Image: Volvo

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Sizable in all regards, the people mover is built on Volvo’s SPA2 platform and will join the brand’s expanding electric vehicle portfolio, which includes the EX30, C40 Recharge, and XC40 Recharge. While the entry-level version offers 300 kW and 770 N.m, capable of a 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds, the Twin Motor Performance variant delivers a potent 380 kW and 910 N.m of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds.

Related: Review: Volvo EX90 Twin Motor Performance

In terms of safety, this eagerly awaited vehicle features an innovative “invisible safety shield” that integrates advanced sensors like cameras, radars, and LiDAR to provide enhanced protection for occupants and other road users.

“The EX90 has garnered significant international acclaim, and we are delighted to introduce it to the South African market,” stated Felipe Yagi, Head of Marketing & Communications at Volvo Car South Africa. “With its cutting-edge safety features and luxurious interior, the EX90 embodies the essence of a flagship Volvo, redefining the concept of electrified luxury.”

Addressing range anxiety, the EX90 offers an impressive 751 km of range in urban driving conditions and 604 km on the combined cycle on a single charge. Its 111 kWh battery can be rapidly charged from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes using a 250 kW DC fast charger. The Swedish automaker provides a diverse range of electrified options, including battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and mild hybrids. By 2030, Volvo aims for electric vehicles, encompassing BEVs and PHEVs, to constitute 90-100% of its global sales.

Local pricing and specifications for the EX90 lineup will be unveiled closer to the South African launch later this year.

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Image: Audi

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Debuting on Audi’s social media channels, the automaker has now released some more concrete information on what is available with the high-riding all-electric bakkie. Likely serving as a concept to gauge customer interest in a potential production version, much of the exterior borrows styling cues from the Q6 Sportback e-tron.

That said, it bears much of the styling prominent on the Sportback up front but with off-roading in mind, it features significantly widened wheel arches that accommodate dark alloy wheels equipped with chunky off-road tyres. Under the ‘bonnet’, the Q6 e-tron concept boasts dual electric motors that deliver a combined output of 380 kW, matching the SQ6 e-tron in Boost mode. However, the most obvious changes are the aggressive modifications that make this seem like a viable choice for venturing off of the beaten path. Equipped with portal axles, the Q6 E-Tron Sportback now comes with a significant 160 mm increase in ride height and a 250 mm wider track.

“The debuting Q6 gives a taste of a potential vehicle in the progressive off-road segment,” said Audi, suggesting plans to incorporate more rugged capabilities into its electric vehicle lineup. “We look forward to seeing our customers’ reactions to this highly emotive car,” commented CEO Gernot Dollner.

Image: Audi

Related: Review: Audi Q7 55 TFSI Black Edition

Unlike conventional setups, the Q6 e-tron’s portal axles integrate directly into the wheel hubs, necessitating a redesigned suspension system by Audi. This configuration translates to a whopping total wheel torque of 13 400 N.m, a substantial 4 400 N.m increase over traditional axles. This figure is available in short 10-second bursts but it is worth noting that this value reflects the torque delivered to the wheels after multiplication by the portal axles’ gear ratios, not the raw output of the electric motors themselves.

Image: Audi

Audi explains that while traditional portal axles typically provide a 20-30% increase in wheel torque, their design offers a significant 50% boost. This capability comes at the expense of a slightly reduced top speed of 175 km/h, which when considering its pioneering purpose is a more than acceptable trade-off. In exchange for the reduced speed, the Q6 e-tron concept can tackle gradients of up to 45 degrees.

Whether this will ever make it into production is unknown and unlikely, but it provides a glimpse into Audi’s electric future and how its technology can be implemented for off-roading.

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Image: Mitsubishi

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Starting on the outside, the Outlander Sport owes its provenance to Mitsubishi’s “Silky & Solid” concept and is said to feature a sporty exterior that retains the traditional SUV aesthetic. The front grille is three-dimensional, flanked by bold LED daytime running lights making the Mitsubishi instantly recognizable and shying away from the cookie cutter of SUV styling. The rear taillights also adopt the same T-shape from the front.

Image: Mitsubishi

Inside, the instrument panel is designed for optimal forward visibility, allowing drivers to easily navigate challenging terrain. A large display panel integrates a 12.3-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio system with a multi-widget function that can display various information on a single screen. GL and GLS models come with an 8-inch version of this system.  The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Exceed boasts a class-leading sound system co-developed with Yamaha Corporation. The system includes eight speakers, with front tweeters on the A-pillars, woofers in the front doors, and coaxial two-way speakers in the rear doors.

