TechPression

Tag: Automobile

  • Kenya urges Toyota to expand investment in Kenyan

    Kenya urges Toyota to expand investment in Kenyan

    Kenya’s Trade and Investment Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Miano, has encouraged Toyota Tsusho Corporation, a Japanese conglomerate, to increase the production of spare parts in Kenya.

    This call came as the CS signed significant agreements with the Japanese vehicle manufacturer, highlighting their mutual interest in expanding local markets.

    Read also: Kenyan logistics startup Sendy shuts down

    Leveraging Strategic Partnerships for Growth

    CS Miano emphasised the strategic importance of collaborating with Kenyan counterparts to develop the necessary capacity for the local manufacturing of components. This capacity enhancement aims to support the company’s assembly facility in Kenya, enabling it to target the broader African market under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and other markets.

    The CS’s remarks were made during a meeting with top management representatives of the Toyota Tsusho Corporation. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the G7 Session of Trade Ministers in Sakai, Osaka, Japan.

    Fostering Kenya’s Position as an Automotive Hub

    The meeting between the Kenyan government and Toyota Tsusho Corporation resulted in the development of a National Automotive Policy. This policy is designed to position Kenya as the preferred destination for the automotive industry.

    In response to emerging industry trends and Toyota Tsusho’s input, it was agreed that the ongoing development of automotive bills and regulations would involve close consultation with industry stakeholders.

    The meeting celebrated Kenya’s achievements as an automotive assembly hub for the African region, attributed to skilled manpower and available assembly facilities. It was decided that Toyota Tsusho Corporation would continue collaborating with the Kenyan Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry to further their business interests in the African region for the mutual benefit of both countries.

    A Focus on Sustainability and Technology

    The meeting also underscored the need to expedite the finalisation of automotive bills and regulations, which will address End of Life Vehicle (ELV) recycling for used cars and batteries. This initiative aims to alleviate the growing problem of discarded vehicles, with over 70,000 currently in junkyards.

    Furthermore, the meeting supported efforts to reduce the age of secondhand vehicles allowed into Kenya, expecting this to boost demand for new vehicles, thereby supporting local assembly and increasing job opportunities.

    CS Miano highlighted the growing automotive industry in Kenya but pointed out the need for the local manufacturing of parts and components to catch up with industry demands, both in terms of technology and volume. This would require support from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

    Increasing local content is a critical step towards enabling the automotive industry to meet market access criteria in the region, especially regarding rules of origin.

    Advancing Electric Vehicles and Energy Efficiency

    The meeting also discussed the development of electric vehicles (EVs) and agreed on the need for supportive infrastructure, such as local manufacturing of energy-efficient batteries and charging systems. This infrastructure aims to make EVs more accessible and convenient for use.

    To make EVs affordable, the meeting suggested providing incentives through reduced duties on electric and hybrid vehicles.

    The meeting acknowledged the financial difficulties experienced by the Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM), one of Kenya’s local automotive assembly facilities. Toyota Tsusho, as a key industry stakeholder, expressed its commitment to supporting KVM.

    In addition, the Toyota academy plans to expand its training and capacity development programs to enable more Kenyan youth to engage in viable businesses that align with emerging industry trends.

    The meeting also addressed the concerns regarding the disorganised and unsafe behaviour of boda boda operators in Kenya, which has resulted in accidents and injuries. The Toyota Tsusho Corporation, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, was encouraged to intervene and organise the boda boda sector to ensure the safety of Kenyan consumers.

    This engagement between the Kenyan government and Toyota Tsusho Corporation signifies a commitment to advancing the country’s automotive industry and promoting sustainability, technology adoption, and local manufacturing of auto components and parts. The goal is to position Kenya as a key player in the regional automotive market.

  • Stella Terra car completes test drive in North Africa

    Stella Terra car completes test drive in North Africa

    A groundbreaking solar-powered car, the Stella Terra, touted as the world’s first long-distance off-road vehicle of its kind, has successfully completed a demanding 620-mile (1,000km) test drive across Morocco and the Sahara. This pioneering project was developed by a group of 22 students from the Eindhoven University of Technology.

