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Reuters

Alliance

RENAULT and Nissan said this week that they were in talks about the future of their alliance, including the possibility of the Japanese carmaker investing in a new electric vehicle venture by its French partner.

The talks, which could prompt the biggest reset in the alliance since the 2018 arrest of long-time executive Carlos Ghosn, have included consideration of Renault selling some of its Nissan stakes, two people with knowledge of them said.

The French dominance in the alliance has been a point of contention for

Nissan, which wants Renault to cut its stakes from 43% to 15% to draw level with its own holding in Renault, the source said. |

Verstappen

RED Bull’s Max Verstappen has more wins and records in mind to break this season after securing his second successive Formula One world championship at Suzuka on Sunday.

The Japanese Grand Prix victory, which elevated Verstappen to a select group of double world champions, was the Dutch driver’s 12th from 18 races.

With four rounds remaining, that puts him on course to smash the record for most victories in a single season.

However, he would need to win all the last four races for a success rate of 72.7% from this season and beat Michael Schumacher’s victory percentage of 72.2% from 2004 – a record for the modern era. |

Reuters

Van der Linde

SHELDON van der Linde has become the first South African ever to win the DTM German Touring Car Championship.

The 23-year-old Shubert Motorsport BMW M4 driver managed to secure the title with third place at the thrilling DTM finale, held at the Hockenheimring in Germany on Sunday.

“Right now, it is impossible for me to describe my emotions. There are a million thoughts going through my head,” a jubilant Van der Linde said. “I had a few sleepless nights this week. I have to admit that the pressure of going into this weekend as championship leader was massive.” | Motoring Correspondent

Safety

SOUTH Africa’s cost of living crisis is a risk to road safety as people flock to buy older cars and cut back on maintenance costs, says Right to Repair CEO Kate Elliot.

The situation is exacerbated by the fact that the country has no compulsory periodic testing for cars. In the UK, for instance, testing needs to be carried out every year.

Ferose Oaten, national chairperson of the Vehicle Testing Association, says there is no requirement for a roadworthy inspection for nearly 80% of the vehicle population in South Africa and stresses the critical need to focus on vehicle safety. |

Motoring Correspondent

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