Under the bonnet, the Outlander Sport is powered by a 1.5-litre DOHC 16-valve MIVEC engine offering 77 kW @ 6 000 r/min and 141 N.m @ 4 000 r/min. Mitsubishi highlighted that this engine is paired with a high-efficiency CVT for low fuel consumption and a quiet ride. No confirmed data on the fuel consumption is available for the local market however abroad, the Outlander Sport manages 7.8 L/100 km in a combined cycle which should make it competitive if this is attainable in the real world.

Pricing:

• Outlander Sport 1.5 GL CVT – R429 990
• Outlander Sport 1.5 GLS CVT – R449 990
• Outlander Sport 1.5 Aspire CVT – R479 990
• Outlander Sport 1.5 Exceed CVT – R499 990

The Outlander Sport is offered as a two-wheel drive but leverages Mitsubishi’s expertise in off-road driving. Four drive modes, including Normal, Wet, Gravel, and Mud, allow the vehicle to handle various road conditions. The integration of Active Yaw Control adjusts drive between the wheels to improve controllability, traction control, engine control, and power steering control.

Image: Mitsubishi

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport rides on MacPherson strut suspension up front and a torsion beam set up at the rear, with disc brakes all around. The suspension has been specifically developed for comfortable handling on various terrains. With a ground clearance of 222 mm, the Outlander Sport can confidently traverse even the roughest roads. Approach and departure angles of 21.0 degrees and 30.5 degrees further enhance its off-road capability.

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South Africa boasts infamous road fatality statistics, but the past few years following th COVID-19 pandemic have yielded a slight decline to the mean annual loss of live. The 2024/2025 festive season seemed to revert to standard with the fatality rate higher than it has been for the first time in three years.

Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive, expressed the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that these fatalities are more than just statistics. “The 1 502 lives lost are parents, children, siblings, friends, colleagues; human beings that leave a huge void behind,” he said. He likened the number of fatalities to more than three Boeing 747 aeroplanes or four times the number of people killed in the KwaZulu Natal floods, highlighting the immense impact.

Related: Safety tips for travelers this festive season from the AA

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy pointed to specific causes such as jaywalking, fatigue, loss of vehicle control, speeding, drunk driving and dangerous overtaking or simply reckless driving. Despite extensive efforts to promote safe behaviour, Creecy remarked that “drivers and pedestrians continue to act with little concern for life.”

The ineffectiveness of current methods raises questions about the need for a new approach. “Most people know drinking and driving is illegal, high-risk, and often results in tragedy,” said Herbert. “Yet, during the 2024/25 festive season, 9 950 drivers were arrested for drinking and driving – this does not even account for those that escaped detection.”

These statistics highlight the urgent need for a more comprehensive strategy to address South Africa’s festive season road fatality crisis. Existing efforts clearly require significant reinforcement to ensure safer roads for everyone.

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2025 Land Rover Defender Octa Edition One

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Fast Facts: Land Rover Defender Octa Edition One

• Price: R3 749 100
• Engine: 4.4-litre, V8, twin-turbo petrol + mild hybrid
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Power: 467 kW @ 5 900 r/min
• Torque: 750 N.m @ 1800 – 5 900 r/min
• 0-100 km/h: 4.0 seconds
• Top speed: Wheel/tyre dependent
• Fuel consumption: 13.5 L/100 km (claimed)
• CO2: 305 g/km
• Rivals: Mercedes-AMG G63, not much else

2025 Land Rover Defender Octa Edition One

Forget what you know, or thought you knew, about the Land Rover Defender, because the Octa just flipped the entire script on its head!

I know it’s a bold statement, but Land Rover outdid itself with the ultimate iteration of its Defender SUV. The Octa is the very best of what the Defender is and can be, leaving one to speculate that this SUV’s platform might not have seen its best days yet. Now, I know I’m getting a bit ahead of myself by speaking about potential future models, but this SUV is so impressive that you can’t help but feel there’s more in the tank.

Related: First Drive: Land Rover Defender Octa

But okay, let’s dial it back. What is the Octa?

