Africa Automotive - 2024 Growth of Africa's Automotive Sector

In 2024, Africa's automotive sector witnessed notable progress, primarily spurred by increased local production and advantageous trade policies. The continent is attracting a variety of automakers, both international and local, who recognise the potential within the region. This interest has led to a rise in automotive manufacturing plants across multiple African countries, reflecting a deliberate move towards regional production. The industry is also seeing a diversification of vehicle models being produced, catering to both local market demands and export opportunities.

Efforts to bolster the automotive industry are evident in the investments being made in infrastructure and technology. Countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Morocco are key players, offering a blend of skilled labour and favourable business environments. This development is creating job opportunities and fostering skills transfer, contributing to broader economic growth.

Another critical factor in this growth is the increasing collaboration between governments and industry stakeholders to create supportive policies and initiatives. These include tax incentives for manufacturers, streamlined customs procedures, and efforts to harmonise vehicle standards across the continent. Such measures are aimed at making Africa an attractive destination for automotive investment.

Furthermore, the push towards sustainability is also shaping the sector, with an increased focus on electric vehicles and green manufacturing practices. This trend is aligning with global shifts towards environmentally friendly motoring solutions, positioning Africa as a forward-thinking player in the global automotive arena.

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Impact of the African Free Trade Agreement

The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) has the potential to transform the automotive industry across the continent. By connecting more than1,3-billion people into a single market, the AfCFTA provides significant opportunities for automakers to expand their reach and streamline operations. Additionally, a World Economic Forum report anticipates that global business under this agreement could boost the African automotive industry by $12-billion by 2027. These developments promise a more integrated market, reducing tariffs and improving trade efficiencies among African nations.

The removal of trade barriers under the AfCFTA is expected to ease the movement of automotive components and finished vehicles across borders. This will likely result in lower costs for manufacturers and consumers alike, fostering a more competitive market environment. Additionally, the agreement encourages regional value chains, allowing different African countries to specialise in various stages of vehicle production. This approach can lead to increased efficiency and higher-quality outputs.

Moreover, the harmonisation of regulations and standards across member states will simplify compliance for automakers, making it easier for them to operate in multiple countries. This is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises looking to enter the automotive market. The AfCFTA's emphasis on economic integration and industrialisation aligns with the broader goal of sustainable development, positioning Africa as an increasingly attractive destination for automotive investment.

Indicators of Growth in the Automotive Industry

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The positive trajectory of Africa's automotive sector can be seen through various indicators. Afreximbank, in collaboration with the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers, is actively supporting industry growth. By harmonising automotive standards, developing training programmes, and providing financing, they aim to facilitate industry growth, with Afreximbank committing $1 billion to these efforts.

Vehicle production and sales figures are on the rise, reflecting increased consumer demand and manufacturing capacity. The establishment of new manufacturing plants in various African nations demonstrates robust confidence from both international and local investors. These investments are not only boosting production but also generating employment opportunities and enhancing skill development.

Furthermore, the automotive sector is benefiting from a rise in partnerships and joint ventures aimed at leveraging local expertise and global technology. This collaborative approach is leading to improved production processes and the introduction of innovative vehicle models tailored to the African market.

Another crucial indicator is the development of supply chain networks that are becoming more sophisticated, ensuring the efficient movement of automotive components and finished vehicles. These advancements are essential for meeting the growing demand for cars and motoring solutions across the continent.

In summary, these indicators highlight the increasing dynamism within Africa's automotive industry, showcasing a sector poised for sustained growth and development.

Industry Challenges

The African automotive industry, despite its promising growth, faces a range of challenges that could impede its progress. One of the most pressing issues is the inadequacy of infrastructure. In many regions, road networks and port facilities are not sufficiently developed to support efficient supply chain operations. This situation creates bottlenecks that can delay the movement of automotive components and finished vehicles, thereby increasing costs and affecting competitiveness.

Economic instability in some African nations also poses significant risks to the industry's growth. Fluctuations in currency values and inflation rates can create an unpredictable business environment, making it difficult for automakers to plan long-term investments. Additionally, political instability in certain areas can deter potential investors and disrupt existing operations.

Another challenge lies in the regulatory landscape, which can vary significantly from one country to another. This lack of uniformity complicates compliance for automakers, particularly those looking to operate across multiple African nations. While efforts are being made to harmonise vehicle standards under initiatives like the AfCFTA, achieving comprehensive regulatory alignment remains a work in progress.

Furthermore, access to financing is a critical hurdle for many local enterprises looking to enter the automotive sector. High interest rates and limited availability of credit can stifle innovation and restrict the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises that are essential for a vibrant automotive ecosystem.

Labour issues, such as the availability of skilled workers, also present obstacles. While some countries are investing in training programmes, the overall skill level of the workforce needs to be elevated to meet the demands of advanced automotive manufacturing.

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Technological Progress and Innovation

Technological advancements are playing a pivotal role in Africa's automotive evolution. There is a noticeable rise in electric vehicle production and adoption, driven by the continent's commitment to sustainable development. Pilot projects for sustainable vehicles are already underway in Rwanda, Egypt, and South Africa, with e-mobility startups emerging across the continent. The introduction of smart technologies in vehicles, such as advanced driver-assistance systems and connectivity features, highlights Africa's readiness to embrace innovation and align with global automotive trends.

Market Potential and Consumer Preferences

Africa's automotive market is burgeoning, spurred by emerging economies and an expanding middle class. These factors are significantly reshaping consumer preferences across the continent. There's a noticeable shift towards vehicles that prioritise sustainability, reflecting broader global trends towards environmentally conscious motoring. This change in preference offers automakers a valuable opportunity to introduce eco-friendly models that align with the increasing environmental awareness among African consumers.

In addition to the demand for sustainable vehicles, there's a growing appetite for advanced features and technologies in cars. African consumers are becoming more discerning, seeking vehicles equipped with the latest in safety, connectivity, and comfort. This trend is pushing automakers to innovate and adapt their offerings to meet these evolving expectations.

Moreover, the rise in disposable income among the middle class is leading to a higher demand for a diverse range of vehicles, from economical models to luxury cars. This diversity in consumer demand is encouraging manufacturers to broaden their portfolios to cater to different segments of the market. The interest in luxury and premium vehicles, in particular, is indicative of a market that is maturing and becoming more sophisticated.

