MOTORING NEWS - The African Mirror

May

2024

Ford Goes to the Movies – Iconic On-screen Moments over the Past 100 Years

STUART JOHNSON COMPILING a bucket list of great movies which featured the products of the Ford Motor Company is more a case of the ones that you’d need to leave out, rather than cherry-picking the celluloid masterpieces which had a Ford deserving of at least a co-starring credit. It seems as if there have always been Fords in movies! Just as the fledgling Ford South Africa production line was cranking up to full speed in Port Elizabeth 100 years ago, that great comedy duo Laurel and Hardy were gaining traction in Hollywood with a string of hits that featured, more…

May

2024

By The African Mirror

ISUZU Motors South Africa enters into partnership with Agri Eastern Cape

MOTORING NEWS

ISUZU Motors South Africa has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the agricultural sector in the country. The vehicle manufacturer has announced a new partnership with Agri Eastern Cape, solidifying its dedication to supporting the growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector in the province. Celestin Ndhlovu, Vice President of Planning, Marketing and Corporate Communications said: "Our partnership with Agri Eastern Cape aligns with our values, collaboration, and community support. This partnership underscores our commitment to the agricultural community and reflects our belief in the importance of sustainable growth within the sector." Agri Eastern Cape is a membership-based organisation and strategically…

Apr

2024

By The African Mirror

BMW SA honours legendary artist Esther Mahlangu

MOTORING NEWS

BMW - one of the world's most iconic motoring brand has honoured an international venerated artist - Esther Mahlangu. BMW Group South Africa has presented Mahlangu with the distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural South African Creative Arts Awards (SACA). According to BMW, the honour on Mahlangu recognised her exceptional contributions and accomplishments over her 50-year career as a contemporary artist. Zizi Kodwa, the Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture announced the introduction of the all-encompassing awards celebration in 2023 to recognise individuals who show outstanding artistic and technical achievements in the arts and culture sector. Alongside the rest…

Apr

2024

By The African Mirror

Seven down, one country to go for Nissan Daring Africa 2024

MOTORING NEWS

DARING Africa 2024, Nissan’s overland adventure across eight countries with four Nissan Navara pick-ups and an X-Trail SUV, has completed its Kenya leg, the expedition’s penultimate stop before transitioning to Egypt. “It has been an amazing journey so far,” says Nissan South Africa and Independent Markets Africa’ managing director, Maciej Klenkiewicz. “We set out to celebrate our African footprint and our 60-year-old light commercial vehicle (LCV) legacy on the continent through this incredible vehicle which, of course, was designed for Africa and is built in Africa by Africans. All that remains now is the final instalment of this odyssey, in…

Apr

2024

By Mpho Rantao

Maserati launches electric drop-top GT

MOTORING NEWS

In 2023, Italian supercar manufacturer Maserati made a triumphant return to single-seater racing by partnering with MSG Racing in the Formula E (FE) championship. This marked not only a bid to reclaim its motorsport legacy but also a significant step in its venture into the realm of retail electric vehicles (EVs)." Maserati introduced us to its GranTurismo Folgore, its first electric vehicle. With a powerful three-motor electric drivetrain, it packs 818 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds. Its travel range goes up to 450 kilometres. Now they have launched another model, the GranCabrio Folgore,…

Apr

2024

By The African Mirror

Nikhil Sachania, a paraplegic rally driver re-defining Kenya’s motorsports scene

MOTORING NEWS

THE WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2024 took place from March 28 to March 31 in Naivasha, Nakuru county. This was the third round of the 2024 World Rally Championship events, following the Rallye Monte and Rally Sweden events that took place in January and February respectively. The sport is cherished in Kenya, with drivers like 35-year-old Nikhil Sachania being highly recognized and adored. Sachania is Kenya’s first and only paraplegic rally driver. For him, getting through the race successfully has always been the ultimate goal. In the just concluded WRC Safari Rally, Sachania was among the team of competitors, alongside…

Mar

2024

By Mpho Rantao

Nissan commits to Formula E GEN4

MOTORING NEWS

NISSAN has announced its commitment to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship until at least 2030, reinforcing its Ambition 2030 electrification plans. From Season 13 (2026/27) to Season 16 (2029/30), FE's GEN4 technology will be the most advanced yet, cementing the series' status as the world's most innovative laboratory for electric mobility solutions. Nissan Formula E Team managing director and team principal Tommaso Volpe signed the official registration document for car manufacturers in the FIA Formula E World Championship for Seasons 13 (2026/27) to 16 (2029/30). He was present with FIA Senior Circuit Sport Director Marek Nawarecki and FE…

Mar

2024

By Mpho Rantao

São Paulo heats up with dramatic win for Sam Bird

MOTORING NEWS

FORMULA E returned from a month-long break and travelled to Brazil for the fifth round of the world championship. Sam Bird celebrates towards the podium of the 2024 São Paulo E-Prix. Picture: Supplied São Paulo, a city with a rich motorsport heritage, was electrified as it geared up for the adrenaline-pumping race that brought feisty competition and flying front wings. NEOM McLaren’s Sam Bird stormed to win the race, a tough battle against Jaguar TCS Racing’s Mitch Evans that carried after the second safety car right until the end of the race 34-lap race. Evans and Bird engage in a…

Mar

2024

By The African Mirror

Audi South Africa launches ground-breaking AI-powered advertising campaign for special edition models

MOTORING NEWS

AUDI South Africa has launched a unique and innovative advertising campaign to accompany the introduction of its new range of special edition models that have been designed specifically for the South African market. Leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI), Audi has collaborated with renowned advertising agency Ogilvy SA and local AI specialists Monkey Donkey to introduce a campaign that blurs the lines between creativity and technology. The special edition options span Audi’s core model ranges and are named Urban Edition and Black Edition. They are meticulously curated to embody the preferences and aspirations of the discerning South African driver.…

Mar

2024

By The African Mirror

ISUZU Foundation refurbishes Soutpansberg Primary School in Makhado

MOTORING NEWS

ISUZU Foundation, a collaborative initiative between ISUZU Motors South Africa and its Dealer Network, has expanded its philanthropic efforts to rejuvenate Soutpansberg Primary School, located in Makhado (Louis Trichardt) within the Limpopo province. In response to the deteriorating conditions of the aging school building, the ISUZU Foundation undertook a comprehensive reconstruction project, addressing critical areas in need of restoration. The recently completed renovations encompass the installation of modernised toilets, repainting of walls and roofs, tiling, door fittings, and the addition of new gutters. The official handover of these revitalised facilities took place on Wednesday, 31 January 2024. "ISUZU Foundation’s commitment…