Latest news with #NissanNP200
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
PODCAST: What closure of Nissan Rosslyn plant means for Mzansi
Nissan is set to cut its financial losses by closing seven of its 17 global factories by 2027. The Nissan plant in Rosslyn outside Pretoria faces closure in the Japanese carmaker's desperate attempt to cut its global losses. The local factory is one of seven global assembly facilities on the chopping block as Nissan plans to reduce its plants from 17 to 10 by 2027. The plant has been in operation since 1966 and apart from direct job losses, its closure will have an indirect impact on two other manufacturers, BMW and Ford, which also have factories in Pretoria. In this week's episode of The Citizen Motoring's Pitstop podcast, we look at what the closure of the Nissan plant will mean for the brand in South Africa. Nissan plant in Rosslyn under-utilised Since the discontinuation of the Nissan NP200, only the Navara bakkie has been built in Rosslyn, leaving the factory underutilised. While there has been talk about the possibility of assembling an SUV alongside the Navara, the company's global restructuring plan, Re:Nissan, indicates otherwise. The manufacturer announced this month that it plans to reduce its global workforce by a further 20 000 jobs on top of 9 000 last year. This follows an R82.2-billion revenue loss for the 2024 financial year. Reports indicate other Nissan plants facing the chop include the Oppama and Shonan plants in Japan, the Santa Isabel plant in Argentina, the Chennai plant in India and one of three factories in Mexico. ALSO READ: Reports claim Rosslyn to be one of Nissan's plants facing closure Patrol, two new SUVs coming The Nissan plant in Rosslyn builds Navaras for the local market and sub-Saharan Africa. If the Rosslyn plant closes, Nissan is likely to import the Navara from Thailand. Nissan South Africa announced in March that the new Patrol and two new Indian-built SUVs derived from Renault products are due to arrive in 2026. Renault and Mitsubishi are Nissan's two alliance partners.
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- The Citizen
Community unites against crime at Akasia Crime Talk Imbizo
Persistent criminal activities in the north of Pretoria came under the spotlight last week with the intention of finding answers. The Akasia Police Station hosted a Crime Talk Imbizo at Wonderpark Mall in the north of Pretoria, to engage with residents on pressing safety concerns. The event, which brought together local law enforcement, community leaders, and concerned citizens, aimed to confront the escalating crime rates plaguing neighbourhoods, discuss pressing safety concerns and collaborative solutions. The primary grievances voiced by attendees centred on delayed police response times and a noticeable lack of patrol vehicles in the area. Residents recounted instances where calls to emergency services went unanswered or were met with prolonged delays, leaving victims vulnerable and eroding trust in law enforcement. Akasia has recently been spotlighted as one of Pretoria's most crime-affected areas, with a notable increase in contact crimes, including assaults, robberies, and burglaries. According to the latest crime statistics, the station reported a 10.6% decrease in contact crimes, with no attempted murder cases reported. Assault with intent to cause GBH decreased by 1.5% (131 cases to 12), and cases of common assault by 8.6% (245 to 224). Common robberies decreased by 27 counts (now 30) and murder cases by 8 counts (now 13) while sexual offences increased by 2 (now 5). Cases of robbery with aggravating circumstances decreased by 2.2%, from 227 cases down to 222. This quarter, 19 rapes were reported. Carjackings increased by 15 counts to 47, and robberies at non-residential premises decreased by 7 counts to 12 cases. Residents voiced their frustrations and fears during the imbizo, emphasising the urgent need for effective interventions. The imbizo served as a platform for law enforcement to outline ongoing and upcoming initiatives aimed at curbing crime. Resident Elza Pretorius said police made a lot of broken promises to residents. 'We held marches and handed over petitions, and police promised us that the station would be better. 'If you call the security, they say they don't have vans. Community members end up taking matters into their own hands because police take about five hours to arrive at the scene,' said Pretorius. During the imbizo, residents engaged in a dialogue with the different stakeholders, who addressed their questions and concerns. The Akasia CIMAC Unit said that during April, the station recorded an increase in car hijackings. The unit pointed out that any Toyota, VW Polo and Nissan NP200 were the most stolen cars. The community members were provided with safety tips on how to protect themselves and avoid becoming victims of crime. One such initiative is the Light Up Akasia project, a collaboration between the Akasia Community Policing Forum (CPF) and local authorities, focusing on repairing and maintaining streetlights in high-crime areas to deter criminal activities. Additionally, the Akasia CPF has been actively recruiting volunteers to bolster community patrols, highlighting the importance of resident involvement in crime prevention. Public Relations Officer Lerato Makwe stated, 'Community participation is crucial. By working together, we can create a safer environment for all'. Akasia Police station commander Colonel Aaron Molefi Setlhalogile stressed the importance of rebuilding trust between police and the community. Setlhalogile acknowledged the challenges faced by police and the need for community support. 