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15 000 SUBSCRIBERS Issue 80 | 10 December 2015 www.autolive.co.za New show for SA An artist’s impression of the Kyalami pit complex and convention centre. BY LIANA REINERS Internationally, in recent years, concerns about aff ordability and return on investment for exhibi- tors have led to the cancellation of automotive ex- In April this year, it was announced that the hibitions in a number of countries. Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS), In fact, just recently it was announced that which was scheduled to be held at Expo Centre, major players Jaguar, Land Rover and possibly Obviously they came up with a Plan B, Nasrec, from 14 to 27 October would not take place. MINI had all pulled out of the Detroit auto show, because it was much excitement that we received Th is followed a decision by NAAMSA scheduled to take place next month. MINI even the news that the SA Festival of Motoring will Chief Executives not to proceed with the event. went so far as to say that it might not even partici- succeed the previously staged JIMS. It was even Considerations in the decision included the fact pate in the Geneva show in March. hinted that, depending on the success of the 2016 that the event clashed with the Rugby World Cup When JIMS was cancelled, it was announced festival, it could well become an annual event and the E-Mobility month in Sandton. Moreover, that the possibility of a show in 2016 would be off ering an enhanced experiential showcase for the the economic and fi nancial climate in South considered and that South African Shows Messe local automotive industry. And even more good Africa was impacting on trading conditions in the Frankfurt – the show management company, in news was that it is to be held at the refurbished automotive sector, causing substantial pressure on consultation with the industry’s marketing and Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit & International margins throughout the automotive value chain. sales experts had been tasked to formulate propos- Convention Centre from 31 August to September Th e costs of automotive exhibitions have als and a strategic action plan to enhance the value 4th 2016. risen disproportionately and this has called into proposition for exhibitors and to substantially in- question the return on investment for exhibitors. crease the return on investment for participants. continued on page 2 No “i” in the What type of driver International accolades Ford’s is not the Lazarus team are you? for HINO SA fi rst Ranger Page 5 Page 12 Page 15 Page 18 Subscribe for free @ www.autolive.co.za Page 2 Editor and General Manager continued from previous page launches of new products expected to Liana Reiners be on the cards,” said Francois Loubser, [email protected] Said Denis Klopper, General NAAMSA Show Coor dinator. “Th e 083 407 4600 Manager of the Kyalami Grand Prix newly revamped and rebuilt Kyalami Circuit: “Th is is exceptionally posi- will prove to be an excellent venue and tive and exciting news for Kyalami. will add substance to the Festival.” Contributors It’s a good fi t and I’m sure it will be a An innovative technology lab Roger Houghton hugely successful event.” will present future trends focusing [email protected] He also explained that the refur- on mobile technology, including hy- bishment of the venue is progressing brid and electric vehicles and the im- 082 371 9097 well and it is anticipated that work on pending reality of the connected car. the track itself will be completed by Suppliers of aft ermarket automotive January. However, the rebuild of the accessories, as well as service provid- Advertising Sales pit complex and convention centre ers for the automotive industry, will Liana Reiners won’t be fi nished before May. also be represented. [email protected] Th e event represents a joint Th e SA Festival of Motoring is 083 407 4600 venture partnership between South Dr Johan van Zyl, supported by various industry bodies African Shows – Messe Frankfurt President of NAAMSA. including the National Association of and NAAMSA, with broad support Automotive Component and Allied Address from automotive companies. Inspired by the highly success- Manufacturers (NAACAM) and the 237 Rigel Avenue “Th is partnership ensures that ful Goodwood Festival of Speed in Retail Motor Industry organisation Waterkloof Ridge the 2016 SA Festival of Motoring the UK, the Festival of Motoring will (RMI) and the Automotive Industry Pretoria will be a true global showcase draw- focus on automotive lifestyle, enter- Export Council (AIEC). ing on the Messe Frankfurt group’s tainment, motorsport demonstra- “Th e SA Festival of Motoring rep- PO Box 914 005 international strengths and network, tions and vehicle drive opportunities. resents a new concept, provides new Wingate Park whilst retaining a strong African A broad array of