From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report. The Johannesburg International Motor Show, in conjunction with the Truck and Bus Show, is being held at Nasrec from October 16 to October 27 and showcases vehicles from all aspects of industry. Natasha Odendaal reports.

Natasha Odendaal:
The Johannesburg International Motor Show saw the launches and unveiling of several new vehicles set to hit the South African market this year and next, including new hybrid, energy efficient and electric vehicles.

Tata delivered several new offerings at the show, with the launch of the new crossover passenger vehicle, the Tata Aria, the Tata Prima KL3 TXF 6x4 truck tractor and the Tata ultra 812 truck. The recently launched new generation bakkie Zenon XT was also on display.

Isuzu Truck unveiled its new upgraded N-Series NMR 250, which would be fitted exclusively with Isuzu Trucks Automatic Manual Transmission in both its freighters and crew cab ranges.

Iveco placed emphasis on the arrival of the latest estra-heavy range vehicles, the new Stralis Hi-Wat and the new Trakker. The heavy-duty Eurocargo was displayed ahead of its official launch scheduled for next year.

Volkswagen commercial vehicles revealed three new offerings to the market – a special edition Amarok double cab, the Amarok Worthersee and the Cross Caddy van/passenger series.

In the passenger vehicle arena, VW announced its plans to introduce the first electric golf in 2014, and had unveiled the Jetta Hybrid, which is already in production, as well as the e-Up small electric city car and the Golf 7 Blue Motion energy efficient model.

Back into the commercial sector, Hino announced its intention of upgrading and expanding its 700 series range, from five models, to 13, with all vehicles fitted with a Euro IV engine.
The extended 700-series range will go on sale early next year. The additional models are a new 8x4 range and a new 6x4 freight carrier.

Mercedes Benz Commercial Vehicles launched its new seven-speed automatic transmission sprinter, while its passenger division reiterated the launch of the new C-Class in June.

Further on the passenger vehicles industry, BMW South Africa planned to introduce the i3 electric vehicle and the i8 hybrid new generation sports car in South Africa in 2014.

The Nissan Leaf electric car would also be available in South Africa from November, starting with seven dealers in Gauteng, where charging stations would also be based.

Shannon de Ryhove:
Other news making headlines this week: A South African manufacturer unveils its locomotive steering innovation; and the Thales Group unveils its integrated airport security offering.

Gauteng-based DCD Rolling Stock launched its patented Jika passive hydraulic steering system for locomotives earlier this month at the Trans-Africa expo, in Johannesburg.

DCD Rolling Stock MD Rob King

Thales South Africa, part of the global Thales Group, focuses on the security of citizens, infrastructure and nations. Its latest offering is the airport operation control centre, which is an integration of all of its security systems and enables airports to make decisions more effectively.

Thales SA air traffic management specialist Norman Matinya

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy.