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Bafana fans urged to 'plan ahead'
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Soccer fans have been urged to leave early for Bafana Bafana's friendly against Colombia at Soccer City on Thursday night and to use the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transport system or the city's park-and-ride facilities.
Kick-off is at 8.35pm.
The City of Johannesburg and the SA Football Association (Safa) on Wednesday said that more than 300 Johannesburg metro police officials and Gauteng safety traffic officers would be deployed to ensure traffic moved smoothly.
The roads around Soccer City would be open only to ticket-holders.
Other road-users should use alternative routes and avoid Soccer City on Thursday night.
Safa chief executive officer Leslie Sedibe said the match was heading for a sellout with 55 000 tickets sold by Wednesday morning.
Plan and avoid chaos
He urged fans to arrive early to avoid the chaos at the Nedbank Cup final on Saturday when 72 000 fans battled to get into and out of Soccer City at the match between BidVest Wits and AmaZulu.
"When there [are] over 70 000 spectators at a match and everyone wants to leave at the same time then there will be problems," said Sedibe.
"But we hope to avoid the worst of them on Thursday. Come early and leave a bit later and enjoy the entertainment we have laid on for after the game," he said.
City of Johannesburg executive director Sibongile Mazibuko suggested that spectators plan their routes to the stadium.
"The fans must give themselves enough time to get the venue," she said.
Mazibuko said Rea Vaya would operate from Soweto and the CBD to Soccer City.
"I also urge supporters to buy return tickets and avoid time-wasting queues after the match."
A return ticket would cost R12.
New N17 link opened
Mazibuko said the new N17 link from the N1 would be open and that this would help with the traffic flow.
Fans going to the match by car should use the free park-and-ride facilities at Shareworld and Rand Show road, and the parking around the Nasrec expo centre.
She said Metrobuses would run and there would be a train service.
Sedibe praised Bafana's fans for coming to the World Cup party by getting behind the national team.
"The fans have been simply amazing and rallied around Bafana and the flag. This augurs well for the World Cup in two weeks time," he said.
Bafana recently played in front of a massive crowd to beat Thailand 4-0 at Nelspruit's Mbombela Stadium, and against to draw 1-1 against Bulgaria at Orlando Stadium on Monday night.
Under head coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, Bafana are unbeaten in their last nine games.
Bafana open their World Cup campaign against Mexico at Soccer City on June 11.
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VW to pounce on Proton next?
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Malaysian national carmaker Proton said it would reveal the results of talks for a possible alliance with German's Volkswagen AG next month after last week Wednesday announcing a profit in the quarter through March.
Proton's Chairman Mohamad Nadzmi Mohamad Salleh declined to say whether it would involve any equity tie-up or just a technical collaboration with Europe's largest carmaker. He said Proton has to focus on ramping up exports for its long-term survival, and is open to working with global carmakers to bolster economies of scale.
"We will make an announcement in one to two weeks," he told reporters.
Once the king of the road, Proton's fortunes have dwindled due to growing competition. Proton has been hunting for a foreign partner but the government's insistence on maintaining control over a national corporate icon has made it difficult for Proton to seal any meaningful partnership.
Volkswagen ended alliance talks with Proton in 2007 but later revived negotiations.
The Edge business weekly quoted sources as saying VW isn't likely to take an equity stake in Proton but would collaborate in platforms and engines. It could see a rebadging of the Passat as a replacement model for the Proton Perdana sedan, it said.
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Project Kahn Freelander RS200
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Engineers at tuner outfit Kahn Design have taken their tools to the Land Rover Freelander to create an exclusive looking compact SUV.
Included in the package are new body pieces, including vents, grille surround and side sills. Smoked lenses can be seen at the signal indicators, along with silver handles and mirror caps. A matte black bonnet stripe was also supplied, though this can not be seen clearly in the attached photos.
What can be seen are the new 20-inch RS multispoke wheels. In a light grey finish, the wheels match nicely with the vehicle's other contrasting elements. Inside, the driver and passengers will be welcomed by a full leather interior with contrast stitching. Also seen are red and white gauges, as well as RS200 badging.
The Project Kahn Freelander RS200 is now available for order as a complete model, with parts also available for separate purchase.
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New toll to 'double fuel price'
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The toll fee proposed by the SA National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) would be equivalent to doubling the fuel price, the Road Freight Association (RFA) said on last week Friday.
"Not only this, a number of small enterprises are set to be put out of business, as government continues to target motorists and truckers as an easy source of revenue for its road infrastructure development plans," Gavin Kelly, technical and operations manager for the RFA, said in a statement.
The RFA warned of even higher inflation rates, if Sanral's plans to levy a hefty toll fee on new and future toll roads were implemented.
Kelly said operators would be forced to pass the increased costs on to the consumer, fuelling inflation and leading to increases in the price of goods.
"Transport costs will increase by at least these margins and operators will have to factor in some sort of administration process within the businesses, which will incur an added cost and will be added into the transport cost paid by the customer."
Kelly said once again the small and micro-sized trucking companies would be most severely affected by the high cost of toll fees.
"The largest increase in real costs of transport will occur in the smaller category of vehicles - express parcels, door-to-door
deliveries, supplying of smaller retailers and short-haul deliveries."
These increases ranged from between four to eight percent and would jeopardise operations.
"Many of them may go out of business as a result of their tariffs being too bitter for customers to swallow."
Kelly said the 25% discount bandied about, but not guaranteed, by Sanral would probably be negated by the hidden administration costs that operators would incur to manage the system.
Over 40 tolls are planned across all of Gauteng's freeways from April 2011.
From Soweto to Sandton, West Rand to East, and Johannesburg to Pretoria, tolls will be situated on average every 10 kilometres.
"We are already paying towards roads with the fuel levy, licence fees and income tax," Kelly said.
"Where does this money go? It definitely is not used for the very source it is collected from."
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Major drop in fuel price
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The price of all grades of petrol will drop by 27c a litre this week, the energy department said last week Friday.
The wholesale price of diesel with a 0.05% sulphur content will decrease by 15c a litre.
Diesel with a 0.005% sulphur content will also drop in price by 15c a litre.
