Peugeot Citroën South Africa (PCSA) will take over the distribution of Opel vehicles in the country and announced that it will kick off with the launch of the new Opel Corsa.
The French automaker is also the new owner of the Opel brand internationally after buying it from General Motors in 2017 for more than €2 billion, making it the second largest car manufacturer in Europe after Volkswagen.
After the subsequent merger with Fiat Chrysler, the French and German brands are now part of the global Stellantis group.
The latest generation Opels share their drivetrains and other aspects with modern day Peugeots and Citroëns, which make the arrival of Opels to PCSA dealerships a logical next step."
The other good news is that shortly after the launch of the new Opel Corsa, two more derivatives of the iconic small hatch will follow in months.
"...no immediate changes planned to the existing dealer network, customers can be assured that they will still have access to the same service points as they previously did.
The Opel brand has also enjoyed critical acclaim in South Africa, winning the South African Car of the year title four times since 1991.
“Of course, we are extremely excited to be distributing Opel vehicles,” said Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director of Peugeot Citroën South Africa, “the brand has a large following locally, and the future product line up is exciting with four product launches or updates planned for this year.”
PCSA has been clear in its approach to the Opel brand, assuring dealers and customers that the impact on them should be minimal, with no immediate changes planned to the existing dealer network, customers can be assured that they will still have access to the same service points as they previously did. “One of our focus areas for this year is training, with an emphasis on quality and customer service,” assured Ramsoomar, “and we’ll be working with the existing dealer network.”
The new model, the 6th generation, with a 3-cylinder, 1.2-litre petrol engine, generates 55 kW and will cost R289 900 and will be known as the Corsa Edition. The new model is bigger than its predecessor but weighs in at 108 kg less.
The new Corsa will go head-to-head with the likes of the VW Polo, Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris/Starlet, Mazda2, Suzuki Baleno and the Honda Jazz.
The latest Hino 700 launched in South Africa, is already carving a niche for itself in the local market. One of the operations where the latest Hino is shining is in transporting cattle in Namibia.
China updated its national standard on child safety restraints in vehicles, including laws regarding car seats. Both in China and globally, car crashes are a leading cause of death for those between five and 29 years of age. Safety restraints can reduce deaths among infants by up to 71%.
When the first motorised vehicle, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen arrived in 1885, people in general did not take it too seriously. It was not considered as an alternative to the trusted horse, horse cart or family-size horse carriage.
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China updated its national standard on child safety restraints in vehicles, including laws regarding car seats. Both in China and globally, car crashes are a leading cause of death for those between five and 29 years of age. Safety restraints can reduce deaths among infants by up to 71%.
Keyloop has announced the appointment of Megan Harvey (photo), as the company’s new Chief Revenue Officer (CRO).
GAC Motor South Africa, a driver of South African automotive innovation, announced a strategic price reduction for its Emzoom and Emkoo models.
