OVER 15 800 SUBSCRIBERS www.autolive.co.za Issue No. 116 | 13 December 2018

REVITALISED FIAT CHRYSLER AUTOMOBILES SA FIRED UP FOR 2019

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles South Africa (FCASA) CEO, Graham Eagle.

By Roger Houghton “We are aware that rumours were circulating we are realistic that we won’t get back to those that we were going to ditch one or more of our volumes in the short term, but they remain a brands. The fact that some of our dealerships were medium-term target. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles South Africa (FCASA) closing as we consolidated all three brands into “We know it is not going to be easy to rebuild has been completely restructured and is now one dealer facility added to the fire. It has been a our brand images and win the confidence of the revitalised to win back customers and market stressful and challenging time for all of us. public. But I am glad to say we have the support share in 2019, according to its recently-appointed “However, we believe we have taken the pain of motivated and determined people in our head CEO, Graham Eagle. “We have had a tough time and are now much better placed to be a significant office staff and at our dealerships, so I am looking in 2018 as we basically combined two compa- player in a very competitive local market, where forward to making significant progress next year, nies – Chrysler/Jeep and Fiat/Alfa Romeo – while many of the importers – and some of the local particularly as it will be spiced with a host of new rationalising and consolidated the dealer network,” manufacturers – have lost substantial volume model introductions,” added Eagle. explained Eagle in an exclusive interview with over the past year. FCASA was retailing more AutoLive last week. than 1 000 units a month in 2012/2013 and continued on page 2

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Editor and Advertising Manager continued from previous page Liana Reiners [email protected] The FCASA dealer network 083 407 4600 has now been consolidated with 23 full dealerships and a further 15 Contributors accredited outlets offering parts and service. Eagle believes this is a right- Roger Houghton sized national network for antici- [email protected] pated volumes and provides a good 082 371 9097 footprint in major cities and towns. About half of these dealers are part Advertising Sales of major dealer groups such as Super Liana Reiners Group, Bidvest McCarthy and Motus, [email protected] while the remainder of dealers 083 407 4600 include smaller groups such as Penta With its 522 kW engine the Trackhawk is the most powerful SUV and Rola Motors. The FCASA dealers in the world, but has a price tag of R2.2-million. Address also benefit from support by a joint venture financing company linked to action will take place in a very busy The Fiat range of 500, 500 X, 237 Rigel Avenue WesBank which has some innova- first quarter of 2019. Panda, Tipo and Fullback with a Waterkloof Ridge tive offerings currently, including The Alfa Romeo brand will few Abarth derivatives will continue Pretoria Guaranteed Future Value offers. get three additions: B-Tech Stelvio unchanged at this stage, with the PO Box 914 005 The consolidation also provided with black and matt black wheels 500 X receiving a mid-year facelift. Wingate Park the opportunity to prune the head and trim, high performance Stelvio However, there will be plenty of 0153 office staff from 80 to 60 people, with Quadrifoglio with 375 kW engine product action for the Jeep brand, 012 460 4448 departures having been voluntary. and the Giulia Veloce, a sleek sedan starting with the attractive new The CEO of FCASA went on with an upgraded engine. Compass mid-size SUV to go up Website to say that he and his team had against the likes of the Hyundai taken a hard look at pricing and Tucson and Kia Sportage. The com- www.autolive.co.za “Rumours that the Alfa the necessary revisions, coupled to Romeo brand would pact Renegade gets a facelift, but the dealer support, have been made to big news will be the arrival of revised Facebook be much more competitive in the leave South Africa were and updated Grand Cherokees www.facebook.com/pages/AutoLive market. The dealers have also been totally unfounded...” spread from an entry point of about R800 000 to the return of the SRT © 2018 WCM Media CC supplied with a range of selling tools and training opportunities. These “Rumours that the Alfa Romeo model at R1.1-million and goes right initiatives are already bearing fruit in brand would leave South Africa up to the most powerful SUV in the Production building dealer confidence, resulting were totally unfounded as these new world, the Trackhawk with a 522 kW Marketing Support Services in increased wholesale uptake and an models represent a huge invest- engine at R2.2-million. Danie Dreyer uptick in orders going into 2019. ment by FCA – including separate The new, go-anywhere Wrangler [email protected] The management of FCASA factories and an engineering centre JL will be another arrival in 2019, but +27 (0)12 346 2168 also has responsibilities outside the linked to Maserati. In fact, Alfa it is not yet known if the recently-an- borders of South Africa. This in- Romeo has been the fastest growing nounced Jeep Gladiator pick-up will Disclaimer cludes six countries in relatively close brand in the FCA Group over the find its way to right-hand markets in While reasonable precautions have proximity to SA, but also extends past year. the future. to other countries on the continent. “The company fully realises that Overall, the true picture at been taken to ensure the accuracy Major focus for exports will be on gaining reasonable sales volume in FCASA is far removed from rumours of the advice and information given the Jeep range, although the one-ton the very competitive and overcrowd- of an embattled company that to readers, neither the editor, the Fullback pick-up is another popular ed premium segment of the market have been doing the rounds in the proprietors, nor the publishers model range in African markets. in South Africa will not be easy, but industry. Graham Eagle and his team can accept any responsibility As mentioned earlier, the we have made the commitment and are certainly determined to get the for any damages or injury which announcement of important new are determined to make our brand- company back on a solid foundation may arise therefrom. products will give impetus to the building efforts translate into decent after some trying times in the past rejuvenation of FCASA. Much of this sales volumes,” explained Eagle. few years. ■

MONTHLY SALES STATISTICS Detailed monthly vehicle sales analysis for November will be available at www.autolive.co.za from the afternoon of Thursday, December 13th. Subscribe for free @ www.autolive.co.za Page 3

