Colin-on-Cars - Wild and mild

Two days spent on some glorious Western Cape roads with the new BMW Series 2 coupé showed up a sort of ‘best of both worlds’ scenario with the raunchy M240i at the fun end of the scale and the petrol 220i at the ‘for-all-practical-purposes’ opposite end.

As well as gains in dynamic ability, the new BMW 2 Series Coupé also offers a premium cabin ambience and cutting-edge innovations in the areas of operation and connectivity – so much thbe benchmark ideal of modern generation car buyers.

220d

As is the case with most new iterations of BMW generations is a growth in size and the new model is 105 millimetres longer and 64 millimetres wide than the previous version. It is also 28 millimetres lower and all of this, coupled with a 12% increase in torsional rigidity works to give all the new variants improved handling and road holding.

Gasping

Fun fact: Should the engine start gasping for breath, the vertical flaps in the horizontally-designed kidney grille will open electrically to allow in more air.

Inside, sport seats and a Sport leather steering wheel is standard, while BMW-coloured door insert panels add a touch of levity.

The new BMW 2 Series Coupé comes as standard with Alcantara/Sensatec upholstery. The BMW M240i xDrive Coupé and cars in M Sport specification have Alcantara/Sensatec trim alongside other specific design features such as an M leather steering wheel and cushioned knee pads on the centre console.

Comfortable

Talking seats – my driving partner on the launch could not get fully comfortable in the M240i, yet with a bit of tweaking of the lumbar support, I found the seat to be perfectly fit for purpose. Of the three variants, the 220d offered the best seating for daily and long-haul use, slightly thicker padding being more enveloping and cosseting.

Standard specification includes acoustic glazing for the windscreen, three-zone automatic climate control, and ambient lighting, while a Harman Kardon surround sound system is one of the items on the options list.

The new BMW 2 Series Coupé’s boot offers a useful load capacity of 390 litres and the height of the loading edge has been reduced by 35 millimetres compared to the predecessor model.

Minimise

However, under the skin BMW engineers have been hard at work. The two-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle were designed to minimise weight and optimise rigidity.

The standard M Sport suspension brings firmer responses for the lift-related dampers and springs and includes variable sport steering.

The flagship BMW M240i xDrive Coupé variant also comes as standard with an M Sport braking system and an M Sport differential at the rear.

240i

The new BMW 2 Series Coupé is fitted as standard in South Africa with 19-inch light alloy wheels. The new BMW M240i xDrive Coupé leaves the factory on 19-inch M light-alloy wheels fitted with mixed-size tyres.

Output

The 3,0-litre straight six engine in the M240i has a maximum output of 285 kW and develops 35 kW more than the engine in its predecessor. Peak torque is 500 Nm and the new BMW M240i xDrive Coupé accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,3 seconds.

The BMW 220i Coupé is powered by a new four-cylinder petrol engine generating 135 kW and peak torque of 300 Nm to propel it from 0 to 100 km/h in 7,5 seconds.

Two-stage turbo-charging and 48V mild-hybrid technology give the four-cylinder diesel engine in the new BMW 220d Coupé give the 2,0-litre unit 140 kW and peak torque of 400 Nm. The new BMW 220d Coupé sprints from rest to 100 km/h in 7,0 seconds.

240i

All the engines team up as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. As well as paddles on the steering wheel, it also features Launch Control.

The eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission is part of the M Sport package Pro. This option is available for cars with M Sport specification and adds 19-inch M light-alloy wheels, M Sport brakes, a front spoiler lip and an M rear spoiler.

M240i

Very simply, this is a car for people who really love cars, power and driving dynamism. It has adrenalin inducement by the bucket load, handles (as much as public roads would permit) with precision and is rarely unsettled even by rapid directional changes. In Sport+ mode it relaxes the ‘nanny’ systems enough to allow some sliding – there being a bit of ‘push’ going into corners from the front end, neatly countered by a dab extra on the loud pedal.

Even in Comfort mode it is, perhaps, the least comfortable of all three in slow sections on bumpy roads but that is the price you pay for a sports-tuned suspension.

220d

More than enough power, torque and let’s have some fun attitude this, for me, is the pick of crop. Both massively practical in a daily use scenario, it is more than happy to elevate to much sportier levels. And, with the current price of fuel, it does have an edge.