In short, it’s the craziest, most insane version of the Defender yet. Powered by the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 borrowed from the previous-generation M5 (we’ll get to the BMW in the room in a minute), the SUV is as mad as they come. It’s a vehicle that can comfortably – and scarily – run at 140 km/h on gravel with ALL the electronic aids turned off. However, as much as it delights the audible senses and addresses (some) humans’ innate need for an adrenaline rush, it also requires a skilled hand to extract the most out of it.

Yet, if you know what you’re doing and can hang with the big boys in a drift, then this SUV is worth the R3.5 million entry-level asking price.

2025 Land Rover Defender Octa Edition One

Similar Look, But With a Twist

Admittedly, onlookers won’t know immediately that this is the Defender Octa. Yes, it is built on the Defender 110 and shares the same silhouette, but there are subtle differentiators to let it slip that it is the best Defender ever made.

The Octa’s grille, for starters, is different from the ones of its ‘lesser’ siblings, while both the front and rear bumpers are different. Worked into the front bumper is a wench, and there are phosphor bronze-finished recovery points – front and rear. The wheel arches have been extended, and the aluminium alloy front under-shield protection has a graphite finish.

Inside, the front seats are performance units, while the gear shift paddles’ edges have translucent lighting. The 11.4-inch touchscreen is equipped with the latest iteration of Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) Pivi Pro multimedia system, which adopts wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Meridian Surround Sound system is bonkers beyond words, with small, additional subwoofers built into the seats; vibrating when the volume is turned up and you thump some deep drum and base through the speakers.

These are small items worth mentioning, but everything else is pretty standard Defender. It’s a familiar space that fails to alienate. However, the standard-size steering wheel does not do the Octa’s size – and performance – justice. Personally, I’d prefer to have it be slightly bigger, just for a meatier feel between the palms and fingers.

2025 Land Rover Defender Octa Edition One

Octa In Numbers

The Defender Octa is a big SUV. Big and heavy. However, the way this thing moves puts all questions to pasture! It has an unladen weight of 2 585 kg. The length, width, and height is 5 003 x 2 105 x 1 995 mm. The wheelbase is 3 023 mm, the wading depth is an impressive 1.0 m, and the ground clearance is an eyebrow-raising 323 mm! To put it in perspective: it’s 107 mm more than the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2.8 GD VX-R’s 216 mm! These are massive numbers, but what stumps you are the performance figures.

A BMW-sourced V8 engine powers the Land Rover Defender Octa. This unit, which was carried over from the previous generation M5, produces a jaw-dropping 467 kW and 750 N.m, shoving this all-wheel drive SUV from standstill to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds. Yes, it is blisteringly quick and you almost can’t fathom how science and logic come together in a package like this. However, for all the craziness surrounding the car, surely there are questions about JLR’s decision to forego its 5.0-litre supercharged V8 in favour of a BMW engine. Right?

While the supercharged engine produces an already hefty 423 kW/700 N.m at its highest tune, it has reached the peak of what can be extracted from it and will soon be laid to rest. With the BMW partnership in the bag, JLR has access to newer engines with newer technologies, including the mild-hybrid (48V battery) fitted to the 4.4-litre mill. Traditionalists will probably bemoan the absence of the supercharger’s howl and brass nature, but adopting the newer engine from its Geman partners was a masterstroke by the Brits that will help ensure the internal combustion engine’s (ICE) continuation. At least for the time being…

2025 Land Rover Defender Octa Edition One

All-Round Capable

Of course, conducting conversation around the Octa cannot be done without touching on its prowess. Over three days of driving across various terrains, there is no denying that the Octa is one helluva beast. The SUV was put through its paces on tarmac, gravel, sand (dunes), and rocks, with not one of these challenges getting the better of it. Everything is turned up to 11 when ‘Octa’ mode is activated and up to 80% of the power is sent to the rear wheels. It’s smile-inducing and oh-so-addictive!

Because of the 275/60 R20 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac Advanced rubber, the maximum advisable speed is 150 km/h. (Side note: the Octa will reach 250 km/h when fitted with the 275/50 R22 Michelin Primacy All-Season tyre.) But on the 3-ply Goodyear’s, the Octa kept going without a moment’s hesitation. Once on the loose, dusty gravel roads of the Ceder Mountains in the Western Cape, it astounded with how much ease one could push the SUV. Expectedly, not all owners/drivers will get the most out of the Octa, but undulation absorption and cabin comfort are on unheard-of levels. Granted, the 6D Dynamics hydraulically linked air suspension plays a massive role in this regard.

