Features | Automotive Industry| Motor Vehicles

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Automotive Industry

D2M system grows its Plascon Acryline range

By: Halima Frost 27th July 2018 Owing to global demand for smarter painting systems that are cost effective and reduce process time, coatings company Kansai Plascon has introduced its Acryline Direct-2-Metal (D2M) system of automotive paints, which is considered as one of South Africa’s leading commercial-vehicle (CV) coating... →

Ford hits carbon emissions reduction target eight years early

27th July 2018 In June, automotive manufacturer Ford Motor Company announced that it had met its goal to reduce manufacturing emissions – eight years ahead of schedule. Ford hit the target twice as fast as expected. The results are dramatic, with a global manufacturing carbon emissions reduction of more than... →

EMISSION OMISSION Ford’s plug-in Hybrids score a 10 for lowered greenhouse gas emissions

Company completes reusable bins supply for new vehicle model

By: Halima Frost 27th July 2018 Rotational and low pressure injection moulding specialists Kaymac Structural Foam (KSF) completed a contract with a leading German automobile manufacturer last month, where it supplied reusable collapsible bins for components of a new vehicle model being manufactured in South Africa for world... →

HOLDING IT TOGETHER Collapsible bins were produced to hold automotive parts

Reusable Packaging is the Game Changer in the Automotive Industry

27th July 2018 Never before has it been more crucial for automotive enterprises to review their packaging needs. Packaging is the one key element that is often overlooked when designing and investing in a new line of vehicle manufacture or moving parts in a closed loop system for processing. When packaging is... →

Arc 1

24th July 2018 High-quality welding and cutting products and services supplier Arc 1 is focused on supporting the fabrication industry in Southern Africa. Based in Elandsfontein, Germiston, the company intends to be the supplier of choice for those fabrication customers wanting to procure high-quality welding... →

Electric trucks sale targeted for 2019

9th February 2018 Truck manufacturer Volvo Trucks will start selling electric trucks in Europe in 2019, with the first units already being put into operation together with selected reference customers this year. →

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Volvo Trucks’ electric trucks will reduce the burden on the roads during daytime rush-hour traffic

Hyundai and Cisco collaboration to disrupt automotive industry

9th February 2018 Automotive manufacturer Hyundai Motor Company and technology conglomerate Cisco Systems have revealed a new technology roadmap that will enable next-generation in-vehicle networking with security. Additionally, the companies have shared their timelines for commercial deployment of... →

INNOVATION COLLABORATION Hyundai and Cisco have been collaborating since 2016

Multistage line a first for South Africa, to reduce scrap rate in automotive industry

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 9th February 2018 Steel supplier and processing company Allied Steelrode will later this year test the prototype model of a custom-built, multistage slitting and blanking line. Once the full-scale line has been built and commissioned it will achieve average scrap rate reductions of between 5% and 25% and improve... →

WARNE RIPPON The new multi-stage slitting and blanking line will be a first for South Africa

Next-generation automated driving vehicle introduced

9th February 2018 Research and development enterprise Toyota Research Institute (TRI) presented Platform 3.0, its next-generation automated driving research vehicle, at January’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, US. The new platform is based on a Lexus LS 600h L and combines greater technological... →

NEXT GENERATION Platform 3.0 is one of the most perceptive automated driving test cars on the road

VWSA passenger car market leader for seventh consecutive year

9th February 2018 Automotive manufacturing company Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) ended 2017 with 80 308 sales, giving it a total market share of 21.8%, with the Volkswagen brand achieving 18.9% share in a year in which it ran out of supply of its most successful models. Since the introduction of the Polo... →

MARKET LEADER The Volkswagen Polo sold 22 916 units last year

Fuel cell electric vehicles provide double the driving range

By: Victor Moolman 28th July 2017 Fuel cell technology developer Isondo Precious Metals (IPM) says hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) will be able to consistently and reliably provide driving ranges comparable to today’s internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. →