ancillary events will opportunities in an ideal location and 0153 identity,” explained Pula Dippenaar, form part of the “festivities”, includ- will defi nitely attract motoring en- 012 460 4448 Show Director of the SA Festival of ing driving demonstrations, parades thusiasts and the general public. Th e Motoring and CEO of South African of vintage cars, family events, music, event will feature prominently on the Shows – Messe Frankfurt (SASMF). celebrities and outstanding cuisine agenda of the South African automo- Website It is anticipated that WesBank and ambience. tive industry and represents a must www.autolive.co.za will continue as the platinum spon- “Cars remain the stars at the attend show,” commented Dr Johan sor, as it was with JIMS. 2016 event, with many previews and van Zyl, President of NAAMSA. ■ Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/AutoLive © 2015 WCM Media CC SA also gets new bike show Production In related news, it was announcednced action,acti products, services and Marketing Support Services earlier this week that the Southh informationinfo to consumers and the +27 (0)12 346 2168 Africa Bike Festival will be held trade.trad [email protected] at the newly rejuvenated Said Nicole Muller, Portfolio Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit Director at Clarion Events: from 27 May to 29 May 2016. “Our long term aim in creat- Together with the manu- ing this event will be to drive Disclaimer factures, associated brandss awarenessaware to a potential new target While reasonable precautions have and industry members, Clarionon audienaudience each year and create a been taken to ensure the accuracy Events UK aims to combinene sustainable, annual and internationally rec- of the advice and information given event entertainment experience,e, oognisedgnised brand that will bring together the ex- to readers, neither the editor, the international media partnerships periencediddth and the young motivators to encour- proprietors, nor the publishers and local market expertise to ensure the festival age and grow a new generation of motorcyclists in can accept any responsibility for becomes an annual event, offering entertainment, South Africa and beyond.” ■ any damages or injury which may arise therefrom. To advertise in contact Liana Reiners on 083 407 4600 or email on [email protected] Subscribe for free @ www.autolive.co.za Page 3 Editor’s Note Marginal gains in sales Here we go again; the silly season and exports is upon us. Actually, this has been quite a silly year! Loadshedding, student upris- Domestic new vehicle sales and vehicle exports had registered marginal gains compared to the ings, strikes, unrest, corruption, corresponding month last year said NAAMSA in its comments on new vehicle sales in SA in ridiculous politics and widespread November. A noteworthy feature was the sharp recovery in heavy and extra heavy truck sales. negativity about the future of our Th e industry’s export performance was again aff ected by special circumstances arising from a beautiful country were part and model run out by a major exporter. parcel of 2015. And what I fi nd particularly unsettling is the fact Th e industry’s export numbers were aff ected by the launch phase of the new Ford Ranger. that we seem to have accepted this as the way things are here Th e model run out, model run in of the product had contributed to the relatively low indus- in sunny SA. We go with the fl ow, or in this case, roll with the try export numbers. However, industry vehicle exports were expected to show a strong re- punches. covery over the next few months. Furthermore industry vehicle exports in 2015 will be at a I recently read an interesting insight on the economy circu- record level. lated by Bruggemans & Associates Consulting Economists and written by Cees Bruggemans. continued on page 4 Th e piece takes a harsh look at our economy and the vehicle industry and the eff ect the two have on each other. Bruggemans points out that the onset of year-on-year SA WesBank comments on November sales fi gures: car sales declines signaled the imminent start of economic busi- ness cycle downswings in seven such episodes since 1970. Of New vehicle sales in South Africa improved for the fi rst time since February 2015, this course we might now be facing the eighth. November. According to the latest consolidated sales data from the National Association According to Bruggemans, such downswings in fi ve in- of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) industry sales totalled 51 256 stances led to full blown recessions. vehicles – representing year-on-year growth of 0.4%. To quote Bruggemans: “Car sales are apparently a genuine Sales through the dealer channel grew 7.9%, year-on-year, on the back of new vehicle yellow canary in the coal mines of economic life as early cycle launches, marketing incentives that and innovative fi nance deals.