The wholesale price of illuminating paraffin will decline by 13c a litre, while the single maximum national retail price for illuminating paraffin is to fall by 12c a litre.
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Happy 200th, Peugeot!
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Two brothers, Jean-Pierre and Jean-Frédéric Peugeot, established the Peugeot company by converting their father’s corn mill into a steel mill to make the most of the blossoming industrial revolution - and went on to create a brand that has survived for 200 years.
In the two centuries since, Peugeot has been associated with tools, salt and pepper mills and coffee grinders, bicycles, motorcycles and scooters, and cars and vans, and the lion symbol so closely related to the brand was first adopted in 1858 as the emblem for Peugeot’s saws and ancillary tools.
What this symbol has come to represent has changed several times since then too, as have the marque’s products – the first Peugeot bicycles and motorcycles were produced from 1886, the first motor car, a petrol four-wheeler codenamed Type 2, in 1891.
The numeric naming system in use today was first seen in 1929 with the 201, so named because it was the engineering department’s 201st project, and the series has since stuck. The first number indicates the vehicle’s family and the third the model’s generation, with the 0 thrown in because it has a nice ring to it. Of course, this also means that the 207 zipping about today is directly related to the first 201 from 1929...
Changes
Additional letters – CC (Coupe Cabriolet) and SW (“station wagon”) – were launched in 2000, and in 2004, the four-digit 1007 was the first in a new way to depict models not part of the original Peugeot range.
For its motor cars, Peugeot claims a host of innovations including independent suspension, the Coupé Cabriolet, production diesel engines, electric power and also credits an endearing relationship with motorsport.
Being French, Peugeots have for a long time also been revered for their expressive designs. According to the manufacturer, the design genes were first mapped in the 30s when the marque’s first styling department was headed by Henri Thomas. A relationship with coachbuilder Pininfarina in 1955 to style the 403 gave rise to a successful partnership that bore several more successful Peugeot designs.
To 2015 and beyond
Fast forward to 2010 and Peugeot appears to be reinventing itself yet again. The marque has ambitions of climbing three places in the world car rankings (we're unsure whether this is with or without the help of alliance partner Citroen), set design benchmarks and become a leader in “mobility services” by 2015.
To achieve this, the carmaker plans to release 14 new models between 2010 and 2012 and adopt a new visual identity and international signature – Peugeot, Motion and Emotion.
With some predicting that the manufacturers around today will not all be with us ten years from now, Peugeot’s formula of innovation and good design seems to have worked in its favour for the past 200 years and is a testament to an enterprising spirit. We won’t be around to see it, but we'll hope that the next 200 years will be as fruitful for this French manufacturer.
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GM aiming to match the quality of Audi interiors
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While GM interiors are getting better, the company knows they still have more work to do.
Speaking with InsideLine, GM's Vice President of Global Engineering, Karl Stracke, stated "We're not yet at Audi quality. I want to be at Audi quality. Audi is the benchmark for interiors." He added, "I've driven the Corvette Grand Sport and I like it a lot, but the interior is not convincing." An honest statement considering the Corvette interior is synonymous with black plastic blah.
No word on when to expect major improvements, but GM has recently started a program which allows engineering executives to test competitor's products every Friday at the Milford Proving Grounds.
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BMW X6 Interceptor by Moscow tuner Met-R
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Russian tuner Met-R has unveiled a new styling package for the BMW X6.
Dubbed the Interceptor, the package features an aggressive body kit with a new front bumper, a revised grille, a rear spoiler, and a rear diffuser. Other goodies include modified side sills, wheel arch extensions and massive BBS wheels.
Designed by Zaur Khalilov, the body kit was created with 3D rendering software and then turned into production parts using a CNC milling machine.
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Alfa Romeo Mito Kit-One by Magneti Marelli
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Elaborazioni 1919, the new tuning division of Magneti Marelli, has unveiled a tuning package for the Alfa Romeo MiTo.
Meant to resemble the MiTo GTA concept, the Kit-One package features a Carrozzeria Castagna Milano body kit with wheel arch extensions and a modified rear bumper with an integrated diffuser. Other goodies include 18-inch matte black wheels, daytime running lights, and black headlight surrounds.
In terms of performance, MME installed stiffer springs (which reduce ride height by 30mm), a ‘Parco Chiuso' dual-exhaust system, Brembo brakes, and a revised ECU which adds 23 kW.
Considering Carrozzeria Castagna Milano will only build 200 body kits, Kit-One production will likely be limited to 200 units or less.
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TopCar Panamera Stingray further details released
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Russian tuner TopCar has released more details regarding its Porsche Panamera Stingray. The company says three distinct versions of the powerful four-door will be made available. The first is the Black Matt Edition which comes finished in gloss black on the front lip spoiler, front bumper inserts, side skirts and rear diffuser among others.
The White Edition is mainly white with some parts trimmed in black as a matter of contrast. The leather interior is also white. The third car, called the Carbon Grey Edition, features a carbon fibre front lip spoiler, front bumper inserts, bonnet, window trims, rear wings and bumper diffuser.
TopCar aims to bump power to between 404 kW and 552 kW for all three cars.
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Joburg speedsters nailed
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Seventeen motorists were released on R500 bail each after they were arrested for speeding on the N1 South near the Allendale onramp at the weekend, Johannesburg metro police said on Sunday.
"The highest speed was that of a red Golf GTI, which was caught at 198 kilometres per hour," said Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said.
They were expected to appear in the Randburg Magistrate's Court soon.
McLaren MP4-12C is coming to SA
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McLaren has announced the markets in which it will sell its eagerly-awaited new F1-inspired supercar – and South Africa made the list.
The 448-kW MP4-12C will be sold in 35 markets around the world, including the US, England, France, Germany and Kuwait. Johannesburg is the single South African city to be graced with its own McLaren dealership, the company told Wheels24.
The first 23 retailers on McLaren’s list are expected to be revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, while the remainder will be announced throughout the year, Autonews reports.
Only 1 000 cars will be produced. Expect the reverie to begin in 2011, when the first deliveries of the spiritual successor to the iconic McLaren F1 kick off.
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Journalist's 4l/100km in BMW 3 Series
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Motoring scribe and former circus performer Tom Ford has managed to drive 1 630km on a single tank of diesel. Ford's goal was to drive from the UK to Munich and back on a single tank of fuel via the Chunnel.