The burgeoning interest in electric vehicles is another critical aspect of the changing market dynamics. Governments and private entities alike are increasingly promoting electric mobility as a sustainable alternative to traditional combustion engines. This is not only in line with global sustainability goals but also addresses local issues such as urban air pollution and fuel dependency.

Overall, the evolving market potential and consumer preferences in Africa present a promising landscape for the automotive industry. By responding to these trends, automakers can tap into a market that is both growing and increasingly sophisticated in its demands.

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Future Outlook and Opportunities

Looking ahead, Africa's automotive sector is poised for further advancement, driven by a combination of strategic investments, policy reforms, and technological innovation. The region's commitment to enhancing infrastructure and reducing trade barriers sets the stage for a more integrated and efficient automotive industry. Continued collaboration between governments and industry stakeholders will be crucial in creating an environment conducive to growth and innovation.

One of the most promising opportunities lies in the development of electric vehicles, with several countries already pioneering initiatives in this space. The shift towards sustainable motoring not only aligns with global trends but also addresses local challenges such as air quality and fuel dependency. This focus on green technology could position Africa as a leader in the adoption of environmentally friendly automotive solutions.

Additionally, the rising middle class and increasing urbanisation are expected to drive demand for a diverse range of vehicles, from budget-friendly models to premium cars. This expanding market offers a lucrative opportunity for automakers willing to tailor their offerings to meet the specific needs and preferences of African consumers.

Partnerships and joint ventures between local firms and global automakers are likely to enhance the transfer of knowledge and technology, fostering innovation and boosting production capabilities. As these collaborations flourish, they will contribute to the overall competitiveness of Africa's automotive sector on the global stage.

In summary, the future of Africa's automotive industry holds significant promise, with numerous opportunities for growth and development as the continent continues to embrace modernisation and innovation.

Originally published on CHANGECARS

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Volkswagen Launches GenFarm Project in Rwanda

Gashora, Rwanda – Volkswagen Group Africa has officially commenced operations at its multifunctional facility aimed at revolutionising modern farming across the continent. Located in Gashora, approximately 60 kilometres from Kigali, the facility is a key component of the ambitious GenFarm Project, which integrates electric tractors into sustainable agricultural practices.

This initiative was formalised in June 2023 when Volkswagen Group Africa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rwandan government to secure land for the GenFarm Project. The facility aims to create a reliable and eco-friendly mechanised farming service for rural communities, while also providing essential mobility solutions for the transport of goods and people.

Martina Biene, Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa, says: “We are expanding our presence in Africa, with Rwanda identified as a vital growth market. This initiative underscores our commitment to sustainability and our capacity to deliver mobility solutions that benefit both urban and rural communities. The GenFarm Project embodies our strategy to generate meaningful societal and environmental value through sustainable mobility.”

The pilot project in Rwanda is a collaboration involving Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda and the Volkswagen Group Innovation Centre Europe. Central to this initiative is the Empowerment Hub (e-Hub), which currently operates from specially equipped standard containers during its initial phase.

Plans are underway to construct a permanent e-Hub, anticipated to be operational by mid-2025. This facility will feature a photovoltaic power system alongside energy storage solutions, providing clean energy and operational space for agricultural cooperatives. The e-Hub will facilitate e-tractor services, e-scooter services and space for various business activities.

Dr Nikolai Ardey, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Innovation, elaborated on the e-Hub’s functionality: “Our goal is to offer a range of services through the empowerment hubs. Farmers have the option to book an e-tractor with a trained driver, ensuring sustainable farming practices are accessible and affordable. A standout feature of this project is the battery swap system, which allows the tractor's battery to integrate with the hub's energy infrastructure, enhancing energy storage capabilities.”

The GenFarm Project has garnered support from prominent organisations, including the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. RICA focuses on training the next generation of farmers through research, education, and extension services, while GIZ, on behalf of the German government, is procuring essential machinery and assessing services the hub will offer to local agriculturalists.

The pilot phase of the GenFarm Project will specifically benefit agricultural cooperatives in the Bugesera district, particularly in Gashora.

Over the past three decades, Rwanda has witnessed remarkable economic progress, with the agricultural sector playing a crucial role in enhancing the livelihoods of its citizens and sustaining national economic growth. Currently, agriculture contributes approximately 25% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), underscoring its significance in Rwanda’s development narrative.

As the GenFarm Project unfolds, it promises to deliver innovative solutions that could reshape agricultural practices and mobility in rural areas, aligning with Rwanda’s vision for a sustainable future.

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Africa Automotive: Volkswagen signs paintshop deal in Egypt

Keeping the shiny side up is a way of telling someone to drive safely but that shiny side is the result of technical and precisely calibrated set of steps as any vehicle makes it way through the manufacturer’s paint shop – and it has to last the lifetime of that vehicle.

As a step to upscaling the auto industry, Volkswagen has signed an agreement with the Government of Egypt to work together to develop a feasibility study on a shared automotive painting facility within the East Port Said Industrial Zone in the East Port Said Automotive Zone northeast of Cairo.

The agreement was signed by the Chairman of the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone, Waleid Gamal Eldien, Chief Executive Officer of the Sovereign Fund of Egypt, Ayman Soliman, Managing Director of the East Port-Said Development Company, Dr. Ahmed Fikry and Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA), Martina Biene in the presence of the Prime Minister of Egypt, Dr Mostafa Madbouly at the headquarters of Council of Ministers in the New Administrative Capital.

Standing: Dr Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt and Dr Hala Al-Saeed, Minister of Planning and Economic Development
Signing (left to right): Martina Biene, Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA); Waleid Gamal Eldien, Chairman of the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone; Ayman Soliman, Chief Executive Officer of the Sovereign Fund of Egypt and Dr Ahmed Fikry, Managing Director of the East Port-Said Development Company

In June 2022 Egypt announced the Automotive Industry Development Programme (AIDP) that, like its counterpart in South Africa did, aims to foster the local value addition, increase vehicle production volume, boost and attract investment and improve emission standards in the automotive sector.

