The Automobile Association of South Africa (AASA) has appointed Minesh Bhagaloo as its new Head of Public Relations and Advocacy, bringing a career spanning more than two decades in journalism and communications to the organisation.
Holding an Honours degree in Journalism and Media Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand, Minesh spent almost a decade as a senior journalist with Independent Media Group’s national motoring titles before moving into the automotive industry.
He later led Product Communications at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa and, during the latter part of the past decade, served as Communications Director at Ford South Africa, where he oversaw a number of critical product, corporate and CSR milestones.
“They say that the only constant is change. Joining the Automobile Association of South Africa has presented an opportunity to merge a variety of skills acquired over the years in the various roles I’ve been entrusted with.
“The AASA is in an invigorating phase, with innovation and growth being key facets of this exciting next chapter. We need to bring this to life for the South African consumer and motorist through showcasing this broader mobility and advocacy journey,” says Minesh.
“We are thrilled to welcome Minesh to the AASA family, with his wealth of experience well poised to help turn the page on the next chapter of almost a century of the AASA leading consumer and road safety advocacy.
“Our mandate is clear: safer vehicles, safer roads and safer mobility for all South Africans. Alongside this, we have recently rejuvenated our brand and comprehensively refreshed our broader value proposition. The next chapter is a dynamic one, and we look forward to taking South Africans along this journey with us,” says Bobby Ramagwede, CEO of the AASA.
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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You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
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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.
