Africa Automotive September-October 2023 digital issue

Africa Automotive 

September-October 2023 

September-October 2023 Volume 5 issue no. 29 

The Future of EVs 

Evolution of the Automotive Industry and Electrification Beyond Cars 

In this issue...... 

The Importance of 

Quality When Repairing 

MOMENTUM: The Leader in 

Financing Motor Vehicle-Related 

Transactions Across Africa... 

Generative AI’s Impact on 

the Automobile Industry‘s 

Engine Parts... Pg 34 Transactions Across Africa... Pg 10 

Future... Pg 14

September-October issue l 2023 

Current Issue 

In this issue, we look 

at the Future of EVs - 

The Evolution of the 

Automotive Industry and 

Electrification Beyond 

Cars & much more...enjoy 

the issue! 

Contents 

24 

Contents 

10 

REGULARS 

News Briefs 4 

Events 10 

Innovation 12 

Opinion 18 

Safety Tips 36 

28 14 

Director 

Augustine M. Rang’ondi 

Senior Editor 

& Marketing Lead 

Dorcas Kang’ereha 

Writers 

Harriet Mkhaye 

Irene Joseph 

Claudia Mangi 

Sales Executives 

East Africa 

Lydia Kamonya 

Caiser Momanyi 

Vincent Murono 

Sheilah Ing’ayitsa 

South Africa 

Paul Nyakeri 

Lisa Brown 

Sean Masangwanyi 

Thembisa Ndlovu 

Nigeria 

Imelda Njomboro 

Uche Maxwel 

COVER STORY 

The Future of EVs: Evolution of the Automotive Industry and 

Electrification Beyond Cars 

FEATURES 

MOMENTUM: The Leader in Financing 

Motor Vehicle-Related Transactions Across Africa 

Innovative Technologies for the Transport Sector 

Generative AI’s Impact on the Automobile Industry‘s Future 

Using 5G to Optimise Vehicle Manufacturing 

The Importance of Quality When Repairing Engine Parts 

Bending Machines: A guide to Exhaust Pipe Benders: Types, 

Features, and Benefits 

16 

Published and 

Designed By: 

Josem Trust House, 

3rd Floor, Bunyala Road, 

Upper Hill. 

P.O. Box 52248-00100, 

Nairobi, Kenya. 

ADVERTISER’S INDEX 

DeweSoft..............................................................................................IFC 

Ford.........................................................................................................IBC 

Speedy...................................................................................................OBC 

Momentum...........................................................................................pg 11 

Ram.........................................................................................................pg 21 

Totachi....................................................................................................pg 33 

Exn...........................................................................................................pg 33 

Dikam......................................................................................................pg 35 

Aslam......................................................................................................pg 35 

Super Charge Battries.........................................................................pg 38 

34 

Contact us: 

Tel: +254 113 194 740 

Email: info@africaautomotivenews.com 

Web: https://africaautomotivenews.com 

The Editor accepts letter and manuscripts for publication from readers all over the world. Include your name and address as a sign of good faith although you may 

request your name to be withheld from publication. We can reserve the right to edit any material submitted. Send your letters to: info@africaautomotivenews.com 

Disclaimer: 

Nailex Africa Publishing Ltd makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the contents of its publications, but no warranty is made to such accuracy 

and no responsibility will be borne by the publisher for the consequences of actions based on information so published. Further, opinions expressed 

on interviews are not necessarily shared by Nailex Africa Publishing Ltd. 

Africa Automotive News l 2023 3

News 


Shekel Mobility Raises $7 Million in Funding to Drive 

Auto Dealerships in Africa 

Shekel Mobility, an African B2B 

marketplace for auto dealers 

is pleased to announce 

that they have successfully 

secured US$7 million in their recent 

funding round, marking a significant 

milestone in the B2B Marketplace 

for auto dealers in Africa. This 

achievement not only solidifies 

their growth and market standing 

but also attests to the confidence of 

influential investors. 

“Our funding round, led by MaC 

Venture Capital and Ventures 

Platform and in collaboration with 

Y Combinator brought together a 

diverse group of equity investors, 

including Rebel Fund, Unpopular 

Ventures, Maiora Capital, PageOne 

Lab Inc., Phoenix Investment Club, 

Heirloom VC, Pioneer Ventures, AVCF 

5, XYZ Ventures, Vastly Valuable 

Ventures, Haleakala Ventures Seed 

I, Hi2global, Syntax Ventures and 

other angel investors,” says Shekel 

Mobility in a statement. 

Facilitating transactions 

exceeding $56 million, their B2B 

marketplace has empowered over 

1,300 auto dealers to augment 

their inventories and triple their 

sales. 

They have positioned themselves as 

a transformative force in the African 

automotive market. This infusion 

of $7 million in fresh funding is 

poised to enhance their financial 

services, expand into new markets, 

and sustain their impressive growth 

trajectory. 

The co-founders, Sanmi Olukanmi 

and Benjamen Oladokun, share a 

Image: Shekel Mobility 

steadfast commitment to address 

the challenges faced by auto dealers, 

empowering them to discover, 

finance, and trade used cars. 

Thereby aligning with the vision for 

streamlined solutions in an industry 

projected to reach $30 billion. It is 

for this mission that Shekel Credit 

and Shekel Business have been 

birthed. 

Fixit45 Secures $1.9m in Pre-Seed Funding for Expansion in 

Africa’s Automotive Aftermarket 

L-R COO & CoFounder, Fixit45 Pankaj Bohhra_ Vice 

President Commercial, Fixit45 Chioma Ahueze- 

Okechukwu and CFO & CoFounder, Fixit45 Goodluck 

Ikporo. Image: Courtesy 

Fixit45, a leader in the Africa’s 

automotive technology 

aftermarket sector, has 

announced it has secured 

US$1.9 million in equity and working 

capital in a pre-seed funding round. 

The round was led by Launch Africa 

Ventures, Africa’s most active VC 

investment firm, with participation 

from prominent investors such as 

Soumobroto Ganguly and Dave 

Delucia, along with a diverse group 

of angel investors. 

The company is now poised to 

expand its footprint and influence in 

the African automotive aftermarket 

industry. 

Founded by Pankaj Bohhra, Chioma 

Ahueze- Okochukwu and Goodluck 

Ikporo, Fixit45 empowers vehicle 

owners to engage with various 

participants in the aftermarket 

ecosystem, encompassing an 

extensive array of automotive service 

providers, expert technical teams, 

suppliers of spare parts, and endusers 

The company is committed to 

revolutionizing the automotive 

aftermarket sector in Africa, and 

this capital infusion is a pivotal 

step toward achieving its expansion 

objectives. The funds will be 

strategically allocated to support 

the company’s automotive repair 

business while intensifying efforts in 

spare parts distribution through its 

innovative online-to-offline platform, 

xparts.africa. 

Additionally, Fixit45 is gearing up for 

market entry into East Africa, with a 

primary focus on Kenya and Uganda. 

“This funding represents a pivotal 

moment for Fixit45. We are 

profoundly grateful to our investors 

for their faith in our vision and 

our unwavering commitment 

to revolutionizing the African 

automotive aftermarket sector. With 

this capital infusion, we are wellpositioned 

to advance towards our 

expansion objectives,” says Pankaj 

Bohhra, Co-founder & COO of 

Fixit45. 

4 Africa Automotive News l 2023


News 

Mecho Autotech Accelerates Automotive Revolution with 

$2.4 Million Pre-Series A Funding 

As Nigeria’s pioneering 

automotive technology 

platform, Mecho Autotech 

are thrilled to announce a 

monumental leap forward in their 

mission to transform the automotive 

aftermarket industry.They are 

delighted to share that they have 

successfully secured US$2.4 million 

in a pre-Series A funding round, 

ushering in a new era of innovation 

and accessibility in the automotive 

sector. 

At Mecho Autotech, they have always 

been dedicated to revolutionizing 

the automotive after-sales sector 

in Nigeria. With over 12 million 

registered vehicles, and a staggering 

90% of them being imported and 

pre-owned, they recognized the 

pressing need for change. Their 

commitment to improving vehicle 

Godwin Asuelimen, Chief Growth Officer and Olusegun Owoade, Founder. Image: Mecho Autotech 

maintenance culture led them to 

establish Mecho Autotech in April 

2021. Since then, they have been 

tirelessly working to bridge the gaps 

in the fragmented and informal 

aftermarket spare parts supply chain. 

Their recent funding round was 

made possible through the generous 

participation of esteemed investors 

who share their vision. Global Brain 

Corporation, Ventures Platform, and 

Uncovered Fund have joined forces 

with them on this transformative 

journey. 

GoMetro secures £9 Million funding from Zenobē, 

FutureGrowth and existing investors 

GoMetro, South African 

technology firm focusing 

on fleet management, has 

successfully secured a £9 

million Series A funding round. 

The round was led by new investor 

Zenobē, with significant participation 

by FutureGrowth Asset Managers. 

Following-on in the Series A round 

were existing investors 4 Decades 

Capital, Hlayisani Capital, Tritech 

Image: GoMetro 

Global, Kalon Venture Partners, 

ESquared Ventures and Greg Fury. 

The infusion of capital will serve 

as a catalyst for GoMetro’s mission 

to digitise heavy duty commercial 

transport operations and further 

develop its state-of-the-art fleet 

management platform in its key 

markets of the United Kingdom, EU, 

USA and South Africa. 

The risk of losing market share 

to competitors who are rapidly 

adopting technology solutions can 

be minimised Fleet owners operate 

in a highly competitive space in both 

the bus and truck sector. The risk of 

losing market share to competitors 

who are rapidly adopting technology 

solutions can be minimised if 

fleet operators can position their 

operations for growth and stay 

competitive in the ever-changing 

market. 

“Embracing data-driven decisionmaking 

systems that empower 

operators to better manage fleet 

utilisation, optimise resources, 

reduce risk and enhance customer 

satisfaction can be a real 

competitive edge that catapults 

transport companies beyond the 

reach of their competitors,” states 

GoMetro founder, Justin Coetzee. 


News 


Changan Enters Kenyan Auto Market 

Changan, a Chinese 

automotive brand has been 

launched in the Kenyan 

automotive market and will 

be distributed by Inchcape Kenya. 

Sylvia Agani, the regional sales 

manager of Changan Automotive, 

said at a briefing during the launch 

that the Chinese vehicles have been 

tailored for local clients who value 

quality brands that provide superior 

driving experience. 

“Kenyans will now be able to 

purchase Changan’s passenger and 

light commercial models that offer 

modern car technology coupled with 

advanced safety systems at a very 

competitive price point,” Agani said. 

According to Agani, six models 

in Changan’s innovative range of 

vehicles including the Oshan sport 

utility vehicle, Alsvin sedan, Hunter 

pickup, Star 5 minivan, and Star 5 

mini truck single and double cabin 

Sylvia Agani, the Regional Sales Manager for Changan Auto (left) and Julia Vershinskaya, Managing 

Director Inchcape Kenya pose with the Oshan X7 Image: Inchcape Kenya 

will now be available in the Kenyan 

market. 