Biene commented: “Volkswagen is excited about the prospects of establishing its presence in the Egyptian market as part of its long term growth plans on the continent, especially in North Africa. The AIDP is one of the most progressive automotive programmes on the continent which Volkswagen intends to be part of. The signing of the  strategic co-operation agreement with the Government of Egypt is the continuation of Volkswagen’s strategy to play a pioneering and leading role in the development of the automotive industry in Africa. ”

Volkswagen has been manufacturing vehicles in South Africa for over 72 years. It has three other vehicle assembly facilities in Sub-Saharan Africa. The facilities are in Kenya, Rwanda and Ghana. In addition, Volkswagen has a presence in 17 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa where it sells passenger and commercial vehicles through licensed importers.

Colin Windell - proudly CHANGECARS

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Africa Automotive: Doing it for ourselves

CAIRO: The African automotive sector is surging ahead with new projects and new plans for both assembly and the manufacture of parts to feed what is hoped will become a voracious beast – provided even more cooperation and support can be gained from governments across the continent.

Steady progress towards realising an African Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is being made with countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco and Egypt fully committed to making it work while, simultaneously, energising their own auto programmes.

The President of the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) and Managing Director of Volkswagen South Africa, Martina Biene, said at the opening of the Africa Automotive Show in Cairo: “There are multiple opportunities for everyone in Africa to be a part of the combined value chain.

Martina Biene

“A comprehensive automotive policy creates the framework for trade and will build new car demand but remains dependent on economies of scale and any policy framework must serve to increase that demand.”

Presenting the results of a ‘roadmap’ study done in Egypt on powertrain evolution, Dylan Jessup, Automotive Sector Incentives Manager at EY South Africa, said battery electric vehicles (BEV) was “not the panacea” and that each segment in the possible alternative power source options needed to be evaluated separately and specifically for each country to “determine economic, environmental and social benefits”.

“South Africa’s auto industry is very built on a trade based policy but we need to look at regional integration and establish a healthy supply chain (that could involve beneficiating the raw materials mined in various countries rather than sending them away only to be re-imported).

“Each country needs to look at it strengths and work on those and the actual implementation of the AfCFTA will then make trade easier.”

Of the issues demanding urgent attention is the one on fuel quality with much of Africa still running Euro II specification whereas Europe is moving to Euro VII.

Rynhardt Rall, Regional Product Manager for Nissan pointed out the automaker had two plants in Africa – South Africa and Egypt – saying: “It is very expensive to run internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles on Euro VII fuel but Africa does not need to go head-to-head or play catchup.

“Africa is rich in natural resources so it makes good sense to utilise that,” he says.

Biene concurred and added the low level fuel meant Volkswagen could not introduce some of its latest generation hybrid vehicles that simply could not run on Euro II fuel.

“The South African government has to become more pro-active on this issue.”

The Intra Africa Trade Fair (IATF) is a massive multi-cultural event covering many aspects of trade and industry and, while a large and very significant element, the Auto Show is just a part of an entity where deals worth billions of Dollars are being done by Africans for Africans.

In a keynote speech read on his behalf, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI said: “Africa needs now more than ever bold, innovative initiatives to encourage private entrepreneurship and unleash the full potential of our continent.

“Over the past two decades, Morocco has made infrastructure development a priority in all economic sectors and is pushing toward its goal of deriving more than 52% of its national electricity mix from renewable energy by 2030.”

The King also stressed African countries should enhance “coordination and cooperation mechanisms to drive regional integration”,  citing the Morocco-Nigeria Gas Pipeline Project he says will “enable all countries along the pipeline route to have access to reliable energy supplies and to be more resilient to exogenous energy price shocks”.

There is a slender thread that links all of the different activities and interests at IATF and literary superstar Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Narrative Landscape Press announced the launch of The CANEX Prize for Publishing in Africa.

Why does this matter?

“Stories can give us the confidence to own our aspirations,” says the writer. “CANEX is about hope – the hope of many more African stories. We need more African countries. Stories matter. Stories can take away dignity, but they can also restore dignity. Stories shape politics and perceptions.”

And that is the thread – reshaping politics and perception to benefit all Africans – and in his keynote address, Dr Akinwumi A Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, highlighted Africa’s prospects as a prime investment destination.

“The continent is not as risky as perceived, is growing and showing resilience despite global challenges. As investors, put your monies where the future is — the future is Africa.”

Part of the South Africa Pavilion at IATF

The President of Comoros, Azali Assoumani, pointed out manufactured African exports account for just 1% of world exports.

“We export them to developed countries and these countries re-export them to us processed and sell them back to us at ten times the price. Despite the obstacles, there are enormous opportunities for the development of value chains in Africa.”

Alec Erwin, former Minister of Trade and Industry now a driving force in the efforts of AAAM remarked the early 90’s in South Africa brought new challenges and the realisation the economy had to grow.

“Simply put, South Africa’s auto industry could not survive the way it was and that led to it changing to a volume production scenario which it managed very successfully. For Africa a similar system is needed that will let us all grow and, while there may be some policy differences, it will all be based on trade – and that is why AfCFTA is so vitally important.”

In a video address Anand Pather, Vice President Customer Services at Toyota South Africa, said: “Africa needs a comprehensive safety policy across the auto industry, something like the South African Bureau of Standards that will oversee all of the parts supply chain to ensure equal and high standards are maintained.”

If some of what AAAM and various African governments are talking about seems a bit ‘pie-in-the-sky’, think on this – the Start/Stop button so common in cars today started life as an Egyptian patent.

Colin Windell – proudly CHANGECARS

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Africa Automotive - VW electric tractors for Rwanda

Volkswagen electric tractors will soon be tending the fields in Rwanda following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Volkswagen and the Government of Rwanda that will see the establishment of a modern farm.

The MoU was signed by Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri, Serge Kamuhinda, CEO of Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda and Martina Biene, Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen South Africa in the presence of Imelda Labbé, member of the Brand Board of Management of Volkswagen for Marketing, Sales and After Sales.

As part of the MoU, the Government of Rwanda has agreed to provide land in Gashora (Bugesera District) for the project, as well as to assist with permitting and licensing requirements of the project.

The objective of the GenFarm Project in Rwanda is to make a positive sustainable socio-economic and environmental impact on the community by creating a carbon-neutral business ecosystem.