220i

220i

There is not much to fault with the petrol derivative but, it  just did not generate the same levels of enthusiasm as the other two variants and, at times, felt mildly underpowered

However, launch drives are mere samplers and a full road test experience may alter this opinion.

Prices start at:

BMW 220i Coupé – R771,900.00

BMW 220d Coupé – R819,278.00

BMW M240i xDrive – R1,062,420.00

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Colin-on-Cars - Roadster series set to thrill

The gut-rumbling roar of potent Lexus V8 engines is set to rise to fever pitch on April 02 at Red Star Raceway, Delmas when a full field of Backdraft Roadsters take to the track for the opening round of the 2022 SA Endurance Championship.

“Not only are these the most exciting single-make cars to drive, but they also sound the best – there’s a Lexus V8 under that long hood of each of these locally-made roadsters, which pumps out 300 extrovert horses and have just 1 000 kilograms to push along,” says Backdraft Racing’s Brian Martin. “If adrenaline was measured in decibels, then the racing Roadsters might just be considered a banned substance!”

Regular

For 2022 the Roadsters will again ensure full grids for the South African Endurance championship, with 10 cars likely to be regular starters and at least four others currently available to be bought outright or hired on a race-by-race basis.

The Backdraft Racing Series is unique in South African motor sport thanks to several usage possibilities (it is not a requirement to purchase a car) and that the drivetrain of the car is insured against mechanical failure. If an engine or gearbox breaks, Backdraft Racing supplies another from a well-stocked pantechnicon which is present at all races.

Podium

The 2021 championship was dominated by the skilfully driven and impeccably prepared Cobra of Reghard Roets and Steve Clark, finishing on the podium in all six rounds. With their departure from the class, the 2022 series is wide open.

“We’ve had two seasons where we have all been on a steep learning curve, but we’ve had great racing and a huge amount of fun nevertheless,” adds Backdraft patriarch Tony Martin, who has put his money where his mouth is and, additionally, put the reputation of his organisation in the potential firing line to get it all off the ground.

“With all the groundwork done and the systems and procedures honed, I’m sure 2022 will be our best season yet,” says the former Daytona 24-Hour winner.

It is a series where the playing field is truly level: identical engines, engine management control units, gearboxes, differentials, wheels, tyres, shock absorbers and even brake calipers are supplied by the organisers. Several components have been redesigned in the off-season, and the overall package is now even more robust than before.

Preparation

Tony Martin adds that a combination of preparation, aggregated driving skills, refuelling tactics and of course, overall strategy, will play a significant role in who comes out on top.

With December’s Killarney Nine Hour once again the final round, teams will also need to think carefully of driver line-up for that event (up to four drivers are allowed for the grand finale). As well as RSR and Killarney, the series will visit Dezzi Raceway, Aldo Scribante, East London and Phakisa Freeway.

The Backdraft Roadsters runs as class E within South African Endurance, the championship of the South African GT Racing Association. The restructuring of local endurance racing is expected to have significant benefits for all stakeholders and participants, with a comprehensive marketing plan already in place to ensure a high profile for the series.

https://bit.ly/3hXFaj8

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.

https://bit.ly/3M616GF

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 - New Morgan three-wheeler hits the road

The Morgan Super 3, powered by a Ford 1,5-litre three-cylinder engine and driven through a Mazda gearbox, has been launched, introducing a new design philosophy for the Malvern, Worcestershire company.

As the company’s most configurable model to date, Super 3 offers an extensive list of options and accessories that allow owners to tailor their own experience. From adventure touring accessories to race-inspired liveries, Super 3 adopts multiple personalities to reflect the individuality of its owner.

Designers

In comparison with the outgoing 3 Wheeler, which was created in the style of the 1920s V-twin-engined three-wheelers, Super 3’s designers and engineers have drawn influences from the mid to late century. The jet age was an era in which there was a logical relationship between function and form, as the horizons of imagination were broadened.

Aerodynamic and mechanical requirements have heavily influenced the form and proportions of Super 3. This is most notable in the cast aluminium structures that provide the face of the vehicle, brace the engine and control the corner packages, while also directing air into the side-mounted cooling packs.

Super 3 has a mechanically intricate front end and exhibits linear geometry, which is intentionally contrasted against the trailing aerodynamic passenger compartment.

