Going from strength to strength with new dealerships
Stephan Venter is making waves. Most recently with Changan Pretoria.
- Dealer News
- 24 October 2025
To alleviate any new energy vehicle (NEV) range fears that might still exist, Chery recently put two of its flagship models through its paces in a real-life, long distance endurance test.
From 25 to 26 April Chery tested the endurance capability and long-distance driving performance of the Tiggo 9 PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) and the Arrizo 8 PHEV sedan over a meticulously planned course of 1 214km.
To ensure the that it gets tested under a variety of driving conditions, the journey would take the Tiggo 9 and Arrizo 8 from Beijing through the cultural city Jinan and the birthplace of Confucius, Qufu, before finally arriving in Wuhu in Anhui.
As it embarked from Beijing on 25 April, the vehicles’ low-speed driving and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) were first tested in tough, congested city conditions before the highways and open roads provided an opportunity to gauge the vehicle’s power and fuel efficiency over long distances.
The pairing of the Tiggo 9 and Arrizo 5’s 1.5TGDI fifth-gen hybrid-specific engine with its third-generation DHT hybrid transmission, perfectly rose to the occasion and ensured that the demanding driving conditions were met with efficient power output and easy, comfortable and convenient switching between power sources.
The models’ various ADAS such as adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane departure warning (LDW), automatic emergency braking (AEB) and blind spot detection (BSD), took it one step further and made sure the endurance test’s demands were not only met but conveniently mastered with the least amount of stress on the part of the driver.
It is worth noting that the advanced systems have been programmed to advance the PHEV models’ efficiency. This means that they do not simply help the driver to navigate tough traffic conditions, but do it in such a way that the vehicle remains in motion as much as possible and the drivetrain favours electric propulsion, especially in congested and slow-moving traffic conditions.
When the two models arrived at their destination on 26 April, all fears were put to rest.
For the Tiggo 9 with its remarkable 1 400 km range and supporting 20-minute rapid charging, the 1 214km endurance test turned into an endurance triumph.
The Arrizo 8 had equally efficient performance thanks to its blade-battery structure. It too completed with record low energy consumption.
Stephan Venter is making waves. Most recently with Changan Pretoria.
Volvo is continuing its legacy as a leader in safety innovations for vehicles with is new multi-adaptive safety belt, which was also recognised by TIME magazine as one of the Best Inventions of 2025
BYD (Build Your Dreams) is rapidly expanding its footprint in South Africa with a series of major investments aimed at accelerating the country’s transition to electric mobility.
Advertisement
Advertisement
If you are not taking care of your customer, your competitor will.
Bob Hooey
BYD (Build Your Dreams) is rapidly expanding its footprint in South Africa with a series of major investments aimed at accelerating the country’s transition to electric mobility.
Japan has lodged formal objections to Vietnam's ambitious plan to phase out petrol-powered motorbikes in Hanoi, arguing the accelerated timeline threatens to bankrupt suppliers and eliminate thousands of jobs in a market worth R85.7 billion annually, according to confidential documents obtained by Reuters.
The uptake of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) continues to gain momentum in South Africa, spurred on by the introduction of more affordable models into the local market.