Editor’s Note Wildcat Strikes, Intimidation and Work Stoppages Impact It’s hard to believe that another twelve months have Production, Exports come and gone, yet here we are in December. Silly Season is upon us in all its glory. By Roger Houghton Looking at the past eleven issues of AutoLive, there were some valuable in- The South African motor industry endured sights into the local industry, a series of wildcat strikes, intimidation as well as plenty of valuable lessons to be learned. and unprocedural industrial action during In January we revealed that the annual downward trend November which caused work stoppages in total new vehicle sales, which had prevailed since 2014 and impacted negatively on production and in South Africa, had been arrested, at last! Sales in 2017, at exports. Toyota (twice), Nissan and BMW 557 586 units, were only 1,8% higher than the total for 2016, were among the operations impacted. The but at least it was an upwards movement. attack on the Nissan factory in Rosslyn, In our March edition we shared WesBank CEO which included breaking open the main Chris de Kock’s sales forecast for 2018. He predicted that gate, was an initiative by the Economic Wesbank’s Ghana Msibi. there would be grown of 0.75%. Not really an inspiring figure Freedom Fighters (EFF), which is worrying. but a positive one nonetheless. This type of action is certainly not or 78.4% represented sales through the If there was ever any doubt about how important the au- confidence-building for source companies dealer retail channel, while an estimated tomotive industry is to the South African economy, the 2018 which have recently committed to the 16.3% of sales went to the rental industry, Automotive Export Manual (featured in AutoLive in May) extended Automotive Production and 3.5% to government and 1.8% to industry provided some valuable insight. Total automotive industry Development Programme (APDP). These corporate fleets. exports for 2017 amounted to R164,9 billion and comprised a disruptive actions are also concerning in the The new car market at 31 054 units significant 13,9% of South Africa’s total export earnings. light of negotiations on wages and working meant a fall of 5.4% compared to the figure In July we discussed how rapid technological advance- conditions for the vehicle manufacturers for November 2017. The rental industry once ments in the global manufacturing landscape have changed and component manufacturers due in 2019. again made a substantial, above average, the way in which manufacturers function – from product South Africa has already lost a major manu- contribution to monthly car sales, taking an design and development, to production optimisation, to facturer recently in the form of General estimated 23.9% of the total cars sold. The techniques selected to penetrate new markets and deliver Motors. It cannot risk further departures in LCV market declined by 6.1% year-on-year products to customers. Interest and investment in disruptive this vital industrial segment of the economy. to 13 695 units. technologies have increased significantly in recent years, with Sales in the medium truck market con- a handful of local firms in the automotive sector embracing South Africa cannot risk tinued to reflect a positive trend, increasing these technologies. further departures in this by 17.5% to 804 units, while the heavy truck The message in the September issue of AutoLive was also and bus market improved by 16.2% to 1 933 a positive one, with Andrew Kirby, chairman of the National vital industrial segment of units. This marked the fifth consecutive Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa the economy. month for stronger sales numbers in these (NAAMSA) and president and CEO of Toyota SA Motors, two market segments, suggesting an im- saying that he is confident that the local motor industry will November was also not a good month provement in capital investment sentiment. overcome its major challenges and that the industry will for the industry in terms of retail sales: Total year-to-date domestic vehicle grow substantially into the future. the total market, at 47 486 units, was 4.6% sales stood at 512 217 units at the end of There was a common thread through all the 2018 issues of lower than in the same month a year ago. November, which is 0.9% below the figure AutoLive: there could very well be light at the end of the tunnel, Both car and light commercial segments at the end of the 11th month last year, which but only those willing and able to adapt to a rapidly changing were down for the month, cars by 5.4% amounted to 516 952 units. global manufacturing and sales environment will succeed. and LCVs by 6.1%, compared to November Exports of built-up vehicles showed We would like to wish all our loyal readers a safe and 2017. However, sales of medium and heavy a modest gain in November. Shipments joyous Festive Season and we look forward to continued trucks and buses were up, as were exports of totalling 34 352 units was a modest 2.5% interaction with you in 2019. built-up units. up on the figure for November last year. Overall, out of the total reported sales Liana Reiners, of 47 486 vehicles, an estimated 37 224 units continued on next page

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continued from previous page

Year-to-date exports stand at 318 489 Although the market numbers are units, which is 0.2% up on figure at the down, consumer demand appears to same stage in 2017. remain robust. “Considering WesBank application data, consumers are clearly NAAMSA’s View keen to buy cars,” said Msibi. “However, According to NAAMSA, “The prevail- a lot of that demand has shifted to the ing difficult economic environment is used car market (69% of all applications expected to continue over the me- were for used cars), indicative of the dium term compounded by the recent, stress in the new car market as well surprising increase in interest rates and as the worsening household situation the ongoing pressure on consumers’ with regard to disposable income and disposable income. general affordability.” “In the circumstances, the best that WesBank data also shows that can be anticipated is for the domestic consumers are holding onto their cars new vehicle market to stabilise in the for longer, combatting South African coming months. However, any recovery motorist’s affordability challenge. is likely to be modest. An encouraging “While consumers have consistently feature is the broad based and substan- financed their cars near the maximum tial increase in the latest Purchasing period allowed for the past two years, the Managers’ Index–the first increase since average period before settlement of those February, which suggested a possible contracts has increased by six months,” improvement in general business condi- said Msibi. tions in about six months’ time. “Given the outlook for interest “Vehicle exports remain a function rates and fuel prices, there are some of the direction of the global economy considerations to inform vehicle which continues to reflect fairly robust purchase decisions into 2019. Keeping growth despite rising protectionism and bonuses for deposits can save a lot in trade disputes. The momentum of export interest charges and there is a good op- sales had improved over the past few portunity to look for better offers from months and, considering relatively strong manufacturers with clever incentive order books reported by most vehicle schemes towards the end of the year. exporters, exports should improve “Potential new vehicle buyers must further and reflect strong growth in 2019 also remember that new vehicle prices and subsequent years.” are expected to increase in January, so buying now gives consumers an opportu- WesBank’s View nity to conclude a deal during December Ghana Msibi, WesBank’s Executive Head at 2018 values and register their vehicle of Sales and Marketing, says that the in 2019, thereby taking the extra value interest hike in November impacted sales in the car when it comes to trading it during the month, “despite consumer in. New vehicles also offer a host of new confidence the looks reasonably positive. technologies to improve fuel efficiency, Further planned increases over the next impacting your monthly fuel bill and 12 months will not bode well for new potential disposable income,” concluded vehicle sales.” the WesBank senior executive. ■ Subscribe for free @ www.autolive.co.za Page 5

Snippets

A Must-Read Book for Tough Times Continue American company shifts away from cars to more the Festive Season for Carlos Ghosn SUVs and light trucks. ■