Super 3’s face portrays two familiar headlights and a horseshoe front grille, both recognisable elements of Morgan design.

Optimal

The engine resides beneath the nose cone, which is positioned deliberately to deliver both optimal weight distribution and desirable proportion. Beneath the cowl, the engine is visible through a mesh with its moving mechanical components clear to see.

All of the elements of Super 3’s wishbones, pull-rod suspension and headlight structure have been shaped to assist airflow to the radiators behind them, and the mechanical complexity is reminiscent of that of early-century three-wheeled Morgans. The headlight stalks themselves are structural, acting as an additional brace between the upper and lower wishbone pick-up points, while continuing to reflect the vehicle’s trihedral theme.

The interior of Super 3 has been designed for resilience and is completely dust-tight and protected against water splashing from any direction, even down to the integrated USB sockets.

A choice of seat materials includes vinyl, water-resistant leather, saddle leather with enhanced durability and a technical fabric that combines a high level of water resistance, UV resistance and ease of maintenance and which offers an appealing alternative to leather.

Available for the first time is a footwell heater, making Super 3 even more suitable for adventure, while comfort is further enhanced by a reach- and rake-adjustable steering wheel and a quick-release adjustable pedal box.

Adventure

Jonathan Wells, Head of Design, Morgan Motor Company, says: “Morgan 3 Wheeler owners are individual, relish doing things in their own way, and actively seek adventure. With Super 3, we aimed to exaggerate these qualities through design. 

“Super 3 stands out as something different. It looks towards our past, is relevant in the present, and reinstates a firm vision of Morgan’s design future. 

“Super 3 gives you a deep mechanical connection to the car and your surroundings. It takes the idea of adventure and escapism beyond just a romantic notion, whilst presenting a blank canvas for self-expression.

“Life is rarely more complicated after a drive in a Super 3.”

Morgan has worked in partnership with Avon to develop its own 20-inch diameter tyre for Super 3. Reviving the iconic Speedmaster name, the tyre is based on the look of a heritage motorcycle tyre with 'ballooned' sidewalls but has been engineered specifically for Morgan and is closer to a car tyre in its design.

The rear tyre on a three-wheeler plays a crucial role in the handling and dynamic capabilities. After significant real-world testing and simulation, an Avon all-season tyre was selected to provide optimum slip angle.

Techniques

Chris Arthur, Chief Engineer, Morgan Motor Company, added: “The Morgan Super 3 represents a new level of engineering integrity for Morgan. Superform techniques have allowed us to achieve something that is typically out of reach for niche manufacturers. The monocoque platform is light, stiff, strong and resilient and looks good. Throughout the vehicle, the quality of finish is comparable to that of much larger manufacturers, and we feel we have engineered a car that delivers a lot more value to Morgan customers.

“Super 3 remains true to Morgan’s roots because it’s a non-standard construction and every element has purpose. We have employed techniques that are appropriate and improve the quality for the customer. It is a modern take on utilising your own production methods to remain unique.”

Technical specification
Engine: Ford 1,5-litre, inline three-cylinder
Gearbox: Five-speed manual
Maximum power: 87 kW at 6 500 r/min
Maximum torque: 150 Nm at 4 500 r/min
Acceleration: 0-100kph - 7 seconds (pending final certification)
Top speed: 209 km/h
Fuel economy (combined): 5,8 l/100 km (pending final certification)
CO2 emissions: 130 g/km
Dry weight: 635 kg
Length: 3 581 mm
Width: 1 850 mm
Height: 1 132 mm 

https://bit.ly/3LU8dlv

Colin-on-Cars - Saving lives by waving

Sometimes it is the really simple things that save lives.

By teaching young schoolchildren to Stop, Look and Wave, Volvo Trucks South Africa has reached 7 589 learners across South Africa in the past three months.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the lives of approximately 1,3-million people are cut short annually because of a road traffic crash. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged between 5 and 29 years, and more than half of all road traffic deaths are among vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.

Vulnerable

Through the company’s own traffic research analysis of real-life accidents, it became clear that most road accidents involve human behaviour, and that children are the most vulnerable of all road traffic users. 

In 2015, Volvo Trucks took a step towards trying to improve this distressing statistic and launched the Stop Look Wave campaign, also here in South Africa. Since then, tens of thousands of learners in both rural and urban schools across the country have participated in the programme.