The GenFarm Project is a holistic ecosystem of e-powered mechanised farming services for rural areas in Africa that is reliable, sustainable and environmentally friendly. The excess energy used to charge the electric tractors will provide power for post-harvest handling and storage.

The pilot project in Rwanda is steered by Volkswagen Group Innovation in partnership with Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda.

“The signing of the MoU with the Government of Rwanda marks yet another milestone for Volkswagen’s sustainable mobility lighthouse projects in Rwanda. Our long-term plan is to build up demand for electric batteries in Africa by introducing locally relevant business solutions. The future of mobility in Africa will also be determined by the storage and distribution of green energy. With the GenFarm, we hope to address the mobility needs of customers with a high transformational impact on the African economy,” says Martina Biene.

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Africa Automotive - Volkswagen supports Africa growth

Volkswagen is fully supportive of growth in the automotive industry in Africa, having taken over the assembly responsibilities of the plant in Ghana from its licenced importer, Universal Motors Limited.

The Africa Union commemorates it 60th anniversary this year on Africa Day with the slogan ‘Our Africa, Our Future’ and this slogan resonates strongly with Volkswagen as the company continues to grow its presence on the continent.

Ghana is the fourth Volkswagen assembly location in Sub-Saharan Africa after Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa, where Volkswagen has been manufacturing vehicles for more than 72 years.

Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) Chairperson and Managing Director, Martina Biene, is positive about Africa’s growth potential, saying a number of African countries have introduced compelling incentive plans for locally assembled vehicles to attract OEMs such as Volkswagen to invest in the development of the automotive industry on the continent.

From left Volkswagen Ghana Chief Executive Officer, Jeffrey Peprah, Martina Biene, Chairperson and MD of Volkswagen Group South Africa, Andrew Potgieter, VWSA advisor to Ghana, Ulrich Schwabe, VWSA Production Director and Thomas Milz VWSA Sales and Marketing Director at the recent Ghana plant opening.

“We are encouraged by the automotive policy changes which some of the countries have implemented or in the process of implementing. These policies will help us to sell new high-quality vehicles which are backed by a well-established global brand to our African customers,” said Biene.

Biene added Sub-Saharan Africa has become very important for the sustainability of Volkswagen.

Future

“The future of Volkswagen is in Africa. We are therefore accelerating our growth strategy on the continent by playing a pioneering and leading role in the development of the automotive industry.”

Volkswagen already has a presence in 17 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa where it sells passenger and commercial vehicles through licensed importers.

“We will continue to grow the Volkswagen brand in these markets and strengthen our aftersales support to customers. Ongoing training is provided to technical staff at the Volkswagen locations to meet customer requirements and expectations,” Biene added.

Growing

According to the African Development Bank of the world’s 10 fastest growing economies, five are in Africa - Rwanda, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Ethiopia and Tanzania.

Biene affirmed Rwanda and Côte d’Ivoire are also two of Volkswagen’s fastest-growing markets. Rwanda, with an economy growing at close to 8%, shows significant potential for increased mobility solutions and electric vehicles due to its relatively young, tech-savvy population and growing middle class.

“Rwanda has been the success story of our growth plans in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is also the innovation hub of our sustainable mobility lighthouse projects on the continent. Our mobility solutions services business, which includes ride-hailing and corporate car sharing, broke even last year. Rwanda was also the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to launch a Volkswagen electric vehicle with the e-Golfs,” concluded Biene. 

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Solberg to star at Simola

Rallycross ace Petter Solberg will be adding spice to the upcoming Simola Hillclimb behind the wheel of the fiery Volkswagen Polo R WRX Supercar.

“We are very excited Petter Solberg will be making his way to South Africa to race in the Polo R WRX Supercar. Solberg’s partnership with Volkswagen started in 2017 where he set up the PSRX Volkswagen Sweden team in partnership with Volkswagen Motorsport. Solberg won the Team's Championship in both 2017 and 2018 before his retirement from full-time racing. We are thrilled to have Petter come out of retirement to race for us in South Africa,” says Mike Rowe, Head of Volkswagen Motorsport.

Petter Solberg

The Simola Hillclimb is renowned as South Africa’s premier motoring and motorsport lifestyle event, garnering significant interest from local competitors and petrolheads, and from around the worldand takes place in Knysna from 4 to 7 May 2023.

Solberg is one of the best-known drivers in the World Rally Championship (WRC), becoming the first Norwegian to win the title in 2003 and wrapping up his career in 2009 with a total of 13 wins. Aside from his success on the WRC stage, Solberg stamped his mark on the World Rallycross (WRX) scene by claiming its first-ever championship crown in 2014, which he went on to repeat in 2015.

Two years later Solberg partnered with Volkswagen Motorsport to create the PSRX Volkswagen Sweden team, which dominated the sport by scoring an astonishing 19 wins from 24 events over the course of 2017 and 2018. Solberg finished third overall in 2017, while the team won both the Driver and Team championships on both occasions – a remarkable success story.

It's not just Solberg’s participation at the 13th Simola Hillclimb that’s of great interest, but also the car he will be driving. Volkswagen is shipping the Polo R WRX Supercar that the team campaigned in the 2018 season to South Africa for this event. Rated as one of the most successful cars of the modern Rallycross era, it is a 419 kW/650 Nm monster that is capable of launching from a standstill to 100 km/h in a mere 1,9 seconds – so it’s guaranteed to shake things up for this year’s King of the Hill challenge in the Modified Saloon Car category!

“Having a star driver of the calibre of Petter Solberg competing in this year’s Simola Hillclimb is a thrilling prospect which significantly elevates the status of our event,” says Ian Shrosbree, MD of the Knysna Speed Festival which owns the Simola Hillclimb. “We appreciate the immense amount of work Volkswagen SA has put into securing Solberg and the remarkable Polo R WRX Supercar, and its commitment as one of our partners for 2023.

“Solberg has a huge following around the world, and it will be great to see him in action in Knysna,” Shrosbree says. “For many people, it will be fascinating to see how the championship-winning Polo R WRX Supercar performs on the 1.9 km Simola Hill, and how it fares against the wild locally-developed cars that dominate the Modified Saloon Car category.

“The participation of Solberg and the Polo, together with another six car brands having official entries in the event, is a vindication of our change of strategy in 2020 to facilitate greater involvement by South African OEMs in the Hillclimb.”

