From the editor

Greetings CAR readers. The team and I had such a great time putting the September issue together for you; we really hope you have as much fun reading it. Exclusives of the much-anticipated Volkswagen Golf GTI and Ford Mustang Mach 1, and tests of the Porsche 718 Spyder, Haval Jolion, Audi RS6 and Mercedes-amg GLS 63 to name a few, make this month a real standout. It’s the Porsche Taycan EV that’s arguably the most significant test, though.

The automotive subject on everyone’s lips at the moment is electrification. When will EVS become viable in SA? When will they reach price parity with internal combustion engine (ICE) equivalents? What about South Africa’s charging infrastructure, import tax and government incentivisation? The topic is as layered as the Taycan’s optional two-deck Performance Plus lithium-ion battery pack. And yet, when we take a step back and see the wood for the trees, consumer adaptation isn’t even the core debate here.

Of far greater concern is the future of South Africa’s vehicle manufacturing sector in a world poised for wholesale electric revolution. NAAMSA estimates the automobile sector contributes ±6,4% to the national GDP. Some of our biggest export markets have recently announced restrictions or the complete banning of ICE vehicles. The UK, for example – responsible for ±9% of our exports – will no longer retail ICES beyond 2030.

Global trends and tightening legislation have seen even more car companies join the ranks and announce plans to fully electrify. Audi is the most recent, saying it will no longer develop ICE technology and plans to have an all-electrified line-up by 2026. Only time will tell how successfully the local automotive industry can adapt to the fast emergence of electrification. If we don’t act quickly enough, we might be left building cars for overseas markets that simply don’t exist.

Enjoy the issue.