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

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

Big win for GWM and Haval buyers in South Africa

GWM and Haval have applied their extended warranty policy to their most popular cars in South Africa.

Nearly all of the brands’ cars now benefit from a 7-year/200,000km warranty, in contrast to the previous 5-year/100,000km plan.

This primarily affects the Jolion, H6, and P-Series, but not the Steed.

Planes avoiding South Africa’s biggest airport

Several flights have been diverted from Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport, which is currently facing a fuel supply crisis.

Airlines are being redirected to other airports while O.R. Tambo scrambles to resolve a shortage caused by a fire at the National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa refinery.

Cape Town International also experienced disruptions this week following a power cut that damaged its fuel depot, affecting the flight schedule for incoming aircraft, however, this has since been resolved.

More affordable Chery SUV canned for South Africa – But something else is on the way

Chery is no longer planning to bring the more affordable Chery Tiggo 2 Pro to South Africa.

The model was meant to slot below the existing Tiggo 4 Pro, but it is not currently available in right-hand drive.

That said, the company is investigating a new product for the domestic market, which could take the form of a sleek battery-powered SUV.

New car licence renewal hurdle on the cards for South Africa

The Automobile Association (AA) wants annual roadworthiness tests to be made compulsory in South Africa.

This new requirement would be tied to a person’s car licence disc renewal application, ensuring that a vehicle is safe before it can take to the streets again.

The AA argues that this measure would help to greatly crack down on unroadworthy cars, which are a major contributor to accidents.

Launch of Gauteng’s new number plates – All the details

The introduction of Gauteng’s secure new number plates could take place as soon as April 2025.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy granted an exemption to government vehicles back in November, allowing them to use the new plates early as part of a pilot programme.

The pilot is expected to wrap up at the end of the current financial year, after which the plates should start to enter public circulation.