Photo by Bloomberg
NEW ADDITION The plant will develop membrane electrode assemblies for hydrogen powered cars

Vehicle industry benefits from process range

By: Victor Moolman 28th July 2017 Since it obtained its licence from heat treating and manufacturing services company Nitrex in Canada, heat treatment specialist P.H. Heat Treatment provides the automotive industry with controlled nitriding and ferritic nitrocarburising processes for automotive components, which form part of the... →

HEAT TREATMENT
The company does heat treatment for various automotive components

P.H. Heat Treatment managing member Cecil B. Zlotnick explains how heat treatment is done to automotive components. Camerawork: Victor Moolman. Editing: Lionel da Silva.

Freight of components can be tracked

By: Victor Moolman 28th July 2017 To help control import costs and combat the volatile rand, import and working capital specialists Investec Import Solutions’ online client portal BlueLink, offers a complete end-to-end view of your entire import transaction on one platform from order placement through to delivery. →

Investec Import Solutions head of corporate accounts Dr Greg Cline explains how the import industry is changing. Camerawork: Victor Moolman. Editing: Lionel da Silva.

Automotive future positive through telematics

By: Victor Moolman 28th July 2017 The future for automotive fleet management through telematics is positive, says JSE-listed fleet management, insurance telematics and stolen vehicle recovery service provider Cartrack. →

Cartack South Africa CEO Andre Ittmann explains how the systems work and what the benefits are. Camerawork: Victor Moolman. Editing: Lionel da Silva.

Local company to supply wheel assemblies for new BMW X3

By: Victor Moolman 28th July 2017 Wheel assembly solution provider Wheel Assemblers will supply tyre and rim assemblies for the new X3 (G01) model from German vehicle manufacturer BMW South Africa (SA) to be built in Rosslyn, Pretoria. →

Wheel Assemblers marketing and finance director Dr Johan-Paul Olivier explains how the company will be supplying wheel assemblies for the BMW X3 vehicle. Camerawork: Victor Moolman. Editing: Lionel da Silva.

Spread of counterfeit goods eased through social media

By: Victor Moolman 28th July 2017 However, he points out that while counterfeiting takes place in these informal markets, the firm has also seen reputable motor parts dealers selling counterfeit goods alongside original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, which is why some OEMs have appointed regulated parts dealers. →

Spoor & Fisher partner Paul Ramara explains the dangers and impact of counterfeits. Camerawork: Victor Moolman. Editing: Lionel da Silva.

P.H Heat Treatment

By: Zandile Mavuso 28th July 2017 Since its inception in 1958, heat treatment specialists P.H. Heat Treatment has always carried out various heat treatment processes for the automotive industry. These treatments are an essential part of manufacturing in order to impart increased mechanical properties such as tensile strength,... →

Spark plug range provides unsurpassed coverage

10th February 2017 Aftermarket automotive products supplier Federal-Mogul, a division of Federal-Mogul Holdings Corporation, is now offering the new EON-Titan spark plug range from automotive products manufacturer Champion, which incorporates innovative use of the latest spark plug technology. →

COMPREHENSIVE RANGE The new Champion EON-Titan spark plug range provides car parc coverage of 90% with only 18 product references

S Africa to keep pace with automotive technology advances

By: Robyn Wilkinson 10th February 2017 With American analyst firm Gartner predicting that there will be a quarter of a billion connected vehicles on the road globally by 2020, equipped with new in-vehicle services and automated driving capabilities, asset and vehicle tracking solutions company Ctrack, part of Inseego Corp, says cars... →

BETTER FLEET MANAGEMENT Ctrack’s range of on-board devices and mobile software can help fleet managers to prevent road accidents in South Africa

Positive outlook for automotive industry

By: Robyn Wilkinson 10th February 2017 Increased new-car production levels, which include an expected growth in vehicle exports, are likely to drive improvement in South Africa’s automotive industry this year, says industrial equipment supplier Bearings International sales representative Cherry Slater. →