Fierce home-bred competition

The Solberg VW entry certainly ramps up the excitement and anticipation for the epic King of the Hill battle set to play out in the Modified Saloon Car category, but it will be up against a formidable armada of some of the world’s most extreme and powerful tin-top race cars, many of which are purpose-built for the Simola Hillclimb.

Franco Scribante’s radical Nissan GT-R is already a hillclimb legend around the world, using its time attack-inspired multi-wing design along with huge power (estimated to be capable of around 1 500 hp) to devastating effect by claiming the 2019 and 2022 King of the Hill titles. Last year Scribante threw down the gauntlet and set a new record of 38,129 seconds at an average speed of 179.4 km/h – from a standing start!

And, as a four-time King of the Hill (and six-time Classic Car Friday winner), Scribante arguably knows the tight and twisty 1,9 km Simola Hillclimb road course better than anyone.

“We have continued with the development of the GT-R since last year and hopefully sorted out the gearbox so that we can add more boost,” Scribante says. “The competition is always tough, but I believe that a 37-second time is possible, so that’s what we will be striving for this year.”

Scribante’s most fervent challenge is once again expected to come from Reghard Roets in the mean BB Motorsport Nissan GT-R, referred to by the team as ‘Armageddon’. As a three-time Road Car and Supercar King of the Hill winner, Roets had his first outing in the Modified Saloon Car category in 2022 and was regularly trading fastest times with Scribante. Unfortunately, several technical problems hampered the car last year, and Roets wasn’t able to contest the all-or-nothing Top 10 Shootout.

Dawie Joubert

“Although the chink in our armour has been reliability issues, there is no team or driver that has spent so much time over the last year ironing out the niggles with many late nights and early mornings toiling in the workshop, and long days at the track getting Armageddon to turn lap record times for lap after lap,” Roets says. “The engine power, suspension and aero package have been optimised, with car and driver going on a diet to boot. I believe this year is going to be one of the biggest battles yet.”

There are numerous other Nissan GT-Rs sure to be in the mix for the overall title and the class B5 honours for unlimited four-wheel drive cars, including the wild Nissan GT-Rs driven by Martin and Jody van Zummeren, competing against the pair of highly tuned Audi S4 machines of Aldo and Silvio Scribante, and a turbocharged Audi R8 V10 driven by Dayne Riley.

Class B3 is home to the four-cylinder 4WD beasts – and yes, the headline act will be Petter Solberg in his VW Polo R WRX. He will be up against regular Top 10 contender Anton Cronje in his powerful Subaru WRX STi, along with Pierre Bester in a Mercedes-AMG A45 and Knysna resident Tanya Watts in her Subaru Impreza.

Anton Cronje

At the opposite end of the 4WD performance car spectrum is the unusual unlimited SUV and bakkie (pick-up) class. This year sees Ford South Africa taking up the Simola Hillclimb challenge with its recently launched Ranger Raptor, which employs a 3,0-litre twin-turbo petrol engine to produce an astonishing 292 kW. Ford has teamed up with a media partner for its showroom-spec Ranger Raptor entry, and called on circuit racing and cross country ace Anthony Taylor to occupy the driver’s seat.

A second Ranger Raptor V6 will also take to the start line, driven by Knysna’s Fred van Heerden.

The two Fords will face off against BB Motorsport’s Arnold du Plessis in the mean-looking modified Nissan Patrol Black Hawk, which features a 396kW supercharged 5.6-litre V8 engine.

Two-wheel drive action

Several of the two-wheel drive unlimited class B4 entrants will be vying for the King of the Hill crown against the most extreme 4WD machinery, including last year’s runner-up, Charl Joubert in the turbocharged 3,5-litre V6 Honda-powered Lotus Elise, his brother Dawie in the Ferrari 488-engined Lotus Exige, as well as 2021 winner Pieter Zeelie in this Toyota MR2 Super GT.

With constant improvements Zeelie has developed his car into a serious challenger for overall honours and his experience of racing the car, and winning his class, in an international hillclimb in Germany will stand him in good stead for this year’s event.

For the most spectacular on-the-ragged-edge driving, you won’t find much better than Wade van Zummeren in his manic rear-wheel drive Nissan GT-R which he powered into an impressive third place last year.

Two-wheel drive four-cylinder cars slot into class B2, featuring Graeme Nathan who will be back again in the VW Polo SupaCup car, Hyundai South Africa’s Josh Lowe who will compete for the first time in the Hyundai i30N that he races in the Vilaca time attack series, Clare Vale in her Subaru BRZ, and another Knysna local, Mike Verrier, who returns to the Simola Hillclimb this year in a hot VW Golf GTi.

The naturally aspirated race cars in class B7 (eight cylinders and up) comprise Ricky Giannoccaro’s Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo, Giacomo Giannoccaro’s BMW Z4 GT3 V8,  Pieter Joubert’s thundering 6,2-litre V8 AMG-powered Lotus Exige and a 1985 7.0-litre Cobra.

As the lone entrant in class B6 for six-cylinder cars, Geoff Goddard Jnr will be behind the wheel of the iconic BMW 325i Shadowline that was raced by the likes of his father, Geoff, and Tony Viana during the heydays of Stannic Group N.

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Colin-on-Cars - Simola Hillclimb gains new backing

Since inception, the size, status and relevance of the annual Simola Hilclimb has grown exponentially along with the speed, ferocity and technical innovation of the vehicles that clamour for inclusion – with all available slots taken up well before the event itself.

This motoring and motor sport lifestyle event has been given a further boost for this year’s 13th edition, as a record number of vehicle manufacturers are set to join the action. The 2023 Simola Hillclimb, which takes place from 4 to 7 May, will see six manufacturers supporting the event with official entries, with four of the brands also signing up as event partners.

“For the past three years we have been working exceptionally hard to expand the manufacturer support and participation in the Simola Hillclimb to broaden its appeal for spectators and competitors, and give the vehicle brands an unrivalled platform to highlight their latest products,  performance and heritage,” says Ian Shrosbree, managing director of the Knysna Speed Festival which runs the Simola Hillclimb.