Piloting BMW’s latest Efficient Dynamics equipped 320d, Ford managed to average 4l/100km for the journey.
Known for his off-beat antics (chainsaw duelling whilst at University), FifthGear presenter Ford did not nurse the 320d in time-honoured economy run fashion. His average pace was 96km/h.
Despite the mercurial economy achieved Ford eventually ran out of fuel 120km short of Calais, France, on the return journey – after filling up (61l) just before entering the Chunnel on the UK side when setting off.
The 320d used by Ford was powered by a 2l four-cylinder turbodiesel engine producing 122kW and 360Nm, which is 8kW less powerful than a standard 320d yet boasts an additional 10Nm. Ensuring optimal efficiency on the 320d was an auto start-stop function, brake energy regeneration, a longer transmission ratio, lowered suspension and Michelin EnergySaver tyres.
Ford’s best consumption on his marathon drive was 3.72l/100km just outside Munich.
"Think about it in the context of everyday motoring: comfortably more than 1 600km s on one tank of diesel means just 12 fills a year for the average motorist - and even driven normally I still think you're looking at 1 207- to 1 287km per fill. BMW's EfficientDynamics: it does what it says on the tin," Ford said.
South African buyers, due to local fuel quality issues, are unfortunately not in a position to reap the full benefit of BMW's Efficient Dynamics system.
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Anti-virus for your future car?
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It's clear that one of the most important selling points and design features of future cars will be the driver interface. In a world of increasingly connected social media outlets and smartphone apps, the car is becoming an extension of all that. Google has announced a collaboration with GM, Ford has its collaboration with Microsoft... I wonder who Apple will partner with? Come on, don't tell me you haven't thought about it.
But all this nifty integration and connectedness may come with a dangerous price: opening your vehicle up to the whim of a hacker and his viruses.
Although we still don't fully know what went wrong with (Toyota's) "unintended acceleration" fiasco, one thing it did elucidate was the fact that bad things can happen if electronics and software go wiggy.
Now, some researchers from the University of Washington and the University of California San Diego have begun to try and put their finger on these potential future threats... and they've come up with some shocking results.
In a paper from the Center for Automotive Embedded Systems Security (betcha didn't know that existed), the researchers say that they were able to gain surprising access to a car's computer system and force it to disengage its brakes while moving or even slam them on at will. They were also able to control all the exterior and interior lighting.
Two cars tested
Although the researchers only tested two cars from different automakers, the systems they used to obtain access are available on every modern car and they say they would fully expect the same level of vulnerability on other cars.
It should be noted that the researchers conducted their experiments by physically connecting up with the car, and they say that current car drivers shouldn't be worried as the hacking now requires a physical connection.
But they warn that in the future, given the fact that internet connected cars with access to a gigantic library of applications are almost here, we can expect clever hackers to be able to gain access to a car's electronics and software from anywhere in the world.
Now that just gives me the skeevies thinking about it. Although I can see the unlimited potential in all of these new features, I wouldn't want to give up my car's complete autonomy. Although, with the example of "unintended acceleration," maybe I already have? Toyota although have stated, though, that the cause of the "reported unintended acceleration" is not an electronic glitch.
Can you see it now... not only will you have to pay a monthly subscription for anti-virus software for your computer, you'll have to pay the bastards twice for your car as well.
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Italian design houses rejoice after VW purchase
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According to a recent report, competing design firms are ecstatic about Volkswagen's purchase of Italdesign Giugiaro.
While this seems like an odd reaction, companies such as Bertone, Fioravanti, I.DE.A. and Pininfarina stand to gain clients from automakers who are wary of Italdesign's new overlords. Considering the company raked in nearly 100 million euros ($123 million) from non-Volkswagen accounts annually, their joy is understandable.
Even if other automakers approve of Italdesign's new owner, Volkswagen could force Italdesign to focus on their cars instead of competitor's models. This could cause Italdesign to drop labor-intensive accounts such as Hybrid Kinetic Motors Corp (which wants IDG to design and engineer 8 models for the U.S), Proton, Brilliance China Automotive and Chery.
As we reported yesterday, Lamborghini Holding S.p.A will acquire a 90.1% stake in Italdesign Giugiaro. Volkswagen sees this as a critical move to expand their design and engineering pool in an effort to sell 10 million vehicles annually by 2018.
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89 deaths linked to "unintended acceleration"
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Sudden acceleration in Toyota vehicles may have been a factor in the deaths of 89 people since 2000, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agency, which stated in March that 52 casualties had been linked to the problem, is investigating if sticking gas pedals led to 71 car crashes resulting in the deaths.
A recall tied to the problem was issued by Toyota in late 2009. The delay in notifing the U.S. government and American consumers of the problem led to a $16.4 million fine against the automaker.
Thus far, the NHTSA has been notified of 6,200 cases of sudden acceleration since 2000. 2,600 of the reports were filed since March 2010, including 100 from consumers who reported the problem after Toyota had already repaired their vehicle.
The agency does not yet believe a new recall for the same problem is warranted. Toyota will install a brake override of the throttle-by-wire on new models starting in 2011. This will also be retro-fit to seven models subject to the recall.
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New BMW 5 Series - crash test brake intervention
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BMW, in conjunction with DEKRA (Deutscher Kraftfahrzeug-Überwachungs-Verein), has successfully tested 530d models fitted with preventive protection systems. These anticipatory assistance systems found in some new 5 and 7 Series models basically work by sensing an impending collision, thereafter taking steps to minimise the inevitable damage.
Firstly the car's advanced sensors will sense a probable collision. A preliminary visual warning that appears as a red car symbol on the instrument panel and the HUD, will then be issued. Simultaneously brakes are automatically applied very slightly in order to build up brake pressure faster for the moment when the driver finally steps on the pedal.
Should the system detect that the driver's intervention will no longer be of consequence it will apply emergency braking in order to reduce the speed on collision.
The result was that during the 530d test the normal 64 km/h impact speed applied in conventional Euro NCAP crash-testing was reduced to just 40 km/h. The impact and subsequent damage to the car and occupants was therefore greatly reduced. Keep in mind that NCAP tests are done without applying brakes.