“Over the years, Volvo Trucks has developed many pioneering safety features for its products to limit the impact of traffic accidents on people,” says Valentia Hobbs, Volvo Trucks South Africa’s marketing and corporate affairs director. “Stop, Look, Wave is specifically aimed at helping children understand how to best behave around trucks, buses and cars, and to ultimately keep them safe on the roads.”

Discussion

The interactive activations facilitate conversations with the participating children, and the message is brought home through various song and dance activities. 

Discussion and practical demonstrations also include information on the size of trucks and buses, their uses, when and how they operate, as well as the need for road users to be as visible as possible to the truck drivers. 

“Part of the message to the children includes the fact that even though we can see a truck, we cannot be sure that the truck driver sees us due to the vehicle’s height and size,” explained Hobbs. “They are taught to stop, look and if possible, wave at the driver to get his or her attention before crossing a road, even if it is at a pedestrian crossing.”

Safety

Utilising the advances in technology, Volvo Trucks create smart safety systems that are designed to monitor the truck behaviour and surrounding traffic to predict safety hazards and intervene to prevent accidents from happening. 

The systems may be out of sight, but they are engineered to activate and support the driver in various traffic situations, and in the process, make the trucks as safe as possible for the driver and all other road users.

“The Stop, Look, Wave programme is an extension of our vision to provide safer and more efficient transport solutions that form part of a society’s sustainable development,” concluded Hobbs.

https://bit.ly/3h6dNmE

Colin-on-Cars - Hijacking tops vehicle theft stats

Vehicle hijacking has taken over the top spot from theft as the predominant percentage of vehicle crime activities according to the latest crime statistics analysis from Tracker.

Recorded from Tracker’s more than 1,1-million installed vehicle base, the statistics indicate hijacking attributed 57,5% of the Tracker vehicle crime activities for the second half of 2021. This is a complete reversal compared to July to December 2018, when theft accounted for 57,2% of the vehicle crime activities.

The slant towards hijacking is most likely an opportunistic tactic, with a noticeable increase in vehicles being targeted for their contents, particularly fast-moving consumable goods. Drivers carrying large amounts of cash are also being targeted.

Incidence

Tracker data indicates a higher proportion of vehicles are reported hijacked on Thursdays followed by Tuesdays, with a higher incidence of hijacking between the hours of 16:00 and 20:00.

However, the percentage difference to other days of the week and time of day is marginal. This means that hijacking can happen on any day of the week and at any time of the day, and Tracker calls on South Africans to always remain vigilant.

Split

Gauteng still experiences the most vehicle crime, followed by KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. However, the Western Cape has the highest incidence of hijacking compared to theft with a 78/22% split. This is followed by Gauteng with a 55/45% split and KwaZulu-Natal with a 53/47% split in favour of hijacking.

“As our daily lives are getting back to normal, it seems crime is not,” says Duma Ngcobo, Chief Operating Officer at Tracker. “These days, it is more difficult to steal a vehicle that is locked, armed and in a secure location, versus one out on the road and already operating. We require a collaborative effort between private security and law enforcement agencies to tackle vehicle crime and thus break the backbone of all crime to create a safer South Africa.”

“However, as an individual you too can do your part by fitting a vehicle tracking device. For many people, the prevailing attitude is a car is just a car, insurable and replaceable. As a result, they are less likely to fit a tracking device. Yet, technology has a curbing effect in terms of managing vehicle crime because it provides an early indicator of movement of vehicles. Also, it’s no longer just about stolen vehicle recovery. It’s about what’s in the car, and a vehicle tracker can play an active part in keeping you and your family safe,” concludes Ngcobo.

https://bit.ly/3I9wr8V

Colin-on-Cars - Driving Africa automotive forward

The African automotive business is driving forward and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed virtually between 12 automotive associations within the ambit of the EU-Africa Business Forum recently looks to accelerate the processes.

The automotive sector, whilst key for the industrialisation of Africa is often associated with several challenges including, persistent market fragmentation, lack of regulatory alignment between African countries and the two continents, industrial and trade policies not conducive to local and foreign investment, lack of access to finance for consumers, local suppliers and affordability.