Peter Cleary, who spent many years working in the SA motor industry, first with Ford and then President Trump Blasts Mercedes-Benz SA before becoming a dealer, is GM CEO Mary Barra also an industrious author. He is currently publish- ing his 13th book – Motor Games, which is sure to Meanwhile President Trump has blasted GM CEO find a ready audience in South Africa as it is based Mary Barra about her plans to close five plants and on the battle for supremacy in the SA one-ton retrench at least 15 000 workers as the company bakkie market – particularly the tussle between battles to come to term with the changing automo- Hilux and Ranger! tive landscape where it is biased very much to This is the first time that Peter has returned to sedan car production. ■ writing about his roots, with his first having been his autobiography, Run, Run, as Fast as You Can. A trial in Japan usually takes place 40–50 Peter says he believes the novel will be avail- days after indictment. Ghosn could face Volkswagen’s able as an e-book in time for the festive season but up to 10 years in jail if found guilty. PeoplePavilion Turns 5 is battling to get the print version available at the same time. The Ghosn saga continues to grow more compli- Peter lives with his wife, Cathy, in the cated and he stays in jail in Japan, where he has coastal town of Mtunzini and spends time with his been since his arrest on November 13. The latest remaining businesses, but mostly writing, taking is that he and Nissan have been charged with photographs, and travelling. understating Ghosn’s remuneration by US$43- Contact details: www.peterclearybooks.co.za million. Former Nissan director Greg Kelly has and [email protected] ■ also been charged. The two will remain in custody as prosecutors continue to investigate additional suspected crimes. Motor Games A trial in Japan usually takes place 40–50 days after indictment. Ghosn could face up to 10 years in jail if found guilty. Fewer than 1% of cases in Left to Right: Thembela Makasi , Christo He was a rising star, credited with the Japan result in a “not guilty” verdict according Klue, Moegamat Isaacs, Thomas success of a major coup in the market, but to statistics! Schaefer (Chairman and MD VWSA), there was a deeply disturbing flaw–not of Ghosn’s lawyers have also been blocked from Loyiso Malotana, Clyde Swartz and Buyile his own making–and when it surfaced his entering a Nissan-owned apartment near the Gqubule (Manager VWSA). achievements crumbled, dissolving his fragile self-worth. famous Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, which The context of this novel is the fiercely contains cash, art works and personal belongings Volkswagen Group South Africa’s multipurpose competitive South African light commercial of Ghosn. The apartment evidently ahs three safes facility, PeoplePavilion in Uitenhage celebrated its vehicle market and the brilliant challenge that Nissan has yet to open. 5th anniversary on 6 December. being mounted by the usurper, Ford’s Nissan’s alliance partner, Renault, has stopped Since officially opening its doors in 2013, Ranger, on the decade long dominance of short of dismissing Ghosn while demanding access PeoplePavilion has welcomed nearly half a million the leader, the Toyota Hilux. to the findings of the Nissan in internal investiga- visitors who have attended various events such It is also a human drama: a story of tion that led to the arrest. Rumours suggest that the as sporting matches, exhibitions, conferences, comradeship, love, and sexual attraction; leader of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance birthdays and weddings. At the end of November of the wielding of power and corporate intended dismissing the Nissan CEO Saikawa 2018, the facility recorded another landmark when gamesmanship, and of the tensions in the when he was arrested. ■ it hosted over 100 000 visitors. The milestone market between rival brands, the media, surpassed the previous record of 93 012 visitors and the manufacturer and his dealers. ■ achieved in 2016. Volkswagen-Ford Talks The R30-million facility is one of its kind Gaining Steam in the South African automotive industry and Volkswagen Group production network. Automotive News is reporting that the joint PeoplePavilion is a sports, recreational, rehabilita- venture talks between Volkswagen and Ford are tion and community facility operating for the gaining pace despite Ford trying to downplay benefit of all Volkswagen Group South Africa them. Besides the potential for cooperating on employees and their families. commercial vehicles and sharing platforms for PeoplePavilion boasts of a fully equipped gym electric vehicles, VW CEO Herbert Diess hinted with a qualified trainers and a full time bio kinetics that VW was evaluating obtaining access to Ford’s continued on next page manufacturing plants in the United States as the Subscribe for free @ www.autolive.co.za Page 6

Snippets

continued from previous page “This is the second consecutive year that impair abilities to a degree that is compa- Hyundai Automotive SA and Motus is sponsoring rable to exceeding the drink drive limit in practitioner, a multi-purpose hall that is able to the road safety drive of Bakwena. It will also be many countries. service different indoor sporting codes and can repeated, as before, during the Easter weekend Ford has now commissioned the creation of host functions of up to 500 people, outdoor field for vacation break in 2019,” said Berenice Francis, a “Sleep Suit” that enables wearers to experience rugby, soccer, cricket and baseball. ■ corporate affairs executive at Motus. the debilitating effect that tiredness can have. The branded Hyundai Accents, which will Transport accidents are the leading cause of also be fitted with emergency lights, will be used death among young people, and the company Hyundai Assists with to increase and boost route surveillance, patrol will integrate training with the suit into Driving Road Safety Campaign support and roadside assistance on the N1 and N4 Skills for Life (DSFL), its free young driver training routes during the holiday season. ■ programme for 17- to 24-year-olds. Hyundai Automotive South Africa and its holding “Drive when you’re tired and you risk company, Motus, will once again contribute to the driving like a zombie – becoming a danger effort to make our roads a safer place for holiday Drowsy Drivers as Dangerous to yourself, your passengers and everyone travellers. The company recently handed over the as Drunk Drivers on the road around you,” said Dr Gundolf keys to six Hyundai Accents that will be used by MeyerHentschel, CEO, MeyerHentschel the Bakwena N1/N4 toll road concessionaire to Fatigue is a major factor in up to 1 in 5 road Institute, who developed the “Sleep Suit”. patrol the routes under its control and assist with crashes and according to experts, remaining “Young adults very often subject themselves to the road safety campaign. awake for periods in excess of 18 hours can intentional sleep deprivation – forcing them- selves to stay awake so that they can juggle the demands of busy social lives, long working hours and studying for exams.” The suit partly consists of special goggles that simulate extreme exhaustion, including microsleeps – an uncontrollable response to tiredness. Microsleeps can result in those behind the wheel driving blind for 10 seconds or more, sometime with their eyes still open, during which time they may have covered hundreds of metres. There may be no recollection afterwards that this has happened. Connected to a smartphone app, the goggles can be set to simulate the brain shutting down and the driver effectively seeing nothing ahead of them for half a second, then for increasingly longer periods, up to 10 seconds. Worn together with a specially designed cap, vest, arm and ankle bands – with a combined weight of more than 18 kilogrammes – the overall effect offers an insight From left to right: Superintendents Alpheus Tekaka and Mawisa Maluleke (Tswane into the degree to which tired drivers are impaired. Metro), Bakwena N1/N4 representative Charmaine van Wyk and Oscar Mmakola, In the US, most drowsy driving crashes are caused Marketing Director of Hyundai Automotive SA. by under-25s. ■ Subscribe for free @ www.autolive.co.za Page 7 OLD FRIENDS YOUNG TALENT 23948 OLD FRIENDS YOUNG

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People

Johan van Zyl Promoted Again New Sales and Marketing Director Dr Johan van Zyl, the CEO of Toyota Europe, at Volkswagen Group SA will be promoted to an Operating Officer of Toyota Mike Glendinning has been appointed as the Motor Corporation on January 1. He was previ- new Sales and Marketing Director for Volkswagen ously Senior Managing Officer. Group South Africa (VWSA) effective from 1 This follows reorganisation of the TMC senior December 2018. executives to inject flexibility and faster decision- Glendinning holds an Honours degree in making into the company’s planned transition Marketing from UNISA and joined Volkswagen from a traditional vehicle manufacturer to a new Group South Africa as a Graduate Trainee in 1985. mobility provider. He has had a long and distinguished career within The changes aim to create a flatter, but Sales and Marketing, holding many different more diverse workforce and to develop younger senior positions, which included influencing and talent by giving junior managers a faster path for guiding Volkswagen’s benchmark advertising over advancement. It dispenses with the traditional the years. seniority-based ladder system. Talent and ability, He headed up the Audi Brand from 1999 to not age or education will be the decisive factors in 2004. Thereafter, he took over the reins of the career advancement. Volkswagen Brand before his appointment as the As part of the change President Akio Toyoda Sales and Marketing Director in 2006. In 2014, he takes on the additional title of Branding Officer for moved to Mexico to become Sales and Marketing both the Toyota and Lexus brands. The previ- Director of Volkswagen de Mexico. ous executive tier of managing officers has been “I am very pleased to welcome Mike back to eliminated. James Lenz (North America), Steve St. Andrew Kirby, the President and CEO Volkswagen Group South Africa after almost five Angelo (Latin America) and Van Zyl (Europe) are of Toyota SA Motors, was re-elected as years in Mexico. Our business and our dealers all now operating officers. President of NAAMSA for 2019. will greatly benefit from his vast experience and “Appointing the right people to the right posi- expertise,” said Thomas Schaefer, Chairman tions is key for these changes,” explained Toyoda. MD of BMW Southern Africa, was re-elected and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Vice-President from the ranks of manufacturers, South Africa. Kirby Remains President of NAAMSA while Ray Levin, Commercial Executive of Motus Mike will assume responsibility for the Andrew Kirby, the President and CEO of Corporation, was re-elected Vice-President from Sales and Marketing of the Volkswagen, Toyota SA Motors, was re-elected as President of the ranks of importers and distributors. Mike Audi and Commercial Vehicles Brands as NAAMSA for 2019 at the organisation’s annual Whitfield, MD of Nissan SA, remains NAAMSA’s well as the Sales and Marketing operations in general meeting on November 29. Tim Abbott, immediate Past President. Sub-Sahara Africa. ■