BMW hopes that in completing this exercise it will help open the way for changes in future testing methods, given that in time, more and more cars will have these pre-crash safety systems installed. Current Euro NCAP regulations do not allow them for testing procedures.
SA's roads 'a concern' - Minister
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Road construction, maintenance and access remain among the biggest obstacles to community and economic upliftment, Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele said on Monday.
Addressing a transport summit in Midrand, Ndebele said while the country was on track in improving major city roads and highways, people in rural areas still did not have access to basic services.
"All they want is for the road to provide them with access to social and economic amenities and to improve their mobility."
He said the latest figures showed that a number of schools and hospitals were without road access.
Of the 5401 hospitals and schools in the Eastern Cape, 859 could not be accessed by road.
All the other provinces also had access problems.
Ndebele said that on average more than 30% of roads were in a poor or very poor condition.
The total of paved and gravelled road at provincial level sits at 40%.
Roads older than 20 years
"We know that about 80% of our roads network is now older than the 20 year design life based on information from 64% of the roads primarily national, provincial and [in] some cities."
He said it was difficult to verify the extent of the crisis at municipal level as there was a lack of information and support systems at this level.
"Now this is a matter of greater concern to us."
He said the country needed a R75 billion investment over the next five years to arrest this decline.
One way to fund this was to ensure that the money allocated from the Treasury was "ring-fenced" so that it could not be redistributed to another department.
He said another concern was that between 140 000km to 220 000km of roads were unproclaimed, meaning that they were not formally adopted as part of the official transport network.
"Legally no authority can spend money on roads that are not proclaimed," he said, adding that the uncertified access roads were typically in rural areas, meaning the majority of the country's people were left wanting for development and road maintenance.
Challenges
He said while maintenance was continuing, there were problems.
"The biggest challenge with roads is that by the time a problem is visible on the road surfaces, we are somewhat late with remedial action.
"On the other hand, while a road might be deteriorating without showing the stress on the surface, we often do not see the need to do the necessary interventions."
The department was trying to ensure heavy loads of equipment were rather moved by railway than using motorised transport.
This would help to maintain road surfaces but needed effective law enforcement to control overloading.
Referring to the upcoming 2010 Fifa World Cup, Deputy Minister Jeremy Cronin said he felt the developed world would be "favourably surprised" by South Africa's transport network, while Africa and third world countries would probably express envy.
Declining since the '70s
However, this only applied as they would be visiting built-up metropolitan areas and would not be venturing off the beaten track where infrastructure was still sorely needed.
He was quick to add that the problem of the deteriorating and non-existent road infrastructure was not a result of the post apartheid government legacy, but had rather been declining since the '70s when the then government showed signs of toppling.
He urged the delegates to the seminar to be constructively critical in order to address construction and road maintenance problems.
"There are no holy cows in this discussion, we want you to be critical."
This sentiment was echoed by Ndebele, who said: "If solutions cannot be found by this brains trust then those solutions do not exist anywhere else in the country".
Among those attending the summit were transport MECs, heads of departments from provincial level, the SA National Roads Agency and the road traffic management co-operation.
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Hyundai drives the World Cup
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The world’s biggest sporting event descends on South Africa next month and Hyundai will be transporting all the official guests, including the 32 teams.
A flotilla of 609 passenger cars and 32 luxury coaches from Hyundai will transport the Fifa officials, national teams, referees and media for the duration of the Football World Cup, now just 15 days away.
“We are proud to partner with Fifa during this historic football event. The opportunity to provide VIP transport at this momentous tournament gives us the high visibility we need in Africa and the world to raise awareness of our brand and products,” said Sean S.H. Kim, Senior Vice President of Hyundai Motor’s Marketing Division at the official handover ceremony at Soccer City in Johannesburg where Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke was presented with an oversized car key in front of a display of the full fleet.
On display were the Hyundai Universe Express Noble luxury coaches that were specially manufactured for the games and decorated with national team colours and flags.
About 80 Hyundai mechanical staff will be on stand-by throughout the games at the 10 stadiums in case emergency support for the fleet is needed.
The Korean manufacturer has an 11-year association with Fifa and has recently extended it partnership agreement to include the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil.
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Subaru Cosworth Impreza STi CS400 Revealed
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Following a string of teasers, details and photos of the Cosworth Impreza STi CS400 have been released. As the name suggests, the car is a result of a collaboration between Subaru and Cosworth. It is based on the Subaru STi hatch which, in standard form, makes 227 kW. Cosworth has seen to it that this figure does not stay as is.
A look at the styling changes reveals a new front bumper, mesh grille, foglights and a new rear spoiler. Wheels are a set of new 18-inch alloys. Exterior paintwork comes in a choice of silver, dark grey or red. The interior features new Recaro front seats, a piano black centre console and privacy glass.
Maximum power from the 2.5-litre turbo unit has been increased to 295 kW while torque goes up to 540Nm. Its 0 - 100km/h time is now 3.7 seconds and top speed is a limited 250km/h.
Among the improvements listed are new pistons, connecting rods, a redesigned head gasket and a new turbo with a new compressor design and wastegate actuator. The maximize performance of the new hardware, the ECU was tweaked as well.
Suspension has been lowered by 10mm while the front brakes featuring AP Racing discs measure 355mm. The track is 12mm wider.
Only 75 units of the Cosworth Impreza STi CS400 are being manufactured exclusively for the UK market.
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Volkswagen confirms Italdesign Giugiaro purchase
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Confirming earlier reports, Volkswagen has announced they will buy Italdesign Giugiaro.
While details are limited, Lamborghini Holding S.p.A will acquire a 90.1% stake in the company. The remaining shares will be owned by the Giugiaro family.
According to Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen, "With this shareholding in Italdesign, we are participating in one of the most renowned design and development companies with one of the richest traditions in the automobile industry." He added, "The Volkswagen Group will be continuing its model initiative over the coming years and will benefit from the capacity and competence of Italdesign. The company will therefore be making an important contribution to our 2018 global growth strategy."
