Good news for petrol prices, a new Chinese bakkie, and a warning for Toyota Corolla Cross owners

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

Good news for petrol prices this February

Fuel prices are set to drop this February, according to the latest data from the Central Energy Fund.

The new predictions for the final week of January indicate that petrol will drop by 67c per litre while diesel will see a similar reduction of 65c per litre.

Unfortunately, this is lower than the previous reported adjustments of up to R1.63 per litre, which is attributed to the fluctuating international oil price in the wake of recent geopolitical events.

New Chinese bakkie lands in South Africa – Pricing and features

LDV has announced that the first shipment of the all-new Terron 9 has arrived in South Africa.

The Terron 9 is a new double cab that is positioned as the flagship of the Chinese carmaker’s bakkie range, slotting above the midsize T60.

The pickup will soon be stock in dealerships nationwide, available in two specifications with prices starting at R779,900.

Important changes for diesel users in South Africa

Major diesel users in South Africa can expect significant changes as the government plans to overhaul the Diesel Refund Scheme.

The refund scheme was introduced in 2001, allowing qualifying users to claim back some or all of the General Fuel Levy (GFL) and Road Accident Fund (RAF) Levy on the diesel they purchase for certain primary production activities.

The programme will receive a new system intended to simplify the claims process, improve SARS compliance, and eliminate fraud.

Cape Town’s plan to fix its most dangerous road

The City of Cape Town plans to build a new wall on the N2 highway to combat violent attacks on motorists.

The N2 has developed an infamous reputation over the years due to the frequency of attacks on passing cars, involving everything from stone throwing to tyre spikes and dropping concrete from overhead bridges.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis announced that the city will erect a new high-security barrier along the N2 to the airport, making it more difficult for criminals to access the road.

Major warning for Toyota Corolla Cross owners in South Africa

The Toyota Corolla Cross has received a disappointing result after undergoing a Global NCAP crash test as part of the #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign.

The popular SUV received two out of five stars for adult occupant safety. The main concern is a lack of head side protection for the models sold in African markets.

Global NCAP said there was no excuse for the lack of side head protection for a car of this nature, noting there is a concerning trend of cars sold in Africa offering lower protection than in other markets.