EXTENSIVE PRODUCT RANGE Bearings International is poised to cater to increased new-car production levels with its wide range of bearings and power transmission products

Production capacity grows in SA automotive industry

By: Robyn Wilkinson 10th February 2017 The outlook for the local automotive industry for the next three to five years is very positive, with several manufacturers planning upgrades and expansions at their facilities to increase capacity, says drive technology provider SEW Eurodrive South Africa (SA) sales engineer Willem Strydom. →

WILLEM STRYDOM AND CLIVE O’REILLY SEW Eurodrive SA’s products can help automotive manufacturers optimize their operations as they expand their product lines

Plastics training crucial for the automotive industry

10th February 2017 In light of the growing trend within the automotive industry to increase dependency on plastic components and the greater demand this places on employers to train, upskill and transfer skills to employees in South Africa, local plastics industry representative Plastics|SA has been playing an... →

New era for automotive industry

By: Robyn Wilkinson 10th February 2017 The technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) sector is rapidly disrupting traditional ways of making and selling products across all sectors, including in the automotive industry, where technological advancement is radically influencing the way in which vehicles are manufactured and sold... →

TECHNOLOGY TAKE OVER Driverless vehicles will soon become a reality with extensive research and testing underway globally

Automotive industry to achieve international standards with new gas

10th February 2017 Honouring its commitment to the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, specialty chemicals and gas company A-Gas South Africa will be phasing out commonly used high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants in its product range. →

Parallel system enables line upgrades without disrupting production

By: Nadine James 22nd July 2016 Factory automation systems manufacturer Omron has refined its parallel upgrade system, which enables manufacturers to complete line upgrades for redundant electrical hardware and control systems without impacting on production, reducing downtime or compromising operational efficiency for... →

PARALLEL LINES The parallel upgrade system comprises a completely new line system that runs parallel with the existing system

Photo by Duane Daws
PARALLEL LINES The parallel upgrade system comprises a completely new line system that runs parallel with the existing system

Carbon dioxide to be used in foam, plastic vehicle components

22nd July 2016 Last month, multinational automotive manufacturer Ford Motor Company announced that it is the first automaker to formulate and test new foam and plastic components that use carbon dioxide (CO2) as feedstock. Researchers expect to see the new biomaterials in Ford production vehicles within five... →

USEFUL WASTE The anticipated use for the captured waste product carbon dioxide includes seating and underhood applications.

Manufacturers to profit from ‘connected life’ concept

By: Nadine James 22nd July 2016 Technological developments relating to high-speed connectivity, smart sensors and cloud-based computing, present vehicle manufacturers with an opportunity to develop services based around connected cars and devices. This has provided new impetus to the “Connected Life” concept, says computer... →

Photo by Bloomberg
INTERACTIVE DRIVING The BMW Group showcased the BMW ConnectedDrive features at 2011 Paris Motor Show

Crash test dummy range now includes child models

22nd July 2016 Japanese automotive manufacturer Toyota last month expanded its range of virtual crash-test dummies by adding three new new models to replicate the physical characteristics of children aged three, six and ten. The simulation software, known as Total Human Model for Safety (Thums), maps and mimics... →

Specialised bushings used for tyre testing rig

By: Nadine James 22nd July 2016 Self-lubricating polymer bearings and bushes manufacturer Vesconite Bearings – a division of VescoPlastics – has supplied specialised thermoplastic Vesconite bushings for a tyre test rig at the University of Pretoria’s (UP’s) Vehicle Dynamics Group (VDG). The test rig, manufactured and assembled... →

TYRE TEST RIG The rig forms part of a master’s degree project by University of Pretoria students

Manufacturers to exploit emerging automotive markets

By: Nadine James 22nd July 2016 Original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are aiming to expand their client bases and establish automotive manufacturing facilities in emerging market economies, owing to the current saturation in European and US automotive markets, says auditing and consulting firm KPMG. KPMG industrial and... →

