce stringent emission control measures from this month, coupled with a recent drop in sales.

However, the model will continue to be produced at Honda’s plants in Indonesia (Karawang); Malaysia (Pegoh); Pakistan (Lehore) and Thailand (Ayutthaya).

According to Govender, all BR-V models in South Africa will continue to be sold with a five-year/200 000km warranty, and three-year AA Roadside Assist.

A new four-year/60 000km extended service plan will be included for the BRV’s Comfort and Elegance models, and will be available as an option for entrylevel Trend derivatives.

Govender adds that the model has recently been upgraded, changes to its interior and exterior design having been made with a view to enhancing functionality and improving styling.

“Enhancements have also been made to the on-road drivability and comfort of what is a practical, family-orientated SUV,” he says.

Auto Report, April, 2020

15

Volkswagen simplifies its classic logo V

olkswagen has rolled out a new version of the logo that has identified the brand for more than 70 years. In a statement, a spokesman for the automaker describes the re-imagined emblem as a “minimalistic take on the classic logo.”

to make the W float, bringing a new lightness to the Volkswagen brand,” says Bischoff.

Last year, more than 6,2-million vehicles were built worldwide with the VW badge on their grilles. The two letters have been melded together for decades and have come to represent one of the most recognisable brands on earth.

Designed to be as easily identifiable on small scale digital devices such as smart watches and phones as it is on billboards, the updated symbol is said to incorporate a deeper tone of Volkswagen’s famous blue colouring.

ture symbol allows for more flexibility and versatility. It’s a modern and simpler version of the previous logo.”

“We have created a new, holistic global brand experience suitable for all channels and across all touch points,” says Jochen Sengpiehl, Chief Marketing Officer of Volkswagen. “The new signa-

Led by Volkswagen’s chief designer, Klaus Bischoff, the logo was reduced to its essential elements, in the process appearing more two dimensional.

“My personal drive in the redesign was

The international rollout of the new logo is due to be completed by mid-year, by which time more than 10 000 dealerships in 171 markets spanning 154 countries will have adopted the reworked symbol. The first car to wear the new badge will be the Atlas Cross Sport which is sold in the United States.

AUTO REPORT: LOCAL COVERAGE, GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

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elcome to Auto Report, a monthly automotive newsletter that aims to keep you informed about the latest issues, events and products that have impact on the motor industry.

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16 Auto Report, April, 2020