Julia Vershinskaya, the Managing 

Director of Inchcape Kenya, said 

that Changan Automotive is an ideal 

partner because its cars are suited 

to local conditions and has already 

established a presence in other 

African markets such as Angola, 

Egypt, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and 

Ghana. 

Vershinskaya added that, the 

cooperation with Changan 

Automotive will enable more 

Kenyans to have access to Chinese 

motor vehicles that offer value for 

money. 

Stellantis to Invest $160 Million in South Africa Auto Factory 

Stellantis NV has plans to 

develop a new vehicle 

manufacturing facility 

in South Africa with the 

country’s Industrial Development 

Corp. and the Department of 

Trade, Industry and Competition. 

This development will require an 

investment of US$160 million. 

Image: Stellantis 

6 Africa Automotive News l 2023 

Stellantis brands such as Alfa 

Romeo, Chrysler and Jeep 

first signed a memorandum of 

understanding with South Africa’s 

government in March. The project 

was finalized at a meeting attended 

by Stellantis Middle East and Africa 

Chief Operating Officer Samir 

Cherfan, Trade and Industry Minister 

Ebrahim Patel and IDC officials, 

the trade department said in a 

statement. 

The factory will be built in a special 

economic zone near the ports of 

Ngqura and Port Elizabeth in the 

Eastern Cape province, where 

Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen AG, 

Ford Motor Co. have plants. The 

Stellantis facility is planned to be 

completed by the end of 2024 and 

could produce as many as 90,000 

units a year, the department said. 

Supported by government 

incentives, the automotive industry 

accounted for 4.9% of South 

Africa’s gross domestic product and 

12.4% of exports last year, with 

manufacturers directly employing 

about 110,000 people, data from the 

Automotive Business Council show.


News 

Kenya and Japan Strike Deal on Key Motor Areas 

Kenya has signed a deal 

with the Toyota Tsusho 

Corporation that will enable 

the Japanese company to 

provide funding for the Thika based 

Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM). 

The agreement was made during 

the recently concluded G7 Session 

of Trade Ministers held in Osaka, 

Japan, with the aim of reviving 

the struggling company, although 

specific details about Toyota’s 

investment and the amount involved 

have not been disclosed. 

The Kenyan delegation, led by 

Investments and Trade Cabinet 

Secretary Rebecca Miano, included 

Industry Principal Secretary Dr 

Juma Mukhwana and Kenya’s 

ambassador to Japan, Tabu Irina, 

while the Japanese delegation 

included Toyota Tsusho Corporation’s 

president and CEO, Ichiro Kashitani, 

and Kashumasa Kimura, the COO of 

Trade Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano and Japan Trade Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura when they held 

bilateral talks in Osaka City in Japan on October 29, 2023. [Courtesy: Ministry of Trade] 

Toyota Tsusho Africa Division New 

Business Development. 

The Ministry stated that the 

decision to involve Toyota Tsusho in 

saving the company from collapse 

was made due to the financial 

difficulties faced by the local 

automotive assembling facility. The 

National Treasury holds the largest 

stake in the Thika-based vehicle 

manufacturer, with a 35 percent 

ownership, while CMC Motors and 

DT Dobie each have a 32.5 percent 

stake. 

Autotronix accolade best Automotive Security Solutions award 

Autotronix Telematics 

Limited, a 360-degree 

automotive security 

solutions provider has 

won the Best Automotive Security 

Solutions Provider 2023 award at 

the annual Automotive Industry 

Awards gala held in Nairobi. 

The award, previously known as 

the Automotive Sector Excellence 

Awards recognizes and celebrates 

the key players in various realms 

of the automotive sector who have 

over the years achieved outstanding 

results in their niche and have 

positively impacted the lives of their 

clients. 

According to Knoema, a data 

platform, private car theft rate 

fluctuated substantially in recent 

years. 

It decreased through the 2005 – 

2020 period ending at 0.6 cases 

per 100,000 population in 2020, an 

indication of the need for adoption 

of automotive security solutions for 

enhanced security. 

Speaking during the event, Martin 

Mugo, CEO and founder of Autotronix 

Telematics Limited noted that the 

automotive security industry in 

Image: Courtesy 

Kenya is robust and that businesses 

operating in this sector need to 

leverage technology and readily 

available information to provide 

solutions that ensure Kenyans are 

safe while running their businesses 

and daily activities using their 

vehicles. 


News 


Shanghai Automotive launches logistics EVs in South Africa 

One of the world’s top 

five electric vehicle (EV) 

manufacturers, Shanghai 

Automotive Industrial 

Corporation (SAIC), has appointed a 

South African dealer and distributor 

to market and sell its commercial 

EVs. The newly formed green 

mobility business, to be called 

MAXUS Electric Vehicles, is among 

the country’s first distributors to 

focus exclusively on the EV market. 

MAXUS Electric Vehicles will offer 

urban logistics fleets access to EVs 

that help them to reduce total cost 

of ownership and make significant 

progress towards their net-zero 

goals. Early customers in South 

Africa such as Woolworths and 

DSV, working with MAXUS’ leasing 

partner Everlectric, have already 

zoomed past 1 000,000km while 

saving over 220,000kg of harmful 

carbon emissions. 

Proof of concepts with MAXUS 


vehicles show that each EV on 

the road saves more than a tonne 

of carbon emissions each month. 

Operating costs are attractive 

compared to ICE vehicles, at 

around 40 c/km to run a MAXUS 

EV compared to around R2/km 

for a combustion engine. The low 

maintenance nature of EVs helps to 

improve asset utilisation, delivering 

further efficiencies. 

“With environmental and 

sustainability concerns rising up the 

corporate agenda and the growing 

operational efficiencies of EVs, 

there is a compelling business case 

for decarbonising urban logistics 

fleets,“ said Ndia Magadagela, CEO 

at MAXUS Electric Vehicles. “We are 

excited to partner with a leading EV 

manufacturer to offer South African 

companies access to commercial EVs 

that enable them to simultaneously 

reduce CO2 emissions and harvest 

cost savings.” 

Ezz Elsewedy Automotive to assemble Proton Cars in Egypt 

with investments exceeding $15 million and a production 

capacity of 50,000 cars 

Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, 

Prime Minister, witnessed 

the signing of the 

framework agreement 

between the Egyptian government 

and Ezz Elsewedy Automotive 

Factories ESAF. This is in line with 

the objectives of the national 

Automotive Industry Development 

Program (AIDP) in Egypt and the 

government’s plan to localize the 

automotive industry in Egypt. 

The agreement was signed 

by the General Authority for 

Investment and Free Zones, 

the Environmentally Friendly 

Automotive Industry Finance Fund, 

and the Automotive Industry Unit 

of the Ministry of Commerce and 

Industry, representing the Egyptian 

government. It was also countersigned 

by Mr. Abdel Rahman Sultan, 

CEO of Ezz Elsewedy Automotive 

Factories Company ESAF, in the 

presence of Eng. Hisham Ezz Elarab, 

Chairman of ESAF, his Excellency 

Mr. Ambassador Zamani Bin Ismail, 

Ambassador of Malaysia to Egypt, 

and Eng.Sameh Ali, Chief Operating 

Officer of the company. 

In line with the government’s 

policies related to automotive 

industry localization in Egypt, 

and our belief in the future of the 

automotive industry in light of the 

attractive investment climate for 

major international companies, 

we are about to announce the 

largest partnership in this field. The 

efforts and expertise of the largest 

company in the automotive sector 

(namely, Ezz Elarab) and the largest 

The agreement was signed by the General Authority 

for Investment and Free Zones, the Environmentally 

Friendly Automotive Industry Finance Fund, and 

the Automotive Industry Unit of the Ministry of 

Commerce and Industry, representing the Egyptian 

government. Image: Ezz Elsewedy Automotive 

company in the manufacturing field 

(namely, Elsewedy Capital) have 

combined to form a major industrial 

partnership that will attract many 

automotive brands, spare parts, 

re-export, and wholesale. This huge 

entity in the world of automotive 

industry is based on three main 

pillars: Quality Never Compromised; 

Export; and Electric Vehicles. 



News 

Huawei is pushing its tech into the EV world with new cars, 

automaker partnerships 

Chinese telecommunications 

and smartphone giant 

Huawei is doubling down 

on selling its tech in the 

competitive electric car market. 

The company has emphasized it 

doesn’t manufacture cars. Instead, 

it sells tech components such as 

its Harmony OS operating system 

and driver-assist product, or works 

with automakers to create new EV 

brands. 

Huawei on Tuesday confirmed it is 

working with at least four traditional 

automakers in China on new car 

brands, after news over the weekend 

of a joint venture with Changan 

Automobile for car technology. 

Changan and Huawei are already 

partners for the Avatr electric car 

brand, created in 2018 with electric 

car battery giant Contemporary 

Amperex Technology. Avatr’s SUV 

and sedan each sell for slightly more 

than the equivalent of $42,000. 

Huawei is also working with Chery 

on the Luxeed electric car brand, 

which revealed details for its S7. 

Chinese automakers with products 

“lacking in the tech necessary to 

compete seem more than happy to 

use Huawei’s [tech] to fill the voids,” 

said Tu Le, founder of Beijing-based 

advisory firm Sino Auto Insights. 

Detroit opens First wireless charging road 

The Michigan Transportation 

Department and city of 

Detroit have opened the 

first wireless charging road 

on 14th Street between Marantette 

and Dalzelle streets near Michigan 

Central Station. The road is 

equipped with inductive-charging 

coils from Israel-based Electreon 

Wireless Ltd. to test the technology’s 

efficiency and potential for public 

transportation opportunities. Only 

EVs equipped with a special receiver 

can be charged from it. 

The Copper inductive charging 

coils allow vehicles equipped with 

receivers to charge up their batteries 

while driving, idling or parking 

above the coils. 

The quarter-mile segment of 14th 

Street will be used to test and 

perfect the technology ahead of 

making it available to the public 

A Ford electric vehicle is shown travelling on an electrified road to charge it. (Electreon) 

within a few years, according 

to the Michigan Department of 

Transportation. 

The Michigan Transportation 

Department and city of Detroit have 

opened the first wireless charging 

road on 14th Street between 

Marantette and Dalzelle streets near 

Michigan Central Station. The road 

is equipped with inductive-charging 

coils from Israel-based Electreon 

Wireless Ltd. to test the technology’s 

efficiency and potential for public 

transportation opportunities. Only 

EVs equipped with a special receiver 

can be charged from it. 

The Copper inductive charging 

coils allow vehicles equipped with 

receivers to charge up their batteries 

while driving, idling or parking 

above the coils. 


Interview 


MOMENTUM: The Leader in 

Financing Motor Vehicle-Related 

Transactions Across Africa 

Expanding Your Possibilities 

By Dorcas Kang’ereha 

Founded in March 2017 with the purposeful 

intent to meet an overwhelming market need 

of providing working capital solutions to 

Individuals and SMEs, MOMENTUM’s mission 

has since evolved to become the leader in financing 

motor vehicle-related transactions across Africa. They 

deliver against this mission by unlocking collateral held 

in their client’s motor vehicles – without needing to 

liquidate their asset. 

