JIMS 2011: VOLKSWAGEN DEBUTS BEETLE, GOLF CABRIOLET AND GO!

The Volkswagen stand at the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) is one of the largest and several model debuts took place over there. The main ones were the all-new Beetle, the Go! Concept and the Golf Cabriolet. Again, it seems the Africans just don’t receive all the good stuff the Europeans are shown.

JIMS 2011: MERCEDES-BENZ STAND REVEALS NEXT A-CLASS, TOPLESS SLS AMG

Three years ago Mercedes-Benz debuted the SL 65 AMG Black Series at JIMS, which was then known as Auto Africa. This time the company’s centre piece is a family car. It’s the upcoming A-Class in concept form. Quite the hottie is this thing, as it features a new, sleek and coupe-like design that will square up much more closely with the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3.

JIMS 2011: NISSAN BLOWS IN LEAF, SIR JUKE

The Nissan LEAF made its first African appearance at the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show. The LEAF, which has no petrol or diesel at all anywhere in its veins, runs purely on electricity, thanks to rechargeable batteries. There’s currently no indication is to whether Nissan SA will bring the car over or not, given our sometimes erratic power supply.

GENERAL MOTORS DISHES OUT MIRAY, HOT GTC, SUPER SONIC AT JIMS 2011

General Motors showed off the Chevrolet Miray Concept car at the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show. Some reckon it’s the next Corvette, but with a hybrid engine, one would be sceptical of this thought. Miray (pronounced My-Ray) is powered by two electric motors and a double-clutch transmission. It’s shaped like a speedster, with a low windscreen and no roof. The car is GM’s showstopper this year.

MERCEDES-BENZ CONFIRMS SMALLER, CHEAPER SLS AMG

AutoExpress says during its interview with a Mercedes-Benz AMG executive, it was revealed that the Daimler performance division is working on a Porsche 911 killer. The baby SLS AMG, which might be called the SLC AMG, will also feature a V8 engine. Smaller and shorter than SLS, the thing is set to start a whole new line of sports cars from AMG.

EUROPE NAMES 35 CAR OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

The reigning European Car of the Year is the all-electric-powered Nissan LEAF which was crowned last year. Quite an achievement for such a car to win. Its’ that time again now when Europe gets down to the serious business of nominating cars deemed the best on that continent. The list is compiled from opinions and votes of 59 motoring journalists representing 23 European countries.

BMW LEADS AMERICAN PREMIUM SALES

While Lexus led US premium car sales for the past 10 years in a row, the Germans have finally caught up, and overtaken it. BMW brand sales so far in 2011 tally to 177 679, closely tracked by Daimler with 170 058 units, rounded off by Lexus in third with 135 647 cars sold since January.

SEPTEMBER'S TOP SELLERS REVEALED

The month of September saw a 30% growth rate in the number of new vehicles sold. According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), a total of 54 364 units were delivered last month, for a 16.2% total increase during the first three quarters of the year. So far 424 405 vehicles have been sold. At this rate we are looking at a market close of between 550 000 and 600 000 by the 31^st of December.

BMW'S ACTIVEHYBRID 5 COMES ALIVE

BMW South Africa will start selling the ActiveHybrid 5 here in 2012. The car will mark the company’s first hybrid offering to ever hit these shores, promising V8 performance with straight-six fuel consumption. Hopefully we’ll be able to take a closer look at BMW’s JIMS stand if the car is on exhibit.

FIAT GROUP DEVELOPING THRUSTY 1.8 TURBO

Fiat the group, is currently developing a new 1.8-litre turbo engine that will revolutionise the way it does business in the near future. The 4-cylinder, direct-injection motor begins production in early 2013 and will be fitted into a whole range of cars that are branded Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Dodge and Chrysler among others.

PEUGEOT 4008 SUV LAUNCHES IN 2012

Peugeot announced that it’s re-entering the compact SUV market with the brand new 4008 crossover. Sales will begin during the first half of 2012, initially concentrating on fast-growing SUV markets like Russia and China.

CHRYSLER YPSILON ARRIVES IN THE UK

Since the buyout of Chrysler of the USA by Fiat of Italy, several Fiat models have crossed the bounds to become Chryslers. Now it’s the turn of the Lancia Ypsilon, which has recently been introduced to the UK as a Chrysler Ypsilon. Rebadging 2012 style!

NEW CIVIC HATCH PRICED FOR UK

Honda has launched the all-new 2012 Civic hatch to the United Kingdom market, with SE, ES, EX and EX GT trim levels made available. The cheapest Civic on the lot will cost £16,495 OTR (about R208 000) for the 1.4-litre iVTEC SE with 74kW. Mzansi does not get this engine; we only start at 1.8-litre.

TEAM FERODO SUFFERS CRUEL LUCK AT KILLARNEY

Motor racing is a cruel mistress and there are days when things just don’t go your way.  So it was for the Ferodo Racing Team in round seven of the WesBank Super Series at Cape Town’s Killarney circuit on Saturday.