Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa hopes to be a pioneer in the field of electric mobility solutions for both private and commercial use.
Marinus Venter, Head of Product and Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Vans SA, says: “In 2022, we engaged in several insightful conversations regarding the feasibility of electric vans in South Africa.
“We are excited to share that we are on track to introduce our first electric van in South Africa by our target date. We believe that our electric vans will take locally emission-free transport to the next level in South Africa.”
Internationally, Mercedes-Benz Vans continues to accelerate its electric transformation, with the first nine months of the year seeing a one-third increase in sales of electric vans compared to the previous year, internationally.
The Mercedes-Benz Group’s results indicate third-quarter unit sales reached 104 000 vehicles worldwide, a significant increase in comparison to quarter three of 2021, which saw unit sales reach 88 000 vehicles.
This is in line with the Mercedes-Benz Vans objective to set the standard in sustainable and all-electric transport. In third quarter 2022, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Rivian moved to partner on electric van production by signing a memorandum of understanding to initiate a strategic partnership.
Among other things, the two companies aim to build an all-new electric-only production facility, leveraging an existing Mercedes-Benz site in Central or Eastern Europe. Large electric vans for both Mercedes-Benz Vans and Rivian are expected to roll off the assembly line in just a few years.
As fuel prices continue to climb across South Africa, many motorists are beginning to question whether owning a car still makes financial sense. With in-land petrol prices now at R26.63 a litre and diesel costs rising sharply in May, transport expenses are placing growing pressure on household budgets.
Pinewood.AI has added two new embedded modules to its Business Intelligence Solution, giving dealers and OEMs greater insight into financial performance and the customer journey, it says.
Two new off-grid, solar-powered charging stations for electric vehicles (EV) have been switched on as part of the Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) network.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Pinewood.AI has added two new embedded modules to its Business Intelligence Solution, giving dealers and OEMs greater insight into financial performance and the customer journey, it says.
Margins are shrinking, customers are under financial strain, and competition is intensifying across South Africa’s motor retail sector. Against this backdrop, dealerships are being forced to rethink how they remain profitable while still building customer trust and long term sustainability.
Ford will launch seven new models in Europe by 2029, it announced recently, as it seeks to grow its flagging passenger car sales, fend off fierce competition from Chinese rivals and maintain an edge in the continent's commercial vehicle market.