'We are committed to serving and protecting, but we cannot do it alone. Community co-operation is essential,' he said. Residents were encouraged to report all criminal activities, no matter how minor, to aid in accurate crime mapping and resource allocation. The imbizo concluded with a renewed sense of determination among attendees to combat crime through unity and proactive engagement. Plans are underway to hold regular community meetings, enhance neighbourhood watch programmes, and implement educational campaigns on safety and crime prevention. Amandasig Action Group (AAG) Chairperson Quintin Painter said the group, together with the CPF and police, can combat crime. 'We have a community plan and prevention strategies that will help reduce crime in sectors 1 and 2,' said Painter. According to the Chairperson of the CPF William Motshoene, the forum has vetted over 200 members. 'We have a lot of patrollers in Sector 1. Sector 2 can be covered if a sector forum is formed. 'We encourage businesses all around Akasia to avail themselves of fighting crime.' Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
12-05-2025
- IOL News
Gunpoint hijacking of scholar transport in Wesbank leaves children in shock
A scholar transport from Riverside was hijacked at gunpoint on Friday morning while dropping learners off at schools in Wesbank. The incident in Waterblom Street occurred around 7:50am while the driver of the white Nissan NP200 bakkie with registration CF 290 839 was on her way to drop off learners. Elizabeth Lotz is the owner of Libby's Scholar Transport and said her colleague was on duty at the time. She said the scholar transport is for learners living in Riverside who attend school in Wesbank. 'Myself and another woman take turns to drop the children but it is my bakkie," said Lotz. "While she was driving to drop off the primary school children and one high school learner, a maroon Volkswagen Polo with tinted windows swerved in front of her before a speedbump. "One guy jumped out of the Polo with a gun, opened the bakkie and hit the driver over the head with the head and pulled her out. "They were two hijackers, one jumped out of the car and another one was driving their getaway Polo. "My daughter who was on her way to college was struggling with the safety belt and when she wanted to grab her phone, the driver pointed her with the gun. "He wanted to grab her but she left her phone and shoes and jumped out of the bakkie. "The children also started jumping out of the bakkie. The hijacker jumped in the bakkie and took off.' Lotz said the hijackers made off with the bakkie, the children's bags and two cellphones. 'Thankfully everyone is OK. They are in shock but nothing happened to them. The principal from one of the schools came to get the learners at the scene, while we were waiting for the police and the high-school learner's parents came to fetch her. "This is the first time that something like this has happened to me. The scholar transport is my bread and butter ,so I need my bakkie to be able to generate an income.' Police spokesperson, Anelisiwe Manyana, confirmed a case of carjacking was registered. 'Mfuleni police opened a case of carjacking for further investigation following an incident that took place on Friday in Waterbloom, Wesbank. "According to reports the complainant was driving at the mentioned address when a Volkswagen Polo vehicle drove past at a high speed and quickly stopped in front of her vehicle. "It is alleged that one of the occupants jumped out with a firearm in his hand and instructed her to get out of the vehicle. The suspect hit the complainant on the head with a firearm and drove off with her vehicle. "The unknown suspect who fled the scene is yet to be arrested." Police are appealing to anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Cape Argus
The Citizen
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Suzuki Eeco ‘half-loaf' panel van gets job done at half the price
Honest little workhorse ready to swallow a whole South African pallet in the rear. The gap left by the discontinued Nissan NP200 is being absorbed by a motley crew of alternative solutions like one-tonner single cabs, converted SUVs and cargo hatchbacks. But the most interesting of the lot is undoubtedly the unique little Suzuki Eeco. The Eeco is the spiritual successor to the Japanese manufacturer's iconic Carry van. Many of them found their way to Mzansi alongside the Samurai-badged third-generation Jimny via private importers in the 1980s. Affectionately dubbed the 'half-loaf', the Carry van was a mini-minibus with a second-row bench seat and a decent amount of boot space behind it. The Suzuki Eeco is only sold as a panel van. Like its Super Carry pick-up sibling, it prides itself on offering fuel-efficient point-to-point transport of goods at a low price. ALSO READ: 'Half-loaf' returns as Suzuki prices tiny new Eeco panel van Oodles of space Don't let its size fool you, though. While its dimensions of 3 675mm in length and 1 475mm in width make it hardly bigger than Mr Bean's Mini, its cargo space is no laughing matter. The loadbed is 1 620mm long, 1 300mm wide and offers 1 070mm from the floor to the roof which is large enough to accommodate a full South African pallet. A foldable steel-grid partition separates the Suzuki Eeco's loadbed and cabin. Two sliding doors and a large rear door provide easy access to the cargo hold. Unlike