Expand

However intra-African trade can be bolstered and diversified by developing a Pan African Auto Pact, which aims to expand the African new vehicle market from 1-million to 5-million units and connecting African regions for the common good.

A ‘coalition of the willing’ will see the development of manufacturing sites and allied industries and services – both for the OEM and supplier sector – thereby laying the foundation for Pan-African integrated automotive value chains, which will incorporate neighbouring countries to build a regional and continental production network.

Boost

The launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gives a boost to pan-African trade and investment opportunities, especially for the automotive industry and creates the momentum to stimulate a European-African dialogue between policy makers and important stakeholders.

This was one of the catalysts that led to a joint initiative to develop an MOU amongst European and African Automotive Associations, which initially driven by the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and the German-African Business Association (Afrika-Verein) has now grown into a cooperation between the 12 associations that signed the MOU, which has the support of both the African Union and the European Union.

Plan

The MOU encourages enhanced dialogue contributing to the development of a joint plan to grow the automotive sector in Africa, through integration into the global and European value chains resulting in quality jobs.

Whilst encouraging a favourable investment climate to support market integration and innovation and the joint creation of models of standardisation, harmonisation and safe mobility. Furthermore, it is intended to advance the debate about sustainability whilst considering alternative powertrains and digital solutions and to further develop affordable mobility solutions leading to a viable African vehicle market.

The MOU commits the 12 organisations to work jointly on several key priorities including:

- The setting-up of a permanent round table between the AU, EU, and industry associations in line with the spirit of an established European-African Business Network that will foster the dialogue between Africa and Europe.

- To request the EU and African countries Governments to pursue trade initiatives through the implementation of existing agreements to increase business opportunities and further expand EU-Africa trade in automotive products.

- It also commits to advance the integration of African companies into the global value chains and to support the building of the necessary infrastructure and logistics. This will include investment and growth opportunities provided for EU companies partnering with African companies and will result in supply chains being more easily accountable.

- The MOU further calls on the EU to enhance its support for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area in view of favouring Africa’s industrialisation and the expansion of the African automotive market.

Importantly the MOU calls for governments to support knowledge transfer, provide financial resources and give political priority in establishing a pan-African production and trade system that will reinforce and expand existing African automotive value chains.

Support

Lastly it encourages the EU to support financially the development of sustainable and smart mobility and affordable vehicle financing solutions to increase the mobility of the population in African cities and support therefore infrastructure development.

Whilst also calling on public authorities to provide programs and financial support for research on alternative powertrains and the value chain of green technology solutions in Africa.

Commenting after the signing of the MOU, David Coffey the CEO of AAAM said: "The trade and investment climate in Africa can only be improved together. We are convinced Africa has great potential to develop a promising automotive industry that will provide long-term employment.

“The fact African and European associations have agreed on key points to further develop the industry on the continent is an important milestone. Now political representatives are to support this by creating the framework conditions for the industry to develop and grow."

Signatories of the MOU

African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM)

Dave Coffey, CEO

German-African Business Association (Afrika-Verein der deutschen Wirtschaft)

Dr. Markus Thill; Member of the Management Board

German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA)

Andreas Rade, Managing Director

Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)

Ashit Shah, Chairman Automotive Sector

Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA)

Myriam Elloumi, Vice President

National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NACAAM), South Africa

Renai Moothilal, Executive Director

National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA)

Mikel Mabasa, Chief Executive Officer

European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA)

Sigrid de Vries, Secretary General

European Business Council for Africa (EBCAM)

Dr. Markus Thill, Member of the Management Board AV

European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA)

Eric-Mark Huitema, Director General

Nigeria Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA)

Tokunbo Aromolaran, Chairman

Automotive Assemblers Association Ghana (AAAG)

Jeffrey Peprah, President

https://bit.ly/3HWOgIh

Colin-on-Cars - Aluminium body for Polestar 5

Using a new bonded aluminium platform, the upcoming Polestar 5 electric performance 4-door GT will be lighter and faster.

Bonded aluminium is light-weight and rigid, offering superlative performance and environmental advantages but has previously proven labour-intensive and difficult to use in mass production vehicles without sacrificing quality.

Polestar’s 280-strong team of former Formula 1, low volume and bespoke sports cars engineers working in the heart of the UK’s Motorsport Valley in the Midlands have resolved this challenge by developing an entirely new, faster manufacturing process that develops both body and platform in unison.