As you may recall, Volkswagen and Italdesign Giugiaro have a long history of working together. Giorgetto Giugiaro designed the Golf I as well as concepts for the Passat, Scirocco and Audi 80. More importantly, Italdesign Giugiaro is currently designing the production Volkswagen Up!
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Novitec Rosso Ferrari 612 Scaglietti tuning update
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Novitec Rosso has announced new accessories, wheels and an ECU upgrade for the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti.
Consisting of a revised ECU and a stainless steel exhaust system, the package increases the output of the 5.7-liter V12 from 400 kW and 588 Nm to 416 kW and 609 Nm of torque. This enables the Scaglietti to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, before topping out at more than 325 km/h.
In terms of styling, the company offers darkened lighting units (taillights, reflectors and side markers) and three-piece NF3 alloy wheels which measure 9Jx20 front and 12.5Jx21 rear. Inside, customers can order a sport steering wheel, special leather upholstery, and custom seats.
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BMW US admit mistake launching 5-Series GT with V8
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BMW's North American sales boss, Rich Brekus, has officially confirmed the obvious - launching an overpriced, stylistically challenged, V8-powered, segment bender during a recession is a bad idea.
Speaking with Automotive News, Brekus said "The V-8 was probably not the right car to launch it with." His sentiments were echoed by Jim O'Donnell, BMW's North American CEO, who stated the company was "too ambitious with the 550 GT."
So how bad are GT sales in the United States? Not good, but a few notches above dismal. BMW managed to sell 1,143 GTs, which means it outperformed sales of the 2009 5-Series wagon but didn't meet initial expectations.
O'Donnell is hoping the situation will improve when BMW launches the 535 GT and the 550 GT xDrive but cautioned "This time next year, we'll tell you if it's successful or not."
'Fuelish' robbers nabbed in Johannesburg
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Seven men were arrested for robbery after allegedly robbing a man they had given a lift at the Marlboro on-ramp in Sandton on Saturday night, Johannesburg metro police said on Sunday.
Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said a 25-year-old man was hitchhiking to Pretoria when seven men in a Toyota Venture gave him a lift.
"They then allegedly robbed him of his cellphone and R420. However, while driving on the M1 north, the alleged robbers ran out of fuel and they had to now push the Venture to the nearest garage near Centurion... with their alleged victim still in the car," he said.
When the men got to the garage, their alleged victim alerted metro police officers who had stopped at the filling station and told them what had happened.
"Upon searching the men, the officers found 18 suspected stolen cellphones, including one belonging to the man they had given a lift, in their possession," Minnaar said.
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Fuel price relief ahead
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1552
Fuel prices in South Africa could come down a couple of cents in June if the rand/dollar exchange rate stabilises over the rest of the week and there are no drastic fluctuations in international fuel prices.
The latest figures from the Department of Energy show an average over-recovery of 18.8c/litre for petrol in the period March 31 to May 20.
This means that on June 2, the first Wednesday of next month, petrol prices could be reduced at least 18c/litre if factors affecting price remain the same until Thursday – the last day of the review period, on the basis of which June's price adjustment will be determined.
For diesel there is an over-recovery of 6.1c/litre.
An over-recovery of 6.1c/litre means that the public is currently paying 6.1c more for diesel than the basic price formula determines.
For paraffin there is an over-recovery of 5.2c/litre.
Petrol currently costs R8.72/litre for 95 octane in Gauteng, and R8.48 at the coast. Wholesale diesel costs R7.81 in Gauteng and R7.67 at the coast.
According to Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s weekly energy report, because of the weaker euro American oil prices last week fell from a high of $86/barrel two weeks ago to less than $70/barrel.
Researchers at Bank of America Merrill Lynch now think that their initial forecast of an average oil price of $92/barrel for the second half of the year was somewhat high. But they still expect oil prices again to break through the $100 level next year on the strength of the recovery of the global economy.
A building up of supplies of crude oil in the US has contributed to lower oil prices.
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Brabus Stealth 65: another powerful SL65 Black
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1553
Deja vu? It looks as though the supposedly one-off Brabus Vanish now has a successor. The company has apparently developed another highly-tuned car based on the limited-edition Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series.
Introducing the Brabus Stealth 65, a car that has 3.8% more horsepower than the Vanish. The 6.0-liter AMG V12 biturbo engine in the Stealth has been re-engineered to kick out 603 kW, and provides up to 1420 Nm of torque while the Vanish produces a little less at 588 kW but matches torque. By comparison the AMG-produced SL 65 BS delivers 493 kW, and up to 1000 Nm.
The car uses the Brabus T65 RS tuning kit, that includes four intercoolers, and redesigned turbocharger turbines. It also comes with a high performance exhaust and a remapped ECU. Brabus and Stealth badging can be seen at various points around the car, like the performance brake calipers, and the gauges.
If you want to see either the Stealth or the Vanish, you only have one place to go: Dubai. The owners of the two cars were surprised to discover that they live in the same neighborhood, and will now have to continue a friendly rivalry of custom car one-upsmanship. So far the Stealth 65 is leading.
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General Motors preparing for IPO
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1554
The Treasury Department of the United States is setting things in motion to take General Motors public.
The government has hired New York-based investment bank Lazard Freres & Co. to help facilitate an IPO (initial public offering where shares of the company became available for purchase on the stock market) for which it will be paying a healthy $500,000 per month fee if Lazard Freres is able to take the company public within 12 months. Otherwise, the monthly fee will be cut in half. The investment bank's services had previously been used by the United Auto Workers union to audit GM's books back in 2007.
When GM went bankrupt last year, the U.S. government which had provided it with bailout funds was left as the majority owner. The U.S. Treasury provided $50 billion to GM, of which it repaid $6.7 billion, the rest was converted to 61 percent ownership of the new GM after the automaker emerged from bankruptcy last year.
GM recently reported first quarter revenues were up 40 percent over the same period in 2009, sales were up 17 percent and the company turned a profit in North America for the first time in years.
According to GM CEO, Ed Whitacre, plans are for an IPO to take place in late 2010 or early 2011.
But the company remains cautious in its outlook.
"Certainly over the next year, there's a possibility we could do an IPO, but the market's got to be ready, the automobile industry has to continue to improve and we have to continue to improve," said Chris Liddell, GM's CFO.
