5 important things that happened in South Africa’s car industry this week

These were the five biggest stories in South Africa’s automotive industry this week.

New high-tech car theft trend

With new cars now featuring internet-capable abilities like in-car WiFi and over-the-air-software updates, criminals in South Africa have started using new methods to steal them.

A worrying new trend involves the hacking of Electronic Control Modules (ECMs), which can remotely control several of a car’s functions, including its engine.

Criminals have also been targeting keyless entry systems, letting them open a car’s doors without a remote through the use of high-tech signal relaying equipment.

New impound laws for Cape Town

Cape Town has officially enacted its amended by-laws, which make several new provisions for the impounding of vehicles.

Local motorists can now have their cars taken away for reasons such as a missing number plate, illegal modifications, and non-functioning headlights after daylight hours.

The laws have drawn criticism from citizens, as well as the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), which says it will potentially put large parts of the industry out of business.

New bakkies for South Africa

South Africa got a lot of great bakkie news this week with the announcement of two new Mitsubishis and a range-topping Isuzu.

The first 4×4 of the week was the new Athlete specification for the local Mitsubishi Triton, which was soon followed by the international reveal of the next-generation Triton.

Isuzu followed with the launch of the limited-edition D-Max Arctic AT35, its halo model in South Africa.

New Toyota GR Corolla launched in South Africa

Toyota has finally launched the new GR Corolla in South Africa at a starting price of R841,000.

The hot hatch features a 1.6-litre, turbo-petrol engine that generates an impressive 221kW and 370Nm to send it to 100km/h in around five seconds.

It also comes with luxury additions like a 12.3-inch driver display and suede/leather sports seats with a dual-tone colour scheme.

36 engines stolen from Ford factory

A total of 36 engines were recently stolen from Ford Motor Vehicle Company South Africa’s (FMCSA) factory in Silverton, Pretoria.

The stolen items are estimated to be worth a combined R1.1 million, according to the Hawks investigating the crime.

Four suspects have since been taken into custody for the crime, including two security personnel, a mechanical repair shop owner, and a truck driver from a courier company