    Read also: Mercedes-Benz, Google partner to improve Digital Technologies for cars

    Trailblazing Sustainability in Mobility

    The Stella Terra, a two-seat marvel of engineering, demonstrated its capabilities over a range of challenging landscapes during its expedition, serving as a final validation of its lightweight structure and aerodynamic design. Propelled by the energy harnessed from its multiple rooftop solar panels, this remarkable vehicle attains a top speed of 90mph (145kmph). Remarkably, it weighs a mere 1,200kg (1.2 tonnes) and boasts a sunny-day range of at least 440 miles (710km).

    Wisse Bos, team manager of Solar Team Eindhoven, proudly asserted that the technology employed in the Stella Terra, combining a lightweight frame with highly efficient solar panels, stands a decade ahead of anything available in the market. He declared, “Stella Terra must withstand the harsh conditions of off-roading while remaining efficient and light enough to be powered by the sun. That is why we had to design almost everything for Stella Terra ourselves, from the suspension to the inverters for the solar panels. We are pushing the boundaries of technology.”

    The vehicle includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, offering versatility for operation in less sunny climates over shorter distances. Its solar panels provide an exceptional surplus of electricity, facilitating additional uses such as cooking and charging devices like phones and cameras.

    The 22 students who brought the Stella Terra to life, aged between 21 and 25, dedicated a year to this project. While they encountered some hiccups during their week-and-a-half-long desert expedition, such as a steering system issue, the vehicle’s resilience shone through. The technical manager, Bob van Ginkel, shared, “We hope this can be an inspiration to car manufacturers such as Land Rover and BMW to make it a more sustainable industry. The car was actually very comfortable in the off-road conditions as it is very light and does not get stuck.”

    A bespoke converter for the solar panels was discovered to be a staggering 97% efficient in converting absorbed sunlight into electrical power. Stella Terra demonstrated a remarkable 33% improvement in efficiency compared to the original expectations.

    Challenges and Opportunities for the Solar Car Revolution

    Designing solar-powered cars faces the challenge of limited surface area for solar panels. Highly efficient panels, capable of powering vehicles over long distances, tend to be costly. Existing panels typically offer around 15% to 20% efficiency, with the most efficient reaching approximately 45%. The Stella Terra project, which is nonprofit and dependent on sponsors for funding, signifies a step towards innovation in this sphere.

    For companies like Atlas Technologies, a subsidiary of the Netherlands-based Lightyear, manufacturing costs have been a stumbling block. Last year, Atlas Technologies aimed to produce solar-electric cars at a price of €500,000 per vehicle, but the lack of orders led to the company’s bankruptcy. However, the company has reemerged with a new model priced at $40,000, offering a travel range of about 500 miles between charges, illustrating the evolving landscape of solar mobility.

    Pioneering a Sustainable Future

    The successful Sahara test drive of the Stella Terra reflects a significant leap in sustainable transportation. The commitment of these visionary students to push the boundaries of technology and explore the possibilities of solar-powered mobility could serve as a source of inspiration for larger automobile manufacturers. As the world strives towards a more sustainable future, innovations such as the Stella Terra contribute to the vision of eco-friendly, long-range, solar-powered vehicles.

  • BMW, Sasol to foster South Africa’s fuel cell car ecosystem

    BMW, Sasol to foster South Africa’s fuel cell car ecosystem

    BMW and Sasol, two prominent players in the automotive and energy sectors, have joined hands to establish a pioneering ecosystem for fuel cell cars in South Africa.

    This strategic partnership aims to accelerate the development and adoption of green mobility solutions in the region.

    Read also: Auto24 opens new car markets in SA, Rwanda, others

    Driving Towards Sustainable Transportation

    South Africa is witnessing a transformative shift in the automotive industry as the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions surges. BMW and Sasol’s collaboration holds the promise of not only introducing fuel cell vehicles but also laying the groundwork for a holistic ecosystem supporting these cutting-edge vehicles.

    The South African government has been actively promoting initiatives aimed at reducing the country’s carbon footprint. Encouraged by global sustainability trends, South Africa is increasingly embracing clean energy sources, making it an ideal landscape for the introduction of fuel cell technology.