Dune driving and rock climbing were also as breezy as they come, and the Defender Octa seemed to excel in every challenge thrown its way. And while some 4x4s and off-roaders will stutter to a stop on uneven surfaces, especially gravel, when you slam on the brakes, the Octa’s 400 mm six-piston (front, ventilated) and 365 mm single-piston (rear, ventilated) brakes would bring the bulky SUV to a standstill quicker than you could comprehend what had just happened.

2025 Land Rover Defender Octa Edition One

In Summary

At R3 749 100 (before options) for the Defender 110 Octa Edition One (R3 499 100 for the ‘standard’ Octa), one can almost argue that it is unnecessary to spend such an amount of money on a vehicle of which only 2 000 are built globally, and a handful are allocated for the South African market (at least for this model year). It is easy to say that there are other, perhaps more luxurious SUVs, to choose from – some from sister-brand Range Rover! And these statements would all be true.

However, as things stand, the Defender Octa does not have any peers. It is a purpose-built SUV draped in an understated luxury attire. It does not scream ‘Octa!’ at the top of its lungs, and bar the rims, Octa badge on the rear doors, wench, and quad-exhausts you will not know that this is the ultimate iteration of the Defender yet. It may not make all that much sense on paper, but you’ll understand after an unadulterated driving experience where the reigns have been almost completely cut loose.

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Image: Toyota

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Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) once again used its annual State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) event as a platform to provide insights into the continually evolving automotive landscape. The event featured key presentations from TSAM’s President and CEO, Andrew Kirby, and Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Leon Theron.

Related: Toyota Confirms Four Refreshed Models for SA at SOMI

In his presentation, Kirby shared a few industry-related trends being noticed:

1. Consumers are increasingly opting for smaller, more affordable vehicles, as evidenced by a shift from C- and D-segment cars to the B-segment. Data from Lightstone Auto reveals that the average selling price of passenger vehicles declined by 2.27% in 2024, reinforcing this trend.
2. The SUV and crossover segment continues to expand. In 2018, 114 model ranges fell into this category; by 2024, that number had grown to 166, with SUVs now accounting for more than half of all passenger vehicle sales.
3. Modern consumers expect a more immersive driving experience. Features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, even in entry-level models such as the Toyota Starlet Cross. Personalisation, connectivity, and intuitive user interfaces—such as those found in the Lexus RX—are becoming industry norms.
4. South Africa is increasingly sourcing vehicles from India and China. Kirby noted a significant shift in global production, with China’s market share growing from 29% in 2018 to 32% in 2023. Meanwhile, German manufacturing has slipped from the top five globally. Locally produced vehicle sales have also declined, from 46% in 2018 to 43% in 2023, while imports from India and China have surged from 18% to 37% in the same period.
5. Kirby and expert panellist Greg Cress highlighted the rapid adoption of NEVs. While globally, one in five cars sold is an EV, South Africa has lagged behind. However, the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s success—jumping from 4 000 units in 2022 to an expected 12 500 in 2024—signals a shift. Cress predicted that without BEV incentives, mass adoption (5% of the total) would occur only by 2032, whereas with proper incentives, this milestone could be reached by 2029.

Related: Toyota Warns Subsidised Chinese Imports Could Further De-Industrialise SA

More importantly, Kirby added that the South African auto sector needs to strive to sell more than 600 000 new vehicles throughout the year which will help place the country in a more favourable position for foreign investment. The market has still not yet recovered from pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels but panellists including Mikel Mabasa from Naamsa were encouraged by an upswing in consumer sentiment following the formulation of the GNU.

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A frugal and comfortable oil burner might be the logical choice for most trekking between Joburg and Cape Town but a group of motoring affiliated members backed by naamsa embarked on an EV road trip between Johannesburg and Cape Town. The scenic trip wasn’t without its shortcomings though…

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Last year, an ambitious road trip sought to address the feasibility of long-distance electric vehicle (EV) travel in South Africa. Unlike the usual day or two trek on the country’s passage between the two cities, this pre-planned trip spanned four days exposing the diverse landscapes of the country, travelling through the villages in the Eastern and Western Cape to the rugged mountain passes of the Karoo, including Nieu-Bethesda and Prince Albert via the Swartberg Pass. The event was strategically timed ahead of Naamsa’s SA Auto Week in Cape Town, adding weight to the discussion around South Africa’s EV future.