In an exclusive interview with Africa Automotive 

magazine, Kawira Irambu – Brand and Strategy Manager 

at MOMENTUM tells us more on how you can unlock 

your financial potential, keep the momentum and 

expand your possibilities! 

AA: What are your major product solutions? 

KI: Our solutions include; Motor import financing, a 

revolving credit facility secured by the motor vehicle 

asset, affordable insurance premium payment, keyto-key 

motor vehicle trade-in & automotive repairs 

financing. 

AA: What industry do you serve and how long have you 

been serving? 

KI: We are in the structured non-bank lending space – 

with a key focus on Motor Vehicle related financing at 

the moment. 

AA: What is the inspiration behind the formation of 

Momentum? 

‘ 

Owning a motor vehicle comes with 

increased financial & expertise demands 

– we work really hard to ensure 

we deliver against these two key 

expectations from our clients. 

~ Kawira Irambu 

Kawira Irambu – Brand and Strategy Manager at MOMENTUM LTD. 

Image courtesy MOMENTUM 

KI: To meet an overwhelming market need for structured 

working capital solutions to individuals and Small 

Medium Enterprises (SMES). 

AA: What do you believe to have been your biggest 

business success over the years? 

KI: Our ability to respond to our clients’ evolving needs 



Auto Financing 

has resulted in informed product innovation supporting 

our business growth over the years. This clientcentric 

approach implies we consistently make further 

improvements to our processes and people – in effect 

improving our client’s experiences. 

AA: What makes you the best auto solutions provider in 

the market? 

KI: Focus – we understand the automotive industry endto-end. 

Owning a motor vehicle comes with increased 

financial & expertise demands – we work really hard to 

ensure we deliver against these two key expectations 

from our clients. 

AA: How would you create a broader awareness about 

the benefits of using your products solution? 

KI: It starts with having a compelling value proposition 

that addresses client pain points (existing and evolving) 

Beyond this, we ensure we deliver against promises 

made to our existing client base to support loyalty and 

word of mouth referrals. 

AA: What values do you uphold in the delivery of your 

solution? 

KI: Upfront: We ensure the information we share with 

our clients is timely, conclusive & accurate. 

MOMENTUM Staff. Image courtesy MOMENTUM 

AA: How would you describe Kenya’s auto credit and 

financing market? 

KI: Exceptionally fragmented; we have over 30 

microfinance institutions in this space in Kenya. 

AA: What direction do you see the company taking in the 

next ten years, if you had to guess? 

KI: Our actions are largely informed by our client’s cues. 

We’ll continue to base our solutions on our client paint 

points (current and evolving) as well as leverage on 

emerging market trends such as AI. 

Logbook Financing 

Our Solutions 

Ezua Chapaa 

Motor Import Financing 

Import Duty Financing 

Insurance Premium Financing 

Sharia Compliant Financing 

Invoice Financing 

SME Financing 

Contact Us 

0709 434 000 | cx@momentumcredit.co.ke | www.momentum.ke 


Events 


JOST wins the I-nnovation Awards 2023 

with its future-oriented KKS System 

At the Solutrans, the biennal trade fair for 

haulage and urban transport professionals 

taking place in Lyon, the French Bodywork 

Federation (FFC) honors the industry’s 

dynamism and vitality with the I-nnovation Awards. The 

award reflects the innovative projects from bodybuilders, 

equipment suppliers or providers of digital solutions, 

whose goal is to drive change in the sector. 

JOST wins the I-nnovation Awards 2023 (Gold) with its 

future-oriented KKS System in the Equipment Suppliers 

category. The KKS is a remote-control trailer hitching 

solution that automates the entire coupling and 

uncoupling process, including air, electrics, and brakes. 

JOST’s KKS combines efficiency, comfort, and safety 

on the road and for the drivers. It enables them to 

couple and uncouple semi-trailers via remote control 

without leaving the driver’s cabin, automatically, safely 

and quickly. The driver is guided through the entire 

coupling process, with sensor technology providing 

Wandy Seng, Sales OEM JOST France, and Frédéric Menestrot, Managing Director 

JOST France are honoured to receive the I-nnovation Awards. Image: JOST 

live information on the KKS remote control throughout 

every step of the process. For example, the support plate 

sensor indicates that the trailer plate is touching, and 

the position of the king pin is also monitored by sensors. 

Climbing out of the cabin to manually open the fifth 

wheel, cranking down the landing gear and manually 

connecting the spiral cable, air and brake connections 

are all a thing of the past. With 50 per cent less time 

for the trailer change over, effectively halving costs 

per journey leg and truck, the KKS radically reduces 

the risk of accidents while also reducing the physically 

demanding aspects of coupling. 

Receiving the I-nnovation Awards 2023 is a symbol for 

the collaboration and confidence of the JOST customers, 

teams, and partners in the company’s innovative 

products. Together, we are preparing the future of 

transports. 

Wandy Seng, Sales OEM JOST France, and Frédéric Menestrot, Managing Director 

JOST France are honoured to receive the I-nnovation Awards. Image: JOST 

“We are proud and honored to receive this award 

from the French Bodywork Federation”, states Frédéric 

Ménestrot, Managing Director JOST France. 



Events 

Kia secures top honors in 2023 Golden 

Steering Wheel Awards 

The Golden Steering Wheel Awards recognize the best vehicles on the market. Image: KIA 

The new Kia flagship EV9 has continued its 

awards success with a Golden Steering Wheel 

2023 win in the ‘Family Cars’ category. The 

all–electric seven–seater SUV was also named 

‘German Luxury Car of the Year 2024’ at the beginning of 

September. 

“It is immensely gratifying to receive the Golden 

Steering Wheel Award. It is a testament to the hard work 

and dedication of the entire Kia team,” said Karim Habib, 

Executive Vice President, and Head of Kia Global Design. 

“This latest recognition bears further testament to Kia’s 

determination to continue to lead the charge towards 

electrification, pioneering technology and innovation 

that redefines the automotive industry.” 

Launched in 1976, and presented by AUTO BILD and 

BILD am SONNTAG, the Golden Steering Wheel Awards 

combine a public vote with expert review and are 

recognized as the most important prize in the German 

automotive industry. A total of 57 new cars were 

nominated by the two editorial teams this year, before 

readers selected the 21 finalists. 

A prominent 19–member jury put the finalists through 

extensive testing at the DEKRA Lausitzring race circuit. 

This year, for the first time, the jury revealed the result 

of two tests in advance in their final assessments: 

DEKRA analyzed the finalists’ driver assistance systems, 

while the editorial team at Computer Bild evaluated the 

finalists’ competence in connectivity. 

“The Kia EV9 convinced the jury as a versatile and 

spacious family car with ultra–modern 800V technology, 

innovative features as well as excellent driver assistance 

systems,” commented Robin Hornig, head of AUTO BILD 

and editor–in–chief for the BILD Group’s automotive 

division. All results of the Golden Steering Wheel Awards 

will be published in issue 45 of AUTO BILD this year. 

A successive win for Kia at the 2023 Golden Steering 

Wheel Awards continues a story of success for the brand 

in this competition. In its current model range, Kia now 

has four award winners: the compact crossover XCeed 

took first place in 2019, the SUV Sorento won in 2020, 

the electric crossover Niro EV claimed the ‘Compact SUVs’ 

category in 2022, and now the EV9 is the second Kia EV 

in a row to win a Golden Steering Wheel. 

Kia has long been a pioneer in electrification. With 

its 2021 realignment, the brand has accelerated the 

transition to EVs to solidify its position as one of the 

world’s leading e–mobility providers. In Germany alone, 

41.3% of new Kia cars in 2022 featured a plug (sales 

share EV and PHEV). Across the German market overall, 

this share accounted for 31.4% (according to KBA). 


Opinion 


Generative AI’s 

Impact on the 

Automobile 

Industry‘s Future 

Thomas Mueller, vice president at Wipro Engineering - He is responsible for 

Wipro’s automotive engineering and innovation services, which encompass 

software-defined vehicles, autonomous driving, 5G, and cloud-native 

engineering. 

By Thomas Mueller 

When we talk about the automotive world’s 

hurdles, the usual suspects – sky-high 

interest rates, pesky inflation, supply chain 

hiccups and the ongoing talent hunt – 

always steal the spotlight. But here’s the plot twist: 

Electrification and softwarization are the real game 

changers that will shape the future of the automotive 

industry. 

Automakers have risen to the challenge, especially in 

the electric department. Name a model, and chances are 

good that a hybrid option is either available or in the 

works, and customers have been taking notice. In 2022, 

8% of all new cars purchased in the U.S. were electric. 

The numbers are even higher globally, with electric 

models making up 14% of new-car sales in 2022. 

Softwarization has been a hurdle because of how 

automakers view themselves. Legacy automakers have a 

rich history of innovating hardware. But software – and 

its use instead of traditional hardware to perform a given 

function – isn’t necessarily in their DNA. The learning 

curve with software implementation and monetization is 

steep. 

Luckily, more automakers have been up to the task. 

Artificial intelligence already is used in design and 

planning. The same can be said for production, driver 

assistance, warranty management, risk assessment and 

Already used in design and 

planning, Generative AI also 

can facilitate improvements in 

production, driver assistance, 

customer service and more 

customer service, to name only a few. In fact, the amount 

of money auto manufacturers have been sinking into AI 

is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate 

of 22.7% from 2023 to 2030. 

Deploying Generative AI at Scale 

At least some of these funds will have been earmarked 

for exploring generative AI. It’s already proven to drive 

productivity, nurture creativity, enhance decision-making 

and deliver new business for nearly every industry, 

including automotive. Tesla uses AI at fleet scale to 

increase the rate of innovations. In June, the company 

announced plans to use state-of-the-art generative 

modeling techniques across multiple camera views to 

predict possible outcomes. 

Tesla isn’t alone in its efforts. In China, passenger 

vehicles equipped with combined driver assistance 

accounted for 42.4% of all passenger vehicle sales in 

the first half of 2023. More importantly, the country’s 

automakers have been applying AI foundation models 

to correct many issues with autonomous driving, 

and they’ve made a great deal of headway. As of this 

past June, Chinese tech company Baidu’s Apollo Go 



Opinion 

It’s like missing out on a treasure trove of information 

that could supercharge innovation and speed up new 

features while keeping risks low. 


autonomous-vehicle fleet had supplied more than 3.3 

million services to the public. 

The potential of generative AI isn’t lost on China, and 

Chinese automakers are poised to take the technology 

further and faster than the competition. Most, if not 

all, operating in the space have the technology base 

and engineering talent to unleash incredible results in 

this arena. Automakers leveraging softwarization for 

design and manufacturing can deliver greater value and 

affordability throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle. 

Overcoming the Obstacles of AI 

For some automakers, hardware is an obstacle to 

using generative AI to its fullest. Most cars roll out 

of the factory with just enough computing power to 

handle the basics, which prevents them from running a 

software sandbox in every vehicle driven off the lot. All 

that performance data is then lost – data essential to 

developing and testing new functions in the real world. 

