A new Chinese car brand, good news for petrol prices this November, and the new cheapest car in South Africa

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

New Chinese car brand launching in South Africa this month

The Chinese car brand Changan is launching in South Africa this October.

The company’s first shipment of vehicles recently landed at the port in Durban, comprising a sedan and two SUVs.

Changan also plans to introduce a new midsize bakkie called the Hunter, which will compete with local favourites like the Toyota Hilux.

South Africans are done with Uber

Uber is facing significant challenges in South Africa, with customers frustrated by disrespectful and dangerous drivers, overcharging, shoddy vehicles, and drivers cancelling trips.

The ride-hailing service has operated in South Africa since 2013, and it was a major hit at launch. However, customers are now reporting that service levels have deteriorated dramatically.

South Africa recently introduced new regulations to improve the e-hailing industry, including a new operating licence and panic button requirement for all drivers.

Good news for petrol prices this November

South Africans can look forward to improved petrol and diesel prices next month based on fuel recovery data for the end of the second week of October.

This data comes from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) and shows that fuel recoveries have shifted in motorists’ favour thanks to a strong, early start last week.

Unfortunately, diesel is only looking at a 6c per litre cut, but petrol is expected to receive a more substantial drop of 42c per litre.

This is the new cheapest car in South Africa

The Renault Kwid is the new cheapest car in South Africa.

Renault has slashed the price of its entry-level hatchback down from R196,999 to R178,799.

This makes it R1 cheaper than the Toyota Vitz, which starts at R178,800.

New luxury crossover goes on sale in South Africa

Volvo has updated the C40 crossover for South Africa.

The C40 has been renamed the EC40, and has been bumped up to the “Ultra” trim level.

Prices for the electric car now start at R1,396,800, which includes a 5-year/100,000km warranty, a 3-year/60,000km maintenance plan, and an 8-year/160,000km battery warranty.