Smaller

As a result of the new materials and techniques involved, the body-in-white (completed platform and body) is expected to weigh less than that of cars in smaller segments, contributing to improved vehicle efficiency, real-world EV range and dynamic responsiveness, all while delivering leading safety levels. The new bonded aluminium platform will also help drive faster product introduction, high quality and platform rigidity.

“Our UK R&D team is one of Polestar’s greatest assets,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO. “Their mix of engineering and technological expertise enables us to develop advanced, light-weight sports car technology with a creative mindset and a spirit that embraces innovative engineering. This will set Polestar apart in the years to come.”

Rigidity

By further developing this technology for Polestar’s first in-house platform, the 4-door Polestar 5 is being designed with torsional rigidity superior to that of a traditional two-seat sports or supercar. The decision to develop a bespoke platform has also enabled the brand to deliver a production model that remains true to the Precept concept car that inspired it.

“We knew we wanted this car to be light-weight, we knew we wanted high quality and we knew we wanted it quickly,” says Pete Allen, Head of Polestar UK R&D. “This architecture delivers outstanding dynamic and safety attributes, with low investment technology applicable to high production volumes.”

Polestar was established as a new, standalone Swedish premium electric vehicle manufacturer in 2017.

Markets

Founded by Volvo Cars and Geely Holding, Polestar is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, and its vehicles are currently available and on the road in markets across Europe, North America, China and Asia Pacific. By 2023, the company plans to be present in at least 30 global markets.

Polestar cars are currently manufactured in two facilities in China, with additional future manufacturing planned in the USA.

Polestar has produced two electric performance cars. The Polestar 1 was built between 2019 and 2021 as a low-volume electric performance hybrid GT with a carbon fibre body, 1 000 Nm and an electric-only range of 124 km (WLTP) – the longest of any hybrid car in the world.

Variants

The Polestar 2 electric performance fastback is the company’s first fully electric, high volume car. The Polestar 2 model range includes three variants with a combination of long and standard range batteries as large as 78 kWh, and dual- and single-motor powertrains with as much as 300 kW and 660 Nm.

In the coming three years, Polestar plans to launch one new electric vehicle per year, starting with Polestar 3 in 2022 – the company’s first electric performance SUV. Polestar 4 is expected to follow in 2023, a smaller electric performance SUV coupé.

https://bit.ly/3LGNx0q

Colin-on-Cars - World Car finalists named

Finalists for the World Car Awards have been named with the winners to be announced at the 2022 New York International Auto Show on April 13.

A jury of 102 automotive journalists from 33 countries selected the finalists by secret ballot based on their evaluation of each eligible vehicle as part of their professional work.

“We are proud to partner the World Car Finals for the fourth consecutive year. Brembo and these prestigious Awards aim at inspiring automotive excellence, leadership and innovation. We feel privileged to play a part in recognising the world’s most exceptional cars, especially the World Electric Vehicle of the Year Award,” says Daniele Schillaci, CEO of Brembo.

The 2022 World Car of the Year (WCOTY) winner will be selected from the following Top Ten finalists chosen from an initial list of 28 contenders:
- Audi Q4 e-tron
- Cupra Formentor
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Genesis G70
- Honda Civic
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Hyundai Tucson
- Kia EV6
- Lexus NX
- Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ

A new section is the debut of the World Electric Vehicle of the Year award. This new award is intended to recognise, support and celebrate the global transition to electrically-powered vehicles that is now underway and to acknowledge the efforts of automakers around the world in developing these climate-conscious vehicles. 

The five finalists in this new award category are:
- Audi e-tron GT
- BMW iX
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Mercedes-Benz EQS

The 2022 World Urban Car will be chosen from these top five finalists:
- Dacia Sandero
- Opel Mokka
- Renault Kiger
- Toyota Yaris Cross
- Volkswagen Taigun

The 2022 World Luxury Car class has the following top five finalists:
- Audi Q5 Sportback
- BMW iX
- Genesis GV70
- Mercedes-Benz EQS
- Volvo C40 Recharge

The 2022 World Performance Car top five finalists are:
- Audi e-tron GT
- BMW M3/M4
- Porsche 911 GT3
- Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ
- Volkswagen Golf GTI/R

https://bit.ly/3HF9V7W