With greater computing and generative AI, automakers 

can analyze driving behavior and personalize and 

perfect the overall driving experience for whoever is 

behind the wheel. Data has long held the promise of 

personalization, so there’s no reason why a new car can’t 

become more attuned to the buyer as they get used to 

their new car. It’s all a matter of technology, and it could 

be a persuasive selling proposition. 

On top of that, vehicle-specific data is critical to better 

customer support. With a few clicks of a button, service 

representatives can pull up details on the driving 

experience and precisely understand what customers 

may be facing with their vehicles. Talk about being 

responsive to an individual’s needs. Then, should an 

automaker choose, it could send customized messaging 

via text, email or right to the vehicle’s display screen. 

That’s not out of the realm of possibility. 

Much like electrification, softwarization is the future 

of the automotive industry. Today’s vehicles are getting 

closer to becoming computers on wheels as connectivity 

becomes core to the driving experience. It’s only a matter 

of time before customers will expect the functionalities 

AI provides in every vehicle – not just autonomous 

driving features but all the bells and whistles. The first 

challenge many automakers will have to overcome is 

how they view themselves. From there, it’s open roads 

ahead. 



Cover Story 


The Future of EVs 

Evolution of the Automotive Industry and 

Electrification Beyond Cars 

The year 2023 has proven another momentous 

year for the electric vehicle (EV) market. 2022 

saw electric car sales rise by 62% compared with 

2021, and IDTechEx estimates that 2023 will see 

global sales rise by another 16%. Growth in 2023 was 

somewhat hampered by the poor performance of plug-in 

hybrids (PHEVs) in Europe in the first half of 2023, with 

subsidy phase-outs in Germany. However, even with less 

aggressive growth than previous years, many will agree 

that EVs are the future, especially for the passenger car 

market. So what else can be learned about the future of 

electrification? 

Whilst the electric car has become an everyday term 

that the general public is now aware of, there are 

still certainly large technological and market trends 

occurring in the automotive market. Beyond this, many 

other vehicle segments are seeing electrification take 

off; these include various vehicles on the road (vans, 

trucks, buses, 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers, microcars…), but 

also off-road segments like construction vehicles and 

trains. 

It isn’t just vehicles on land either, with marine 

sectors (boats & ships, etc.) and aerial vehicles like air 

taxis (eVTOL) gaining increased interest and market 

traction. Each vehicle category is at a different stage of 

electrification and has its own technology and market 

demands depending on technical feasibility, consumer 

acceptance, government policy, and several other factors. 

This article aims to give an update on electrification in 

several vehicle sectors and what can be expected for the 

next ten years. IDTechEx is predicting a fairly moderate 

2-fold increase in the yearly sales of EVs across all the 

segments mentioned above by 2034; this is partly due 

to the sales of electric two- and three-wheelers already 

stagnating in some major markets. However, the battery 

demand increases by over 7.7 times in the same period, 

largely driven by the car market, but with the other 

segments making a significant contribution. 

Technology companies becoming automotive suppliers 

Tesla are undoubtedly leaders in the EV space, and it 

has changed the way that many think about the car as 

a product. The sales process is more akin to purchasing 



any other consumer electronics product than what is 

typically thought of when buying a car. In addition to 

this, the ownership is taking that form too; many EVs 

now offer over-the-air updates to keep a car’s systems 

up to date, whereas, for example, many traditional 

automakers would have had to do this during a service 

and have been known to require hefty fees to update 

satellite navigation maps, something that is becoming 

standard to update for free remotely. Several vehicles 

now come with features that can be purchased or 

subscribed to at a later date. 

With this transition to cars looking more like a 

mobile phone than a traditional car, major technology 

companies have taken an interest in the car market and, 

rather than supplying small components, are looking at 

providing the whole car. 

Huawei was an early example of this approach and 

started selling its SERES SF5 in China in 2021. After 

many years of exhibiting automotive-related technology, 

Sony has entered a joint partnership with Honda to 

provide vehicles with production scheduled for 2026. 

Other examples that have announced projects include 

Xiaomi, Baidu (a joint venture with Geely), Foxconn, and 

others. Apple scaled back a fully autonomous car project, 

but rumors continue on an electric car project. 

One of the key issues Tesla had initially was not with 

the core vehicle technology but the scaling up and 

quality control of manufacturing cars in large numbers, 

something that traditional automakers tend to do very 

well. This will be a big part of why these tech companies 

have often partnered with traditional automakers or 

other large manufacturers with experience. This sort 

of approach could see another key shift in how the 

automotive market is structured, with traditional OEMs 

manufacturing the vehicle and tech companies providing 

the software and integration. The benefit for the end 

user would be a well-built vehicle that integrates 

seamlessly with all of their other electronic devices. 

Charging infrastructure growth required to meet EV 

demand 

The global EV charging infrastructure market is growing 

steadily. According to IDTechEx, there were nearly 2.7 

million public charging points worldwide in 2022. Nearly 

960k chargers were installed globally just in that same 

year. IDTechEx estimates that 222 million chargers will 

be needed by 2034 to support the growing global EV 

fleet. IDTechEx also predicts that the cumulative global 

investment in global charging infrastructure will exceed 

US$123 billion by 2034 (hardware cost alone). 

There is undoubtedly a huge push to build global public 

DC fast charging networks. China is leading the race 

with 1.797 million total public chargers deployed, taking 

70% of the global market share. The US government is 

Electric Vehicles 

providing more than $5 billion in funding and incentives 

to build a coast-to-coast fast charging network under 

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) 

Formula Program. The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure 

Regulation (AFIR) in the EU is similarly driving the 

growth of public charger installations by mandating a 

station every 60km along highways. IDTechEx forecasts 

DC fast chargers to exhibit a higher growth rate in the 

coming decade, although AC chargers will dominate by 

unit volume in terms of deployment. 

The Global EV charging network remains fragmented, 

with many charge point operators battling for market 

share across regions. Leading automakers recently 

adopted Tesla’s North American Charging Standard 

(NACS) charging connector for their US models. Tesla 

operates the largest global public DC charging network, 

and in North America NACS outnumbers CCS (combined 

charging standard) two to one, which explains the 

switch to Tesla’s standard. Furthermore, the network 

is more reliable and has 20-70% lower deployment 

costs than their competitors due to in-house design 

and manufacturing of components. From a technical 

standpoint, Tesla’s connector is lightweight, supports 

both AC and DC through shared pins, and can support 

higher amperage due to immersion-cooled cables. 

IDTechEx’s outlook is that cars and EV supply equipment 

supporting CCS in the US will make up less than 50% 

market share by the end of the decade, although it will 

remain the dominant standard across EU+UK regions. 

Electric trucks to become a standard goods transport 

method 

The electric truck market in Europe and the US is 

very much still in its infancy; data from the European 

Alternative Fuels Observatory (EAFO) suggests there 

were only 1,607 electric truck registrations in the EU27 

countries in 2022, while estimates for the total number 

of electric medium and heavy-duty trucks on the road in 

the US is under 3,000 vehicles. However, all of the major 

OEMs have ongoing electric truck projects, and this work 

is intensifying, with all manufacturers recognizing the 

transition to zero-emission powertrains has begun. In 

2022 sales of electric heavy trucks in China reached an 

all-time high, totaling 25,072 units, an increase of 140% 

on 2021. 

Model availability has grown nearly 65% from 2021 

until the end of 2022 (from 182 models to 299). Globally, 

the most robust model-availability growth comes from 

heavy-duty truck (HDT) models, which reflect 95% 

growth from 2021 to 2022 (57 models to 111 models) 

as the technology advances. Medium-duty truck (MDT) 

models grew 50% year-on-year between 2021 and 2022. 

Zero-emission heavy-duty trucks have shown preliminary 

promise in urban freight and short hauling operations 

under 150 miles per day. 


Cover Story 


Tesla, Daimler, VW, and Volvo are investing heavily in 

battery-electric trucks and appear to be winning the 

total cost of ownership (TCO) battle. Others, such as 

Toyota, Hyundai, and Nikola, have chosen to focus 

their efforts on fuel cells (FC). Despite issues with the 

efficiency of hydrogen as a fuel, FCEVs remain in the 

conversation as a technology for long-haul trucking 

applications, where a large range is required. However, 

current barriers include high upfront vehicle price, high 

price of hydrogen, and an insufficient hydrogen refueling 

network. 

At least 12 projects targeting commercial EV megawatt 

(MW) power level charging are now underway or set 

to begin construction by 2023. These projects were 

announced in 2021/22, and disclosed investments 

exceed US$1.2 billion. For many projects, the goal is to 

operate MW-scale chargers to support battery electric 

truck adoption once the relevant MCS standard is 

finalized. IDTechEx predicts that MW charging will see 

quick growth for commercial vehicles but remain a very 

small part of the overall charging infrastructure market. 




eVTOL’s to enable air taxi services 

A growing number of companies are building full-scale, 

flying, eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) 

aircraft. Many eVTOL prototypes have had successful 

test flights and trials. Still, significant work is necessary, 

especially on the battery performance, to enhance the 

practical capabilities of eVTOL aircraft for use in society. 

A number of eVTOL OEMs have begun work with civil 

aviation authorities to pursue certification of their 

commercial eVTOL passenger-grade aircraft. The majority 

of manufacturers are now testing prototypes and aim to 

launch commercial services (following successful flight 

certification) in the 2024-2026 window. Over the years, 

IDTechEx tracking of eVTOL commercial launch dates 

shows that they are being pushed back incrementally 

due to regulatory and not technological hurdles. 

IDTechEx research concludes that intracity is not the 

environment to begin eVTOL air taxi operations as 

short flights are expensive; there is limited or no 

time advantage to eVTOL trips less than 40km; a lack 

of available space for, and price of land for vertiport 

construction; and the hazard of operating in and above 

populated cities posing as major barriers. Autonomous 

flights over longer distances (>50km) will be vital in 

making air taxi services cost-competitive, and almost 

all eVTOL OEMs are looking to add this functionality. 

Not only would eVTOL taxi services be quicker over this 

range, but they also have the potential to be cheaper 

than other modes. Yet the journey to build, certify 

and fly such an aircraft remains expensive, uncertain, 

and competitive. Industry estimates peg the cost of 

developing one through to certification at roughly 

US$1bn. 

IDTechEx does not expect the eVTOL air taxi market to 

start making huge progress within the next ten years but 

forecasts strong growth later into the following decade 

as some players complete their certification process. 

Many vehicle segments electrifying 

IDTechEx’s report “Electric Vehicles: Land, Sea & Air 

2024-2044” is a comprehensive EV master report 

covering nine EV markets broken down with over 126 

forecast lines. The scope covers all vehicle volume and 

drivetrain breakdowns, including battery-electric, fuel 

cell, and hybrid vehicle unit sales, battery demand (GWh), 

and market revenue generation ($ billion). 


Auto Auction 


Catawiki Presents 

Unprecedented Ferrari Auction 

Five Luxury Sports Cars without 

Minimum Price 

Catawiki, the leading online marketplace for 

special objects, is set to captivate luxury car 

enthusiasts worldwide with an exclusive 

auction featuring five iconic Ferrari sports 

cars, all offered without a minimum price. The highest 

bidder will have the unique opportunity to drive away 

in a collection that includes the prestigious Ferrari 812 

GTS Targa, a Roma, a GTC4 Lusso, a 599 GTB Fiorano, 

and a 575M Maranello. 