Mike Glendinning has been appointed as the new Sales and Marketing Director for Dr Johan van Zyl, the CEO of Toyota Europe, will be promoted to an Operating Officer of Volkswagen Group South Africa from 1 Toyota Motor Corporation on January 1, 2019. December 2018. Subscribe for free @ www.autolive.co.za Page 9

30 Years’ Experience Behind This Technical Account Manager

Kasavan (Kessie) Govender, the Technical Account Govender. “Although I focus on Breathalok, I am Manager at PFK Electronics, has had 30 years’ well versed in the full range of products that PFK experience in the local automotive electronics in- sells locally and internationally.” dustry, so is particularly well-suited to his position Govender explains that it is unfortunate that in this growing and innovative KwaZulu-Natal- there is currently no legislation in place to enforce based company with its wide range of specialised the use of products such as Breathalok in South products. Africa, as is the situation in the United States in “I started my working career in this specialised the DUI Offender program and many countries in Kasavan (Kessie) Govender, the Technical industry as a technician at Conlog in 1988 and Europe, particularly for drivers in the bus, coach, Account Manager at PFK Electronics. have stayed true to my calling ever since,” said and taxi industries. this affable man with a wealth of knowledge on “Most operators insure their assets such as The Breathalok system is the only such the extensive range of Autowatch products. He trucks and buses, but this insurance is worthless device designed and manufactured in Africa and is particularly well versed in the workings and when a driver is proved to have a blood alcohol complies with international legal requirements. benefits of the Breathalok breath alcohol ignition level above the legal limit. Imagine a bus carrying PFK Electronics does not retail directly but sells interlock device (BAIID). 50-60 passengers involved in a serious collision or its products through its distributors and fitment “After my learning spell with Conlog I joined a Hazchem vehicle having a collision that involves centres. In the case of the Breathalok it is usually Control Instruments in 2007 and then moved to not only loss of life and damage to property but offered as an added value addition to the products PFK Electronics in 2009, first as a technician in the also a hazardous spill that runs into a watercourse? of tracking and telematics companies. customer support division before being promoted The financial effects will be enormous!” explained Kessie Govender’s contact details are: to my current position in Technical Sales,” added the Breathalok product specialist. [email protected] or 082 884 1522 ■ Ideal Risk Analysis Tool for Fleet and Freight Companies – Autowatch’s 720 Tethered Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID)

Designed as a risk analysis tool for fleet and freight ■■ TAB task bar indication which graphically functions: companies, this model is known for its reliability shows task progress for increased user- ■■ In emergency situations, a once-off and is used by transport businesses and offender friendliness reprogrammable override function can be Driving Under Influence (DUI) programmes ■■ Driver change switch with status LED: used to keep the vehicle mobile; worldwide, says Kessie Govender, the KZN-based ■■ Gives visual indication when a sample is ■■ In the unlikely event of a technical failure, Breathalok product specialist. required or accepted; the control centre can issue an emergency It offers an all-encompassing fleet solution ■■ Prompts for driver change and random override PIN code. when combined with Autowatch Video Telematics samples. ■■ The system is CANbus enabled, dramatically solution, which provides near-to-real-time video ■■ The system is configurable to integrate reducing installation time, and enhancing surveillance with up to four cameras, secure with fleet management systems, such as the the system’s features capability control through the alcohol ignition Breathalok, Autowatch Video Fleet Telematics solution. ■■ All features are programmable to and advanced fleet management functionalities. ■■ The device is fitted with two override meet customers’, market, and judiciary Product features: requirements. ■■ Electronic Counter Circumvention ■■ The device comes with user-selectable Measures (ECCM) to distinguish between language options mechanically simulated and human ■■ 12/24V connectivity breath samples ■■ Hygienic, individually wrapped disposable ■■ Seamless, encrypted RF-download of data mouthpieces from vehicle to PC ■■ GSM communicator for real-time reporting Product Certifications (requires Autowatch tracking integration) ■■ NHTSA 2013 ■■ Advanced fuel cell sensing technology ■■ CENELEC EN 50436-1 and 50436-2 ■■ TAB hand unit status LED indicates when ■■ FCC the system is ready to receive a breath sample ■■ e-MARK (especially useful in extreme operating ■■ UTAC temperatures) ■■ CSA Z627-16 ■ Subscribe for free @ www.autolive.co.za Page 10

College of Cape Town Receives Motor Manual Donation Worth R1.6m

At the end of November representatives from get involved. We need to create opportunities for the possibilities of the programmes which included HaynesPro, Ken and Donovan Harwick, donated up-and-coming youngsters who are passionate the generating of invoices; job cards and looking 30 HaynesPro licences to the College of Cape about the industry and need to be trained,” he said. up on parts and fault finding. Town. The College was selected by the honour- “These HaynesPro licences will go a long way to The licences will be available to the College able Minister Nzimande of Higher Education upskilling not only students but lecturers too.” for the next four years and are valued at around and Training in October 2017 as a Centre A UK based HaynesPro specialist also skyped R1,6 million. of Specialisation for the Automotive Motor in to run an hour-long training session showcasing “This is indeed a first not only for a TVET Mechanic trade. College like the College of Cape Town, but for the “This donation is significant because students country and Africa,” said Louis van Huyssteen, completing their studies in motor mechanics now Training Director for the RMI. Currently, the have access to a wealth of information and will College is the first, and only college in Africa become proficient in using the manual ahead of to be able to supply its students with undated entering the workforce,” said Ken Harwick, the technical information that has been directly South African representative of HaynesPro. obtained from the various car manufactures. He According to Pieter Niemand, Director of the added that feedback from one of the lecturers Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), was very positive. “The lecturer felt the tool the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) would be of great value as the scope of vehicles have been working closely with HaynesPro locally covered is vast, the specifications of each vehicle and internationally and saw an opportunity for is easily accessible, it shows where components skills upliftment in South Africa. “Traditionally the are fitted on every vehicle, and how to replace training in this sector was left to the larger dealer Donovan Harwick, HaynesPro, (right) these components.” bodies. This is, however, no longer sustainable and presents the HaynesPro donation to “We extend our sincere thanks to HaynesPro if we really want to be successful in addressing Louis van Niekerk, Principal College of for its involvement and generosity to the upliftment the skills deficit in SA, all stakeholders need to Cape Town (left). of our sector,” concluded Niemand. ■ Apprentices Powering Ahead in Motor Industry