    BMW and Sasol’s Milestone Collaboration

    This partnership between BMW and Sasol represents a significant milestone in the quest for green transportation in South Africa. By combining BMW’s expertise in fuel cell vehicles with Sasol’s proficiency in energy solutions, the collaboration is poised to drive the development of a localized fuel cell car ecosystem.

    Dr. Andreas Beermann, CEO of BMW South Africa, said: “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainable mobility. We believe that fuel cell technology holds immense potential to revolutionize the way we drive and reduce our environmental impact. South Africa is ripe for this transformation, and we are proud to be at the forefront.”

    The initiative encompasses various aspects of a fuel cell car ecosystem. It spans research and development, infrastructure development, production, and consumer awareness. BMW and Sasol are set to work in tandem to research and develop a new generation of fuel cell vehicles tailored to South African conditions.

    Fuel Production and Infrastructure

    Sasol, a global leader in energy and chemicals, brings its extensive experience to the table. Their involvement in the project includes the exploration of advanced fuel production methods that align with green principles. This is an essential component as it will ensure a reliable and sustainable supply of hydrogen, the fuel of choice for fuel cell vehicles.

    Furthermore, the creation of a comprehensive refueling infrastructure across South Africa is on the agenda. The introduction of these refueling stations is pivotal to enable the widespread adoption of fuel cell vehicles, as consumers will have the necessary infrastructure to support these vehicles.

    Promoting consumer education and awareness is also a central facet of this partnership. As fuel cell technology is relatively new to the South African market, providing information and dispelling myths are crucial steps. The collaboration will include campaigns to raise awareness about fuel cell vehicles’ benefits, eco-friendliness, and long-term cost-efficiency.

    By fostering innovation, creating the necessary infrastructure, and educating consumers, the collaboration aims to drive the rapid adoption of fuel cell vehicles. This means it offers an ambitious vision for green mobility in South Africa.

    The partnership further signifies a transformative step towards a greener and more sustainable future for South Africa. The development of a localized fuel cell car ecosystem will not only boost the adoption of clean energy solutions but also contribute to a significant reduction in the country’s carbon emissions. South Africa is poised to lead the way in Africa’s automotive revolution towards eco-friendly transportation.

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    About BMW

    BMW is a global leader in the automotive industry, known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation. With a strong presence in South Africa, BMW is dedicated to promoting green mobility solutions and reducing the environmental impact of its vehicles.

    About Sasol

    Sasol is a leading global energy and chemical company with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation. With its expertise in the energy sector, Sasol plays a vital role in developing and supplying sustainable fuels and supporting eco-friendly solutions.

  • Autochek Africa partners with Provenir to fuel expansion

    Autochek Africa partners with Provenir to fuel expansion

    Provenir, a global leader in AI-powered risk decisioning software, has announced a strategic partnership with Autochek Africa, an automotive technology company, to drive automation and accelerate expansion efforts.

    Empowering Commerce in the Automotive Sector

    Autochek Africa specialises in providing solutions that facilitate commerce within the automotive sector. These solutions encompass credit underwriting services for auto loans, catering to both Autochek and third-party banks. Additionally, Autochek offers a range of services including vehicle inspection, maintenance, insurance, and vehicle tracking solutions. To support its strategic expansion plans in specific regions, the company sought a robust platform with rapid deployment capabilities to automate credit decisioning processes.

    According to reports by Business Wire, the executives expressed optimism of the partnership and look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership. 

    Johan van der Merwe, Chief Executive Officer of Autochek Africa, emphasised the need for a flexible and agile partner to execute their expansion strategy. He stated, “To support our aggressive expansion strategy, we needed a partner with an agile and flexible platform and the ability to deliver within very short timelines. We have partnered with Provenir to automate decisioning for faster and more scalable approval processes. Within eight months, we were able to provide clients and dealers with pre-approvals, instalment simulations, and loan application decisions, together with bespoke offers, in six countries. Provenir’s low-code platform provides us a competitive advantage, allowing us to quickly expand into our target geographies, reducing our launch time in many cases by almost half.”

    Read also: Nigeria’s Autochek Acquires Shares In Egypt’s AutoTager

    Provenir’s Role in the Partnership

    Provenir

    Adrian Pillay, Vice President, MEA at Provenir, expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership.