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RDX Racedesign new body kit for Seat Leon 1P
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1555
German tuner RDX Racedesign has a body kit package for the Seat Leon.
Available is a front spoiler custom-fitted for each Leon model, including taxes. RDX also has four different off-the-shelf side skirts for drivers to choose from made to fit each Leon iteration. A rear spoiler with two openings and a center brace to compliment a dual-exhaust is available. RDX also has a headlight bezel. None of the aforementioned parts require registration under Germany's difficult rules for car enhancements.
There are also two roof spoilers in differing designs.
All components are made of Polyurethane ABS - a lightweight but resilient plastic. RDX RaceDesign make the components themselves and offer a 2-year warranty and a 14-day return policy.
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Upcoming Audi A2 to be Electric Vehicle only
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1556
Audi, through its CEO, Rupert Stadler, has already confirmed the probability of a car to slot in between the A3 and the new A1. The Audi A2 will not directly use fossil fuels, according to a report from Autocar. Instead it will be a full electric vehicle that will compete with the upcoming front-wheel-drive BMW Megacity car of 2013 and its Mercedes-Benz equivalent.
Although the previous A2 whose production ended five years ago was of aluminium spaceframe construction, the next version returns to traditional steel due to the relative high cost of aluminium.
In terms of styling, the car is expected to take some of its cues from the predecessor by remaining a tall one-box design with narrow tracks.
Journalist's son crashes 911 Turbo
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1543
No matter how bad you think the latest parking lot scratch on your car is, few automotive faux pas can surpass what befell Peter Cheney last week.
Cheney, a motoring journalist based in Toronto, Canada, was having an outstanding week testing the world’s best real-world supercar - Porsche’s 2010 specification 911 Turbo.
After having spent more than 25 years as a news reporter (covering everything from murders to Canada’s NATO contribution in Afghanistan) Cheney had settled into a world of testing the world’s most desirable cars for Canada's largest newspaper, the Globe & Mail.
Having survived the perils of Afghanistan, Cheney must have wondered what could ever go wrong in his new vocation. Last week, he found out – in emphatic fashion.
'It was a quiet afternoon'
Cheney was busy working Wednesday afternoon when his teenage son Will asked for the 911 Turbo’s keys to show off the infotainment functionality and cabin appointments to a friend. Will’s request was not unusual as he regularly showed off the swish digitised cabins of test cars to friends.
As Cheney shut down his computer and prepared to go to work – savouring the prospect of some road time behind the 911’s wheel – he heard a sickening thud.
Rushing outside he was confronted by a panic-stricken Will and a large motorised garage door run off its frame by a 911 Turbo. One can only assume the concept "calamity" suffixed by relevant profanity was a central theme in Peter Cheney’s cognitive processes at this stage.
The problem with three pedals, instead of two...
How did the 911 Turbo happen to launch itself into the Cheney home’s garage door?
Well, this specific test car was a six-speed manual version - which is an oddity to most North Americans. This meant when Will rotated the Turbo’s key through its range of operational motion to activate the car’s digital cabin functions he also fired it up, without checking if it was in gear. Without the clutch pedal not in the depressed position, said 911 Turbo travelled one and half glorious metres before impacting the door.
Cheney had to get specialists in to cut the remainder of the garage door free, which revealed the extent of the 911’s damage. The bonnet was severely scratched, left front fender flattened (the rear one looked even worse), and the driver’s door was damaged.
All in all the damage was $10 000, which Porsche generously optioned to pay, turning down Peter Cheney’s offer to foot the damage bill.
Will’s punishment is to pay off a $750 excess on the Cheney family’s garage repair by virtue of doing summer jobs.
Moral of the story? If you want a stress-free career as a motoring journalist don’t have kids – or at least teach them how to handle a tri-pedal car properly, from a young age.
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Soccer World Cup park-and-ride tickets on sale
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1544
Tickets for the Park-and-Ride or walk facilities for games at Ellis Park and Soccer City during the World Cup are now available, the City of Johannesburg said on Thursday.
"As World Cup fever mounts, we are urging all ticket-holders to start planning their trips to the stadium, " said the city's member of the mayoral committee for transport Rehanna Moosajee.
She said road closures were going to be in place around the stadiums and no unauthorised parking would be allowed.
Spectators with tickets for games were encouraged to use public transport such as Rea Vaya, Metrorail or Park-and-Ride or walk services.
Those who wished to use Park-and-Ride or walk services were urged to buy their tickets in advance, as these would not be sold at the transport facilities, Moosajee said.
The tickets cost from R50 for a car, to R100 for minibuses with less than 24 seats, R500 for 35 to 40-seater buses, and R700 for buses with more than 64 seats.
Facilities clearly marked
Moosajee said only people with parking tickets would be allowed entry into the facilities. These would be clearly marked with signage.
Accredited buses and minibus taxis would shuttle spectators from the Park-and-Ride or walk facilities to stadiums at scheduled times.
Moosajee said security guards would be contracted to look after spectators' vehicles at the designated facilities.
"The Johannesburg metro police, as well as South African Police Service will be deployed to look after the safety of spectators walking or riding to the stadiums."
"We urge spectators to buy their tickets early so that they can get space at their preferred venue," she said.
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Toyota to invests $50 million in Tesla
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1545
In a surprise move, Toyota has teamed up with Tesla to develop new electric vehicle technology.
While details are limited, the companies will create a specialized team to design parts and production systems for future EVs. As part of the agreement, Toyota will also purchase $50 million dollars worth of Tesla stock (as soon as the company goes public).
According to Toyota's President, Akio Toyoda, "I've felt an infinite possibility about Tesla's technology and its dedication to monozukuri (Toyota's approach to manufacturing). Through this partnership, by working together with a venture business such as Tesla, Toyota would like to learn from the challenging spirit, quick decision-making, and flexibility that Tesla has."
The warm and fuzzy feeling was echoed by Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, who said, "Toyota is a company founded on innovation, quality, and commitment to sustainable mobility. It is an honor and a powerful endorsement of our technology that Toyota would choose to invest in and partner with Tesla."
As you may recall, Daimler has also joined forces with Tesla "to accelerate the commercialization of electric drives globally."