“Moving away from having a manufacturer as a title sponsor from the 2021 event onwards allowed us to engage with other brands, and we have been encouraged by a steady growth in involvement each year,” Shrosbree says. “We are delighted to have six manufacturers lined up for this year, which elevates the profile and status of the Simola Hillclimb to even greater heights.”

Suzuki

Suzuki Auto South Africa is a Tier 1 partner for 2023, marking its third consecutive year of sponsoring the event.

“The Simola Hillclimb provides a platform to showcase Suzuki’s fun, exciting and passionate personality that stretches beyond our repertoire of providing affordable, fun and sporty compact cars and motorcycles,” says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager at Suzuki Auto SA.

“Globally, the Suzuki brand has a very strong heritage and enviable reputation of building crazy, and often record-breaking, high-powered hillclimb monsters such as Monster Tajima’s Suzuki Escudo Pikes Peak and the Suzuki SX4 Pikes Peak Special,” Carpenter says. “The Simola Hillclimb gives us an opportunity to dabble in the South African motor sport scene, and has become a highlight on our annual event calendar.”

Along with its Tier 1 sponsorship, for the second year in a row Suzuki will feature two standard Swift Sport entries competing in the standard production class. The company will also display the latest addition to its SUV line-up, and fans can look forward to demonstration runs with its newest motorcycle offerings.

BMW

Following its participation as an entrant last year, BMW South Africa has stepped up its involvement to become a Tier 1 partner for the 2023 Simola Hillclimb.

“We had a very enthusiastic response from the BMW team last year, and we are delighted to welcome the company on board as a Tier 1 partner for 2023,” Shrosbree says.

While the vehicle and driver line-up is still being finalised, fans can be assured there will be lots to look forward to.

“BMW’s presence at this year’s Simola Hillclimb will be a celebration of our heritage in South Africa on Classic Car Friday, as well as a look towards our future and our expanding electromobility portfolio in the King of the Hill Shootout,” says Thilosh Moodally, General Manager: Group Communications and External Affairs, BMW Group South Africa.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen has progressively stepped up its participation in the Simola Hillclimb over the past couple of years, and has signed up as a Tier 2 partner for 2023.

“This event is the most fun one can have in Knysna! It is a showcase of both driver capability and the incredible engineering in our Volkswagen products,” says Mike Rowe, Volkswagen Driving Experience Manager. “We use it as an opportunity to entertain important guests as well as to demonstrate new Volkswagen products and motorsport drivers to the elite motoring fanatics.”

The Volkswagen line-up will include the powerful Polo SupaCup race car that featured in the 2022 event, along with two Golf R entries in the production vehicle class.

“There will be a fourth very exciting car, but we can’t reveal the details yet,” Rowe says.

Honda

Joining the fray for the first time as a Tier 2 partner is Honda Motor Southern Africa.

“This is the first time that Honda will be participating in the Simola Hillclimb, and we are delighted to be a Tier 2 partner for this prestigious event,” says Letitia Herold, Marketing and PR Manager, Honda Motor Southern Africa.

“For King of the Hill, we are entering a highly anticipated new performance car that will be launched just before the Simola Hillclimb. It will be driven by one of South Africa’s best-known racing drivers, so we expect that there will be lots of interest from the enthusiastic spectators. Fans can look forward to demo runs up Simola Hill as well, and we will be involved in the Fan Fest activities too, so there will be lots to look forward to.”

Hyundai

Hyundai South Africa returns as the media shuttle partner for the second consecutive year, supplying the Staria buses to transport the press contingent to designated photographic locations along the Simola Hill course.

More noteworthy for hot hatch fans, though, is the official entry of the Hyundai i30N, which will be driven by Joshua Lowe, Hyundai’s Regional Sales and N-sport Manager.

“Hyundai N products such as the i30N and Kona N closely align themselves to motorsport and were developed to be track stars for the road,” Lowe says.

“We have entered our i30N which we raced in the Johannesburg-based Vilaca Racing time attack series in 2022, where it finished second in the FWD modified class in stock form,” Lowe says. “For this year the vehicle has a few basic modifications for the track, but is essentially what you can expect from the factory vehicle. We look forward to showing the South African public what the i30N is capable of.”

Ford

Fresh from its South African launch, the new V6-powered Ford Ranger Raptor will provide an unusual twist on the performance vehicle theme with the backing of Ford South Africa, and will compete in the unlimited class for sports utility/activity vehicles and bakkies.

“We are excited about participating in the 2023 Simola Hillclimb for the first time with a media partner,” says Minesh Bhagaloo, General Manager, Communications at Ford South Africa. “The Simola Hillclimb is a fantastic event, and fans will get to see the exhilarating Next-Generation Ranger Raptor in action. It is powered by a 292 kW 3,0-litre V6 EcoBoost engine which makes it our most powerful Ranger yet. We are confident that the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor will be a great attraction at this year’s event, and on our media partner’s social platforms.”

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Colin-on-Cars - New graduates from VWSA training programme

Massive investment since it was launched in 2011, has seen a number of candidates processed through Volkswagen South Africa’s Dealer Principal Apprentice Programme (DPAP).

The programme offers candidates personalised mentoring and coaching, which is structured to provide broader training exposure, using a blended learning model. It is uniquely designed and developed for Volkswagen and focuses on principles of leadership and management within the automotive industry.

Transformation

“Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has invested more than R1-billion in transformation programmes in the past 10 years. The DPAP promotes economic inclusion and diversification of the dealer network as well as fostering a true spirit of transformation and black economic empowerment,” says Nonkqubela Maliza, VWSA Corporate and Government Affairs Director.

The fourth wave of the programme took 10 candidates through a development journey that covered subjects such as retail business, finance, leadership and general management. The programme is developed by Optima Training, a global specialist in development and management learning programmes.

Promoted

Of the total 33 candidates who have graduated from the DPAP programme in the past decade, 17 have been promoted into Dealer Principal positions whilst others have been promoted to Group Financial Director and management roles.

VWSA has invested in transformation and B-BBEE programmes through its Business Support Centre in Kariega, Automotive Industry Transformation Fund, the VWSA B-BBEE Initiatives Trust, Ntinga Project and the DPAP.

“The goal of our initiatives is to make a lasting and valuable impact in the transformation of the South African automotive industry.