    The VP said:  “We are pleased to partner with Autochek Africa to help them quickly scale operations and enter new markets. The firm’s flexible platform provides Autochek with the self-sufficiency needed when launching new products to market, so they can scale faster than ever before”, Business Wire reported.

    It is known for its AI-Powered Decisioning Platform, which empowers fintechs and financial services providers to make faster and smarter decisions. By integrating crucial data, AI capabilities, and decisioning expertise, Provenir enables organisations to offer exceptional consumer experiences and drive improvements across the customer lifecycle. This partnership will allow Autochek Africa to leverage Provenir’s technology to enhance its operations and support its mission of expanding access to financial services in the automotive sector.

    About Provenir

    Provenir is a leader in AI-powered risk decisioning software, offering solutions that help fintechs and financial services providers make faster, smarter decisions. Their unique platform combines data, AI, and decisioning capabilities to improve the customer experience, enhance access to financial services, and drive business agility. Provenir collaborates with disruptive financial services organisations in over 50 countries and processes more than 4 billion transactions annually. This partnership with Autochek Africa marks another milestone in Provenir’s mission to enable organisations to innovate and scale with confidence in an ever-evolving financial landscape.

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    About Autochek Africa


    Autochek Africa is an automobile Technology development firm that creates solutions to enable and improve commerce in the automobile sector. 

    The business is primarily concerned with solutions that increase access to auto loans, high-quality maintenance and after-sales services, warranty solutions, and transactional markets.

    Autochek debuted in September 2020 after acquiring ROAM Africa’s automobile marketplaces Cheki Nigeria and Cheki Ghana. 

    With a seed round of US$13.1 million secured in October 2021, the business has been swiftly growing, mostly through smart acquisitions. Through acquisitions, it has grown to include Kenya, Uganda, Morocco, Egypt, and the Ivory Coast in addition to Ghana.

    As of right now, they are all up and running across West, East, and North Africa. We have also established a partner-led retail presence with more than 500 service centres.

  • Nigeria’s Autochek Acquires Shares In Egypt’s AutoTager

    Nigeria’s Autochek Acquires Shares In Egypt’s AutoTager

    Nigerian automotive technology company, Autochek, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Egypt’s AutoTager, a company operating in the same field.

    The acquisition is part of plans to expand the company’s presence into Egypt and subsequently North Africa.

    This is the second acquisition Autochek has made in North Africa after acquiring Moroccan KIFAL Autos last year. It is also Autochek’s third in less than two years, cementing its position as the leading Pan-African automotive technology company.

    Commenting on the acquisition, Autochek’s  CFO and co-founder, Olajide Adamolekun said: “There are many parallels between Autochek and AutoTager, and we are looking forward to building on these parallels to deliver more growth and success in the months and years to come.”

    On his part, AutoTager’s CEO and Founder, Amr Rezk, explained that Autochek’s “…track record of concurrently operating various business models in the automotive space is stellar and provides us with a wide menu of options and cutting-edge tools to offer AutoTager’s customers a truly unique proposition.”

    Autochek Africa

    He shared his excitement about the future plans following the acquisition and is “…confident that the global OEM and financing partnerships that Autochek has secured will also provide us with differentiated access allowing us to lead in our space while targeting high-quality top decile returns.’

    In a Central Bank of Egypt report, The North African nation’s net foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows more than doubled to $3.6 billion in the first quarter (1Q) of the current fiscal year 2022/2023 (July-September 2022). This growth is an increase from $1.7 billion at the same time last year.

    Read Also: Sylndr Secures $12.6M Pre-seed to Disrupt Egypt’s Automotive Used-Car Market

    Egypt’s Place In Africa’s Automobile Industry

    Egypt is the third-largest economy in Africa and the second-largest passenger car market, making it a strategic market for a car-financing service. In 2021, over 215,000 cars were sold in Egypt, creating thousands of jobs. The country’s strategic position and large population have created a large demand for cars and auto financing solutions.