All images credit to Jos Spinhoven - Catawiki 

Five blazing prancing horses, without 

minimum price 

At the centre of this extraordinary auction is the 

Ferrari 812 GTS, not merely a car but a symbol of 

uncompromising luxury, speed, and refinement. Under 

its hood lies a robust 6.5-liter V12 engine generating 

a staggering 789 horsepower, propelling the car from 

0 to 100 km/h in just 3 seconds. With a top speed of 

340 km/h, the 812 GTS offers a level of speed and 

performance synonymous with the Ferrari legacy. 

Ferrari - 575M Maranello Coupe 5.7L V12 

Ferrari - 812 GTS Targa 6,5L V12 

Ferrari - Roma Coupe 3,9L V8 



Auto Auction 

Sander Houdel, car expert at Catawiki, comments: “This 

is one the last Ferraris with a V12 engine. Given the 

increasingly stringent environmental requirements and 

changing market, this model is one of the last ones in 

circulation, which makes it very valuable. With it also 

disappears that typical engine sound that enthusiasts 

love so much - one of the best sounds in the world.’’ 

The Ferrari Roma, celebrated for its timeless design and 

high-performance capabilities, stands as a testament to 

Ferrari’s commitment to perfection. With its distinctive 

flair, the car embodies a modern reflection of the 

carefree, enjoyable lifestyle that defined Rome during 

the 1950s and ‘60s. This 2+2 coupe, finished in the 

distinctive Blu Roma, is powered by a 3.9-liter twinturbocharged 

V8, delivering 620 horsepower. 

Ferrari - 599 GTB Fiorano Coupe 6,0L V12 

Three other flamboyant Ferrari models complement the 

auction for car enthusiasts worldwide - a GTC4 Lusso, a 

599 GTB Fiorano Coupe, and a 575M Maranello Coupe. 

“This auction transcends the ordinary, showcasing a 

dazzling array of five resplendent models from the iconic 

brand with the prancing horse, all without a minimum 

price. It’s an unmissable opportunity for collectors and 

enthusiasts alike to acquire these extraordinary vehicles 

and gain access to a piece of automotive history.” 

concludes Houdel. 

Ferrari - Roma Coupe 3,9L V8 


Transport Technology 


Innovative technologies for the 

transport sector 

Well prepared for the challenges of the future transport industry: For the first time, 

SAF-HOLLAND presented itself on the French market at a joint booth together 

with Haldex. The main attractions at SOLUTRANS were the intelligent tyre pressure 

monitoring systems and the SAF TRAKr electric regenerative braking axle 

The energy transition was 

at the centre of this 

year’s SOLUTRANS 

– the trade fair 

for haulage and urban 

transport. It was evident 

at the industry exhibition 

that SAF-HOLLAND has 

also been supporting this 

development for some 

time: 

“The transport industry is 

becoming increasingly aware 

of its ecological responsibility. 

We therefore focus on 

developing products where road 

safety and sustainability go hand 

in hand. Examples of these are our 

fuel saving tyre pressure monitoring 

system and our emissions reducing SAF TRAKr trailer 

axle,” explains Jean Baghdad, Managing Director at SAF- 

HOLLAND France. 

He consequently sees the success of the trade fair 

reflected not only in the many new contacts and 

successfully completed business deals: “I am pleased 

to see that our products are stimulators for creating a 

more sustainable future and we are working on reducing 

carbon emissions together with our customers,” says 

Baghdad. “The lively exchanges at trade fairs often 

generate new ideas, reveal synergies and create a shift 

in thinking in the industry and for the customers.” 

SAF-HOLLAND and Haldex in close alliance 

Together with Haldex, SAF-HOLLAND is driving the 

development of modern axle and suspension systems 

as well as electronic 

brake systems. Since 

the acquisi-tion of 

the Swedish brake 

system manufacturer, 

the companies have been 

working on solutions for 

connectivity, electrification, 

and autonomous driving. The visitors at the joint trade 

fair booth were able to see how well these subjects 

complement each other. The merger also underlines the 

role of SAF-HOLLAND as a global system supplier with 

integrated solutions from a single source. 

Less fuel consumption with tyre pressure monitoring 

When it came to products, the tyre pressure monitoring 

systems from SAF-HOLLAND and Haldex attracted great 

interest. The solutions for tyre pressure monitoring 

improve road safety, have a positive impact on the 

service life of the tyres and reduce fuel consumption. 

An EU Commission Directive is making tyre pressure 

monitoring systems mandatory for all new trailers 

registered from 2024 onwards. 

Two different systems are available to meet the different 

requirements. The tyre pressure monitoring system 

(TPMS) from Haldex monitors pressure and tem-perature 



Transport Technology 

and warns the 

driver in the event 

of any deviations. 

The digital SAF 

TIRE PILOT i.Q. goes 

one step further: 

It continuously 

monitors the tyre 

pressure, informs 

the driver on a 

monitoring display 

and automatically 

tops up the air when 

the pressure falls 

below the defined 

minimum value. 

Lowering emissions 

with regenerative 

braking 

The SAF TRAKr electrified regenerative braking axle was 

the centre of attention at the booth. “With our electric 

axle, we are supporting new traffic solutions and driving 

e-mobility,” says Baghdad. The high-voltage generator 

unit of the axle converts the kinetic energy of the trailer 

into electrical energy. This can supply other electronic 

SAF-HOLLAND’s answer to the EU Regulation on tyre pressure monitoring: The SAF 

TIRE PILOT I.Q. monitors the tyre pressure continuously and corrects it in case of 

deviations. Image credit: SAF-HOLLAND 

units such as refrigeration units, fans, etc., lowering fuel 

con-sumption and reducing the emissions of the overall 

vehicle. 

A strong alliance: Together with Haldex, SAF-HOLLAND is driving the development of modern axle and suspension systems as well as electronic brake systems. 

Image credit: SAF-HOLLAND 


Buses 


Eicher unveils the Skyline Pro 3009 bus range 

in South Africa 

In partnership with the Volvo Group’s advanced 

technology, Eicher, renowned manufacturer of 

Trucks and Buses has unvailed the Skyline Pro 

3009 bus range in South Africa. 

Engineered for “superior performance with 

unmatched comfort”, the SABS-compliant Euro 

3 emission standards bus promises a redefined 

commuting experience.The Bus features spacious 

interiors, comfortable HHR seats, a longer 

wheelbase and advanced safety features, the 

Eicher Skyline Pro 3009 focuses on reliability and 

passenger well-being. 

The bus is also equipped with the latest E494 engine, Volvo Group’s 

engine management system, an APDA (air brake), a clutch booster 

and an intelligent driver information system. This expansion aligns 

with Eicher’s commitment to innovation. This bus joins the existing 

range of Eicher trucks in South Africa. 

With comprehensive service network, consisting of 27 touchpoints 

in Southern Africa, reflects Eicher’s dedication to providing 

excellent support to customers. 

Images: Eicher 

Volvo Buses secures first order for Volvo 7900 

Electric buses with bodies built by MCV 

Luxembourg operator DEMY 

SCHANDELER S.àr.l. (Demy 

Cars) has ordered 15 Volvo 

7900 Electric buses to 

operate in intercity traffic. It is the 

first order for Volvo electric buses 

with Volvo 7900 Electric bodies built 

by MCV. The order shows confidence 

in Volvo Buses’ new partnership with 

bodybuilder MCV, with the buses set 

to be delivered in spring 2025. 

The new order closely follows the 

announcement in September of 

Volvo Buses’ agreement with MCV 

to body the Volvo 7900 Electric 

and Volvo 7900 Electric Articulated 

buses under license. The agreement 

marked an important step forward in 

Volvo Buses’ new business model in 

Europe. 

“We are of course very pleased that 

we can already take the first order 

Volvo Buses will continue to be the point of contact for customers regarding spare parts and services 

for buses built in partnership with MCV. Image: Volvo Buses 

of our Volvo 7900 Electric, built in 

partnership with MCV. It shows the 

confidence that our customer has 

in our brand and organization and 

that we will continue to be a strong 

player in the European market, 

offering a wide range of buses in 

the premium segment for public 

transport,” says Dan Pettersson, 

Senior Vice President, Volvo Buses. 

Contracted by RGTR, bus operator 

DEMY SCHANDELER S.àr.l. is Volvo 

Buses’ most recent partner in 

Luxembourg and has been operating 

10 Volvo 7900 Electric buses 

since the beginning of 2023. This 

successful collaboration has helped 

to secure the latest order for 15 

Volvo 7900 Electric. 



Buses 

Electreon Unveils the World’s First Commercial 

Wireless Charging Terminal for Buses in Israel 

Electreon has successfully 

completed the construction 

of a groundbreaking wireless 

charging terminal for parked 

urban electric buses (e-buses), 

marking a world first in the field of 

this innovative charging technology. 

The commercial project, delivered 

to Electra Afikim, a prominent public 

transportation operator in Israel, 

located in Rosh HaAyin in the center 

of the country, and supplies stationary 

wireless charging to the e-buses during 

the night and day, in parking bays at 

the public bus terminal in a distributed 

energy model. 

Oren Ezer, CEO of Electreon, expressed 

excitement about the project, 

stating, “We are pleased to introduce 

to the world the first wireless 

charging terminal of this kind here 

in Israel, enabling efficient, costeffective, 

and space-saving wireless 

The world’s first commercial wireless charging 

terminal for buses, Electreon’s Electra Afikim Project 

(PRNewsfoto/Electreon Wireless Ltd) 

charging for public transit buses in a busy urban zone. This innovative 

facility is designed to provide wireless charging for electric buses 

throughout the day and night, serving the public as part of regular public 

transportation services in the Petah Tikva and Rosh HaAyin areas.” 

Electreon managed the entire terminal project, from end-to-end, 

encompassing electrical infrastructure, required approvals, and civil 

engineering works. The company also implemented its advanced charging 

software platform to remotely manage and oversee wireless charging of 

the fleet vehicles at the terminal. 

Egypt eyes cooperation with Belarus on 

electric bus production 

Egypt’s Minister of Transport 

held talks with the 

Belarusian ambassador to 

Cairo to discuss establishing 

an electric bus factory in Alexandria’s 

Borg Al Arab as well as modernizing 

state-owned workshops that carry 

out maintenance for trucks. 

Alarabia for Trading, Manufacturing, 

and Transportation Services 

(ATM Misr) and China’s King Long 

launched in February a factory for 

the production of buses and other 

types of vehicles with investments 

worth LE1 billion. 

The factory spans over 164,000 

feddans, its production capacity in 

the first year is 500, and provides 

employment for 12,000. The 

local component is 60%, and the 

production will be targeted at GCC 

countries and North Africa. 

Electric city bus recharging at the bus charge station, connected with a power 

cable. Getty Images Image used for illustrative purpose. 