Photo by Duane Daws
MISFIT TOYS? Recent trends suggest that demand for vehicles is depressed, even if the desire tow own a vehicle has not finished

Toyota topped seller charts in January

19th February 2016 Japanese automotive manufacturer Toyota have built on good form to once again be crowned the top-selling brand in the South African Automotive Industry for the month of January after selling 6 463 units. A slower start to the auto market in January has not hindered the Midrand-based company,... →

8TH GENERATION HILUX Toyota’s Hilux bakkie was the topselling light commercial vehicle in 2015 with 35 684 units

Hyundai extends warranty to seven years

19th February 2016 Korean motor vehicle manufacturer Hyundai Automotive South Africa (HASA) has extended its manufacturer’s warranty to ensure a better resale value. The Bedfordview-based company has implemented a long, five year/150 000 km warranty period since 2007. Moreover the company, which sold around... →

EXTENDED WARRANTY Hyundai’s face lifted H1 Bus also falls under the seven year/200 000 km warranty

Ford donates shipping containers for housing units

19th February 2016 By means of renovating, converting and subdividing five shipping containers from Detroit-based vehicle producer Ford, Struandale engine plant has been able to provide housing for ten destitute families from the Vastrap informal settlement in Booysens Park, Port Elizabeth. The five containers... →

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Five containers were converted to safe and secure housing along with a sixth container that was converted into a community centre

Swedish motorcycle brand launches 701 bike range in SA

By: Simon Sonnekus 19th February 2016 Swedish motorcycle manufacturer Husqvarna launched its 701 Enduro and Supermoto models at wholesaler Puzey’s Biker’s Warehouse, in Gauteng, last month. The range will spearhead the new range of Husqvarna road motorcycles. The company, which was acquired by Austrian motorcycle company KTM from... →

HUSQVARNA 701 ENDURO Husqvarna has introduced the flagship models the 701 Enduro and Supermoto

Used-car market rises while new-car sales decline

19th February 2016 Sales data released by South African automotive industry information provider the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa), has noted that while new-vehicle sales have declined by 6.9% since January 2015, data from vehicle finance and insurance provider Wesbank... →

SIMPHIWE NGHONA Cash-strapped and budget-conscious consumers atempt to address affordability

Bumpy ride for South African motorists

By: Simon Sonnekus 19th February 2016 The expected rise in Brent crude oil prices, and geopolitical decisions by South Africa will influence the petrol price and vehicle prices in 2016, says the Automobile Association (AA) of South Africa. According to audit, advisory and tax services firm KPMG automotive sector partner Gavin Maile,... →

Photo by Duane Daws
PETROL PRICE HIKE Motorists could pay about R20/ℓ for petrol this year

Reality programme used for welding training at AIDC

By: Simon Sonnekus 19th February 2016 Students who want to work in the production sector of the automotive industry can submit their curriculum vitae to the Automotive Industry Development Centre’s (AIDC’s) Gauteng Automotive Learning Centre to participate in an augmented-reality welding programme. Eight Soldamatic welding simulators... →

SOLDAMATIC WELDING SIMULATOR
Trainees will be able to practise more than 93 different welding lessons on the simulators

Photo by Simon Sonnekus
SOLDAMATIC WELDING SIMULATOR Trainees will be able to practise more than 93 different welding lessons on the simulators

Support services drive expansion into Africa

By: Simon Sonnekus 19th February 2016 German truck and bus manufacturer MAN has added support services in the form of a new service centre and a workshop in Kenya and Zambia respectively. MAN’s resolve to expand into Africa has come after its steady rise in sales across Eastern and Central Africa. “Our partners have provided a... →

$MODULAR DESIGN WORKSHOP The new modular design workshop allows for quicker workshop construction at a fraction of the cost of regular brick-and-mortar workshops$

MODULAR DESIGN WORKSHOP The new modular design workshop allows for quicker workshop construction at a fraction of the cost of regular brick-and-mortar workshops

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