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

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

Big road infrastructure projects in South Africa

South Africa is currently investing in multiple big infrastructure projects in an attempt to strengthen the economy.

The first project is a R4-billion bridge in the Eastern Cape that, when completed, will be the tallest on the African continent.

The second initiative involves a R216-million interchange on the N4, intended to foster trade between South Africa, Botswana, and Mozambique.

South African Airways is going private

South African Airways (SAA) has been officially approved for a merger with a private investment company by the Competition Tribunal of South Africa.

The state-owned entity will see a 51% majority stake going to the newly formed Takatso Aviation Proprietary Limited, while the government’s Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) controls the remaining 49% stake.

Takatso made the acquisition with the goal of improving the business and ultimately boosting tourism using SAA’s global airport network.

When the new Toyota Prado is going on sale in South Africa

Toyota South Africa revealed that the new Land Cruiser Prado will go on sale in our market between April and June 2024.

The SUV has seen a drastic overhaul from its predecessor, adopting a more retro 4×4 aesthetic while making the switch to the same platform as the flagship Land Cruiser 300.

Five different engines have been announced, including two hybrid units, though it has yet to be confirmed which ones will be introduced locally.

More affordable Isuzu Mu-X launched in South Africa

Isuzu has launched the new entry-level Mu-X in South Africa at a starting price of R708,000.

The new SUV features a 1.9-litre, turbo-diesel engine, in contrast to the 3.0-litre units that the range was previously limited to.

It produces 110kW and 350Nm, is only available in rear-wheel drive, and has a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Cape Town taxi strike comes to an end

Cape Town’s taxi strike officially came to an end this week, following a call from the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) to cease the disruptions.

The strike has cost the city dearly in terms of lost productivity, property damage, and ultimately human lives, as news reports continue to unearth new stories of victims of violent altercations.

The new impound by-laws that started the protests will remain in place, while a task team has 14 days to define a list of acceptable offences for which a taxi can be locked up.