    Autochek hopes to leverage its partnership with several banks to provide Egyptians with the infrastructure to make car ownership more accessible and affordable. Speaking on the acquisition, Olajide Adamolekun, Autochek’s CFO and co-founder, said, “There are many parallels between Autochek and AutoTager, and we are looking forward to building on these parallels to deliver more growth and success in the months and years to come.”

    About Autochek

    Autochek is an automotive technology development company established with the aim of making car ownership more accessible and affordable in Africa. The Nigerian-owned company has active operations in 9 countries across East, West, and North Africa, with a partner-led retail footprint in over 1,500 dealers and workshop locations.

    The company has more than 70 banking partners and is improving Africa’s automotive finance value proposition by connecting all relevant stakeholders to enable easier access to more financing options as a catalyst for growth in Africa’s automotive industry.

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    About AutoTager

    Autotager is a vehicle-focused digital automotive trading and financing company, set up to make car purchases as seamless as possible by removing bottlenecks in the process of buying a car to ensure that the car trade is easy and transparent.

    The Egyptian company includes new and used cars selected from authorised dealers and provides different financing and insurance programs to enable customers choose the program that best suits their needs.

  • JAC Motors To Launch New Bakkie ‘T9 Hunter’ In South Africa In 2023

    JAC Motors To Launch New Bakkie ‘T9 Hunter’ In South Africa In 2023

    JAC Motors South Africa is planning to launch its new top-of-the-range T9 Hunter double-cab bakkie in 2023. The company made the announcement on its website last week.

    According to the automobile manufacturer, the new T9 Hunter range will be inaugurated with four models, including 4×4 and 4×2 derivatives, which will launch in South Africa in the second quarter of 2023. 

    The company also disclosed its plans to introduce a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) at the end of the coming year and include a battery-electric derivative in early 2024.

    Its size will easily recognise the new T9 Hunter, with a body measuring 5,330mm (L) x 1,965mm (W) x 1,920mm (H) and a wheelbase of 3,110mm.

    JAC Motors South Africa CEO, Karl-Heinz Göbel, expressed the company’s delight about the new Bakkie, emphasising that customers will love its features.

    According to Göbel, “We are excited about the imminent arrival of the new T9 Hunter range. Bakkie buyers will love its large body design as local customer research highlights that a bakkie’s actual size is one of the most important buying motivators when it is purchased.”

    Read also: Nissan To Showcase New technology In South Africa

    He added that “South Africa is an important market in JAC Motors’ plans to increase its global right-hand drive market share. That is why we get the latest high-tech products like the T9 and the battery-electric N-Series trucks early in their product life cycles,” added Göbel.

    What to know T9 Hunter

    The T9 Hunter is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. It will provide 125 kW and 410 Nm through a ZF eight-speed automated transmission to the rear wheels. The part-time 44 system with a low-range transfer case and a rear diff-lock is a feature of the T9 44 derivatives. It offers a 3 500 kg towing mass.

    To ensure a comfortable driving experience, the T9 range will only be offered with an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, local specification levels must still be verified.

    Features

    Seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring, a surround-view parking camera, and ISOFIX child seat anchors are among the active and passive safety features offered by the T9.

    Other standard features include a 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, wireless phone charging, a 7-inch driver information screen, heated and power-adjustable front seats, some leather trim, a 220V power outlet, and climate control with air ducts for the back seats.

    Göbel added that the new T9 Hunter would be a welcome addition to the local T-Series, which includes the T8 and T6 product lines because it will provide additional top-end variants for dealers to sell.

    Price

    JAC Motors will disclose pricing and standard specifications for the T9 Hunter in 2023 once the launch date is close.

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    About JAC Motors

    Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Co., Ltd., popularly called JAC Motors or JAC, is a multifaceted automobile company that combines research and development, manufacturing, and sales of a full line of commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and powertrains, as well as many other industries including ride hailing/sharing and financial services. Advanced energy-saving vehicles, new energy vehicles, and intelligent linked vehicles are all under development at the same time by JAC. JAC is recognized as the top 500 Chinese firms, the top five independent car brands in China, and the main high-tech enterprise for the National Torch Program.

    Nearly 5,000 individuals make up JAC’s elite R&D team, which follows the main technology R&D tenets of “energy conservation, environmental protection, safety, intelligence, network connection, and comfort.”

