Peugeot Citroën South Africa (PCSA) will take over the distribution of Opel vehicles in the country and announced that it will kick off with the launch of the new Opel Corsa.
The French automaker is also the new owner of the Opel brand internationally after buying it from General Motors in 2017 for more than €2 billion, making it the second largest car manufacturer in Europe after Volkswagen.
After the subsequent merger with Fiat Chrysler, the French and German brands are now part of the global Stellantis group.
The latest generation Opels share their drivetrains and other aspects with modern day Peugeots and Citroëns, which make the arrival of Opels to PCSA dealerships a logical next step."
The other good news is that shortly after the launch of the new Opel Corsa, two more derivatives of the iconic small hatch will follow in months.
"...no immediate changes planned to the existing dealer network, customers can be assured that they will still have access to the same service points as they previously did.
The Opel brand has also enjoyed critical acclaim in South Africa, winning the South African Car of the year title four times since 1991.
“Of course, we are extremely excited to be distributing Opel vehicles,” said Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director of Peugeot Citroën South Africa, “the brand has a large following locally, and the future product line up is exciting with four product launches or updates planned for this year.”
PCSA has been clear in its approach to the Opel brand, assuring dealers and customers that the impact on them should be minimal, with no immediate changes planned to the existing dealer network, customers can be assured that they will still have access to the same service points as they previously did. “One of our focus areas for this year is training, with an emphasis on quality and customer service,” assured Ramsoomar, “and we’ll be working with the existing dealer network.”
The new model, the 6th generation, with a 3-cylinder, 1.2-litre petrol engine, generates 55 kW and will cost R289 900 and will be known as the Corsa Edition. The new model is bigger than its predecessor but weighs in at 108 kg less.
The new Corsa will go head-to-head with the likes of the VW Polo, Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris/Starlet, Mazda2, Suzuki Baleno and the Honda Jazz.
Dunlop Tyres South Africa has completed a R1.7 billion investment programme at its uMnambithi (Ladysmith) manufacturing facility, introducing new manufacturing technology and expanding production capabilities at the plant.
Mahindra & Mahindra has unveiled the Scorpio Lifestyler, a midsize lifestyle bakkie derived from the Global Pik Up concept first shown in Cape Town in 2023.
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You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
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Dunlop Tyres South Africa has completed a R1.7 billion investment programme at its uMnambithi (Ladysmith) manufacturing facility, introducing new manufacturing technology and expanding production capabilities at the plant.
The South African automotive industry has gained some breathing space following the latest move by the United States Senate to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, to the end of 2028.
General Motors (GM) has renewed its joint venture with China's SAIC Motor Corp for another 20 years, enabling the United States (US) automaker to use China as an export hub amid rising competition from Chinese brands in and outside their home market.
