Electronic licence plates are not only the next big thing in vanity, but they also bring a whole array of benefits to the motor owner.
The patented plates, manufactured by Reviver, will not be available in South Africa in the foreseeable future, but at least four US states, including California and Texas, have given them the green light and a nationwide roll-out is in the pipeline.
The plates, which have been in development since 2009, are customisable, trackable and make renewing registrations an easier process using an app. They can be either battery powered or directly wired into your vehicle. In the US, they will set you back $19.95 (approximately R350) a month for a 48-month subscription or $215.40 (approximately R3 800) for a four-year plan.
The cloud-connected vehicle platform can also authorise law-enforcement to disable the vehicle once the owner reports the vehicle stolen.
The plates contain internal components that include a processor that stores vehicle information. It also has speed- and light-detection sensors, and an ignition disrupter that disables ignition when the vehicle is locked. Each of the hardware components is said to be tamper-proof.
The displays are made from e-ink or electronic paper and instead of emitting light, the e-paper display (EPD) reflects light and can be read under direct sunlight.
As the dawn of Transport Month shifts South Africa’s focus onto the role of transport in the country’s development, the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) is urging South African car buyers to leverage the expertise of the Finance and Insurance (F&I) Business Manager at dealerships.
September 30, 2025 will be remembered as a landmark day for both the South African automotive sector and for Foton globally, says the Chinese manufacturer after its first pre-production Completely Knocked Down (CKD) Foton bakkie rolled off the assembly line at its local plant.
Chinese automotive giant, Chery, is engaged in talks with multiple car manufacturers in South Africa about sharing production facilities to build its vehicles locally, the company's regional chief has revealed to Reuters.
Advertisement
Advertisement
A light on my car’s dashboard came on, and instead of fixing the problem, I waited for the bulb to burn out. Crisis solved.
Jarod Kintz
September 30, 2025 will be remembered as a landmark day for both the South African automotive sector and for Foton globally, says the Chinese manufacturer after its first pre-production Completely Knocked Down (CKD) Foton bakkie rolled off the assembly line at its local plant.
Chinese automotive giant, Chery, is engaged in talks with multiple car manufacturers in South Africa about sharing production facilities to build its vehicles locally, the company's regional chief has revealed to Reuters.
Motor industry leaders are anticipating a sharp fall in American electric vehicle sales after the elimination of a vital R135 000 tax incentive for purchasers.
