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.
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.
Advertisement
Advertisement
You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do.
Henry Ford
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.