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Audi S1 and VW Jetta R confirmed, Polo R debunked
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1546
Dr. Ernst Linder, the technical chief of the Polo GTI, has confirmed Volkswagen will introduce a Jetta R and an Audi S1.
In an interview with Drive.com.au, Linder stated the S1 will feature a 136 kW 1.4-liter twin-charge engine and a seven-speed double-clutch transmission. More importantly, Linder confirmed the S1 will have front-wheel drive instead of all-wheel drive. The latter decision will likely anger Audi purists, but it should keep S1 prices reasonable.
Besides talking about the S1, Linder also confirmed Volkswagen was working on a Jetta R. While he didn't provide any details, the Jetta R will likely be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 198 kW and 349 Nm of torque.
Finally, Linder dismissed rumors of a possible Polo R. He stated "From the technical point-of-view, of course we can do something, but from the financial point-of-view it makes not so much sense. It (the Polo R) would be too expensive and we have the S1." Bummer.
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TechArt individualization program for Cayenne II
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1547
German tuner TechArt has unveiled its program for the new Porsche Cayenne.
TechArt calls it an individualization program, with the aim being to outfit the Cayenne exactly as its owner wants it, and there are certainly many combinations to be had here.
First off are the 5-spoke, light alloy, Formula-line wheels that come in 20, 21, 22 or 23-inch iterations. A series of color options are available to match the wheels with other optical touches on the SUV. Those visual touches include TechArt's colored window frame and pillar trims as well as wiper covers.
Also on the outside, TechArt offers dual oval-tube stainless steel sport tailpipes emblazoned with the TechArt logo.
The majority of outfitting options, though, are found on the inside. The tuner offers a full leather finish with individualized stitching in a variety of custom colors, trims in carbon and precious wood, aluminum sport pedals and foot rest and instrument dials also done in custom colors. TechArt also has its own 3-spoke sport steering wheel with PDK-functioning paddle shifters available in various colors to match those other trim details.
TechArt logos adorn the illuminated door entry guards and floor mats.
No prices were announced in the TechArt press release.
It's only a matter of time until TechArt reveals their aerodynamic body/styling and performance upgrade package for the new Cayenne.
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Superchips optimizes BMW 135i for 268kW
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1548
If you feel the need to make your own M1 out of a BMW 1-Series, Brit tuner Superchips has an offer to help you out.
BMW has ruled out an M1 version of the 1-Series, believing that packing its 3.0 liter twin-turbo straight-six (N54) pumping out more than 220 kW into the tiny hatch should suffice for most. Now the Buckingham-based tuner is dialing that number up to 268 kW, by means of an ECU remapping, that also provides additional torque up to 456 Nm that will considerably improve acceleration and drive.
Superchips hasn't track-tested the model yet, so there's no number on how much the 135i's 5.3 seconds 0-100 km/h time improves. But peak torque does come 1000 rpm earlier with the new set-up which should definitely make the small 135i less unwieldy. Top speed remains at 250 km/h for reasons of safety.
Superchips offers a very relieving 12-month/30,000 mile guarantee, lest you're worried about your BMW dealer getting upset at you messing with their work of art.
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Audi A8 wireless access for iPads & laptops
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1549
Audi is taking the term ‘mobile internet' to its next logical level. The German premium carmaker is offering its new A8 luxury sedan customers the option of a factory-installed WLAN hotspot for wireless internet access. It enables up to eight devices such as laptops, iPads and netbooks to connect to the internet while the A8 is in motion.
To activate, the driver simply inserts a data-capable SIM card into the Bluetooth online car phone or by using a compatible cellular device with a SIM Access Profile.
Because it essentially works like any stationary hotspot, passengers can securely connect to their company network emails or download iPad apps and so on. The connection speeds can go up to 7.2 Mbit/s. Audi promises great connection stability through the car's rooftop antenna.
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2010 Range Rover Q-VR stretch proposal by Design Q
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1550
Middle-East-based tuner Design Q has revealed an opulent concept based on the Range Rover. Called the Q-VR, this stretched luxury SUV has been designed to feel like a private jet for the road, according to its creators. The reason? To show the world that despite the recession and Dubai's financial woes, the Middle East "remains the hub of the economic world."
Features named as part of the concept include a cigar humidor, a drinks chiller and a mini-spa centre. No powertrain figures were released but it is a fact that the most powerful standard Range Rover has a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 worth 375 kW and 625 Nm of torque.
The Q-VR will be exhibited at the 10th biennial Dubai International Motor Show this week.
26 buses pulled from Gauteng roads
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1535
Twenty-six buses were taken off Gauteng's roads because they were unroadworthy, the provincial department of community safety said on Wednesday.
"The 26 buses were discontinued during ongoing operations and a response to complaints received from two schools that their scholar transport is not roadworthy," spokesman Sizwe Matshikiza said in a statement.
He said the buses, which were removed on Tuesday, did not comply with regulation 252 of the National Road Traffic Act as the emergency exits did not meet specifications.
"This creates a hazard as in the event of accident, or fire where they will be a need to exit and passengers will not be able to vacate easily."
Matshikiza said the buses would be re-tested within 14 days of being taken off the roads at no cost at a government testing centre.
"It is only through operations like these that we will be able to minimise accidents on our roads and ensure that Gauteng roads are safe," said Gauteng MEC for community safety Khabisi Mosunkutu.
Matshikiza said this was a continuation of a project from last year where the department recalled and re-tested 15 511 unlicensed and unroadworthy vehicles in the province.
The project reduced the number of unlicensed and unroadworthy vehicles on Gauteng road by 21,838 out of a total 148 809, he said.
He said the target for this year was to reduce this by 143 000 vehicles.
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SA rail strike hits neighbours
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1536
The strike at SA parastatal Transnet, now in its second week, has reduced fuel supplies into Botswana, that country's energy minister Ponantshego Kedikilwe said on Wednesday.
"Should the strike continue for a few more days, the impact of the disrupted supplies will manifest itself in some filling stations running out of fuel," he said in a statement.
Due to the constraints, total supply of petroleum available was currently estimated at 1,105,571 litres per day compared to daily demand of 2.5 million litres.
Fuel deliveries out of the Tarlton oil depot, west of Johannesburg, into Botswana had stopped.
