The Motus Group has acquired Sandown Motor Holdings (SMH), a wholly owned subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s (MBSA), retail operations.
The proposed deal includes the SMH passenger car business of its Gauteng West retail operations, as well as a portion of the commercial vehicle business. These dealerships will include Mercedes-Benz Sandton, Mercedes-Benz Constantia Kloof, Mercedes-Benz Bryanston and a single commercial vehicles dealership in Roodepoort.
It forms part of MBSA’s implementation of Project FOCUS, which resulted in the spin-off of Daimler Truck AG. The rationale behind the spin-off was to afford Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Daimler Truck AG greater entrepreneurial flexibility and agility, giving it the independence to focus on its strategic direction in respect to electric mobility transformation, improved customer centricity and to unlock their full potential.
Commenting on the proposed disposal, Co-CEO Mercedes-Benz Cars and Executive Director of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, Mark Raine, says: “MBSA’s proposed sale of Sandown Motor Holdings is the next logical step in the growth of our company. A simplified corporate structure will enable MBSA to focus on the next phase of the company’s growth premised on customer centricity and the future focus of passenger cars of Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach and Mercedes-EQ brands.”
The sale of SMH remains subject to conditions precedent that must be met by MBSA and the Motus Group. The transaction is also subject to the approval of the relevant competition and regulatory authorities.
Electric vehicles (EVs) have introduced a whole new vocabulary into motoring. Instead of simply talking about litres of fuel, cylinders and kilometres per tank, motorists are now confronted with kW, kWh, AC, DC, WLTP, regenerative braking and a host of other terms.
Young South African motorists are increasingly opting for more affordable and practical vehicles as the cost of living puts pressure on household budgets, while still maintaining comprehensive insurance cover.
The row over BMW’s Spider-Man promotion is not really about superheroes. It is about trust, control and the creeping feeling that modern cars are becoming digital platforms first and private possessions second.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Young South African motorists are increasingly opting for more affordable and practical vehicles as the cost of living puts pressure on household budgets, while still maintaining comprehensive insurance cover.
The row over BMW’s Spider-Man promotion is not really about superheroes. It is about trust, control and the creeping feeling that modern cars are becoming digital platforms first and private possessions second.
With forecasts of snow, icy rain and stormy weather across the country, motorists are urged to drive carefully and adapt their driving style to suit the conditions.