Furthermore, VWSA has also provided meaningful work opportunities to more than 2 000 unemployed youth through the Youth Employment Service (YES), an investment of R128-million,” concluded Maliza.

https://bit.ly/3QPZTER

Colin-on-Cars - Motor sport season kicks into high gear

March 5 will be quite a noisy day across South Africa with the 2022 motor sport season getting into full swing and hosting the first round of the KwaZulu-Natal championships at Dezzi Raceway, the first round of the Global Touring Cars and Polo Cup at Killarney in Cape Town and round two of the Algoa series at Aldo Scribante.

The Volkswagen Motorsport team will compete in the popular CompCare Polo Cup as well as the Global Touring Cars (GTC) series. 

Premier

The GTC Series, which started in 2016, has grown to be one of South Africa’s premiere racing competitions. This year will see four brands competing for the title over seven races. 

“We are excited to be racing the Golf 8 GTI in the GTC series once again. Before the pandemic curtailed the 2020 season, we were leading the championship with Daniel Rowe, so I’m thrilled that we can continue where we left off,” says Mike Rowe, Head of Volkswagen Motorsport. 

Volkswagen Motorsport will be represented by drivers Jonathan Mogotsi and Daniel Rowe in the GTC series. Rowe has won the most races for Volkswagen since joining the GTC series six years ago. Rowe will be joined by Jonathan Mogotsi who has come full circle with the Volkswagen Motorsport team.

Background

Six years ago, Mogotsi won the Driver Search competition which secured him a place in the Volkswagen team for the Polo Cup. With only a background in gaming, Mogotsi has continued to impress with his racing talent and last year he was also the runner-up in the competitive SupaCup series.

“As Volkswagen, we are passionate about unearthing talented drivers who would have otherwise not had an opportunity to compete in the sport. Our partnership with Squadra Corse is giving us a pipeline to unearth and nurture new racing talent. This year we will have a new driver who will be representing Volkswagen Squadra Corse in the CompCare Polo Cup,” added Rowe. 

Current CompCare Polo Cup driver, Nathi Msimanga will be joined by new driver, Xolela Njumbuxa.

New

Msimanga, in only his second year of racing for Volkswagen, finished in sixth place out of 18 drivers on the grid in the 2021 season. Njumbuxa is a new face to motorsport and will join the Volkswagen Squadra Corse team for this year’s season.

Njumbuxa is currently studying Motor Trade at Midlands College in the Eastern Cape where he has also gone through a motorsport development programme with Algoa Motorsport Club.

“This year is geared to be a nail-biting season and we are incredibly excited to make the most of it. We are also grateful to our new partners, CompCare Medical Scheme, SONAX Care Products and Motul, who have joined the Volkswagen Motorsport programme this year,” concluded Rowe.

Dates for the 2022 Extreme Racing Festival: 

- 5 March – Killarney Raceway, Cape Town
- 23 April – Zwartkops Raceway, Pretoria
- 28 May - Scribante Race Track, Gqeberha
- 2 July - Redstar Raceway, Delmas
- 6 August – East London Grand Prix, East London
- 17 September - Killarney Raceway, Cape Town
- 15 October - Zwartkops Raceway, Pretoria 

Just a pity Dezzi Raceway, Oslo Beach does not feature on that programme.

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Colin-on-Cars - Volkswagen's records still stand

A nearly missed note in my email inbox triggered a nostalgic rush – February 23 was the 20th anniversary of the date the Volkswagen W12 broke seven world speed records on the famed Nardò circuit in Italy.

On that date the W12 Nardo covered a distance of 7 694 kilometres and sustained an average speed of 200,6 mph (320,96 km/h). In achieving this average speed, the W12 Nardo set seven world records and 12 international class records in the process.

Volkswagen W12 Nardo

Volkswagen could then lay claim to nine of 12 world records relating to distance and time. The additional two were set by the ARVW (Aerodynamic Research VW) in 1980. According to the Federation International de l’Automobile (FIA), all nine world records stand to this day.

It was that mention of the ARVW that triggered things because shortly after establishing its records, I had the opportunity to drive this remarkable car – albeit at very slow speed around a skid pan at Volkswagen’s research centre.

The author with the ARVW in 1980

The near cylindrical shape and very narrow track meant it was not designed to turn corners at anything more than a snail’s pace. Rather it was intended for a high-speed banked circuit.

Still, the experience brought home the technology of the time working – in the wake of a fuel crisis – to improve efficiencies, reduce drag and eke out minimal consumption.

Called the ‘Aerodynamic Research Volkswagen’, the project was born as a result of the oil crisis of the 1970s and arrived at the test track in late 1980. The price of oil had spiked, sending shockwaves throughout the world and hitting the oil-dependent automotive industry especially hard. Automakers went from pumping out big, fuel-burning V8s to figuring out how to maximize efficiency. 

The ARVW was a study in demonstrating how an attention to aerodynamics and weight reduction can produce high speeds from considerably lower power. 

The first challenge in creating this super-light, air-slicing vehicle, according to Volkswagen, was to pack a powertrain, four wheels, and a driver into the tiniest car possible. Engineers tucked the wheels beneath the body and smoothed out the car's underbody. The end result stood just 84 cm tall and 110 cm wide, or less than three feet by four feet. 

The vehicle was incredibly light, built from an aluminium frame under a fiberglass and carbon body. Its drag coefficient was an incredible 0,15. 

The ARVW was powered by a version of the Volkswagen Rabbit engine: a 2,4-litre diesel inline-six. Volkswagen added a high-boost turbo-charger and an intercooler, which more than doubled the engine's original output to 130 kW. 

That figure of 130 kW also doesn't seem like much — it's about the output of a modern Honda Civic. But with the lightweight body and extreme dedication to pure aerodynamics, the ARVW was able to hit 353 km/h during its first hour of testing in October 1980. Eventually, it topped out at 360 km/h. 

The first supercar to feature a functioning example of Volkswagen’s unique ‘W’ engine was not the Bugatti Veyron with its quad-turbocharged W16 engine.

With aerodynamic styling penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign, the W12 Concept Coupe that debuted at the Tokyo International Motor Show in 1997 was, just like the Veyron, an out-and-out supercar. Perhaps even more significantly, it broke the traditional notion that a Volkswagen had to be a regular family car, paving the way for range-topping luxury and performance models from the brand.

