BMW putting ads in its cars, and a new R2-billion tyre factory for South Africa

Toyota launched the new Land Cruiser 300 hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) in South Africa, featuring 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine with electrical assistance.

This gives the vehicle an output of 341kW and 790Nm, making it the most powerful option in Toyota’s flagship SUV series.

The price of Brent Crude oil has dropped from $79 to $75 per barrel, with Iran announcing that it has reached an agreement with Oman on a proposed shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday night that Washington is talking with Tehran and that he will “see what happens” in ongoing negotiations.

The rand is currently trading at R16.34 against the US dollar. The dollar remains under pressure as the war with Iran continues.

5 important things

BMW putting movie ads in its cars: BMW is facing backlash over an ad campaign made in partnership with Sony and Marvel, where an ad for the new Spiderman: Brand New Day movie is being shown on the infotainment screens in its cars, complete with audio and ambient lighting effects [Autoweek].

R2-billion tyre factory on the cards for South African city: The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality plans to negotiate a deal with the Chinese tyre manufacturer, the Sailun Group, to establish a tyre production and recycling plant in the Coega SEZ near Gqeberha. [TopAuto].

Nissan unveils new NX7 SUV: Dongfeng Nissan has revealed the first official images for its latest NX-series model, the NX7, with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor. [CarNewsChina]

Sasol on a winning streak thanks to Middle East conflict: The South African petrochemical company Sasol is expected to report strong results for the 2026 financial year as it benefits from the global oil crisis caused by the Iran war. [Daily Investor]

Ex-VW engineers plead not guilty to insider trading charges: Two former VW engineers denied charges they made a combined $300,000 (R4.8 million) trading on secret information about the German carmaker’s planned $5 billion (R81 billion) joint venture with electric-vehicle maker Rivian. [Bloomberg]