In a similar context, the Ministry 

of State for Military Production 

announced in June 2021 finishing 

the production of the first locally 

made electric bus in collaboration 

with Manufacturing Commercial 

Vehicles Co. (MCV), a private firm that 

has been producing buses for 25 

years. 

The minister clarified that the 

local component in that bus was 

60 percent. He elaborated that 

the design was made by Egyptian 

engineers, and that the exterior 

and interior of the skeleton were 

manufactured in Egyptian factories. 

Those include windows, tires, chairs, 

fibers, and the metal body. 


Market Report 


ELECTRIC COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MARKET 

The use of electric commercial trucks would also greatly 

benefit logistics companies, whose profits have been steadily 

declining due to the continually rising fuel prices 

The transport sector is one 

of the most significant 

contributors to GHG 

emissions globally, owing to 

which many countries worldwide are 

focusing on converting the existing 

fleet of commercial vehicles to zeroemission 

electric vehicles. With the 

upcoming government mandates on 

emissions caused by vehicles, the 

automotive industry is focusing on 

efficiency, emission-free propulsion, 

and innovative technologies. The 

electric commercial vehicle market 

is expected to witness significant 

growth during the forecast period, 

driven by e-commerce, logistics, 

delivery and mobility growth. Major 

R&D activities in electric commercial 

vehicle focus on to use of energyefficient 

electric propulsion, higher 

vehicle range and innovative 

battery technologies, which have 

boosted the demand for electric 

commercial vehicles. While these 

vehicles are expected to enhance the 

performance and range of electric 

commercial vehicles, factors such 

as significant charging time, high 

price, limited life of batteries, and 

inadequate availability of charging 

stations make users hesitant to opt 

for electric commercial vehicles over 

ICE commercial vehicles. 

The use of electric commercial 

trucks would also greatly benefit 

logistics companies, whose profits 

have been steadily declining due 

to the continually rising fuel prices. 

Key OEMs such as BYD (China), 

Mercedes Benz Group AG (Germany), 

AB Volvo (Sweden), Nikola Motors 

(US), and Volkswagen AG (Germany) 

have launched electric commercial 

vehicles in recent years. 

The manufacturers are focused 

on launch of electric commercial 

26 Africa Automotive News l 2023 

vehicles models. The table below 

covers a few of the new models 

launched by key manufacturers. 

The electric commercial vehicle 

industry is witnessing technological 

developments to meet customer 

demand and be future-ready. Electric 

commercial vehicle have a lower 

operating cost than conventional 

commercial vehicles. Increasing 

crude oil prices and the need for 

eco-friendly mobility alternatives 

are opening opportunities for the 

market. Electric commercial vehicles 

have low operating cost relative 

to ICE commercial vehicles and a 

sustainable means of transportation. 

They can leverage existing and 

future mainstream electric vehicle 

charging infrastructures. Governing 

bodies have launched initiatives 

to build charging facilities. The 

schemes are funded with huge 

budgets, focused on promoting 

electric commercial vehicle through 

subsidies. 

CHINA VS GLOBAL ELECTRIC 

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SALES, 2019- 

2030 

As per Atin Jain, Team Lead 

(Automotive and Transportation) at 

MarketsandMarkets Research, “The 

electric commercial vehicle market 

is growing rapidly, driven by factors 

such as excessive emissions by fossil 

fuel-powered commercial vehicles, 

fluctuations in fuel prices, and 

government subsidies, incentives 

and favorable policies. Continuous 

improvements in charging 

infrastructures have also led to 

adoption of electric commercial 

vehicles across the globe. R&D 

activities are being carried out to 

improve battery technology, reduce 

battery cost, reduce charge time 

and increase vehicle range. With 

countries worldwide setting targets 

to reduce their vehicle emissions, 

the demand for low-emission 

vehicles, including electric vehicles, 

is growing. The electric commercial 

vehicle market is expected to grow.” 

INCREASING DEMAND FOR 

EFFICIENT AND EMISSION-FREE 

COMMUTES TO DRIVE MARKET 

GROWTH 

According to MarketsandMarkets 

research, the global electric 

commercial vehicle market is 

projected to reach 2,155.1 thousand 

units by 2030, starting from 519.4 

thousand units in 2023, growing at 

a CAGR of 22.5%. The market growth 

is governed by improved battery 

technology, supporting government 

policies and regulations, and the 

consistent launch of new electric 

commercial vehicle models. 

According to MarketsandMarkets 

research, the global electric 

commercial vehicle market is 

projected to reach 2,155.1 thousand 

units by 2030, starting from 519.4 

thousand units in 2023, growing at 

a CAGR of 22.5%. The market growth 

is governed by improved battery 

technology, supporting government 

policies and regulations, and the 

consistent launch of new electric 

commercial vehicle models. 

KEY DRIVING FACTOR FOR THE 

ELECTRIC COMMERCIAL VEHICLE 

MARKET 

GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES AND 

SUBSIDIES 

Various governments have launched 

attractive initiatives and schemes 

to facilitate the adoption of electric 

commercial vehicles. In developed 

countries, governments have begun



Source: Global EV Outlook 2023, Secondary Websites, 

News Portals, Automotive Databases, Company 

Annual Reports, and MarketsandMarkets Analysis 

Source: MarketsandMarkets Analysis 

According to MarketsandMarkets research, the global electric commercial vehicle market is projected to reach 

2,155.1 thousand units by 2030, starting from 519.4 thousand units in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 22.5%. The 

market growth is governed by improved battery technology, supporting government policies and regulations, 

and the consistent launch of new electric commercial vehicle models. 

the use of electric commercial 

vehicles, such as vans and trucks. 

The UK has set a target for new cars 

and vans to be zero-emission by 

2035 and is offering grants and tax 

incentives to encourage the adoption 

of electric vehicles. Likewise, Canada 

has mandated all new passenger 

vehicles sold in the country to 

be zero-emission by 2035. It is 

investing in charging infrastructure 

and offering incentives to support 

the adoption of electric vehicles. 

Governments are also promoting 

electric trucks to reduce pollution 

attributed to diesel engine trucks. 

For instance, Ontario, Canada’s 

largest province, has introduced a 

new rebate program for buyers of 

Tesla’s semi-electric truck, promising 

up to 60%, or nearly USD 59,000, of 

the incremental purchase cost of 

electric trucks. Emerging economies, 

such as China and India, also plan to 

introduce zero-emission commercial 

vehicles in the near future. 

ADVANCEMENTS IN BATTERY 

TECHNOLOGY 

The battery is a significant 

component in an electric commercial 

vehicle. Technological advances 

in batteries, especially regarding 

their charge density, making them 

extractable and more competitive, 

are the focus of the electric 

commercial vehicle segment’s 

leading research and development 

efforts worldwide. Currently, 

companies are providing multiple 

charging options that include a 

portable charger that can be used 

to charge vehicles in public places. 

Besides, charging stations are also 

installed at homes for convenience. 

Several companies in EV battery 

technology have made substantial 

improvements. For instance, in June 

2022, CATL unveiled its Qilin Battery, 

the third generation of its CTP (cellto-pack) 

technology. The battery 

delivers a range of 1,000 km, has an 

energy density of up to 255 Wh/kg, 

and is expected to be mass-produced 

in 2023. Such ongoing developments 

in the field of EV batteries are 

targeted towards improving the 

range of electric commercial 

vehicles, with most major EV battery 

manufacturers innovating in the 

battery design and chemistry to 

extend the range of EVs to eliminate 

the requirement for regular charging. 

KEY TARGET BY MARKET PLAYERS 

RIVIAN ANNOUNCED TO INCREASE 

PRODUCTION CAPACITY TO 1 MILLION 

UNIT/YEAR by 2030 

Rivian successfully launched its IPO 

and now has almost USD 12 billion 

(on top of USD 10.5 billion raised 

previously) to expand its EV business. 

The company wants to grow quickly 

and reach a volume of at least 1 

million electric vehicles per year by 

2030. The long-term plan for Rivian 

is to have a total of four assembly 

plants around the world, including 

one additional factory in the U.S. and 

probably one in Europe and one in 

China. The second factory in the U.S 

is expected to also produce in-house 

developed battery cells (potentially 

in-house developed). In February 

2022, the company shared ambitious 

plans to acquire 10% of the EV 

market by 2030. 

GENERAL MOTORS ANNOUNCED ITS 

AMBITIOUS EV GOALS 

General Motors became the first 

conventional car company to 

pledge to sell only zero-emission 

cars and trucks by 2035. GM has 

committed to invest USD 35 billion 

in its transition to selling only EVs 

by 2035, and is aiming for carbon 

neutrality by 2040. About 50% of the 

U.S. production will be converted 

to EVs by 2025, and has announced 

four battery plants in the U.S. The 

company has also partenered with 

Pilot and Flying J will accelerate the 

expansion of charging infrastructure 

and enable long-distance electric 

travel via a network of 2,000 

chargers. 

TESLA ANNOUNCED TO BUILD 

ROBOTAXI BY 2024 

In April 2022 the company plans to 

build a dedicated robotaxi by 2024. 

The robotaxi will be a self-driving 

vehicle that will not have a steering 

wheel or pedals. The company 

announced that the robotaxi will 

be “highly optimized for autonomy” 

and that it could potentially cost 

less than a bus or subway ticket. 

Tesla, Inc is not the only company 

that is working on robotaxis. Other 

companies that are developing 

robotaxis include Waymo, Uber, and 

Lyft. However, Tesla, Inc is one of the 

leading companies in the field of 

self-driving technology, and it has 

the potential to be a major player in 

the robotaxi market. 


Manufacturing 


Using 5G to optimise vehicle 

manufacturing 

Electric and hybrid vehicle manufacturing has been 

growing at an even higher pace in recent months 

(by 74% in July). With overall annual production 

numbers looking to hit the million mark by the 

end of 2028, the sector is back in full throttle, and 

automotive companies need their manufacturing plants 

to be in top gear to thrive in this incredibly competitive 

environment. 

Getting into pole position 

In fact, manufacturing excellence has never been more 

paramount. Car manufacturers need their factories to be 

operating at peak performance. Ultra-reliable systems 

are a must, with all machines fully optimised. There’s 

no room for downtime in the production line, nor the 

delays or defects in manufacturing that can result from 

problems in the repetitive process of assembling parts. 

Today, car manufacturers need fully-functioning factories 

supported with IT infrastructures, systems and solutions 

that not only run seamlessly, but can autonomously 

identify potential faults – and repair and replace parts 

before they are given a chance to fail. 

And that’s where a private 5G network solution comes in. 

5G for a smooth ride 

A 5G private network can create the stable, reliable 

network with wireless flexibility that manufacturers – 

automotive or otherwise – need in their factories. 5G 

private networks offer completely tailorable, secure, 

low-latency and time-sensitive abilities for devices and 

services or applications within them. 

When paired with artificial intelligence (AI) and 

automation, a private network can transform 

manufacturing processes and improve productivity, 

efficiency, environmental impact and safety, while 

reducing costs. 

A 5G private network is a game-changer when it comes 

to running data analytics securely. The process for 

analytics used to be as such: information was fed back 

from end devices to one central environment within 

the business, or the organisation’s cloud. From there, it 

would be processed, and then insights and actions would 

be sent back to the same devices. 