standard panel vans, the glass rear window enables rear-view mirror vision behind the Eeco—a welcome feature in the absence of a rear-view camera. The cabin is a very humble affair, with highlights being standard air-conditioning and seats clad in perforated PU leather. The latter is in sharp contrast to the bare steel wheel arches and cardboard-like door inserts. Adjusting the side mirrors requires some elbow grease in the form of winding down the windows and tilting the mirrors with your hand. A full South African pallet can fit in the rear of the Suzuki Eeco. Picture: Suzuki Suzuki Eeco easy on the juice The Eeco's small and simplistic instrument cluster does not have a rev counter, but then again, neither does my Kawasaki cruiser. I've come to the realisation that my hearing can be just as effective as a needle and a gauge. A digital speedometer has a tiny LCD screen below it displaying the fuel level and the option to toggle between the odometer and two trip meters. That's it. As there was no indication of fuel consumption, we'll just have to take Suzuki's word that the Eeco only sips 5.1 litres per 100km. This will ensure a range of over 600km on its 32-litre fuel tank. Although a radio is not standard, the Suzuki Eeco is prepped for one, along with two speakers, an antenna, and a 12V socket. ALSO READ: Toyota Hilux and Suzuki Swift lead new vehicle sales in April As simple as you can get Apart from the aircon controls and steering wheel stalks, the only other buttons in the van are the hazard lights, a rear-window demister, cabin light switch, front light adjustment and electronic stability control (ESC) switch. The Suzuki Eeco is bereft of luxuries such as remote or central locking, and the driver's door, rear door and fuel flap are opening with the key. Locking the sliding doors and passenger door is a manual process through the fob on the top of the door. ESC comes standard alongside two airbags and ABS with EBD. Suzuki Eeco easy to maintain The Suzuki Eeco features a 1.2-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that sends 59kW of power and 104Nm of torque to the front wheels via a five-speed automatic gearbox. Spark plugs, engine oil and filters are easily accessed underneath the driver's seat. Creature comforts are hard to come by. Picture: Suzuki Driving the Suzuki Eeco was a welcome break for The Citizen Motoring from modern-day cars, which have become smartphones on wheels. The petrol mill is perfectly capable of its intended purpose and works a charm, along with an easy clutch and old-school manual box. It reaches the national limit without too much fuss, but don't expect too much after that. The rack and pinion steering system is reminiscent of pre-power steering says, but a turning circle of only 4.5 metres makes it ridiculously easy to manoeuvre. While the 13-inch wheels might seem tiny, the Eeco does feature decent ground clearance of 160mm. 'Half-loaf' not half-baked Cost-cutting means that noise insulation inside the van is non-existent, but it should improve with more cargo in the rear to muffle sounds projected from the road surface and engine. You can poke fun at the 'half-loaf' all day long, but you can't beat its brutal honesty and unmatched capabilities. Especially at a very attractive R227 900 price tag, which will work out to less than R200k without VAT.
The Citizen
02-05-2025
- The Citizen
Police van crashes through wall in Boksburg North
Two Boksburg North police officers were injured in a collision on the corner of Paul Kruger Road and 14th Avenue, Boksburg North, today (May 2), when their vehicle crashed through a wall of a home. Information gathered at the scene suggests that the police were in pursuit of a suspect/s when they collided with a Nissan NP200. The two officers were taken to hospital, while the driver of the bakkie, a company vehicle, Junior Nethe, escaped unharmed. Nethe, a 20-year-old technician, explained that he was on his way to deliver spares to a colleague at about 10:30 when the accident happened. 'I had the right of way. The police van didn't stop at the stop sign. I just saw a blue light crossing in front of me. 'I heard no sirens and when I attempted to brake, it was already too late. The van hit me. We both lost control and the van ended up going through the wall,' he said, adding he is grateful to have escaped unscathed. 'I'm fine. When I got out of the car, there was nothing wrong with me. The police officers were taken to hospital as they were feeling dizzy,' he added. Lukas Booyse, who lives in the street, said he was first on the scene. 'I understand that the police were chasing a silver Hyundai i20 when the accident happened. I'm just happy that nobody was seriously hurt.' Booyse added that there are frequent accidents along that stretch of road. 'We're struggling a lot due to poor road markings. Motorists drive down the road as if it's Kyalami. It's dangerous because there are children playing in the streets. Maybe it would help if someone just put speed bumps on the road,' he said. Boksburg North SAPS station commander Colonel Mack Mngomezulu said a case of reckless and negligent driving has been opened. 'Standard procedure is being followed for an accident involving a state vehicle,' said the station commander. Mngomezulu did not divulge further details, such as who the police officers were chasing. Also Read: Memorial ride to be held for cyclist killed on Mercury Street Also Read: FOLLOW-UP: Authorities to investigate fatal N12 accident At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
