Charging an electric truck with off-grid solar power
A historic milestone has been reached with the opening of South Africa's first off-grid solar station for electric trucks.
- New Energy Vehicles
- 16 January 2026
Volkswagen has introduced a comprehensive service and maintenance programme called EasyDrive Vehicle Plans.
According to the manufacturer, the plans will give customers peace-of-mind motoring and benefits like protection against inflation as prices are fixed at today’s rates for future servicing and maintenance costs, transferability from the current owner to a new owner and enhanced resale value with a full service-history, says Steffen Knapp, Head of the Volkswagen Passenger Car Brand.
Customers have the option of extending the EasyDrive Maintenance and Service Plans up to 10 years/ 300 000 km.
The comprehensive EasyDrive Maintenance Plan covers all costs (parts and labour) associated with scheduled vehicle services, repairs of defective components and wear and tear items (excluding tyres) that need to be replaced as well as 24/7 Roadside Assistance.
The EasyDrive Service Plan covers all manufacturer-specific scheduled service requirements, including parts and labour costs.
Included in the EasyDrive Maintenance and Service Plans is access to the technical expertise of the 109-strong Dealer Network in Southern Africa, over 40 000 genuine Volkswagen vehicle parts, which are available in the country as well as customer care in the form of 24-hour Roadside Assistance.
Using the WeConnect Go App, Volkswagen drivers can book a vehicle service on the app. Using the digital Service Cam feature, a first and an innovation for the dealer network in South Africa, a technician can diagnose an issue on the car and show this to the customer via video, the customer is then able to give approval before repairs are made on the vehicle.
With the local automotive market’s consistent growth, month after month last year, one brand is not giving up a piece of its sales cake slice.
The automotive sector is moving through one of the most transformative periods in its history, shaped by rapid advances in technology and shifting consumer priorities.
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