Related: Toyota Warns Subsidised Chinese Imports Could Further De-Industrialise SA

The road trip was spearheaded by Naamsa in collaboration with major industry players, including KPMG, Accenture, Woolworths, the Industrial Development Corporation, the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth Development Office, the Electric Mission, WesBank, FNB, and TechCentral. Their aim was to highlight the challenges and opportunities that EV owners might face when embarking on long-distance travel, particularly in areas with limited charging infrastructure.

The convoy consisted of five electric vehicles— a Volvo XC40, a BMW iX50, a Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+, a BYD Seal, and a Volkswagen ID.4— all of which successfully reached Cape Town despite a few tense moments in Colesberg and Jansenville, where range anxiety became a real concern.

Related: Did Red Bull Miss Out On Something By Signing Lawson?

Piloting the silent vehicles 2 200 km was a team keen on Escaping the Noise and comprised industry and sustainability experts. Among them were Greg Cress, Principal Director for Automotive and E-Mobility at Accenture; Hideki (Dex) Machida, Automotive Industry Leader at KPMG; Feroz Koor, Group Sustainability Officer at Woolworths Holdings; Hiten Parmar, Executive Director at the Electric Mission; and Kival Singh, Head of Sustainability and ESG Solutions at FNB South Africa.

Related: Toyota Confirms Four Refreshed Models for SA at SOMI

Also in attendance were Naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa, Nathan Fredericks from the Industrial Development Corporation, Nicholas Brooks from the UK’s Just Energy Transition Project, and Tshetlhe Litheko, Chief Policy Officer at Naamsa. TechCentral’s Editor, Duncan McLeod, was also part of the team, helping document the journey alongside a production crew comprising Jonathan Pinkhard, Frank Meyer, and Shaun Abdul.

With its mix of real-world testing, expert perspectives, and scenic South African backdrops, the documentary offers a compelling look at the future of EV travel in the country and does prove there is still a little way to go for the infrastructure to truly make this a realistic form of long-distance travel.

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The local SA Car of the Year competition has moved forward with a set of finalists being chosen by a panel of automotive-affiliated individuals. Next up, a three-day evaluation period in Johannesburg will assess their performance across various criteria, culminating in testing at Zwartkops Raceway just outside of Pretoria.

This year, the competition states it has evolved, incorporating a more comprehensive scoring system. Jury evaluations will be combined with data from Lightstone Auto, utilizing automated scoring based on market segment sales volumes and spec-adjusted competitor pricing. This integrated approach provides a more holistic assessment, reflecting both professional opinion and real-world market dynamics.

Furthermore, the introduction of multiple categories alongside the overall winner are stated to ensure relevance for new car buyers. The 2025 COTY will feature battles in various segments, including the performance category featuring the BMW M5, Ford Mustang, and Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance. In the bakkie category, the newly launched Mitsubishi Triton and the GWM P 500 HEV, the first hybrid bakkie to reach the COTY finals, will challenge the reigning champion, the Ford Ranger. The luxury sedan category will see a resurgence of the classic rivalry between the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.   

Related: 2023 COTY semi-finalists revealed ahead of final culling

The 2025 SA Car of the Year Finalists are

1. BMW 5 Series Sedan
2. BMW M5
3. BMW X3
4. Ford Mustang GT
5. GAC GS3 EMZOOM
6. GWM P500 HEV
7. Jaecoo J7
8. Mahindra XUV 3XO
9. Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance
10. Mercedes-Benz E-Class (E 220d)
11. Mini Countryman
12. Mitsubishi Triton
13. Omoda C9
14. Suzuki Swift
15. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
16. Volkswagen Tiguan
17. Volvo EX30

The competition adds that sustainability is also a key focus, with four new-energy vehicles among the finalists. The BMW M5, Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance and Volvo EX30, the sole full electric vehicle in the competition, represent the growing importance of electrified mobility.   

In for a new generation, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado hopes to add to its impressive legacy with a fourth COTY victory. Meanwhile, the globally acclaimed Suzuki Swift, a finalist for the 2025 World Car of the Year is back for another go at the title. While the remaining round of the competition unfolds, be sure to also find the CAR Magazine Top 12 Best Buys awards in the forthcoming April issue. 

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Image: Toyota

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Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) once again used its annual State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) event as a platform to provide insights into the continually evolving automotive landscape. The event featured key presentations from TSAM’s President and CEO, Andrew Kirby, and Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Leon Theron, alongside special guest Rory Reid from the UK.