Apprentices are getting first-hand experience, 31 companies and 91 apprentices had applied According to Dewald Ranft, Director of training and mentoring in the independent for funding of which 22 apprentice grants were MIWA, a constituent association of the Retail aftermarket sector of the motor industry thanks to awarded. Currently 16 apprentices are in training Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), the aim of this an initiative that has been two years in the making. on the full four-year apprenticeship programme, initiative is to address the artisan skills shortage At the end of 2016, the Motor Industry with a further 18 apprentices having just received in the country. “It takes four years to train an ap- Workshop Association (MIWA) entered into their grant awards. They will start their four-year prentice so this really is a long-term plan and we are discussions with Bidvest McCarthy regarding apprenticeship programme in January 2019. “There pleased with the progress made thus far,” he said. training needs and possible solutions for the are also five Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning For many years the industry depended on the independent aftermarket. A year later in 2017, grants that have been awarded,” said Ilze Botha, larger dealer bodies to train and qualify artisans, Group Training Manager, Bidvest McCarthy. but this has proved to no longer be sustainable. Botha explained that the Bidvest Automotive Less people are entering the industry and at Artisans Academy has been assisting MIWA the top end qualified artisans are recruited by member companies with discretionary grant companies abroad. applications. “In most instances we have been “Currently there are also many people who appointed as the Skills Development Facilitator have been working in the industry for years with- (SDF) for the company. In this capacity we assist out a formal trade certificate. Our aim is to make the company with all the administration to apply formal training the norm so we can improve the for the grants. We also assisted one company, industry’s credibility and promote it as a profes- Bogner Motors, through a ‘train the trainer’ pro- sional career which in turn will attract youngsters cess so they were able to submit the documents to the industry,” said Ranft. on their own. This is the longer-term approach for “If we really want to be successful in address- the other companies to get them trained to submit ing the skills deficit in SA, all stakeholders in the their own grant applications in the future. Where industry need to participate and create oppor- companies already had an appointed SDF they tunities for youngsters who are passionate about managed the grant application process on their the industry and need to be trained formally,” own,” she said. concluded Botha. ■ Subscribe for free @ www.autolive.co.za Page 11

Silverton Plant’s Long History – Now 50 Years Old!

By Roger Houghton

The Silverton automotive manufacturing plant, which is now owned and operated by the Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, has a long and chequered history as a factory that has produced an extensive variety of nameplates and models over the years. Built originally by Chrysler South Africa the plant, known then as Chrysler Park, began vehicle production in 1968, so is 50 years old this year. This was also the year I joined the public relations department of Chrysler SA at the new Silverton This was the first Valiant made in the new plant in Silverton in 1968. plant, with part of the parts warehouse being used as a temporary accommodation for the adminis- was changed to Regal and the Dodge Dart was trative staff. introduced and named the Valiant VIP with an Chrysler SA previously operated a plant in uprated, version of the locally-made slant 6 engine Elsies River, near Cape Town, but the demand for (claimed 170 hp instead of the usual 145hp). A sta- increased local content (66% by weight from 1971) tion wagon, the Safari, was also added to the range. prompted to a move to 147-hectare greenfield site Later, with the take-over of the British Rootes in Silverton, east of Pretoria. At that time there Group by Chrysler Corporation a number of were already two plants near Pretoria – Datsun- these British models – badged first Hillman and Nissan and BMW – as well as a number of later Chrysler – Arrow and Vogue sedans and a component manufacturers. Safari station wagon. Its successor was the Dodge The new plant would also be nearer major Avenger, which was not a great success and this This is what it looks like inside this markets, so it made sense to move from Cape Town model was superseded by the Dodge Colt sedans 50-year-old plant today: production of the where there was limited automotive manufactur- and coupe before Chrysler withdrew from South soon-to-be-launched Ford Raptor bakkie ing. The first Valiant came off the line in Silverton African in 1976. in process. in October 1968 and it was the 53 160th Valiant The plant was operated subsequently by Sigma made in South Africa. Motor Corporation from 1976, then by Amcar Chrysler 383 sedan, Dodge D100, D200 and Chrysler’s Valiant was the top-selling car Motor Holdings (an Anglo-American company) D300 trucks. in South Africa from 1966 to 1968, outselling and Samcor (a joint venture between Ford and ■■ Rootes Group: Hillman Arrow and Vogue Volkswagen’s 1500 Beetle as well as all other model Anglo American set up in 1985) before the Ford sedans, Vogue station wagon and Husky ranges in the country. When Valiant sold 11 862 Motor Company of Southern Africa took up all the pick-up, Avenger sedan. units in 1966 it had been the first time in 20 years shares in the company in 1994. ■■ Mitsubishi: Colt AY and YB sedans and that an American car was the best-seller in SA. The Silverton plant has since been transformed coupes (sold as Dodge Colts), Colt Galant Valiant was again the most popular car in the to assemble a single, high volume vehicle platform sedan, Tredia, Pajero, Canter truck (with country in 1967 and in 1968 sales hit an all-time (Ford Ranger and Everest) with an annual capacity ADE engine), FK (5-ton) and FM (8- high of 15 026 units – 1 436 units more than the of 168 000 units. ton) trucks. next best, the VW Beetle 1500. Among the vehicles made in this plant over the ■■ Peugeot: 504, 305, 505. Once production started in Silverton the years were: ■■ Mazda: 323 (rear-wheel drive, then FWD models were give unique South African nomencla- ■■ Chrysler: Valiant Sedan, station wagon, Y1, P3, Ps-88E models), Astina, Etude, ture. The Valiant 100 became the Rebel, the Signet Charger coupe and Rustler pick-up; Mazda3, 626 (Y2, Y2-89 and Y4 models), B-Series pick-up, E-Series (Bongo) MPV, Marathon people-carrier, T2000 and T3000 trucks, Rustler pick-up, BT-50 pick-up. ■■ Ford: Sierra, Sapphire, Laser, Meteor, Fiesta, Focus, Mondeo Ikon, Telstar, Bantam, Courier (some unique 4-litre models were exported to Australia), Spectron people carrier, Triton trucks, Ranger MY 2000- 2011, MY 2012-2015, MY 2015-on, Everest MY 2016-on. ■■ Ford tractors: 10 Series with 3-, 4- and This is basically the original administrative building that Chrysler built at Silverton, 6-cylinder engines. although it has been enlarged and enhanced over the years. The name on the wall has ■■ Volvo: S40 and V50 also changed a number of times!! ■■ Land Rover: Freelander and Defender 110 ■ Subscribe for free @ www.autolive.co.za Page 12

