WeeklySA_AdminTRUCK DRiVERS’ STRiKE
Some fuel retail stores in Gauteng are experiencing difficulties due to the truck drivers’ strike at distribution company, SG Convenience.
The company delivers goods to small retail stores, hotels and fuel stations across the country. Workers affiliated to the Dynamic People’s Union (DPYUSA) of South Africa in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal downed tools this week, demanding better wages and working conditions. The union says workers at the company’s warehouses are doing their duties without proper PPE and danger allowances. It is unclear when this strike will come to an end
ITS SUZUKI OR…
Used car sales grew 7% year-on-year in April 2024 with total sales amounting to R11.7 billion. While this looks to indicate a market that might be slowly recovering, the fewer public holidays in April this year does not perhaps reflect an accurate comparison.
In the used car market, Volkswagen retained its second spot behind Toyota despite losing that position to Suzuki in the new vehicle market. Toyota led sales with 4,929 units ahead of Volkswagen’s sales of 3,903, and Ford sales of 2,943. Though still some way behind VW, Suzuki gained two positions in April, moving from ninth position to seventh in the top ten brand sales ranking.
MAHINDRA SHINES
AT NAMPO
At the 2024 Nampo Festival near Bothaville in the Free State, Mahindra South Africa drew a significant crowd with its extensive showcase of vehicles and agricultural equipment.
Mahindra’s participation in the Nampo Festival is crucial for its South African division, reflecting its long-standing relationship with the local farming community. Farmers were among the first to embrace Mahindra’s initial offerings, helping the brand establish a foothold in the market.
The highlight of Mahindra’s display is the special edition Scorpio-N Adventure, celebrating the model’s recognition as the 2024 Adventure SUV of the Year and the Motor Enthusiasts’ Choice for 2024.
NAOMI CAMPBELL
INSPIRED BMW SUV
Unveiled at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, the furry and one-off BMW XM Mystique Allure has been shown off as a striking Bavarian SUV inspired by British supermodel Naomi Campbell.
Official automotive partner of the Cannes Film Festival, BMW has whipped the covers off a one-off XM. Billed the XM Mystique Allure, this bespoke XM is the latest creation by the German marque’s collaboration with British supermodel Naomi Campbell.
So, what makes this XM so unique? Well, according to the Bavarian brand, it’s the first vehicle in its history to be designed using materials from the high-fashion industry.
“Witnessing BMW’s vision for the BMW XM Mystique Allure come to life has been truly incredible … I feel deeply honoured to have sparked the inspiration for their first-ever high-fashion show car, which stands as a unique masterpiece in every aspect,” said Naomi Campbell.
ONE MORE THING….
A devastating accident claimed the life of a Maserati driver in Woodlands, Texas, located just north of Houston. The high-speed, single-vehicle collision resulted in an MC20 Cielo veering off the road, colliding with a tree, and tragically splitting in half.
The incident took place at around 5:45 p.m. on February 13, as the Maserati was being driven on Interstate 45 towards Houston. The impact was so severe that the rear half of the vehicle ended up several feet away from the front half, in the bottom of a grassy median.
Although the exact cause of the MC20 driver losing control remains unclear, according to the Montgomery County Police Reporter, the police report suggests that the vehicle was traveling at speeds exceeding 100 mph (161 km/h).