"The Tarlton depot, which is the main inland supply terminal owned and operated by Transnet and ideal by virtue of its nearness, was also designated to hold petroleum stocks destined for Botswana."
Tarlton gave a total combined supply of 650 million litres per annum of petroleum products to the country, which was 76% of supply to Botswana.
Kedikilwe said his ministry was currently working with oil companies to get petroleum products from sources other than Tarlton.
According to Botswana Railways there had also been no movement of goods in and out of the country through Ramatlabama/Mafikeng, he said.
There were not enough trucks and tankers to deliver desired quantities from petroleum depots outside Transnet-owned infrastructure.
"Botswana consumes 850 million litres of petroleum products annually, and almost all petroleum products are imported from SA and some small quantities from the Republic of Namibia.
He called for "robust initiatives" to handle the situation and encouraged the public to save fuel.
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Flagship Lexus recalled
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1537
Lexus SA has confirmed that some LS models sold in this country are subject to a recall announcement recently issued from Japan.
It was found that, under certain conditions following full lock, the steering wheel may not return to its straight ahead position, even though the wheels may be facing forward.
"The steering usually corrects within three seconds and this only happens at low speeds when you'd perform a full lock such as parking or completing a U-turn," a Lexus South Africa representative told us.
The car’s variable gear ratio steering has been fingered in the issue and Lexus says the potential problem is not safety critical.
"Only 10 reports have been received from the 4 500 cars sold in Japan. No reports have been confirmed anywhere else," he added.
Owners of LS460 models introduced since the facelift in January this year are being contacted to have their cars checked and corrected, if necessary.
Lexus South Africa is continuing to monitor the situation although concerned owners are encouraged to contact their dealers.
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Alpina B3 S Bi-Turbo with 294kW set for UK launch
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1538
Originally introduced at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the B3 S is available as a sedan, coupe, estate, and convertible (with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive). All models feature an aerodynamic body kit, 19-inch alloy wheels, an Alpina instrument cluster, and a sports steering wheel.
Under the hood, the 3.0-liter engine is outfitted with an optimized air intake, a high flow air filter, a new exhaust system, MAHLE pistons, and a high-performance cooling system. Thanks to these modifications, the engine produces 294 kW and 540 Nm of torque. This allows the coupe to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 300 km/h. In terms of efficiency, the B3 S Bi-Turbo coupe returns a combined 9.7 l/100km while emitting 224 g/km of CO2.
Pricing information wasn't released, but the first deliveries will begin in July.
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VW may enter F1 with Audi or Porsche branding
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1539
It has been reported for some time that the German carmaker giant is interested in entering the sport as an engine supplier but only if the FIA green-lights the touted 'world engine' for 2013.
As for the branding of the project, VW's motor racing boss Kris Nissen said: "Within the group, for sure, it could be Audi, it could be Porsche and might also be Volkswagen.
"I think it would not suit so well Skoda or Seat or Bentley," he is quoted as saying at last weekend's Nurburgring 24 Hour race by the Brisbane Times.
Toyota, however, is not interested in returning to formula one any time soon, after failing to win a single grand prix during its more than $3 billion F1 foray between 2002 and last year.
"There is a big gap between formula one and Toyota's actual car users," former team principal Tadashi Yamashina is quoted by Automotive News.
"F1 remains the pinnacle of auto racing, but its image grew too elitist," he added.
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Peugeot 308 GTi Launched
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1540
Peugeot has announced the 308 GTi.
For many fans of the French marque it's time to say "finally". It's been more than 10 years since Peugeot has brought out a GTi in this class of vehicle.
The Peugeot 308 GTi will come with the same 1.6 litre THP 147 kW engine that will be featured in the RCZ coupe model. That engine makes the 308 GTI competitive with the 155 kW of the Golf GTI - the benchmark GTI for this segment.
The THP engine, fitted with a twin-Scroll turbocharger and a high pressure direct-injection system with VTi technology (variable valve and timing injection), produces 275 Nm of torque and will come mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The 0 to 100 km/h sprint takes 7.7 seconds while fuel consumption will be 6.9 liters/100 km and CO2 emissions 159 g/km.
A sound system technology has also been employed to make sure the engine rumble provides for just the right sporty sound that customers will be looking for.
For the proper GTi ride the 308's front MacPherson suspension gets larger bearings with specific damper settings for the 22 mm rods (20 mm in the standard car). The rear torsion beam suspension also gets the same damper treatment.
On the outside are 18-inch wheels with 225/40 R18 tires, a rear spoiler, a lowered rear bumper fitted to a black (Perla Nera) diffuser and dual chrome exhaust pipes. The front fascia also gets a lowering panel borrowed from the 308 CC and a carbon-style insert beneath the front bumper.
GTi-badges are featured on the side and rear of the car.
On the interior are an aluminum foot rest and gear knob and a leather sport steering wheel.
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2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1541
Chrysler has released new images of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, ahead of its launch next month.
Introduced at the 2009 New York Auto Show, the Grand Cherokee is described as an "American icon and symbol of the new Chrysler." It features modern styling, a vastly improved interior, and Mercedes M-Class underpinnings.
Power is provided by a 216 kW 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 or a 268 kW 5.7-liter HEMI V8. While detailed fuel efficiency data wasn't released, Chrysler says the V6 can deliver up to 10.2 l/100 km highway.
As we have previously reported, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be available in three different trim levels.
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BMW 5 Series orders exceed expectations
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1542
The all-new BMW 5 Series has exceeded its maker's own sales forecasts by a mile, according to a report by Bloomberg. Unveiled in November last year, the F10 5-Series was launched in Europe this past March and is apparently selling like the proverbial hot cakes.
After losing money in 2009 the world's biggest maker of premium cars aims to improve its lot considerably in 2010. Cars like the X1 and 5-Series will help it achieve its target operating margin in the "lower one-digit percentage range." CEO Norbert Reithofer said his team is pushing for at least 1.3 million unit sales this year. However, challenges such as the lingering recession as well as Greece's financial problems and its effect on the euro currency could affect these plans.
BMW took the top premium automaker crown from the Mercedes-Benz brand in 2005 and has not looked back since, although Audi seems to be making a serious challenge for it.
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