Latest news with #SouthAfrican-built
The South African
03-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
D-day for the South African economy less than a WEEK away
D-day for the South African economy – Wednesday 9 July 2025 – is now less than a week away. And talks of a necessary extension is creating growing tension in government ranks. Back in April of this year, US President Donald Trump instituted 30% tariffs on South Africa for all goods imported into America. But facing tremendous backlash worldwide, Trump hit pause on the tariffs for 90 days. This takes us to next weeks' D-day for the South African economy. Trade talks with the US started in May, but have not resulted in any concrete framework as yet. Image: File Unfortunately, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), Parks Tau, has shared little in the way of progress on crucial US-SA trade talks. All he can confirm is that South Africa is (one of many countries) asking for more time, reports The Citizen . Interestingly, it appears to be US delegates that are dragging their heels on trade talks. South Africa is yet to hear anything after a trade delegation submitted several proposals to the US back in May. The DTIC put forward a framework agreement focusing on trade and investment. And it identified key areas for growth in each nation's markets. However, as of now, it appears to have done little to stave of D-day for the South African economy … US insistence that South Africa must reform politically does not sit well with ANC leadership. Image: File As such, it appears the acrimonious relationship between the US and South Africa is grounded instead in ideological differences. There have been reports that President Ramaphosa's unwavering stance on BEE and denial of land expropriation has raised the hackles of US delegates. Nevertheless, last week, the Deputy Minister of Trade met with a US representative on the sidelines of a summit in Luanda, Angola. South Africa used the meeting to raise its concerns about the impact of the reciprocal tariffs in Africa. Worst-case scenario, South Africa is seeking a maximum tariff application of 10%. Vehicles like the South African-built Ford Ranger are exported all over the world and will suffer if 30% Trump tariffs go ahead next week. Image: File In a bid to avert D-day for the South African economy, the DTIC wants key export products exempted from the Section 232 tariffs. These include cars and car parts, as well as steel and aluminium. Although time is running out the DTIC is confident: 'The proposed framework will go through the internal approval processes in the US administration. South Africa welcomes this and has expressed a preparedness to engage once it is finalised.' Meanwhile, government is urging industry to exercise strategic patience and not take any decisions in haste. 'Government will continue to use every avenue to engage with the US to find an amicable solution to safeguard our interests in the US market,' concludes the department. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
VW plant Kariega enters next phase for production of new SA-built crossover
Volkswagen's Plant Kariega in the Eastern Cape has entered the next phase in preparation for production of the third SA-built model. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! As Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) continues to prepare Plant Kariega for production of its third South African-built model, the automaker has announced the Eastern Cape-based assembly facility has entered the commissioning phase for the highly-anticipated entry-level compact crossover/SUV. Related: VW's Kariega Plant Will Pause Production in 2025 For R4 Billion Investment of Tera SUV This announcement comes after VWGA halted production at Plant Kariega earlier in 2024 (from April 14 to May 12) to complete the upgrades, notably to the body shop, paint shop and final assembly areas, made to the manufacturing line in December 2024. Noteworthy, with the aforementioned upgrades completed, production of the Polo Vivo and Polo has returned to normal, while the commissioning phase is carried out over the weekends. The latter phase comprises the processes of bringing the new equipment online and carrying out the necessary checks to ensure it operates optimally. Related: VW Finally Unveils New SA-built Compact Crossover Built alongside the aforementioned two cars, the automaker's upcoming product will serve as the opening gambit to the company's local crossover/SUV portfolio, which currently comprises the Polo-based T-Cross and Taigo, T-Roc, Tiguan and Touareg. Positioned below the T-Cross, the Tera — as it is named in Brazil, where it is also manufactured — will officially be introduced in 2027. Locally, however, this model will be known by a different yet unannounced name. The German marque's SA arm has, however, confirmed that its moniker won't necessarily adhere to its 'T' naming convention. Related: Polo Production Halts at Kariega for Tooling of New A0 SUV VWGA production director Ulrich Schwabe said: 'We are happy to be back to normal production, with the knowledge that we are one step closer to our future of building three models in our plant.' Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles with CARmag! The post VW Plant Kariega Enters Next Phase for Production of New SA-built Crossover appeared first on CAR Magazine.
TimesLIVE
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
'South African Champion' chronicles 125 years of single-seater racing
A new book covering the history of South African single-seater racing, Formula One Grands Prix and the country's many high-powered specials is now on sale. Authored by motoring journalist and motorsport aficionado Michele Lupini, South African Champion tells the exclusive story of 125 years of local single-seater racing, starting from the first race in Cape Town in 1900 and powering on past the Cooper Formula juniors of the 1960s and 1970s. Single-seater racing was huge during the early 20th century and drew crowds of up to 40,000 to watch South African-built single-seater specials giving international guests a hard time. Each season is written and presented in a separate, eight-chapter story in the 304-page, limited edition book backed up by comprehensive data, images and original artwork. Multiple races featuring iconic nameplates such as Auto Union were hosted in South Africa, and the book covers the racing exploits of legends such as Stirling Moss, John Love, Jim Clark and more. The Springbok series, and newer series such as the A1-GP, Formula Ford, GTI, Volkswagen and Formula Vee are covered, including milestone anniversaries. Only 500 books will be printed. 'It took a year to put together. The book tracks an incredible history as it tells a truly epic story. 'Much of it was long forgotten, but South African Champion recalls it all in a full and representative timeline of single seater, specials and Formula One racing in Southern Africa,' Lupini said.
