Bad news for motorists buying these cars, a locally-made VW SUV, and a new Toyota bakkie for South Africa

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

Bad news for motorists buying these cars in South Africa

The International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) has proposed a 15% import tariff on new energy vehicle (NEV) batteries.

The proposal aims to encourage manufacturers to produce their batteries locally, rather than import them from countries like China.

However, the tariff is likely to raise prices on these vehicles for consumers as it will take several years before South Africa is in a position to produce its own NEV batteries.

New Toyota bakkie coming to South Africa – But there’s a catch

A new Toyota bakkie is heading to South Africa this year, but it won’t be sold by Toyota.

The Durban-based company Rospa International recently announced it would import several American cars to our market, including the Toyota Tundra.

The Tundra is a full-size American pickup that is substantially more powerful than the Hilux we have here.

Say hello to the affordable new VW SUV that will be made in South Africa

VW has announced the name of the new compact SUV that will be built in South Africa,

The automaker recently held an online poll to decide on the name of the incoming crossover. which is known as the Tera in Brazil.

In South Africa, the new model will be called the Tengo and will be assembled at the company’s factory in the Eastern Cape.

New Chinese bakkie coming to South Africa

The Chinese carmaker Geely is coming to South Africa later this year alongside its 4×4 sub-brand Riddara.

Riddara currently produces a single vehicle called the RD6, which is an all-electric lifestyle bakkie targeted at private households.

The RD6 double cab is available with one or two electric motors, giving the vehicle a rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive configuration.

Affordable new Nissan SUV for South Africa

Nissan has officially entered pre-production on one of the two new SUVs intended for South Africa.

The new model, which will be assembled at Nissan’s factory in Chennai, India, is intended to help the brand regain a foothold in the affordable passenger car segment.

The unnamed model shares a platform with the next-gen Renault Duster and is expected to compete alongside local favourites like the Toyota Urban Cruiser.