AUTOMECHANIKA 2011: MOTOR INDUSTRY A MASSIVE EMPLOYER

The multi-faceted South African motor industry is a formidable employer with about 33 000 people working at seven vehicle manufacturing plants and  250 000 more that are employed by importers of vehicles, component manufacturers and after-market suppliers and service providers.

ON THE ROAD: MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG

I can’t decide. Is it the most beautiful car in the world or is it just plain and familiar?

Or it could just be the gullwings. I can’t say. All I know is I’ve never driven a car that attracted so much attention. Neighbours who’ve never spoken a word to me suddenly became interested in discussing issues surrounding the Guptas and Gaddafi, curious little kids whipped out their cell phone cameras and strange women even smiled randomly at me.

AUTOMECHANIKA 2011: MERCEDES-BENZ RECLAIMS REMANUFACTURED PARTS SPACE

Mercedes-Benz South Africa has once again chosen to use a large-scale exhibition as a launch-pad. This year’s Automechanika SA at the NASREC Expo Centre will see the heavyweight OEM introduce products that provide both customers and the aftermarket industry with quality-assured parts supported by warranties – all at affordable pricing.

RENAULT FUSES (IN)FLUENCE INTO HOT SEDAN MARKET

The affordable family sedan market just got a shot in the arm with the launch of the all-new Renault Fluence. Ever since the demise of the Megane II sedan, the brand hasn’t played in the company of Toyota Corollas. Until now that is. We sampled it around the Gauteng and North West areas and came away with some feelings.

MAYBACH GUARD PROTECTS RICH FROM UNCOUTH

Based on the Maybach 62, the armoured Maybach Guard offers similar performance and possibilities of customisation available on the other Maybach saloons.

March 1st 2011 – Comfort, individualisation, luxury and a very high level of safety. These requirements are satisfied to the letter on the Maybach Guard, the luxurious armoured limousine realised with integrated safety systems by the German engineers in Sindelfingen.

FIRST ASTON MARTIN LAGONDA WILL BE AN SUV?

Aston Martin has already confirmed the return of the Lagonda badge, but pundits had suggested a new sedan model. Reports from Autocar suggests otherwise. A luxury SUV is being mooted as the first model to wear Lagonda sleeves.

LAUNCHED: 2011 FACELIFT VOLKSWAGEN CADDY

The Volkswagen Caddy range has been renewed and refreshed for the year 2011, bringing it in line with all the new VWs out on the streets today. Importantly for VW, the Caddy, which is a market leader in its segment when in Panel Van format, has to maintain its leadership over rivals. The company leadership is very confident this will be so.

TWO CARS OF THE YEAR FOR 2011!

A completely unique situation has unfolded in the South African, and possibly world motor industry, as not one but two cars were chosen for the country’s Car of the Year award. The BMW 530d and Volkswagen Polo 1.6 TDI were voted the 2010 Cars of the Year. Organised by the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists, the award seeks to reward a car that bests represents its class, while also being the best of a number of finalists.

AUDI A7 SPORTBACK: SURPRISINGLY VERY GOOD!

I may be ageing. Daft statement. We are all ageing! But here’s the thing. Inside this ageing body I’m still myself, my old petrolhead self. And for me to like an Audi Sportback model is uncharacteristic. Actually, more so because it’s the new Audi A7 Sportback, the biggest one of the lot. At this point I should make another confession; I prefer the A5 Sportback to any other A5 model.

5 SERIES, A8, LEAF, NAMED AS 2011 WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

BMW 5 Series, Audi A8 and Nissan LEAF. What do they all have in common? They are the three finalists for the 2011 World Car of the Year Award. And as you can see, the votes will go to the whole range and not just one model in the range, as is normally done in some smaller COTY competitions. Having never driven the reigning European COTY LEAF, and with the A8 styled as if in passing, our money is firmly set on the subdued 5.

GENEVA 2011: ALL-NEW LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR SHOWS WINGS

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome on stage, the all-new Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4! Enthusiasts will forgive the average onlooker for not noticing that this is a completely new Lamborghini, not a facelift or another special edition model.