    There are comprehensive breakthroughs in energy saving and emission reduction technology, intelligent safety technology, noise technology, lightweight technology, new energy technology and manufacturing process technology, etc., which further improve the company’s core competitiveness.

  • Nissan To Showcase New technology In South Africa

    Nissan To Showcase New technology In South Africa

    Nissan is set to showcase its innovative new technology and industry expertise to the first-ever South African Auto Week event.

    The global automobile company made the announcement on the Nissan website today, assuring that participants would get to enjoy the first-hand experience.

    South Africa Auto Week

    sa auto

    The maiden SA Auto Week organized by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) would bring together the world’s industry giants and other stakeholders to South Africa for futuristic and ground-breaking conversations and potential business opportunities.

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    The International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers [OICA] General Assembly and its Council meeting in Johannesburg will also be hosted at SA Auto Week scheduled to hold between 24-28 October 2022.  Discussions at the event will focus on the theme “REIMAGINING THE FUTURE TOGETHER | ‘The Rise of the African Auto Industry: investing in new energy vehicles, infrastructure, and people.’”

    The schedule for the event includes Pre-Activation Activities; 3-day Thought Leadership Indaba, OICA General Assembly, Careers | Skills Development, Enterprise and Supplier Development, Captains of Industry Dinner, Driving Carnival, Media Activations as well as NAAMSA Accelerator Awards.

    NISSAN’s Showcase

    Nissan would be alongside other industry leaders and regulatory bodies at the Kyalami International Convention centre for the five-day event. The Japanese brand aims at showcasing its state-of-the-art vehicles and will participate in panel discussions around sustainability and the future of the African automotive manufacturing industry.

    At the auto week, guests would have the opportunity to test drive the new Nissan Qashqai e-POWER, the all-new third-generation model which offers smoother acceleration as well as a responsive, efficient, and noiseless drive.

    The Country Director for Nissan South Africa, Kabelo Rabotho, explained that the company’s Qashqai e-POWER is a revolutionary vehicle that will further display Africa’s transition to adopt electronic cars.

    According to him, “The Qashqai e-POWER delivers the unmistakable pleasure of electric driving without the need to recharge – taking the stress out of urban driving. We believe it is a key lever in the practical transition for Africa from ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) to EVs.”

    The latest versions of Nissan’s classic models, including the locally produced and award-winning Nissan Navara, will be on display at the auto week for attendees to experience.

    The Nissan Navara is at present being produced at Nissan Africa’s light commercial vehicle hub in South Africa, following an R3 Billion investment in the manufacturing plant by the Asian automobile company. The Navara is also assembled in Ghana with long-time Nissan partner and distributor Japan Motors.

    According to Rabotho, “We are proud to showcase these vehicles, made in Africa for Africans, at SA Auto Week. As leaders in the nurturing of a sustainable auto sector, we look forward to continuing with discourses that shape our industry for the better.”

    As part of the lineup of events, two Nissan executive team members will be part of a series of industry-building panel discussions. Rabotho will be chairing a breakaway session on “Recycling of New Technologies to Reduce Waste and Protect the Environment”, with a focus on sustainable business practices in the industry. On the other hand, Nissan Africa Managing Director, Mike Whitfield, will be lending his expertise to a discussion session on driving the development of the auto industry across Africa.

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    Nissan’s Operation In Africa

    Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is an automobile company that supplies innovative and exciting models across the hatchback, SUV, sedan and pickup segments in Africa, with three operational hubs and factories on the continent ̶ Egypt in northern Africa, Nigeria and South Africa in Sub-Sahara Africa ̶.

    Nissan South Africa is the operational hub for the Sub-Saharan Regional Business Unit. In South Africa, the firm offers a range of 24 vehicles under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands, including the popular locally-produced Nissan light commercial vehicles – the NP200 half-ton pickup and NP300 one-ton Hardbody – produced at the Rosslyn plant, Northwest of Pretoria.

    Nissan is targeting significant growth on the African continent with a robust sales network and expanded product range introduced in emerging markets with innovative vehicles across the board, including award-winning models such as the Qashqai and X-Trail.