Automotive news from across SA

Featuring Zwartkops Raceway, UD Trucks, MasterDrive and Tiger Wheel & Tyre.

Automotive News 29 July

Sunday all roads lead to Zwartkops Raceway

Classics from across South Africa are expected at the 42nd Cars in the Park at the Zwartkops Raceway, located south west of Pretoria on the R55. Over 2 500 classic and special-interest cars are expected to arrive at the show from 06:00 on Sunday, 4 August, while the show will be open to the public from 08:30.

“The biggest surprise this year in the weeks leading up to the show is how many enquiries we have had from all parts of the country, from classic owners wanting to show off their cars,” says Frik Kraamwinkel, chief organiser of the biggest car show in the country, which is once again being hosted by the Pretoria OId Motor Club.

“Every year, we have seen the show has gained fresh momentum, as classic cars increasingly become part of our modern culture. Last year, we had about 10 000 spectators at the show and this year we are expecting to match that.”

The owners of classic cars of 30 years and older who wish to show their cars will be admitted free of charge, together with one passenger. Admission price for the day is R120 for adults, while children under-12 will be admitted free of charge. Tickets are available through iTickets, and spectators are advised to pre-book for convenient admission through the gates. Tickets bought at the gate will cost R140.

  • For more information visit the Pretoria Old Motor Club’s website on http://www.pomccitp.co.za or visit the club’s Cars in the Park page on Facebook.
Classic cars in all shapes and sizes are expected at Zwartkops Raceway on Sunday.

UD Trucks play their part in assisting various causes

UD Trucks Southern Africa (UDTSA) and SaferStops Association (SSA) rolled up their sleeves to donate winter hampers to approximately 350 truck drivers at Vaal Truck-Inn Truck Stop - situated next to the N3. The hampers will include essential winter items aiming to provide comfort and warmth during the colder months.

SaferStops Association (SSA) emerged from the gender-diversity initiatives facilitated by the Commercial Transport Academy (CTA). It is a collaborative initiative to enhance the well-being of commercial drivers in South Africa, particularly truck drivers. The ultimate aim of this alliance is to establish a baseline standard for all truck stops, a yardstick that guarantees drivers are afforded the vital support they need to excel in their roles and improve safety on the roads.

UDTSA is a proud partner of the Shoprite Soup Kitchen initiative, which focuses on hunger alleviation in society. Through this programme, UD Trucks has provided mobile units in the form of trucks to support immediate hunger relief needs in the communities where Shoprite operates. In the second quarter of 2024 alone, UDTSA donated a new Kuzer truck, bringing the total number of trucks donated to four. These mobile kitchens play a crucial role in delivering hot meals to those in need.

In line with its commitment to gender transformation and advancement in the transport industry, UDTSA launched the Ultimate Women Programme in November 2022. This programme focuses on empowering women in various roles within the transport sector, offering training and development opportunities to promote equality. As part of this expansion, UDTSA has provided a 65-seater Croner bus for a three-month training programme.

UDTSA also recognises the importance of technical education and skills development. The company has donated a used vehicle to Soltech, an organisation that participates in the UD Apprentice programme. These vehicles are used for the technical training of candidates, equipping them with the practical skills needed to excel in their careers.

Winter hampers prepared for truck drivers.

MasterDrive recognised for its role in training, truck safety

The Africa Supply Chain Excellence Awards recently took place to recognise different industries, and MasterDrive was privileged to be recognised as one of the finalists. According to the organisers, the event is testament to the spirit of innovation that propels Africa’s supply-chain profession forward.

MasterDrive was a finalist in the ‘Training and Talent Management Category’. CEO, Eugene Herbert, says MasterDrive was honoured to be recognised at the event. “This category rewards the achievements of organisations in optimising all facets of staff-related issues within the supply chain.

“Nominees demonstrate the ability to successfully foster a collaborative and skilled workforce that emphasises employee growth, diversity and inclusion. Finalists exhibited measurable impacts on staff satisfaction, skill enhancement and overall talent management effectiveness.”

The MasterDrive team presented the achievements made in their MasterTrucker division. “Under MasterTrucker, the Rollover Prevention Training started in 2012 with the aim of reducing truck rollovers on our roads. It is a one-of-its-kind training initiative in Africa that both enhances road safety and mitigates the financial losses associated with this costly road crash.

MasterDrive is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded organisations to address a major road safety issue, resulting in far-reaching and positive results. “Thank you to the organisers and judges who acknowledged MasterDrive at the Africa Supply Chain Excellence Awards,” says Eugene.

Claire Finchen (Director of the Africa Supply Chain Excellence Awards), Eugene Herbert (MasterDrive CEO) and Nishani Chetty (Sales and Marketing Director).

Tiger Wheel & Tyre opens new store in Gqeberha

Tiger Wheel & Tyre expanded its presence in the Windy City with the opening of a new store at the corner of Heugh Road and 3rd Avenue in Walmer, Gqeberha.

The new store features state-of-the-art facilities, including two alignment bays and four fitment bays, ensuring customers receive top-notch service. Its showroom, in turn, is stocked with premium tyre brands like Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Hankook, Velocity and Yokohama, with wheels from TSW, Racing Hart Concepts and Black Rhino, and automotive batteries from AtlasBX and Duracell.

Sales Manager, Dewald van Eyk, a seasoned professional in the Tiger Wheel & Tyre family, leads the new team. Dewald began his journey with the company in 2020 as a trainee. After a brief hiatus, he returned to excel in various roles at the Newton Park and Walmer stores. His extensive training and hands-on experience make him the ideal person to oversee operations and deliver exceptional customer service at the new location.

This store is one of six new Tiger Wheel & Tyre stores opening within a six-week period, showcasing the brand’s commitment to growth and service across Southern Africa.

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