Absa on the critical importance of the automotive industry
The Automotive Sector is a dynamic industry that can experience rapid change in a short space of time, making it lucrative for the right type of investment.
- Industry News
- 14 November 2025
Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) has donated two Electric (EV) trucks to the Nelson Mandela University (NMU), as part of its long-term relationship with the institution.
The aim is to foster collaboration between the industry and academia to upskill students on the ever-evolving technologies and trends in the automotive sector.
“Our collaboration with the Nelson Mandela University has helped align the university’s curriculum with current industry trends. This is particularly important as our focus is to help improve the quality of education and equip young people with the requisite skills for the future world of work,” says Celestin Ndhlovu, Executive Vice President for Corporate Services at Isuzu Motors South Africa.
The two EV trucks are powered by rechargeable batteries that supply energy to electric motors enabling them to travel without emitting exhaust fumes. This is important for reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Nelson Mandela University has welcomed the donation of the EV trucks saying it will enhance the university’s learning and teaching environment and help the institution to include the latest technologies in its curriculum. “Students from different faculties will gain valuable exposure through these electric vehicles. They will now be familiar with the Battery Management Systems, High Voltage Battery packs and High Torque motors,” says Andrew Young, Engineering Director at the Nelson Mandela University.
“Our engineering relationship with IMSAf started with simple component testing and went on to performance testing of some of the ISUZU ICE engines on our test equipment. This resulted in students being familiar with products produced at IMSAf and being able to contribute to manufacturing the vehicles as soon as they have completed their studies,” Andrew adds.
The two ISUZU EV trucks (NPR 400 and FTR 850) were converted at the company’s Vehicle Conversion and Distribution Centre (VCDC) in Gqeberha in 2019 by an Australian-based company that specialises in EV technology. Tests that include battery range, charging cable compatibility and speed, as well as gradability tests were conducted to determine how effective the units can launch on an incline.
The Automotive Sector is a dynamic industry that can experience rapid change in a short space of time, making it lucrative for the right type of investment.
Global demand for electric vehicles surged in October, with combined sales of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models rising by 23% to 1.9 million units, according to data from Rho Motion.
Waymo has cemented its position as the frontrunner in autonomous ride-hailing by unveiling the first fully driverless motorway service.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
The Automotive Sector is a dynamic industry that can experience rapid change in a short space of time, making it lucrative for the right type of investment.
Waymo has cemented its position as the frontrunner in autonomous ride-hailing by unveiling the first fully driverless motorway service.
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and the Automobile Manufacturers Employers Organisation (AMEO) remain locked in tense wage negotiations that could soon lead to a strike across South Africa’s major vehicle assembly plants.