http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1024
VWSA has announced a major worldwide export contract for right hand drive models of the new Volkswagen Polo.
In a multibillion rand investment programme between VWSA and its component suppliers, the company will export 19 000 new Polos to right hand drive markets by the end of 2009.
“Production of the all New Volkswagen Polo commenced at the Uitenhage plant in July 2009. By the end of the year, 19 000 New Polos will have left the Port Elizabeth harbour destined for customers around the world,” said David Powels, VWSA managing director.
This figure is expected to increase to 55 000 in 2010. Export markets for new Polo include the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore.
The export announcement was made at the opening of the Nelson Mandela Bay Logistics Park in Uitenhage on Thursday. New Polo will be launched in South Africa early next year.
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SA flavour for GPS
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1025
South African motorists can now load some of the country's biggest celebrities in their cars and even place the blame for getting lost on them.
Bloemfontein company GPS Creative has recorded the voices of several celebrities, including singer Kurt Darren, model Minki van der Westhuizen, Nataniël, Oom Kallie Marie (Casper de Vries) and Dowwe Dolla (Margit Meyer-Rödenbeck), enabling motorists to load them onto their GPS units.
This means that, instead of hearing a robotic, computerised voice giving you directions, you'll hear your favourite celebrity's voice doing the navigation via your GPS.
"Hi, I'm Kurt Darren, let's hoist the sails (a reference to his Afrikaans hit, Kaptein, which includes the lyrics "span die seile"), where would you like to go?" says the singer.
When the motorist has reached his/her destination, Darren says: "Lower the sails, you have arrived."
Kenneth Blair, spokesperson for GPS Creative, says the recordings are a blend of jokes and the standard directions which are necessary to reach a destination. The humour lies in each of the celebrities' unique tone and way they speak.
"My name is Nataniël and I'll be joining you in your car today... You should never, ever, leave a child in a car. A car has a mirror. I still wear lipstick... There's traffic ahead. Oh dear, oh dear... I usually have much more fun in a stationary car... Carry on with this road," are some of Nataniël's GPS directions.
'O gatta patatta!'
The voice of Oom Kallie Marie (De Vries) says: "O gatta patatta! Ek het satelliet ontvangs verloor... (Oh golly gosh! I've lost satellite reception...) Pasop vir die boetebessietjies! (Watch out for the meter maids!)"
Van der Westhuizen says: "Let's be patient now... there's typical Johannesburg traffic up ahead..."
Darren told Beeld on Thursday afternoon that he had initially found it strange to hear his own voice saying: "Drive for one kilometre". But now he thinks it sounds cool.
"It's a very good idea. I just tried to add as much of my own personality as possible. I agreed to do it because it's a novelty. I think people will enjoy having something like this," he said.
Blair says at the moment these recordings only work with some of Garmin's GPS systems.
People can visit their website, www.gps-creative.com, for a list of the relevant Garmin models.
According to Blair, for now the voices are also only for sale on the website.
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VÄTH Giant with 430kW - Based on Merc ML 63 AMG
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1026
The ML 63 AMG by VÄTH Automobiltechnik is certainly one of the most powerful SUVs ever to be put on the road - with the VÄTH 6.3 liter engine doling out 430 kW and 690 Nm of torque.
But how does VÄTH dare to label this AMG engine its own? Well, the German tuner has substituted its own specially forged pistons, enlarged the counter-sunk channels on the cylinder heads, and added its own large intake and exhaust valves, sports camshaft and valve springs. After all that, the ECU tuning they do seems the least of it.
Performance figures on the VÄTH ML 63 AMG come to 4.5 seconds for the 0 to 100 km/h sprint and a top speed of 300 km/h.
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VW Approves Porsche Merger
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1027
VW's supervisory board has put its final stamp of approval on the company's merger with Porsche AG - a wholly owned subsidiary of Porsche Automobil Holding SE.
Volkswagen AG will purchase a 49.9 percent stake in Porsche AG by the end of this year. It will complete a merger with parent company Porsche Automobil Holding SE by 2011.
The Porsche and Piech families, which still control Porsche, are set to put their signatures to a merger contract today (Friday, November 20, 2009). The VW board is said to also be signing off on a series of contracts, thousands of pages long, detailing a multi-stage process for the merger. VW said in a press release it wants the process to go as smoothly as possible and will propose a resolution to issue new preferred shares at its Extraordinary General Meeting on December 3, 2009. The new shares will allow VW to maintain its "medium term financial flexibility," the company said.
From the press statement, "The creation of an integrated automotive group with ten strong brands follows a compelling industrial logic. It represents a unique opportunity for Volkswagen and is in the best interests of all shareholders. Volkswagen will further expand its position as the leading global multi-brand group with the inclusion of Porsche AG and the automobile trading business of Porsche Holding Salzburg."
