News

Dekra Institute of Learning’s now backed by IEB membership

The Dekra Institute of Learning (IOL) announced another milestone in its safety training and development journey when it recently became a member of the Independent Examinations Board (IEB). Christopher Mörsner, Head of Training and Consulting at Dekra IOL, says this further strengthens the institute’s offering of quality assessment options and training for adult learners. The […]

Breyten Odendaal

2023-03-22

Tesla probed in US

Reuters reported in February that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US said it is opening a preliminary investigation into 120,000 Tesla Model Y vehicles after two reports of steering wheels falling off while driving. The US auto safety regulator said the steering wheels in both 2023 model year vehicles, which had […]

Breyten Odendaal

2023-03-21

EV customer service satisfaction lower than ICE owners’ – US study

Customer service satisfaction among owners of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) is lower than those who own internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, according to a study released on 9 March, Reuters reported. The JD Power 2023 US Customer Service Index (CSI) Study, which is in its 43rd year, saw a year-over-year score decline for the first time […]

Breyten Odendaal

2023-03-20

SAMBRA clear on their intent for 2023

The South African Motor Body Repair Association (SAMBRA) has kicked off the new year with a statement in which they made no bones about their intentions for 2023. In it they covered the various areas on which they will focus in order to serve the industry by, in what they have termed, “Driving a safer, […]

Breyten Odendaal

2023-03-18

Stellar line-up of auto events for 2023

South African auto industry stakeholders can look forward to a compact schedule of highly focused events over a time span of two weeks in August/September.

bodyshopnews

2023-03-17

Excitement mounts for African Auto Show in 2023

Stakeholders believe the hosting of the African Automotive Show as part of the 3rd Intra African Trade Fair (IATF2023), will be a considerable boost to regional integration as countries prepare to trade under AfCFTA. The Africa Automotive Show will take place in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire from November 21-27, 2023. It is hoped that the show […]

Breyten Odendaal

2023-03-16

SATMC appoints new chairperson

The SATMC (South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference) has appointed Lubin Ozoux, CEO of Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Pty) Ltd., as the new SATMC chairperson. The SATMC Managing Executive, Nduduzo Chala, said “It’s no surprise that someone as exceptional as Lubin has received this appointment. The industry will benefit from his invaluable expertise and he will […]

Breyten Odendaal

2023-03-15

Thinking of repairing an EV? Here are some basics to consider.

As interest in battery electric vehicles (BEV) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) gain momentum in South Africa, bodyshops will want to capitalise on this added stream of income but will have to have their ducks in a row when it comes to being prepared. Some of the following tips might be common sense, but as […]

Breyten Odendaal

2023-03-14

New Auto Hub a boost for SMMEs on West Rand

On 27 October the multi-million Chamdor Automotive Hub was opened in Kagiso on the West Rand. The aim of the project, which was the fruit of a partnership between the Automotive Industry Developments Center (AIDC), Mogale City Local Municipality MCLM), Gauteng Provincial Government and the City of Reggio Emilia in Italy, was to address barriers […]

Breyten Odendaal

2023-03-13

Survey highlights concerning post-repair issues surrounding crash-avoidance features

A recent survey by the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) yielded results that were concerning at best. Almost 50% of vehicle owners that were surveyed said that they experienced issues with certain crash-avoidance features after the technology was repaired. The IIHS contacted more than 3000 owners of vehicles equipped with front-crash prevention, blind-spot […]

Breyten Odendaal

2023-03-07

Milestone court judgement lauded by SAMBRA

The South African Motor Body Repairers Association (SAMBRA), a constituent association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), has applauded a milestone Gauteng Regional Court judgement in January, finding in favour of a consumer who unsuspectingly bought a previously “written off” car. The court ruled that in aid of the preservation of the consumer’s right […]

Breyten Odendaal

2023-03-06

Environmental impact of waste tyres in SATMC’s crosshairs

Reducing the negative environmental impact of waste tyres remains high on the agenda for the South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference (SATMC), the representative body of the four global tyre manufacturers with manufacturing facilities in South Africa, in 2023. Newly appointed Chairperson, Lubin Ozoux, said members were committed to finalising the Industry Waste Management Plan for […]

Breyten Odendaal

2023-03-04