Corporate Social Responsibility VW Donates More Blue Bikes

Following handovers in Bergville (Kwa-Zulu Programme (BEEP), seeks to provide motion with said Thomas Schaefer, Chairman and Managing Natal), Alexandra (Gauteng) and Soweto (Gauteng) meaning to South Africans. Through the project Director of Volkswagen Group South Africa. this year, community members in Uitenhage are and the continued partnership with Qhubeka, Each of the recipients receives a Blue Bike, the fourth recipients of Blue Bikes in 2018. thousands of custom-made bicycles have been pump, helmet, tools and lock as well as training Volkswagen and Qhubeka’s Blue Bikes made available to communities in order to improve provided by a bicycle field mechanic. The bicycle project, called Bicycle Education Empowerment their access to schools, jobs and clinics. field mechanic also addresses all technical defects The first phase of that arise with the bicycles, which include trouble- the Scholar Mobility shooting issues regarding mechanics. and Community Policing Forum The second phase of the Scholar (CPF) Programme in Mobility and CPF Programme will KwaNobuhle, Uitenhage saw LoveLife Ground see 350 bicycles handed over in Breakers (gB), CPF and Uitenhage next year. Neighbourhood Watch members as well as The second phase of the Scholar Mobility and Health Care Clinics and CPF Programme will see 350 bicycles handed over Health Care Workers in Uitenhage next year. receive 50 Blue Bikes. ‘’At Volkswagen we move people forward ‘’We will also imple- and over the past four years, in partnership with ment a sustainable bicycle Qhubeka, Volkswagen has empowered com- maintenance programme munities by donating over 4 000 Blue Bikes to by a Qhubeka-trained children, health care workers and CPF members and certified mechanic across South Africa. In 2018 alone close to from the community to 1 000 Blue Bikes were handed over to South Representatives from VWSA and Qhubeka with-happy recipients ensure that the bicycles Africans thus giving them the gift of motion,” of the bikes. remain operational,” concluded Schaefer. ■ Ford Donates Vehicles to Deserving Charities

Ford has donated 26 brand new vehicles (with a from South Africans that Ford has become one of helping the organisation expand its skills develop- combined retail value of over R12-million) to 22 the top three manufacturers in the country. This ment and community empowerment projects, as selected charity organisations in South Africa. donation is the ideal way for us to pay it forward well as its and feeding schemes. The fleet, which comprises 15 Ford Transit vans, to the community and support those who need it The Kidz2Kidz Trust and NorSA in the seven Tourneo Custom minibuses, the all-new most,” she added. Western Cape have also been selected as recipients, Fiesta and three locally-built Rangers, will be Among the recipients in Gauteng are Save along with the Indoni Cultural School in KwaZulu- delivered to the registered charities over the next the Children and SOS Children’s Villages South Natal, and Sabi Sand Nature Conservation Trust few weeks. Africa; Action for Blind and Disabled Children, a in Mpumalanga. ■ “South Africa is a road-based economy, non-profit organisa- making vehicle ownership a key factor in order tion that offers free to deliver the services needed to advance the digital literacy country’s economy and improve the quality of training; Tomorrow life of all our people. We are very proud that Ford Today Foundation, is able to help the selected charity organisations a community-based go further in providing the selfless services football academy in that they do,” said Duduzile Nxele, Corporate Mamelodi; as well as Communications Manager, Ford Motor Company Tshwane SPCA. of Southern Africa. In Port Elizabeth, According to Nxele, the donation is the biggest the Al Fidaa single donation of vehicles that Ford has made in Foundation’s work South Africa since the establishment of its local op- will be bolstered erations in 1923. “It is thanks to the loyal support with its new vehicle, Subscribe for free @ www.autolive.co.za Page 13

Corporate Social Responsibility

Isuzu Supports Early Childhood Development

Key Foundation, in partnership with Isuzu Pietermaritzburg. The Group operates three Isuzu parents. Through their partnership with the Key ChildLife Foundation, officially opened a dealerships, three Isuzu truck franchises and a Foundation they have been able to extend their brand-new crèche building in Sweetwater, truck hire and leasing operation. assistance to the local community of Sweetwaters Pietermaritzburg this month. Key Foundation Chair, Dale Southern, was with infrastructure development. Umkhuleko Crèche has 87 preschool children made aware of the needs of the crèche by one of the According to Key Group Chairman, who will now receive quality early childhood foundation’s corporate social investment partners, Paul Emanuel, Isuzu was invested in adding value development in their newly built school, consisting iThemba Projects. iThemba Projects Director to local communities by providing sustainable of two classrooms, a storeroom, and bathroom fa- Stu Walker and Southern identified Umkhuleko solutions through solid partnerships. cilities. The children had previously been cramped Crèche as the most needy and desperate of all “This investment in the establishment of a into two small dark rooms, with no adequate the early childhood development facilities being crèche building shows long-term sustainability for bathroom facilities. mentored by iThemba. the future. The children who will benefit from the It is the seventh project that the Key crèche are given an early opportunity to develop Foundation has undertaken, with another five Umkhuleko Crèche was identified their educational foundation in a safe and comfort- crèches and one school already built and forming as the most needy and desperate able environment,” said Emanuel. part of the legacy that the foundation has created of all the early childhood The local Nkosi (Chief) Zamathuli Melody by facilitating long-term value for all its stakehold- Zondi provided suitable land for the building of ers in the KwaZulu-Natal region. development facilities being Umkhuleko Crèche, which is now located close to The Key Foundation was launched in 2006 mentored by iThemba Projects. a high school to assure easy access to water and to invest directly into the upliftment of various electricity. Building operations commenced on communities in which the Key Group operates iThemba Projects focuses on improving October 1, through Elangeni Builders who used a in and impacts on. The Key Group has opera- access to quality early childhood development unique process to allow for the completion of the tions in Durban, Pinetown, New Germany and in Sweetwaters by mentoring teachers and building in just five weeks. ■ Subscribe for free @ www.autolive.co.za Page 14

