Mercedes-Benz is to convert its 23-seater Sprinter Inkanyezi locally for the taxi industry.
According to Marinus Venter, Head of Product and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Vans SA: “To deepen our commitment to the local taxi industry and in support of the South African economy, our Inkanyezi vehicles are now being converted at our East London conversion facility. This means that taxi owners will be able to immediately operate and earn income from the purchased vehicle instead of waiting for a conversion.”
The popular Inkanyezi – isiZulu for ‘the Star’ – available at dealers as a long-wheelbase 516 CDI, is priced from R945 000 with after-sales service offered by the Mercedes-Benz dealer network nationwide.
“The safety of drivers and passengers is paramount. Thanks to the latest safety developments, we have applied best-in-class features, such as the robust seat anchorage system, which conforms to the highest standards.
Adaptive brake lights are also standard on the Inkanyezi. In an emergency, the normal brake light turns into a flashing brake light, which has proven to be more visible to other motorists than a conventional brake light,” says Venter.
Optional extras to bolster safety include Active Brake Assist, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Parking Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. Blind Spot Assist with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, a reversing camera with display in the interior rear-view mirror, ensures that the Inkanyezi is safe at all speeds and in all conditions. The optional parking package, with 360° camera, makes light work of tight parking spots, such as at taxi ranks and other loading and off-loading areas.
Getting in and out of the vehicle requires little effort, as the Inkanyezi is fitted with a sidestep as standard. A hard-wearing Marley floor provides an anti-slip surface and protects the van’s floors.
The rear-wheel drive Inkanyezi 516 CDI is powered by a 2-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine that delivers 120 kW and 330 Nm.
Some of the most important aspects in the total operating costs of a taxi are the purchase price, fuel, maintenance and repair costs. Venter notes that the Inkanyezi meets stringent criteria in all these areas to ensure profitability for taxi operators.
For decades, buying a car has been as much about emotion as practicality. Shiny brochures, polished showroom floors and persuasive sales talk often overshadowed the cold, hard numbers of ownership. But today, where information is currency, consumers are no longer satisfied with glossy marketing – they want data, and they want it now.
According to a Reuters report, South Africa is engaged in discussions with Chinese automotive manufacturers to encourage local investment, with at least one company showing considerable interest in establishing production facilities in the country, a senior government official revealed on Wednesday.
Nissan says the latest wave of launches from the brand in South Africa supports Nissan’s long-standing commitment to the country, underpinned by more than 60 years of local presence.
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You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do.
Henry Ford
For decades, buying a car has been as much about emotion as practicality. Shiny brochures, polished showroom floors and persuasive sales talk often overshadowed the cold, hard numbers of ownership. But today, where information is currency, consumers are no longer satisfied with glossy marketing – they want data, and they want it now.
According to a Reuters report, South Africa is engaged in discussions with Chinese automotive manufacturers to encourage local investment, with at least one company showing considerable interest in establishing production facilities in the country, a senior government official revealed on Wednesday.
Europe’s automotive sector, once a global leader, is facing what McKinsey describes as “the largest transformation in the industry’s history”.
