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

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

Toll gate warning for South African motorists

Vehicle tracking firm Cartrack has warned motorists to be extra vigilant at toll gates over the festive season following an increase in hijackings.

This often involves the “boxing-in” method, where criminals will trap a motorist in a confined space using other cars.

Since toll gates naturally funnel cars through a narrow passage, hijackers have seized on the opportunity with brazen attempts on other motorists in broad daylight.

New Chinese car brand launching in South Africa

A new Chinese car brand known as Dongfeng will launch in South Africa in 2025.

The company recently held a premiere event in Gauteng, where it showed off its first vehicle – the Box.

The Box will go on sale early next year, followed by another two Dongfeng models.

R5-billion bailout for South Africa’s failed e-tolls getting the green light

The South African government plans to allocate more than R5 billion towards the debt accumulated by its failed e-toll project.

The National Assembly recently passed the Special Appropriations Bill, allowing it to withdraw funds to pay for its portion of the debt, estimated at R30 billion.

This is in addition to the separate R13 billion figure owed by the Gauteng provincial government for its portion of the outstanding sum.

The 29 best cars in South Africa right now

The South African Guild of Mobility Journalists has announced the semi-finalists for the 39th annual Car of the Year competition.

The list includes 29 different cars of all shapes and sizes, from affordable hatchbacks to bakkies and high-performance sedans.

This group will be shortened to just 20 finalists, which will be announced in early 2025.

Shelby Super Snake goes on sale in South Africa

Shelby has launched the new Super Snake in South Africa at a whopping price of R3.6 million.

Based on the seventh-generation Ford Mustang GT, the Super Snake takes things to the next level with a supercharged version of the carmaker’s V8 engine.

Only three units have been allocated to South Africa, making it one of the most exclusive cars in the country.