WeeklySA_AdminSEISMIC CHANGE: The newcomer firmly posits the iconic bakkie into an environmental friendly zone
By Ali Mphaki
To be, or not to be, that is the question facing legions of local Toyota Hilux enthusiasts` following news the Japanese automaker is planning to go ahead with an electric model with a debut slated for late 2025 which may arrive in SA in 2026.
Adding to the dilemma for local folks is the arrival of the much-awaited ICE Hilux Legend 55 pencilled for the third or fourth quarter of 2025, with enthusiasts suddenly in neutral gear not knowing whether to continue with their deposits for the model or await the launch of the electric Hilux.
Whilst as US President Donald Trump posits it should all come down to choice, the confirmation of the electric Hilux signals what some analysts describe as a “seismic change” in the trajectory of the iconic bakkie as environmental concerns tightens the automotive world landscape.
Lest we forget, Isuzu has also announced its plans to recharge their D-MAX, which shows a growing trend towards what is termed sustainable mobility solutions.
The electric Hilux has long been coming, considering that it was in 2022 when Toyota first showcased the electric concept dubbed the Hilux Revo BEV, unveiled to wide acclaims even though there was scarce detail of what lies beneath the skin.
Glazing at my crystal ball and conscious of Toyota’s proven reliability, we can expect a more extended range from the electric Hilux, something close to 500km or more..
But that’s like putting the cart before the horse…
Its perhaps safe to say whether in electric or ICE, nothing can come between South Africans and their Hilux. If not sure, numbers don’t lie as more and more Toyota Hilux models continue to be snapped from shopfloors, outselling the competition for more than a decade now.
The arrival of the Hilux EV is also likely to create a new nomenclature in the kassie, as local enthusiasts scramble to rename the newcomer.
The current Toyota Hilux models are known as iNkomo, or worse, nayi cheque, the latter in reference to how these are selling like hot cakes…
Now imagine an isiZulu speaking guy referring to the electric Hilux as iNkomo yegesi…interesting times are indeed in store for the unsuspecting Hilux lovers.
Whilst we all await more details about the electric Hilux, it would do Toyota a world of good to start to set up the required infrastructure for the smooth landing of the much-anticipated EV.
Down here in Mzansi we have a reasonably “enough” time to start saving or approaching our bank managers to prepare to negotiate some down payments for the electric Hilux.
The new electric Hilux is definitely going to electrify the bakkie market.
Watch this space!
Motoring: Briefs
PUMP ACTION
No news is normally good news, and in the case with the mid-month data supplied by the Central Energy Fund (CEF) last Friday, it seems that there will be little function in the fuel prices for March.
This data points at a marginal petrol price increase, while the outlook for diesel is more promising with a smaller increase anticipated, and even a potential price decrease depending on the grade.
These are the projections for the March fuel price:
Petrol 93: increase of 23 cents per litre
Petrol 95: increase of 10 cents per litre
Diesel 0.05% : increase of 4 cents per litre
Diesel 0.005% : decrease of 3 cents per litre
Illuminating paraffin: increase of 16 cents per litre
The updated fuel prices will be implemented on the first Wednesday of March (5th) while the confirmed fuel price for the month will be announced on the same Monday of that week (3rd).
AUDI GOES UPMARKET
2024 was a terrible year for Audi. Deliveries fell by 11.8% to 1,671,218 cars, allowing Tesla to overtake the Four Rings for the first time ever. Domestic rivals BMW and Mercedes also finished way ahead in the luxury sales race. With that in mind, you’d think that the last thing Audi needs to do is increase prices and risk alienating even more customers. But sales figures aren’t everything—profit margins are key to a healthy balance sheet.
Audi intends to move upmarket and charge more money, even if that potentially means selling fewer cars. The German carmaker will do so without stepping on Porsche’s toes, as it believes there’s room to grow by distancing itself further from the core Volkswagen brand. In an interview with Auto Express, the automaker’s new boss in the UK, Jose Miguel Aparicio, revealed the bold plan:
“We are making a step upwards in terms of premiumness, increasing the prestige, desirability and perception of the brand, and more interested in the quality of business than the quantity.”
BMW REVS UP DESIGN TEAM
In a significant re-organisation of its design department, BMW has brought in ex-Polestar and Volvo hotshot Max Missoni and moved former BMW studio head Domagoj Dukec to Rolls-Royce. There’s a lot going on here, with BMW’s restructuring in part reflecting the trend shifts in design more generally (increased emphasis on digital and sound design, together with sustainability). But the Missoni/Dukec moves are particularly significant. Cerebral and original, with a deep understanding of high-net-worth individuals and their shifting tastes, Dukec should be a good fit for Rolls-Royce, though he’ll have to adapt to a tighter creative leash at Goodwood. And with Missoni in charge of BMW’s upper mid-size and luxury-class cars, a return to elegance looks assured.
VW ENTRY-LEVEL EV
Volkswagen is working on an entry-level electric vehicle due in 2027, with a targeted starting price of around 20,000 euros (approximately R450 000), and an upcoming concept will preview the design.
EVs are still out of reach for most buyers due to their high price compared to comparable gas and diesel models, but automakers are attempting to bridge the gap with new affordable options.
VW will launch an ID.2 (the Polo name is another possibility) subcompact hatch in 2026 with a targeted price of 25,000 euros ($26,000), and previewed the design in 2023 with the ID.2all concept.
A crossover version will follow shortly after, and there will be sister models of both vehicles from other Volkswagen Group brands.
The next stage for VW is an even smaller small hatch similar to the discontinued e-up! electric minicar. On Thursday, VW released teaser sketches of a concept previewing the entry-level hatch and confirmed the concept will debut in early March. The concept is called the ID.Every1, hinting that the production version that follows may be called an ID.1.–Motor Authority
