WINNING LETTER

TOOTHLESS BLUES

I’m appalled by the number of drivers I see on a daily basis, totally oblivious to traf c conditions round them while driving erratically with a cellphone in hand. If this isn’t bad enough, many of the cars I have seen are de nitely equipped with Bluetooth hands-free technology as standard – Porsches, high-end BMWS, MercedesBenzes, Audis, etc. Many less-expensive cars now also come with Bluetooth as standard. Why, then, would you risk disaster by holding a phone in your hand? It is not even that safe having a conversation using hands-free functionality; however, it is in nitely safer than driving one-handed and distracted. I am not sure if it is arrogance or ignorance that causes drivers to behave this way.

Do they think it’s “cool” to show people that you are making a phone call while driving? Are they perhaps ignorant and incapable of using the supplied technology? I am not sure, but of one thing I am certain: this irresponsible behaviour is de nitely a contributing factor to the carnage on our roads. Please people: think before you make what could be your last call. MARK TIPPINS Vereeniging

GOODBYE GENERAL MOTORS (1)

Should we be surprised by General Motors’ pull-out from South Africa’s shores? I think not. We never bought into the Chevrolet brand as endearingly as Toyota, Volkswagen or Ford. The reason we are so loyal to our tried-andtrusted brands is because they are loyal to us.

Toyota opened up shop in South Africa back in the days when our grandparents and parents grew to love this Japanese brand. As generations passed hand-me-downs to their children, a certain culture was established. Toyota now has a reputation for quality and reliability.

Volkswagen is another reliable manufacturer, established in South Africa back in 1946. This is another example of generational growth and a can-do attitude from the days of the Beetle and the Volkswagen microbus. Whatever you need, you will nd under the Volkswagen umbrella thanks to the vast array of models on offer.

Then we come to Chevrolet – the gold digger, as I like to call it. General Motors South Africa started selling vehicles in 1913. By 1986, it closed up shop due to apartheid, no excuse if we look at other brands that stuck it out. However, South Africa’s transition to a democratic government proved smoother than expected. By 2004, the economy was looking rosy and GM decided to reinvest to get a piece of the pie. It seemed promising and began to look like a brand we could fall in love with once again. Boy, were we wrong. As soon as we hit junk status, GM left in a hurry to nd greener pastures. I was of the opinion that any vehicle manufacturer setting up shop is looking for a long journey with the people and its country. Weathering the storm at times and enjoying the milk and honey, that’s what we call a true friend of the people.

Will GM ever come back to South Africa, in true gold-digger style, when our shores are glittering with gold and opportunity? I think it will. Will it be loved once again? I hope not. GM has shown where its priorities lie. Some would say it’s just business; well, if business means an unreliable friend who is bosom buddies when your wallet is full, I’m not sure if that’s the business buddy I’m looking for.

I salute Isuzu for choosing to stick around. We need the Isuzus, VWS, Toyotas, Fords, BMWS, Nissans and MercedesBenzes of this world, which look at the long road to success. South Africa is not perfect, but we do have stamina and heart and we reward you with loyalty for your commitment. DUNCAN KIPLING By email [I’m also disappointed by GM’S withdrawal and, while I do understand the company’s contraction to focus on its core markets, I also believe our Automotive Product and Development Programme offers a viable business model. The fact that GM could not take advantage of that points to poor business planning. Regarding GM’S withdrawal in the 1980s: to be fair, this did have to do with sanctions imposed by the United States congress at the time – editor.]

GOODBYE GENERAL MOTORS (2)

The withdrawal of General Motors from South Africa rightly

came as a shock to South Africa’s automotive sector and to the country overall. Given the recent cabinet reshuf e and the downgrading of South Africa to junk status, opposition parties were quick to blame the president and government for GM’S withdrawal. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Under Mary Barra, GM’S CEO and chairperson, a strategic restructuring of GM’S international business brought about the decision to withdraw not just from South Africa but Russia, UK, Singapore and, notably, India. This is in line with GM pursuing increased pro t margins in international markets such as China and Latin America.

Secondly, the impact of various technologies that will change the way we use personal transport requires substantial investment. GM needs to invest in markets where increased pro t margins can contribute to the research of, and investment in, new transport models.

