These were the five biggest stories in South Africa’s automotive industry this week.
R3.4-million BMW XM a big hit in South Africa
Every quarter, BMW reveals its South African sales figures, with September being particularly interesting as it was the first time the R3.4-million XM’s statistics were released.
With a total of six units finding new owners during the month, it’s clear that the super SUV is a popular option in the upper echelons of the BMW catalogue, outperforming six more well-known models including the i4, X2, iX, i7, 8 Series, and Z4.
The XM is BMW’s answer to the likes of the Lamborghini Urus and Ferrari Purosangue, boasting a powerful 4.4-litre, V8 hybrid powertrain that rockets it to 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds.
Suzuki Jimny 5-door on its way to South Africa
The new Suzuki Jimny 5-door is on its way from India to South Africa as we speak.
The bigger Jimny will have a slightly more luxurious spec sheet than the three-door model that is currently on the market and use the same 1.5-litre engine and 4×4 system.
Local fans can expect the off-roader to arrive in the country towards late November/early December, with its pricing and model line-up to be released closer to the date.
City of Joburg clamps down on 215 illegal road closures
The Joburg Roads Agency has started issuing infringement notices to all residents who have constructed illegal road closures/security access facilities in the city.
The agency has identified a total of 215 of these unlawful boom gates, and if they’re not removed by the residents, the city will seek to obtain orders for their removal at a cost to those who erected them, it said.
Facelifted Mercedes-AMG GLE launched in South Africa
The updated Mercedes-AMG GLE has landed in South Africa with five models on offer split across two powertrains, two body styles, and two seating configurations.
Buyers have a choice between the twin-turbo, 3.0-litre GLE 53, or the bi-turbo, 4.0-litre GLE 63, both drivelines being offered in SUV or Coupe body style.
The facelifted SUVs gain new exterior styling cues, engine electrification through means of a mild-hybrid system, and an enhanced set of standard features.
Balwin Properties hands over R94-million road to City of Tshwane
Balwin Properties this week finished the construction and handing over of the new R94-million Hazeldean Boulevard to the City of Tshwane.
The road forms part of the company’s ongoing commitment in terms of the Special Infrastructure Project works gazetted by government in 2020.
The new dual-carriageway is expected to alleviate traffic in Hazeldean and greater Pretoria East regions, providing residents of the area with a northern exit point to Bronkhorstspruit Road, and a southern exit point to Lynnwood Road.
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