South African industries across the board uttered a collective sigh of relief yesterday (17 October) when the week-long Transnet strike was finally resolved.
The strike brought ports to a standstill and severely affected imports and exports. This was particularly acute at Durban, serving Toyota and other major exporters, and Gqeberha, which serves Volkswagen and other major exporters.
On Monday, Transnet reached a three-year wage deal agreement with the United National Transport Union (UNTU), which represents more than 50% of unionised staff. It is expected that the other unions will follow suit, and news reports already indicate that many workers are returning to their stations.
The deal includes a 6% increase in year one, a 5.5% increase in year two, and a 6% increase in year three, as well as medical aid and housing allowance increases.
Some analysts were surprised by the fact that the union, which until recently demanded a 12% wage increase, settled for a below-inflation deal.
The deal will apply to all workers in the sector (including non-unionised employees) with effect from 1 October.
Volvo Car South Africa (VCSA) is closing Transport Month with a historic milestone in electric mobility: the EX30 Cross Country has become the first fully electric vehicle (BEV) to successfully ascend Sani Pass, one of South Africa’s most iconic and demanding mountain routes.
The name tells the story – Basadi Automotive Group. Basadi, the Sesotho word for women, was chosen by a woman who, against all odds but with an unwavering belief in God, decided in 2018 or so to go it alone in the male-dominated automotive industry.
Stellantis has announced a new collaboration with NVIDIA, Uber Technologies Inc and Foxconn to explore the joint development and future deployment of *Level 4 (driverless) autonomous vehicles for robotaxi services worldwide.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Stellantis has announced a new collaboration with NVIDIA, Uber Technologies Inc and Foxconn to explore the joint development and future deployment of *Level 4 (driverless) autonomous vehicles for robotaxi services worldwide.
BAIC South Africa has confirmed that the all-new BAIC B30 SUV will be assembled locally at the company’s Coega facility in Gqeberha. This step, says BAIC, marks another significant step in the brand’s long-term commitment to the South African market.
Messe Frankfurt expands its roster of shows with a Festival of Motoring in Australia and industry shows in Jakarta and Azerbaijan.