Today, a 5G-powered private network means data 

analytics can happen right at the edge of the estate, 

for optimal, predictive machine maintenance. Devices 

in dispersed locations across the infrastructure can 

process information on the spot and understand if they 

need to be operating differently, or if there are any 

defects. They can either then act on that information 

autonomously and make the changes needed to operate 

more efficiently or send a signal to the maintenance 

team to remotely repair any defects before they cause 

any downtime. 

Accelerating with 5G: Ford Motor Company 

Ford Motor Company is a great example of a car 

manufacturer that has used a 5G private network to 

great effect. Ford needed to create a reliable network to 

support all of its critical production and maintenance 

processes at its manufacturing plant in Dunton, Essex. 

It created a 5G private network in collaboration with 

Vodafone, using mid-range 1GHz – 6GHz spectrum. With 

a Mobile Private Network (MPN), Ford got the best of 

both worlds; the reliability and responsiveness of a 

wired connection, but with the cable-less flexibility and 

cost-effectiveness of wireless connections. 

Furthermore, the wireless solution means the company 

were able to bring new facilities online faster, while 

manufacturers of production line machines were able 

to configure them remotely, so they could get up and 

running in Ford’s facilities as soon as they arrive at the 

factory. 

The private network used 5G connectivity for multiple 

reasons, including real-time analysis of machine 

performance, defect spotting and the management 

of responses to any changing conditions during the 

production process. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based 

predictive maintenance was deployed to spot defects 

and reduce downtime, while augmented reality (AR) and 

mixed reality (MR) techniques were used to support the 

remote maintenance of factory equipment. 

An example of how Ford’s network has been crucial 

in avoiding downtime can be seen with the process it 

deployed for the maintenance of the lasers it uses in its 

electric vehicle manufacturing. 

Quality checking of its laser equipment was expensive, 

tedious and repetitive for the employees in the Ford 

factory. The firm therefore wanted to move to an 



automated process which used data to continuously 

monitor and, where applicable, carry out maintenance of 

its laser machines. 

With a 5G private network as the basis, Ford created a 

mixed reality solution for maintenance, based on PTC’s 

Vuforia platform. Typically, heat build-up in the laser 

system is a signal that laser lenses need either cleaning 

or replacing. By collecting data from the laser welding 

process, the solution identifies any build-up of heat and 

works out if the lasers either needed maintenance or 

repair. 

From there, it worked autonomously to take care of the 

problem. If the lenses are at the end of their life and 

physical replacement is needed, then a technician was 

alerted, and remotely guided through the laser lens 

replacement process while wearing a HoloLens. 

While the trial has now ended, the 5G private network 

proved invaluable in eliminating unnecessary downtime 

in the production line and, of course, the consequent 

delays in manufacturing that would have occurred. 

Automotive Industry 

5G private networks helping car manufacturers 

produce at the speed they need 

We’re at an exciting time in the world of car production. 

Manufacturing numbers are growing to pre-pandemic 

levels, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down 

before the end of the decade. However, to continue to 

compete, and to meet these impressive numbers, car 

manufacturers need to make sure that their factories are 

helping them produce at the quickest possible speed. 

And that means optimised production lines, running 

with as little downtime as possible. 5G private 

networks are already proving to be the solution that’s 

needed for leading car manufacturers to conduct the 

monitoring and maintenance required for the very best 

manufacturing processes, and we’d urge more companies 

to follow suit. 

Setting up a 5G private networks might seem like an 

overwhelming task, but there are many experts who 

can give advice and guide manufacturers through a 

deployment; ensuring they find the perfect solution for 

their organisation. 

Image: Courtesy for illustration purposes 


Manufacturing 


BENTELER expansion a boost for 

automotive manufacturing industry 

Furthermore, it is anticipated that an 

additional 50 skilled jobs will be created, 

increasing BENTELER’s workforce from 697 

to 743. 

“This investment is significant, as it will 

achieve an annual import replacement 

value of an estimated R1 billion,” Patel said 

in his address via a video message. 

“The investment is also a testament to 

the efficacy of the Department of Trade, 

Industry and Competition’s Automotive 

Production and Development Programme 

(APDP) and the Automotive Investment 

Scheme (AIS), operating within the 

framework of the South African Automotive 

Masterplan (SAAM). 

“It highlights the pivotal role played by 

component manufacturing, a fundamental 

element of the APDP’s objectives, especially 

in light of the constant evolution in vehicle 

technologies and manufacturing processes.” 


Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Ebrahim 

Patel, says the expansion of the BENTELER 

South Africa plant in Gqeberha represents a 

significant milestone in South Africa’s thriving 

automotive manufacturing industry. 

The Minister said the investment 

underscores the growing recognition 

among Original Equipment Manufacturers 

(OEMs) of the advantages of purchasing 

from localised suppliers. 

“OEMs have seen that through local manufacturing of 

components, they can mitigate offshore supply chain 

costs, ultimately resulting in the creation of local jobs.” 

The Minister has welcomed the investment made by 

BENTELER, which has resulted in the expansion of the 

Gqeberha plant by over 9 000m2, positioning it as the 

third hot forming plant in South Africa. The company 

started operating in Gqeberha in 2011. 

Patel said this development reaffirms the nation’s 

growth trajectory and its status as a hub for automotive 

production, notably in the Eastern Cape province. 

During the construction phase, this expansion generated 

employment opportunities for 236 individuals and 

provided business opportunities to 42 different 

companies. 





South Africa likely to 

produce first EV in 2026 

South Africa’s automotive industry will likely 

produce its first electric vehicle (EV) in 2026, the 

trade minister said on Monday, as he outlined 

plans for the country’s green transport transition. 

The electrification of transport is one of the key pillars 

underpinning South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET) 

plan for a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy. 

The JET plan estimates that an investment of 128.1 

billion rand ($6.84 billion) would be needed from 2023– 

2027 for the transport sector to contribute meaningfully 

to South Africa’s decarbonisation commitments. 

South Africa is the largest automotive manufacturing 

hub on the African continent, hosting global brands 

such as Toyota, Isuzu, Volkswagen and Mercedes, among 

others. 

It is also highly integrated into the global supply 

chain, drawing components from across the world and 

exporting the final consumer product to more than 150 

countries worldwide. 

“We’re already producing hybrids but we anticipate 

that the first electric vehicles are likely to be produced 

already by 2026,” Minister of Trade, Industry and 

Competition, Ebrahim Patel told journalists. 

Based on discussions his department was having with 

the automakers, the first batch of EVs will be limited. 

Growth should then accelerate between 2026 and 2030, 

with only one manufacturer anticipating moving into 

battery electric vehicle production after 2030, he added 

without naming any brands. 

In a 68-page EV plan, the government outlined steps to 

support the transition, such as government incentives, 

a temporary reduction on import duties for batteries in 

vehicles produced and sold in the domestic market, and 

the commercialisation of green hydrogen production as 

a source of sustainable fuel. 

Image: Courtesy for illustration purposes 



How South Africa’s Coega SEZ 

is becoming a hub for the 

automotive industry 

The Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) offers proximity to transport networks and can physically locate 

component suppliers closer to OEMs, thereby providing logistical convenience. Credit: Coega. 

Recent research from GlobalData finds that 

original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and 

automotive component suppliers are teaming 

up to build new production plants and lines to 

increase the development and output of new materials, 

and to increase overall production process capacity. 

“Manufacturers and suppliers have been observed 

working together to create partnerships in the industry,” 

according to GlobalData’s July 2023 Global Sector 

Overview and Forecast for Material Trends Report. 

For example: to deliver low-carbon steel, which will be 

used for car production at facilities in Europe in 2026, 

the BMW Group has signed a contract with the steel 

manufacturer Salzgitter. By 2030, the company aims 

to incorporate low-carbon steel at its European plants 

to meet more than 40% of demand and reduce CO₂ 

emissions by up to 400,000 tonnes per annum. 

Such partnerships are driven by a shared goal to bolster 

research and development capabilities, and they are 

emerging in various countries. 

The value of the OEM market, estimated at between 

$32bn and $36bn in 2022, and expected to reach 

up to $54bn by 2032, underscores the vast potential 

of collaborations between component suppliers 

and automotive OEMs. The possibility for greater 

collaboration is vast, but the conditions must be right for 

these partnerships to occur. 

Thandile Jack, senior business development manager at 

the Coega Development Corporation (Coega), explains 

that a synergistic environment is necessary to properly 

enable and guarantee successful collaboration between 

OEMs and component suppliers. 

“The Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and Nelson 

Mandela Bay Logistics Park (NMBLP) offer proximity to 

transport networks and can physically locate component 

suppliers closer to OEMs, thereby providing logistical 

convenience and enabling JIT (just in time), which will 

reduce costs, for example. The Coega SEZ specifically 

provides access to export markets via the neighbouring 

deepwater Port of Ngqura and Port of Port Elizabeth, 

for containers and vehicles, respectively, while both 

areas provide land and buildings for lease, secure 

telecommunication networks, shared 24-hour security 

and infrastructure that is ready for use.” 

A hive of activity 

The Coega SEZ, inclusive of the NMBLP in Kariega in 

the Eastern Cape of South Africa, is home to various 

automakers including China’s BAIC and FAW Trucks, and 

component suppliers including Faurecia Interior Systems, 

Grupo Antolin, Hella, Inergy Automotive Systems, MICB 

Automotive, Q-Plas Automotive, Rehau Automotive, 

Schenellecke Automotive and VSL Manufacturing 

Benteler Automotive. As of March 2023, the Coega SEZ is 

home to 12 automotive sector investors with a combined 

investment value of $5.3bn, providing a total of 2,321 

jobs. 

GlobalData lists Benteler Automotive among the top 

five companies operating in the global materials market, 

alongside 3M, Novelis, Bridgestone and POSCO. Benteler 

has earned this ranking due to its focus on achieving 

net-zero emissions, including scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, 

the latter being notoriously difficult to track and 

eliminate. 



GlobalData research reveals that: “The Benteler Steel/ 

Tube division is striving to achieve CO₂ neutrality by 

2045. To achieve this, the focus is on increased energy 

efficiency, and the use of green electricity and climateneutral 

input materials.” 

In South Africa, Benteler, located at the NMBLP, 

manufactures chassis systems, structural components, 

and engine and exhaust systems. Since locating in the 

NMBLP, Benteler has embarked on two expansions, 

which is a testament to a vibrant local market. 

South Africa’s auto ecosystem 

According to the US’ International Trade Administration, 

South Africa’s automotive manufacturing industry 

reached an estimated value of $35.15bn in 2022, with 

$13.1bn in exports. 

With ambitions to contribute 1% of global automobile 

manufacturing, South Africa is fostering an ecosystem 

conducive to partnerships between OEMs and 

component suppliers. 

The NMBLP, developed and operated by Coega, is an 

Automotive Hub, offering integrated logistics services 

and infrastructure for the automotive manufacturing 

industry, helping suppliers reduce costs and maximise 

competitiveness. 