In his keynote address titled “The Year That Was”, Kirby delved into the challenges facing the South African motor industry, emphasizing the need to push annual vehicle sales beyond the 600 000-unit threshold. As it stands, the South African market has not yet increased to sales figures from pre-COVID-19 and has been hovering under the 550 000 mark for some time. Achieving this, he argued, would create the scale required to attract further foreign direct investment.

Related: Did Red Bull Miss Out On Something By Signing Lawson?

While the South African government’s recent policy to incentivise battery electric vehicle (BEV) production is a step forward, Kirby cautioned that more substantial support is needed to safeguard the country’s automotive production sector. The ongoing trend of de-industrialisation and a decline in local content—now below 40% for domestically manufactured vehicles—only adds to these concerns.

Related: Toyota Confirms Four Refreshed Models for SA at SOMI

Kirby remained cautiously optimistic in his sales forecast of 535 000 units for 2025—a 3.7% increase on 2024 figures—though he humorously suggested that he might need to “put a more positive spin on the numbers.” However, he reiterated that any meaningful growth would depend on continued interest rate cuts and fuel price stabilisation.

While the automotive landscape globally and locally is ever-evolving, one of the key concerns mentioned by Kirby that was further extrapolated was the general acceptance of subsided Chinese imports to South Africa. Kirby added that there is an increase in sourcing vehicles from India and China and there has been a significant shift in global production, with China’s market share growing from 29% in 2018 to 32% in 2023. In a private discussion with Kirby, the Toyota head honcho encouraged the competition, considering the end consumer benefits but warned that it could have a significant toll on South Africa’s employment sector and GDP.

During the presentation, other key stats show that German manufacturing has slipped from the top five globally while locally produced vehicle sales have also declined, from 46% in 2018 to 43% in 2023. At the same time, imports from India and China have surged from 18% to 37% in the same period. Not to be confused with adding more stringent import tariffs on the subsidised products entering our market from abroad, Kirby added some legislation should be considered to ensure a fair market for all competing.

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Image: Arctic Trucks

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As Arctic Trucks UK Managing Director, Peter Smith, aptly states, “This collaboration of teams across the Arctic Trucks group has resulted in a vehicle that is truly fit for use in any market. Combining our three decades of off-road expertise with technology and innovation from the UK supply chain has achieved outstanding results and reaffirms our ongoing commitment to delivering complete vehicle solutions for both work and play.”

Discretion is key in the AT37’s design. The widebody kit, comprising 10 individual components, subtly enhances the Prado’s presence with new bumpers, extended fenders, and aluminium side steps. Mudguards and a discreetly integrated receiver hitch complete the off-road-ready exterior.

Image: Arctic Trucks

But it’s what lies beneath that truly sets the AT37 apart. A 40 mm lift, courtesy of a meticulously engineered two-way adjustable suspension system with revised springs, coilovers and dampers, provides unparalleled ground clearance. This robust foundation is further bolstered by 17-inch forged alloy wheels, boasting a dual-valve design for easy tyre pressure management. Clad in 37-inch BFGoodrich tyres, available in all-terrain or mud-terrain configurations.

Related: ROX Star – The Land Cruiser with a Big Difference

To accommodate these substantial tyres, Arctic Trucks undertook a comprehensive reengineering process. The Land Cruiser’s frame, body, and drivetrain were reprofiled, resulting in a wider track and an extended wheelbase achieved through a relocated rear axle. This extensive modification ensures optimal stability and performance even in the most demanding off-road conditions.

Inside, the AT37 receives Arctic Trucks-branded dash trim, sill plates, and premium floor mats adding a touch of exclusivity, while an upgraded shift lever comprises the upgrades.

Image: Arctic Trucks

While pricing details remain confidential, the Land Cruiser Prado AT37 is poised to make its mark. As an official Toyota partner in multiple regions, Arctic Trucks will launch the AT37 in Q2 2025, available as an official dealership-supplied version or through direct customer conversions in Europe, North America, the Middle East and Africa.

Not just a retrofitted project, Thomas Cogez, Toyota Sales and Marketing Director, emphasizes, “We are excited to announce our collaboration between CFAO Toyota and Arctic Trucks on this innovative new Land Cruiser Prado AT37. By combining Toyota’s world-renowned engineering excellence with Arctic Trucks’ expertise in creating extreme off-road vehicles, we aim to deliver a next-level driving experience that will redefine performance and durability in challenging African terrains.”

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