The W12 Concept Coupe was powered by a 5,6-litre W12 engine, made by mating two of the company’s compact and lightweight 2,8-litre VR6 engines on a common crankshaft. When married, the W12 made 308 kW, which was channelled through Volkswagen’s Syncro all-wheel drive and a six-speed sequential transmission.

Engine Study W12 Coupé

The W12 was a hit—at least in concept form. Though it never made it to series production, Volkswagen’s first supercar utterly exemplified the term. Its windshield was a single sheet of specially-curved glass that stretched all the way through the end of the roofline, splitting double gullwing doors and blending directly into a glass engine cover that allowed a view of the mighty W12 beneath.  With the flames stoked, a roadster variant was unveiled in 1998 at the Geneva Motor Show.

It would be another three years before reasoning for the earlier prototypes’ existence became clear. In 2001, Volkswagen announced it would attempt to set the 24-hour speed record at the 12,4 km Nardò Ring in southern Italy.

The W12 Concept Coupe seen in auto shows had evolved significantly—the W12 engine was enlarged to 6,0-litre, which, among other mechanical differences, resulted in power leaping to 440 kW and it sprinted from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3,5 seconds.

On the ground in October 2001, the W12 was instantly in its element, clocking an average speed of 293,6 km/h over 7 043 km, shattering the World Record.

https://bit.ly/350b4cc

Colin-on-Cars - How the (new) Beetle became a pop icon

Every generation finds nostalgia for a time when many of its members were just being born. It’s how young adults in the ‘90s found the ‘70s fascinating, and how the styles and trends of the ‘80s and ‘90s have enjoyed their own revival in the years since.

Generation Z has kept this streak alive in recent months with a boom for all things #Y2K – a unique historical marker that’s become something of a touchstone for a simpler, happier time, even if those old enough to experience it don’t share that point of view.

Renewed

Part of this nostalgia for turn of the century culture has manifested in a renewed appreciation of one of the most unique cars of the era – the Volkswagen Beetle.

We asked Freeman Thomas, half of the design duo behind the Beetle and current CEO of Meyers Manx, how the iconic design has maintained a pop-culture edge through the years.

Originally conceived as an electric car in 1993, the New Beetle started as a small-scale model captured with a photo shoot on the sunny beaches of California before being greenlit as an auto-show concept car.

Concept

At the 1994 Detroit Auto Show, Volkswagen unveiled ‘Concept One’ a nostalgic concept car that paid homage to the original Beetle while offering a modern, front-engine chassis. The car was revealed with a sentimental video asking viewers to “remember when…,” hearkening to the golden age of the original Beetle.

“The journalists were all tearing up ,” says Thomas. “The overwhelming response from the press was so big that they would not leave the show stand and go to other press conferences, they wanted to see if Volkswagen would actually build the Beetle.”

Approved

After immense success at the Detroit Auto Show, Concept One was approved for production and Thomas and his team designed every interior and exterior detail. They took the original Beetle down to its most geometric elements—the three arches— and were inspired by industrial design to mix Bauhaus flavours with warm character design, making the New Beetle stylish and approachable.

They wanted to go forward with a design that brought in modernity rather than relying on the shapes and lines of the past.

The original interior of the vehicle reflected its exterior body lines, featuring a simple arched instrument panel with aquamarine-coloured dials inspired by glistening swimming pools of California. Thomas designed the famous flower vase in Concept One as a bit of humanity for each vehicle and as a tribute to the porcelain Rosenthal bud vases in the original models.

Memories

“Everybody has their own Volkswagen Beetle story,” says Thomas. “Memories based not just off the charisma of the design but the reliability of the vehicle and it represented Volkswagen’s philosophy of how to build, design and sell a vehicle.”

Introduced to consumers in model year 1998, the New Beetle was immediately popular. In 2003, the cabrio model was introduced and once again inspired by a mixture of modernity and nostalgia. Thomas and team designed the cabrio model’s rag top to fold down and sit on the rear of the vehicle in a way reminiscent of original convertibles.

Today

The New Beetle was all about cohesive design—one that even today maintains a precise balance between welcoming and whimsical. The vehicle is still the star of music videos, movies and now social-media posts because of its iconic design and the feelings of nostalgia it evokes.

“The means the simplicity of the past, when things were innocent and accessible and fun”, says Thomas. “That’s really what the Beetle represented.”

https://bit.ly/3FNgnIb

Colin-on-Cars - Top performers at Euro NCAP

A total of 33 cars went through the stringent Euro NCAP testing process during last year – of which, 22 achieved the top 5-star rating.

Among the successes, the Mercedes-EQ EQS emerged as best in the ‘Executive Car’ and ‘Pure Electric’ categories, narrowly beating runner-up the Polestar 2. 

Performance

In the ‘Small Off-Road’ category, the winner is the Nissan Qashqai with an outstanding performance in active safety. The award in the ‘Large-Off Road’ category goes to Škoda’s first all-electric SUV, the Enyaq iV.

The Toyota Yaris Cross took the top spot in the ‘Small MPV’ category and the Škoda Fabia was the best ‘Small Family Car’.

The Euro NCAP Best-in-Class award is given to those cars which perform best overall in categories with at least three entrants that year. Winners must have achieved a five-star rating and must have no critical body region coloured red in the full-scale tests.

Timelines

Dr Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General, says: “2021 was a tough year for the car industry: a shortage of parts, semiconductors in particular, was the sting in the tail of the Covid crisis, affecting development timelines, production and sales.

“Still, we saw quite a number of new car models coming to the market, many of them electric or hybrid, and many of them achieving five-star ratings despite the demanding requirements. Well done to the winners as well as to the runners-up, some of which were very close contenders for the top slot in their respective categories.”

Results

Executive:   Mercedes-EQ EQS

Runner-up:                   Polestar 2

Large Off-road:             Škoda Enyaq iV

Runner-up:                   BMW iX

Small Family Car:          Škoda Fabia

Runner-up

Small Off-road:             Nissan Qashqai

Runner-up:                   Polestar 2

Runner-up:                   VW ID.4

Small MPV:                   Toyota Yaris Cross

Runner-up:                   VW Caddy

Pure electric:             Mercedes-EQ EQS

https://bit.ly/32K2ld1