Working Wheels

All Systems Go for 2019 Futuroad Truck and Bus Expo

Messe Frankfurt South Africa, the organis- ers of the Futuroad Expo, is already receiving strong support from the commercial vehicle industry for SA’s premier truck and bus show. This event will be held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, from 18 to 21 September 2019 and will be co-located with the sixth edition of Automechanika Johannesburg. Futuroad, which is taking place for the second time in SA, is the only international trade fair of its kind to be staged on the African continent and targets a visitor audience from across Sub-Saharan This means that truck and bus operators are through its South African-subsidiary, is very aware Africa. “In 2017 we started road shows into Africa buying vehicles to renew their fleets despite the of the importance of trucks and buses to the global to promote the event and attract visitors to the gloomy economic environment. The Futuroad transport industry and is putting increasing focus show. As a result, we had an 80% increase in Expo will thus be an ideal opportunity for these on products and services for these vehicle types at African visitor attendance to the show, with many fleet operators to compare the various makes and its Automechanika aftermarket trade fairs which of our Futuroad exhibitors commenting that they models of trucks and buses at a single venue over a are staged worldwide. made sales to this audience, during the event,” said period of four days. Automechanika uses its Truck Competence Joshua Low, Group Exhibitions Director for Messe “We received excellent feedback from our sub-brand to identify manufacturers and service Frankfurt SA. exhibitors who participated at Futuroad expo providers to the truck and bus industry at its trade “Based on these successes we are increasing 2017 and, as a result, we already sold more space fairs. More than 1 000 companies showcased the number of countries for our road show, from 4 than we did in 2017 with brands such as Volvo, products on stands displaying the orange Truck to 7 in 2019. These include: Namibia, Zimbabwe, UD FAW, Tata, Eicher, Powerstar and MCV Buses Competence logo at Automechanika Frankfurt Zambia, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania and Ghana. already signed up. Adding to this, we have com- earlier this year. This involvement included the first We decided on these countries, based on pre- mitment from some of the other major players in Truck Competence Symposium which focussed on liminary feedback received from our exhibitors,” the industry, with an additional 4 800 sqm in space Trends in Commercial Vehicle Service. Low added. committed for the show,” said Low. “Not only do we have a very extensive market- Road transport is the lifeblood of South Africa, The first Futuroad Expo, staged in 2017, saw ing campaign planned, with a research team based despite government efforts to shift more freight the launch of several new models and a number of in the office looking for new visitor data that we from road to rail. Currently road transport moves companies are expected to use the show to expose can invite to the show, we are also planning some more than double the amount of freight that goes new products next year too. exciting experiential content and we already have by rail. Last year Hino, Tata, Powerstar and newcomer the verbal commitment from SABOA (South The truck market in South Africa has been Eicher unveiled new models, while FAW used African Bus Operators Association) and the RFA bucking the trend in terms of vehicle sales in Futuroad to preview an upcoming truck tractor de- (Road Freight Association) to run conferences 2018, with sales up 3.3% year-to-date after the first rivative. Other brands that displayed vehicles at the alongside the show. Lastly, we are planning a 10 months of the year. The truck and bus sales 2017 Expo were Scania and MAN. MCV, a truck number of skills development workshops to help forecast for the year has now moved up to 26 000 and bus coachbuilder, had an indoor display while uplift the industry and broaden the appeal of the units, at a time when the country is in an official a host of body builders had impressive displays in show,” Low concluded. recession. The forecast at the beginning of the year the outside exhibition areas. For more information please visit: was 25 400 units. Messe Frankfurt, which organises Futuroad www.futuroad.co.za ■ Subscribe for free @ www.autolive.co.za Page 15

Working Wheels Hino Still Only Japanese Truck Maker in Dakar Rally

Hino remains the only Japanese truck manufactur- 1992 when the event finished in Cape Town. His in the 2018 Dakar, will have veteran navigator er to enter the Dakar Rally in decades. Two Hino navigator this year will be Ahito Sakurai. Katsumi Hamura alongside him in 2019. 4×4 models, entered by the Hino Sugawara team, The two Hino trucks are among a group of will contest the 2019 Dakar, which will be limited Yoshimasa’s son, Teruhito, will be only three competitors in this category with a crew for the first time to racing in only one country – competing in his 21st Dakar. He of only two people, with most teams opting for th Peru. The 2019 Dakar marks the 11 year that this has only finished out of the top crews of three. epic rally-raid has taken place in South America. The Hino trucks racing in 2019 will once again Next year’s Dakar, which will be the 41st in 15 overall twice in 13 Dakars as be upgraded and improved versions of those used the series, will start in the Peru capital of Lima, a driver. in 2018, with the aim of improving speed while on January 6 and finish there on January 17. The retaining reliability. 5 000 km route will include 10 timed stages, which Yoshimasa’s son, Teruhito, will be competing The truck field of 41 for Dakar 2019 consists will total 3 000 km and 70% of the route will in his 21st Dakar. He has only finished out of the of 10 MAN’s, 7 Iveco’s, 4 DAF’s, Kamaz’s and consist of loose sand. top 15 overall twice in 13 Dakars as a driver after Maz’s, two each of Hino, Renault, and Tatra The field for Dakar Peru includes 41 trucks, starting his career as a navigator for his father’s with singleton entries of Ford, Ginaf, Liaz and which is about average for these annual tests of Hino in 1999. Teruhito, who finished 6th overall Mercedes-Benz. ■ endurance. Hino will be aiming for a 10th succes- sive win in the category for trucks with engines of less than 10 litres capacity, as well as high overall finishing positions.

Hino will be aiming for a 10th successive win in the category for trucks with engines of less than 10 litres capacity, as well as high overall finishing positions.

This will be the 27th consecutive year that Hino has been represented in the Dakar. On each occasion there has been at least one Hino among the finishers; an enviable record in a gruelling test of man and machine. Team principal Yoshimasa Sugawara (77 years old), will be contesting his 35th consecutive Dakar, having competed in motorcycles (starting in 1983), quads and cars before switching to Hino trucks in

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18th Day of Champions Races – A Mix of Modern and Classic Bikes on Parade at Zwartkops Raceway

By Ian Groat

It’s the biggest motorcycle festival ever at Zwartkops which is set to run on Sunday 3 February with a hot mix of Bridgestone Superbikes. The RR Cup and Bridgestone Challenge are due to post close and fast racing on machines from the 1980’s up to todays’ ultra-fast machines. Spectators are in for a great day of treats The mix of yesteryear sounds of big as there are also some planned demonstrations Durban -based, evergreen Jimmie Guthrie singles will be presented by the event’s from classic racers and period machines to be won the Manx Grand Prix in 1965 on a organiser Team Incomplete, classic included as a draw card. 500cc Norton Manx. racer collection.

Vintage Machines champions. Here are just some of the yesteryear The pioneer DJ Run machines were first run in champions to be invited to strut their stuff at the a flat-out race from Durban to Johannesburg on event, including Keith Zeeman, Les van Breda, public roads from 1913 and they are planning to Allen North, Dave Peterson, Rory Nesbit, Shane show a full grid up to 1936 machines when the Nesbit, Jimmie Guthrie, Mike Boon, Simon Fourie, race was ended. This pack of BSA Empire Stars, Kevin Hellier, Horace Bergstrom, Gerry Onassis, Velocettes and other long forgotten motorcycle Jimmy Whyte, Mike Grant, Peter Ekerold and makers will step back in time to honour South Tiny Marriner. Africa’s golden two-wheeled past. These former greats will be on track riding ma- chines from the earliest days of Grand Prix racing Order of Merit delivering the banshee wail of two-stroke racers The day will also play host to motor racing com- from a forgotten era and the big banger produc- mentator Roger McCleery who will be awarded an tion racers from the 1960’s in the form of Norton Order of Merit for his long and illustrious service Manx’s, Matchless G50s and a pair of works Honda Team Incomplete organising committee as both a commentator and a motor racing reporter RC 163 and 188 Mike Hailwood tribute machines, members this year will see help from on the radio and in other media activities. all set to deliver a wall of sound long forgotten. Peter Labuschagne, left, Les van Breda, The Team Incomplete organising committee is Roger McCleery, Keith Zeeman and Champions on Track hard at it to punctuate the day’s races and parades Ian Groat. The organisers are set to bring back to Zwartkops with added nostalgic two-wheeled activities. Save through the day’s racing a list of invited national the date to relive South Africa’s Golden Age of two- champions and overseas grand prix competition wheeled racing heritage at Zwartkops Raceway. ■

