Author:charleen-clarke
Could CV manufacturers face a legal storm over emissions? March 18, 2025 As the UK’s largest-ever class action against diesel car manufacturers heads to court, the question arises: could commercial vehicle manufacturers face a similar fate despite their substantial green investments? As the UK High Court reviews the largest-ever class action against car manufacturers for excessive emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), the implications for the commercial vehicle (CV) industry are worth considering. The case, which involves 1.5 million diesel vehicles […]
Unpacked: 2024 commercial vehicle market March 13, 2025 The 2024 commercial VEHICLE (CV) market faced a 5.6% decline after strong growth in 2023 but still achieved ITS second-highest sales total since the pandemic. Lightstone unpacks these and other related developments… After growing by 13.1% in 2023, the combined heavy and extra-heavy commercial market struggled somewhat in 2024, contracting by 5.6%. However, it still recorded its second-best annual sales total since the start of the pandemic, with 22,378 units reported to […]
HYUNDAI SANTA FE CROWNED SUPREME WINNER OF WOMEN’S WORLDWIDE CAR OF THE YEAR 2025 March 5, 2025 The Hyundai Santa Fe has been honoured as the World’s Best Car for 2025 by the prestigious Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) jury. This significant accolade was announced to coincide with International Women’s Day, adding a celebratory note to the occasion for millions around the globe. The Santa Fe is scheduled for launch in South Africa in June this year. A […]
LCV market growth: Roadblocks ahead? February 11, 2025 According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (naamsa), 133,254 light commercial vehicles (LCVs) were sold in South Africa during 2024 – a 12% decrease compared to the 151,490 LCVs sold in 2023. January 2025 was slightly better, with the 9,901 LCV sales representing a decline of 9.1% over January 2024. So, what trends are impacting this vital sector of South Africa’s economy, and what challenges lie ahead? LCVs […]
MAN’s testing programme tackles TCO January 8, 2025 MAN Automotive South Africa has launched its most ambitious truck testing programme to date. Philip Kalil-Zackey, vice president of truck sales and product at MAN Automotive South Africa, tells CHARLEEN CLARKE that the programme is solidifying the company’s commitment to delivering premium products tailored to the unique demands of the South African market. The extensive testing initiative, conducted on the notoriously challenging N3 route between Johannesburg and Durban, underscores the company’s focus […]
Reinventing the wheel: Tech drives tyre innovation January 14, 2025 The race to create high-performance, eco-friendly tyres has never been more intense. As the automotive industry moves towards sustainability, premium tyre manufacturers are leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve durability and efficiency, and reduce environmental impact. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI), advanced materials science, and 3D metal printing, manufacturers are redefining how tyres are designed, produced, and ultimately disposed of. These innovations are not only improving road performance but also ensuring […]
Volvo 9600: a real winner January 30, 2025 For over a decade, Unitrans Passenger has relied on Volvo buses and coaches to keep its operations running smoothly, and the Volvo 9400 has proven to be a real asset. Now, with the launch of the Volvo 9600, Unitrans Passenger’s divisional head of the technical department, Sean van den Heever, shares his insights into the 9400 and his thoughts on Volvo’s latest offering with CHARLEEN CLARKE. Unitrans Passenger purchased its first Volvo […]
An all-new electric van range is revealed January 29, 2025 It’s not every day that we get to see an all-new (yes, really all-new) electric van range being revealed. But that’s exactly what transpired at the end of January 2025, when we jetted to Paris for the unveiling of a three-model range by Flexis. This new entrant into the commercial vehicle (CV) market is focusing on urban logistics and, for the moment, its attention is firmly on Europe. New era […]
IFOY Award nominees announced January 22, 2025 A total of 17 products and solutions from 11 companies and six countries have reached the final round of the IFOY Award 2025. In addition, four companies are competing for the IFOY Start-up of the Year Award. The International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year Award (IFOY Award) organisation has officially announced the nominations for the 2025 IFOY Award. From a total of 49 submitted products, 21 devices and solutions from 15 […]
It’s time to break the silence November 19, 2024 Truck drivers in South Africa belong to a profession defined by long hours, relentless pressure, and immense responsibility. Yet, one of the most pressing issues plaguing the industry remains shrouded in silence: the mental health of these drivers. As society becomes increasingly aware of mental health issues, truck drivers remain underserved, under-supported, and often left alone to grapple with the profound challenges of their profession. A recent survey in the UK […]
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