Thirdly, GM is looking to grow its luxury brand Cadillac. The luxury car market traditionally offers greater margins and it is no different with Cadillac, which sold over 300 000 cars in 2016 for the rst time since 1986.

The Automotive Product and Development Programme and its predecessor, the MIDP, have been successful partnerships between government and business. What is a concern, however, is that both government and GM have missed an opportunity to sell its operations to a blackowned and -managed entity and, in the process, saving not just the many jobs that will be lost throughout the supply chain, but in also creating more jobs in a country that desperately needs them. WINSTON MACE Claremont

SWEET SOUNDS

I refer to the letter published in CAR in May 2017 titled Sweet sounds. I have always thought that three cylinders means V3, four cylinders means V4, six cylinders means V6, and so on. If a straight-six is not a V6, then, what is it? Or is it like a bat, which is not clear; it is a mouse or a bird? K MAGUBANE Ixopo [The terms inline, V, W, at or boxer refer to the con guration of the cylinders of an engine, independent of the number. An inline engine has all the cylinders (and pistons) in a single row. A V engine normally has cylinders equally divided in two rows (or banks) of cylinders joined at the crankshaft and therefore has an angle between the two rows, forming the V-shape. A W layout has two V engines connected together at the crank with an angle between the two Vs. A boxer or at con guration has two banks of cylinders opposing each other (or you can think of it as a V engine with 180 degrees between the two banks of cylinders).

For example, an inline sixcylinder has six cylinders in one row (a BMW straight-six, for example). A V6 engine has two banks of three cylinders each (a Ford V6). A W16, meanwhile, has four banks of four cylinders. Usually, there is a small angle between two banks forming a pair and a larger angle between the two pairs (example, Bugatti W16). A at-six engine has two banks of three cylinders each opposing each other (a Porsche at-six).

The layout of an engine in uences the ring order of the cylinders and this in uences the exhaust valve-pulse interference, leaving the exhaust pipe with a distinctive sound for each engine con guration – technical editor.]

MEMORIES

Congratulations to CAR on celebrating 60 years. As I was devouring the outstanding 60-year issue, I realised that I celebrate a 30-year anniversary with CAR this year. I still remember the moment vividly; CAR July 1987 was on the shelves featuring the venerable Nissan Skyline 3,0 SGLI. As a cash-strapped teenager, I entered negotiations with my mom and managed to convince her that I really needed this magazine. My rst purchase was secured.

It was a de ning moment and a CAR fan was born. I have read every issue since then and I suppose I have become a bit of an authority on anything carrelated, judging by the number of friends who ask me for help. There are CAR magazines stored in every conceivable space in our home, much to my wife’s dismay.

My teenage daughters have picked up on their father’s passion and we have competitions to see who can identify the latest cool cars on the road. They are also being schooled in vehicle speci cations and how to identify the difference between the sound of a V8 and a V6, as well as the distinctive sound of a Dct-equipped car. I have perhaps done too good a job, as they now beat me at the CAR trump card games. It has been an incredible journey with CAR interspersed with memorable moments.

Thank you for doing what you do best: bringing us the nest armchair motoring on the planet (if memory serves me correctly, “armchair motoring” was a quote penned by the late editor John Wright). I included this in honour of his memory and contribution to CAR.

CAR gives us the opportunity to “drive” all these magni cent vehicles from the comfort of our armchairs, and at a fraction of the cost. GAVIN BRENT Durbanville [It makes our day to get an email like this Gavin, thank you! Rather than for the money, this CAR team does what it what does because we feel a deep responsibility to provide our readers with the most comprehensive information and advice we can. To hear from someone who appreciates our endeavours always makes it feel worthwhile – editor.]

YOUNG CAR FANS

I have been a keen subscriber of your fantastic magazine since the early 1970s. For convenience sake, I have it delivered to my daughter’s home in Greenside, and near the end of each month my granddaughter, Ava, is on the lookout for Grandpa El’s CAR magazine. I have attached photos of her retrieving this month’s issue. I thought you guys would appreciate some fan feedback.

Keep up the good work! ELWIN PRICE Johannesburg