Peter Labuschagne will run Wagon Wheels, the first racing motorcycle Six-time world champion Jim Redman Veteran and vintage race bikes from the to feature magnesium wheels with a is on the invitation list for the Day of pioneering DJ Run will be out on track Matchless GP 500cc motor from 1969 Champions seen here with Ian Groat’s with machines that date from 1913 up in the Team Incomplete collection on Honda 250cc four RC163 machine. to 1936. demo day. Subscribe for free @ www.autolive.co.za Page 17 Subscribe for free @ www.autolive.co.za Page 18

Wayne Taylor and Sons – A Winning Family Trio

By Roger Houghton Not only has Wayne notched up world titles together with team regulars Jordan Taylor and and won many major sports car races globally, as Renger van der Zande. well as competing 13 times in the Le Mans 24-hour Alonso and Kobayashi are currently members East London-born Wayne Taylor, who won the race (best overall placing was fourth in 1987, of the Toyota Gazoo Racing World Endurance 1986 South African Formula 2 championship, sharing a Porsche 962 with SA’s George Fouche and Championship team, but Daytona is not on the left SA in 1989 to seek fame and fortune racing Franz Konrad, of Austria), but he is now, also, a WEC calendar, so they were free to join Wayne internationally. He certainly succeeded and is now, very successful team owner in US sports car racing. Taylor Racing for this event. (Kobayashi was a regu- by far the most successful South African-born rac- lar F1 driver in the past, driving for Toyota, Sauber, ing driver in history if one excludes 1979 Formula Not only has Wayne notched up and Caterham before switching to sports cars) 1 champion Jody Scheckter, who also came from world titles and won many major Both Wayne’s sons, Ricky (29) and Jordan East London. sports car races globally, ... he is (27) are very successful racing drivers in their own Taylor (62) and his two sons, Jordan, and right. Both have been members of the famous and Ricky, were in South Africa recently to visit now, also, a very successful team successful Corvette Racing Team. They have both Wayne’s mother, who still lives in East London. owner in US sports car racing. notched up numerous wins and championships. Graham Duxbury, another former SA F2 cham- Jordan continues to race for his father’s team, but pion and winner of the Daytona 24-hour race in Only a few days ago it was announced that this year Ricky joined the very successful Team 1984, partnered by Sarel van der Merwe and Tony the Wayne Taylor Cadillac Dpi-V.R sports car, Penske in US sports car racing. Martin, took the opportunity to invite the Taylors sponsored by Konica Minolta, will be driven at The get-together at Duxbury’s house provided to a function at his house in Johannesburg for a this year’s Rolex Daytona 24-hour race on January an ideal opportunity for reminiscing about days get-together with many other people from the local 26-27 by two-times world F1 champion Fernando gone by. motor sport family. Alonso and the Japanese ace, Kamui Kobayashi, I got to know Wayne when he was racing in the South African version of Formula 2. It was known locally as the Sigma Series due to its sponsorship by Sigma Motor Corporation and the fact that all the cars were powered by Mazda rotary engines. I was working in the Sigma public relations depart- ment at the time, so was involved directly in this successful single-seater racing series which was the brainchild of my boss at the time, former racing driver Dave Clapham. I well remember a couple of incidents where Wayne Taylor was involved. One was the launch of a new sponsor for his car. The product was called Whoosh. It was an aerator for swimming pools that was meant to cut down on chlorine use, but it didn’t last too long on the market. A memorable occasion was having lunch in a restaurant in Voortrekker Road, Pretoria, with an- other of Wayne’s sponsors, Piet “Baksteen” Fourie, owner of Pretoria Brick and the father of another well-known racing driver, George, who also went on to have a long and successful career racing sports cars internationally. At the end-of-season lunch Piet presented Wayne and his engineer, Geoff Hardacre, each with a gleaming diamond for winning the Sigma Series championship! Wayne has certainly gone on to enjoy a diamond-studded future in the world of motor racing and it seems there is no end in sight to his amazing career. Jordan Taylor, host Graham Duxbury, Wayne and Ricky Taylor at the Johannesburg get-together. continued on next page Subscribe for free @ www.autolive.co.za Page 19

continued from previous page

Wonderful record Wayne Taylor is certainly the most successful South African in international motor racing if you discount Formula 1, where Jody Scheckter was world champion in 1979. Just study his record over more than 30 years: ■■ 1986: Won the South African Formula 2 Championship ■■ 1994: Won the Exxon World Sports Car Championship ■■ 1996: Won the Daytona 24-hour race. Won the Sebring 12-hour race and four sprint races. Won the World Sports Car Driver’s Championship as well as the team and manufacturer’s titles ■■ 1998: Won the prototype class in the Le Mans 24-hour race in a Ferrari 333 and won three sprint races ■■ 2005: Won his 2nd Rolex 24-hour race and Wayne Taylor flanked by his sons, Jordan (left) and Ricky. five sprint races as well as the Grand-Am Prototype and team championship. at the Daytona 24-hour race. Wayne’s wife, ■■ 2007: Established Wayne Taylor Racing Shelley, drove the pace car while Ricky and with Max Angelelli Jordan shared the new racing car with Max ■■ 2008: Son Ricky joined the team, took six pole Angelelli and four-time NASCAR champion positions, and won at Lime Rock. The same Jeff Gordon, who had just retired from the year his other son, Jordan, won four races in Hendrick Motor Sport NASCAR team Grand-Am in a Camaro as well as winning managed by South African Ken Howes. The the GTE-Pro category in the Le Mans 24-hour Cadillac DPI won the Rolex Daytona 24- race in a factory-entered Chevrolet Corvette hour race. Ricky and Jordan went on to win the Between 2010 and 2012 both Ricky and Jordan Sebring 12-hour race and the races at Long raced in GT cars and prototypes: Beach; Belle Isle in Detroit, and at the ■■ 2013: Jordan won the Grand-Am driver’s Circuit of the Americas (the F1 track). This Championship in a Corvette as part of gave the team the driver’s championship and Wayne Taylor Racing. the team championship. ■■ 2014: Wayne, his sons Ricky and Jordan and ■■ 2018: This was a challenging year for the long-time friend Angelelli won the season team but ended on a high note in October finale 10-hour race at Road Atlanta. with a last lap pass to win the Petit Le Mans ■■ 2016: The team won at Long Beach, Belle at Road Atlanta. The car was driven on this Isle, and Austin (Circuit of the Americas) occasion by Jordan Taylor, Renger van der Wayne carves the Thanksgiving turkey at ■■ 2017: Wayne did a deal with Cadillac to run Zande and Ryan Hunter-Reay. Graham Duxbury’s house. its Daytona Prototype International (DPI) project. The car and the team including all Summary: Wayne as a driver and owner Sebring 12-hour races, three Petit Le Mans and the Taylor family were ready to debut in 2017 has won three Daytona 24-hour races, two five Championships. ■

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