The Nelson Mandela Bay Logistics Park 


The NMBLP is positioned on the Southern Hemisphere’s 

main east-west shipping routes and served by two 

ports, with the deepwater Port of Ngqura serving as a 

designated hub for container traffic, while the Port of 

Port Elizabeth operates container, vehicle, breakbulk and 

bulk terminals. 

Coega is geared to support automotive investors, OEMs, 

assemblers and component suppliers with a diverse 

range of services, enabling companies to focus on their 

core businesses of manufacturing and distribution. 

In South Africa, the conditions are ripe for a booming 

auto industry, where component suppliers can strike 

new synergies with automakers, enabled by existing 

infrastructure and support from Coega. 


Maintenance 


Image: Peoplecreation 

The Importance 

of Quality When 

Repairing Engine 

Parts 

Car owners know that regular maintenance and 

quality repairs are crucial for maintaining the 

performance and longevity of their vehicles. 

Engine parts are among the most essential 

components in any car, so it’s vital to understand the 

importance of quality when repairing engine parts. 

Learn more about the reasons why using high-quality 

parts and services saves your engine from future 

problems. 

Prioritize Quality Over Cost 

Saving money might be on your mind when handling car 

repairs; however, making wise investments in the long 

run saves you from mechanical failures. When it comes 

to engine parts, choosing inexpensive products won’t get 

you far. 

High-quality engine parts contain superior materials and 

undergo rigorous testing to ensure their durability and 

performance. These parts will keep your engine running 

smoothly for a long time. 

Conversely, cheap engine parts may seem attractive due 

to their lower cost, but they often lack the strength and 

dependability necessary for long-term use. Skimping on 

quality is how people make mistakes when installing a 

turbocharger or other parts, leading to engine failure 

and extensive damage. 

The Role of a Qualified Mechanic 

Entrusting your vehicle to an experienced and qualified 

mechanic is as vital as using quality engine parts. A 

skilled mechanic has the proper knowledge, tools, and 

techniques to repair and maintain your engine expertly. 

An experienced mechanic will install replacement parts 

correctly, prolonging the life of your vehicle. In addition, 

they can provide valuable recommendations on extra 

parts to invest in, helping you make smart decisions 

regarding future engine repairs. 

Long-Term Savings and Reliability 

When you invest in quality engine parts, you’ll 

experience fewer trips to the mechanic for repairs. The 

performance and reliability of your vehicle’s engine 

could even increase the resale value! Prioritize quality 

engine parts and repairs for a more efficient driving 

experience. 

Trustworthiness in the Automotive Industry 

Work with certified automotive repair shops or 

dealerships that have a positive reputation within the 

industry. Relying on these professionals will help you 

make educated decisions about using quality parts for 

engine repairs and feel assured that your engine will 

last a long time. 

Prioritizing quality when making engine repairs is 

essential for your vehicle’s performance, longevity, 

and dependability. Invest in premium parts and seek 

out skilled mechanics to ensure your vehicle stays 

in top condition and save yourself from unnecessary 

headaches on the road. 



Maintenance 

Axalta Named Exclusive Supplier for BMW Group’s 

Private Paint Label ColorSystem in EMEA 

original manufacturer standards. 

“The BMW Group selects only the best products for its 

dealerships and collision repair partners to ensure the 

highest standards of quality, efficiency and sustainability,” 

said Troy Weaver, Senior Vice President, Global Refinish, 

Axalta. 


Axalta Coating Systems, a leading global 

coatings company, has been named exclusive 

supplier for BMW Group’s private paint 

label, ColorSystem, in currently 15 European 

countries plus South Africa. The agreement includes 

BMW Group’s network of 730 dealerships and collision 

repair partners. 

BMW Group’s ColorSystem is engineered to be one of the 

world’s most technologically advanced paint systems. 

It offers refinishing solutions that meet BMW Group’s 

“Following a rigorous process, Axalta has proven it 

can maintain exceptional service for the BMW Group’s 

dealerships and customers. We look forward to building a 

mutually beneficial, strong and future-proof relationship 

as well as growing the ColorSystem network to even 

more collision repair shops and in more countries.” 

As part of the agreement, Axalta will also provide its 

latest, innovative Fast Cure Low Energy technology paint 

system. This system has the potential to reduce carbon 

equivalent emissions and energy consumption by up to 

45% as compared to standard paint technologies. 

As part of the agreement, Axalta will also provide its 

latest, innovative Fast Cure Low Energy technology paint 

system. 


Machines 

BENDING MACHINES 

A GUIDE TO EXHAUST 

PIPE BENDERS: TYPES, 

FEATURES, AND 

BENEFITS 


If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile tool to 

bend pipes for your auto shop, you’ve come to the 

right place. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with 

a comprehensive guide to pipe benders and bending 

machines. We’ll cover everything from their benefits, 

features, types, and models. Whether you need to bend 

exhaust pipes, roll bars, frames, or other metal tubing, 

we’ll help you find the best pipe bender for your needs 

and budget. 


WHY DO YOU NEED A PIPE BENDER OR BENDING 

MACHINE? 

Pipe benders and bending machines are essential for 

auto shops. In fact, they allow you to customize shapes 

and angles for your pipes without compromising their 

strength, integrity, or appearance. 

Pipe-bending is a skill that requires precision and 

accuracy. Actually, using a pipe bender or bending 

machine can make the process much easier and safer. 

Pipe benders and bending machines can also save you 

money and time, as you can avoid buying pre-bent pipes 

or outsourcing the job to another shop. 

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PIPE 

BENDERS AND BENDING MACHINES? 

There are many types of pipe benders [9] available on 

the market, but they can be broadly classified into four 

categories: exhaust pipe benders, entry-level benders, 

heavy-duty benders, and manual benders. 

Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, 

depending on your specific needs and preferences. Here’s 

a brief overview of each type: 

EXHAUST PIPE BENDERS 

These are designed to bend exhaust pipes for cars, 

trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles. They usually 

have a hydraulic system that provides enough power and 

pressure to bend thick and hard pipes. 

Benders also have a digital control panel that allows 

you to adjust the bending angle, speed, and force. Some 

models come with an automatic mode that bends pipes 

based on preset programs. Exhaust pipe benders are 


ideal for professional auto shops. They are essential for 

bending large volumes of pipes with high accuracy and 

efficiency. 

ENTRY-LEVEL BENDERS 

These are suitable for beginners who want to learn how 

to bend pipes or do occasional projects. They are usually 

manual or semi-automatic, meaning that you have to 

operate them by hand or with a foot pedal. 

Entry-level benders have a simple design and a low price 

tag, but they also have limited capabilities and features. 

They can only bend thin and soft pipes, and they may not 

be able to create complex shapes or angles. 

These benders are good for small-scale or personal use, 

but they may not meet the standards of professional 

shops. 



Machines 

HEAVY-DUTY BENDERS 

Heavy-duty benders are the most powerful and robust 

types of bending machines. Indeed, they bend thick and 

hard pipes with ease. Also, they can handle heavy-duty 

applications, such as industrial or commercial use. 

They have a strong hydraulic system that delivers high 

pressure and force. These benders have a sturdy frame 

that can withstand wear and tear. Heavy-duty benders 

come with advanced features such as programmable 

logic controllers, touch screens, sensors, alarms, safety 

devices, etc. 

In effect, heavy-duty benders are the best choice for auto 

shops that need to bend pipes for demanding projects or 

clients. 

MANUAL BENDERS 

These are the simplest and cheapest types of pipe 

benders. They need no electricity or hydraulics, as they 

rely on your physical strength and skill to bend pipes. 

Manual benders consist of a metal frame with a die set 

that holds the pipe in place and a lever that applies 

force to bend the pipe. In fact, these are easy to use and 

maintain, but they also have many limitations. 

They bend small-diameter pipes with low wall 

thicknesses. Actually, they may not be able to create 

precise or consistent bends. Manual benders are suitable 

for occasional or DIY use, but they may not be enough 

for professional shops. Pipe Bender Tool Package 

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BEST PIPE BENDER 

MODELS ON THE MARKET? 

Now that you know the different types of pipe benders, 

you may be wondering which model to buy for your auto 

shop. To help you with your decision, we’ve compiled a 

list of some of the best pipe bender models. This list is 

based on their features, performance, quality, reviews, 

and price. Here they are: 

HUTH BEN PEARSON 1605 ESSENTIALS BENDER 

This is an excellent exhaust pipe bender [10] that can 

bend up to 3-inch-diameter pipes with ease. It has a 

powerful hydraulic system that generates up to 58,000 

pounds of bending force. It also comes with a digital 

control panel that allows you to set the desired bending 

angle with accuracy. 

This bender has an essential tooling package that 

includes 10 dies of various sizes and shapes. In fact, 

it is a great option for auto shops that need a reliable 

and versatile exhaust pipe bender. Huth Ben Pearson 

Essential Bender 

HUTH BEN PEARSON HB10 MANUAL ENTRY LEVEL 

BENDER W/028 DIE PACKAGE 

It is a good entry-level bender that can bend up to 

2.5-inch-diameter pipes with a manual operation. It has 

a simple and compact design that makes it easy to use 

and store, and a durable steel frame that can last for 

years. 

This bender also comes with a 028 die package that 

includes 4 dies of different sizes and shapes. Actually, 

the Huth Hb10 Manual Bender is a good choice for 

beginners who want to learn how to bend pipes or 

do occasional projects. Huth Ben Pearson Entry Level 

Bender 

HUTH BEN PEARSON 1600 MANUAL PIPE BENDER 

It is a solid manual pipe bender that can bend up to 

3-inch-diameter pipes with a lever operation. It has 

heavy-duty construction. In fact, it can withstand high 

stress and pressure and has a swivel handle that allows 

you to adjust the bending angle with ease. 

This manual bender comes with a standard tooling 

package. It includes seven dies of various sizes and 

shapes. The Huth Bender is a good option for auto shops 

that need a simple and affordable manual pipe bender. 

Manual Pipe Bender 

BENDPAK 1302BAS-302 SEMI-AUTOMATIC PIPE 

BENDER WITH 302 DIE PACKAGE: 

This is a superb semi-automatic pipe bender [13] that 

can bend up to 3-inch-diameter pipes with a foot pedal 

operation. It has a hydraulic system that can produce 

up to 58,000 pounds of bending force and an automatic 

mode that can bend pipes according to preset programs. 

It also comes with a 302 die package that includes 10 

dies of different sizes and shapes. The Bendpak Bender 

is a great option for auto shops that need a fast and 

efficient semi-automatic pipe bender. Semi-Automatic 

Pipe Bender 

BENDPAK BB-2 BLUE-BULLET BENDER WITH BB-2 

DIE PACKAGE: 

This is an outstanding heavy-duty pipe bender [14] that 

can bend up to 3-inch-diameter pipes with ease. It has a 

hydraulic system that generates up to 85,000 pounds of 

bending force. Also, it comes with a PLC that allows you 

to program and control the bending process. 

Moreover, this bender comes with a BB-2 die package 

that includes 12 dies of various sizes and shapes. This 

Bendpak Bender is the best option for auto shops that 

need a powerful, advanced, heavy-duty pipe bender.

Africa Automotive September-October 2023 digital issue

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