GAC Motor ready to make an impact in SA, says Leslie
Salvador Caetano Auto is well on its way to setting up a dealer network for the new Chinese brand, GAC Motor, in South Africa.
- Dealer News
- 11 October 2024
Suzuki hosted the 4WD To the Max challenge to showcase models in the Suzuki range’s capabilities. The event was held at the ADA Training and Outdoor Centre, which offers multiple training courses.
The range of vehicles used during the event includes a performance-orientated Swift Sport in a timed skidpan challenge to show its Go-Kart like handling skills. The offroad capabilities of the Grand Vitara and the Suzuki Jimny were put to the test on the challenging 4x4 track.
“The idea behind this event is twofold. Firstly, it’s to introduce the country to 4WD To the Max by selecting individuals with high followings on social media who want to watch and participate on the programme showing them how much fun you can have with friends and family.
“Secondly, it’s to introduce people to the Suzuki brand,” says Megan MacDonald, Head of Marketing and PR for Suzuki Auto South Africa.
The different challenges were designed with the specific models in mind. The first challenge was a skidpan exercise to test the quickness and agility of the drivers. This was made easy in the Swift Sport and its potent 1400 engine. The car was impressive by all standards through corners doing handbrake turns on the skidpan for a bit of showing off.
The off-road course we put the Jimny and Grand Vitara AllGrip through had some daunting sections. The Grand Vitara, which is Suzuki’s flagship model, has a host of technology making the driving experience a whole lot easier. It also incorporates hybrid technology that regenerates energy during deceleration for storage in the 12V lithium-ion battery. The Grand Vitara combines off-road driving and comfortable driving.
The Jimny, however, is not as luxurious as the Grand Vitara, but it makes up for it in its ability as a hardcore 4x4, no matter if it’s faced with bends, twists or a steep incline, which is not a problem for the Jimny.
The day was also filled with other competitors who partook in a general knowledge quiz as well as other fun-filled activities.
The Pricing of the vehicles driven at the event:
Suzuki Swift 1.4T Sport auto – R442 900
Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip – R529 000
Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GLX AllGrip – R397 900
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Mahindra is celebrating two decades in the South African automotive industry. Since its entry into South Africa in 2004 with the launch of the Mahindra Bolero, the group has been a key player in the local automotive market.
The Automobile Association (AA) has appointed Bobby Ramagwede (main photo) as its new Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1 October 2024. He brings extensive professional experience at CEO and Board level to the position in a career spanning almost two decades.