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 price hikes announced for 2 major highways in South Africa

The South African National Roads Agency has announced the latest price hikes for the toll plazas located on the N1 and N4 Platinum Toll Road.

The fee increases affect at least 15 separate toll gates and will come into effect from 1 March 2025.

Motorists have also been warned to be wary of card cloning at these sites, following a reported increase in fraudulent activities.

Warning for new driveway theft trend in South Africa

Fidelity ADT has warned Pretoria residents that there has been an increase in the theft of gate motors and security beams.

These items are commonly targeted by thieves who strip them down for their motors, batteries, and gears, which are quickly sold on the black market.

“These are opportunistic criminals who are constantly moving and targeting different areas,” said Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications for Fidelity ADT.

VW adds 4th brand to South African portfolio

Volkswagen Group Africa announced that it has added Ducati to its local brand portfolio.

Ducati is the Italian manufacturer known for some of the most impressive motorcycles in the world.

VW recently took over the management of retail operations and import of Ducati models, making it the company’s fourth brand alongside Audi, VW Passenger Cars, and VW Commercial Vehicles.

Petrol tax headwinds coming for South Africa

Auditing and consulting firm Deloitte expects that South Africa’s fuel taxes will go up over the coming weeks.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will deliver his annual Budget Speech this month, where it is likely that the General Fuel Levy (GFL) and Road Accident Fund (RAF) Levy will be hikes.

Both the GFL and RAF Levy haven’t been raised since 2021, meaning they are well overdue to be adjusted.

BMW’s big plan to slash car prices in South Africa

BMW South Africa CEO Peter van Binsbergen announced that several local manufacturers will implore the government to convert unused import duty credits into cash.

This should allow carmakers to reduce production costs which, in turn, will slash vehicle prices.

The plan is a move to protect the local car industry from an influx of cheaper imported brands that are rapidly gaining market share in South Africa.