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Opel Corsa Gets Mid-Cycle Refresh Without Facelift
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1028
Opel is set to release an updated Corsa range in January 2010. Improvements are abundant, including the engines, the chassis and even the steering mechanism. Notably the exterior remains the same: "the Corsa stays faithful to its exciting design, with sporty contours and one of the roomiest and most flattering interiors in its class" says the official statement.
The engines have been re-worked, from the 1.0-litre up to the 1.6-litre turbo. The 3-cylinder 1.0 now produces 48kW and 90Nm of torque. Fuel consumption improves by 13 percent to 5 litres per 100km and C02 emissions stand at 117 g/km. Higher up is the 1.2-litre with new figures of 51kW and 115Nm. It dispatches 124 g/km of C02s and averages 5.3 litres/100km.
The same 1.2 can also kick out 63kW and 115Nm of torque and return 5.1 litres/100 km and 119 g/km. The 1.4-litre makes 64kW and 130Nm of torque. Opel says it will return 5.5 litres/100 km and 129 g/km of CO2 gases. A more generous output of 74kW and 130Nm is possible from the same engine.
Diesel fans can enjoy the 1.7 CDTI with 96kW, 300Nm and 118 g/km of emissions thanks to measures like a new turbo charger with an actuator position sensor and a new lighter intake manifold that reduces weight. A smaller 1.3 CDTI has 70kW and 190Nm while emitting 98g/km of C02 for the 3-door and 99g/km for the 5-door.
These improvements were made possible through a new oil pump that optimises oil pressure and reduces friction, a newly-developed double camshaft phaser, new management of the thermostat which reduces the engine warm-up phase and a shift-indicator that shows drivers when best to change gears for optimal fuel reduction. To suit their needs, customers can choose between transmissions with performance-oriented short- or economy-focused wide ratios.
The 1.6 turbo GSI and OPC remain the same at 110kW and 141kW respectively. The Corsa will feature a better chassis and a more direct steering system. Cornering lights, a heated steering wheel and the integrated bicycle carrier system FlexFix make the Corsa a very well-equipped small car.
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9ff Speed9 Based on Porsche 997 Turbo Revealed
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1029
German tuner 9ff is set to present their second independent complete vehicle at the Essen Motor Show next weekend. Based on the potent 997 Turbo, the 9ff Speed9 pays homage to the Porsche 356/ 1500S Speedster of 1955 and features a number of modifications that give it more power and handling prowess.
9ff is a bit shy with the details, but for the body the windshield has been shortened and the rear hump that houses the folding roof has been replaced with a flat hard cover for that speedster "level vehicle silhouette" look.
The bi turbo engine pushes out 478kW and 890Nm at 2,850rpm. Engineers used a sports air filter, upgraded the ECU, installed a 9ff sports exhaust system including a new sports catalytic converter to achieve these results. It is driven by a Tiptronic gearbox with integrated paddles.
Improved handling will come from adjustable stabilisers on the front and rear axles, double springs and four aluminium spring plates. To stop it dead on its tracks is a 9ff brake system consisting of 380mm "compound" brake discs, 6-piston calipers and 9ff brake pads.
The aerodynamic package includes a front apron, side skirts and a rear apron. The interior boasts an alcantara dashboard, special 9ff Speed9 sports seats and a sports steering wheel. Most of the other bits and pieces can be customised to the buyer's wishes.
Hopefully 9ff will also release performance figures when unveiling the car.
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New carmaker aid to boost growth
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1030
South Africa's existing automobile industry programme and its replacement scheme is expected to cut the trade deficit and contribute billions of dollars to gross domestic product by 2020, a government minister said on Friday.
South Africa's automobile sector, a major employer, has been hard hit by a global economic downturn that has seen exports slashed and manufacturing curbed in Africa's biggest economy.
Automotive Production and Development Programme
Currently, the government lends support to the industry under the Motor Industry Development Programme (MIDP), which will be replaced from 2013 onwards by the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP), as the country tries to ramp up motor vehicle production and investment.
"Gross domestic product will be 103.3 billion rand higher by 2020 than if there is no support programme," Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies said in a written reply to a parliamentary question.
He said investment in the sector would be 152 billion rand higher by 2020 and employment 320 000 more than if there was no support programme.
"The trade deficit will be 833 million smaller in 2020 than if there is no support programme," he said of the net economic benefits over the next 11 years.
Moderate tariffs
Key elements of the APDP, will see stable, moderate tariffs at 25% applied for light motor vehicles, while duty credits issued to vehicle assemblers will provide encouragement for high level volume production.
Davies said automotive manufacturing firms located in South Africa and who meet the specified criteria to participate in the MIDP and its successor are expected to benefit.
"It is anticipated that all major vehicle manufacturers will draw upon the programme," he said.
Carmakers BMW, Ford, General Motors, Daimler, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen all have manufacturing plants in South Africa.
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