Latest news with #Rosslyn
The Herald
18 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Herald
‘My first car was a BMW — now I'm driven in one': Ramaphosa says BMW has always been a part of his journey
President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised BMW South Africa's commitment to innovation, skills development and inclusive economic growth during an event showcasing the automaker's latest investment in hybrid vehicle production at its Rosslyn plant in Pretoria. Speaking at the event, themed 'BMW Group South Africa: Leading Today, Enabling Tomorrow', Ramaphosa lauded the launch of the local production of the new BMW X3 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), calling it a major milestone for the automotive sector and a symbol of trust in South Africa's workforce and manufacturing capability. 'The Rosslyn plant is a testament to BMW's long-standing presence in the South African market. This world-class facility was the first BMW plant to be built outside Germany and has been at the centre of the group's operations since 1973,' Ramaphosa said. The president joked about his own long-standing relationship with the brand. 'I don't know what they will call me because my first car was a BMW — not that I tried to run away from BMW. I am now also being driven in a BMW. So BMW has never left me,' he quipped. Ramaphosa also welcomed the automaker's inclusive approach to its workforce. 'I am very pleased that they call you associates because that means you are very much a part of this company,' he said. The president highlighted the importance of BMW's investment in plug-in hybrid technology and its alignment with South Africa's transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. 'As the transition to battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen mobility gathers momentum, South Africa is perfectly positioned as a key global manufacturing base for the mobility of the future,' Ramaphosa said. He emphasised that the government is committed to supporting the green transition through clear policy frameworks. 'We are determined to ensure there is an enabling regulatory and policy environment. Through the Automotive Production and Development Programme and more recently, the Electric Vehicle White Paper and incentive programme, we have committed to a stable, predictable and supportive framework for companies to invest, localise and grow in South Africa,' he said. The president noted the country's competitive edge, citing the automotive sector's contribution of about 4.9% to GDP and support for more than 115,000 direct manufacturing jobs and more than half a million jobs across the value chain. 'South Africa is the 22nd largest vehicle exporter globally, with our main export destinations being the EU, US and UK,' he said. Ramaphosa also praised BMW for its efforts in empowering youth and advancing transformation. 'BMW Group is to be congratulated for its commitment to skills development and training for young people. This includes its partnership with Unicef to train learners and educators in coding and robotics in schools and the BMW South Africa IT Hub in Tshwane that employs over 2,000 professionals, including software engineers and digital specialists,' he said. He noted that the company's training academy produces 300 apprentices annually and has trained more than 2,000 artisans since 1978. BMW's partnership with the Youth Employment Service has supported more than 3,500 youth with placements across provinces in sectors such as retail, IT, education and health. 'BMW's commitment to transformation includes active mentorship of young women, the development of black industrialists, and investment in a pipeline of future managers through its Leadership Acceleration Programme,' Ramaphosa said. The president also addressed recent developments in international trade, pointing out that new US tariffs underscore the urgency for South Africa to diversify its export base and invest in domestic value creation. 'With our significant reserves of critical minerals, we must become a hub for processing and beneficiation. We are finalising targeted incentives for battery cell localisation, EV component manufacture, clean mobility research and design, and critical mineral beneficiation,' he said. 'BMW's roots may be in Bavaria, but its beating heart is South African. We see BMW as an integral part of the South African growth story. As the government of national unity, we welcome the role you continue to play in supporting our drive for inclusive growth and job creation.' TimesLIVE
The Citizen
20-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Nissan Navara Stealth returns more aggressive than ever before
Still based on the double cab LE, the Stealth makeover has been executed with more polish than the original. The Nissan Navara, in its current internally named D23 guise, has been around for 11 years, which, apart from the Mahindra Pik Up, makes it the oldest bakkie currently on-sale in South Africa. Contrived future outlook A late arrival in 2017 followed by a facelift four years later, which saw it adopt its current look in addition to production moving from Thailand to the Rosslyn Plant outside Pretoria aside, the Navara has been a consistent top five segment seller despite often struggling to breach 500 units ALSO READ: Nissan hits six with Stealth This, combined with the ongoing speculation of Nissan possibly vacating Rosslyn as part of its radical cost cutting measures announced earlier this year, has seemingly made little impact on Navara sales completely faltering to less than 100 units similar to its alliance sibling, the new Mitsubishi Triton. Known to be replaced later this year by a completely new generation based on the Triton, the future of the D23, in South Africa at least, appears unlikely to head the same route. Sports bar comes with an integrated Stealth badge. Image: Charl Bosch Seemingly set to follow the same approach as South America, where the Frontier name is used, the Navara will benefit from a second facelift and remain in production as part of an apparent dual-model roll-out similar to what was used with the NP300 Hardbody. A decision probably made as a means of keeping costs down while assuring the future of Rosslyn, the introduction of the Australian-developed Pro-4X Warrior earlier this year has seen a further bolstering of the range with the arrival of the revived special edition Stealth. No longer flying underneath the radar A nameplate first used on the NP200 a decade ago and then on the pre-facelift Navara in 2019, the Stealth's return sees it slot-in below the standard Pro-4X and above the derivative it is based on, the LE, with the sole option being either rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive. Stealth comes into its own off-road. Image: Nissan While similar to the previous Stealth by being an appearance package, the local launch last week was anything but ordinary as the majority of the selected route was off-road ranging from a conventional gravel road, to a proper rock-laden trek around the ADA Off-Road Training and Outdoor Centre on the outskirts of Hartebeestpoort. Stealth additions Externally, the Stealth's additions over the LE include a restyled black grille and bumper, the latter complete with an integrated nudge bar, standard side-steps, a Stealth-badged sports bar and 17-inch black alloy wheels wrapped in Dunlop Grandtrek all-terrain tyres. Stealth can be had in three colours. All-terrain tyres are standard. Image: Charl Bosch Continuing the darkened theme as per the Stealth name are black mirror caps and roof rails, black door handles and black Stealth badges at the base of the front doors and on the tailgate. A choice of three colours round the exterior off; white, Infinite Black and the same Techno Grey as on the Pro-4X. Bar extended leather trim on the doors and armrests, the Stealth's interior has not changed from the LE – a departure from the original that received orange seats inserts as well as stitch work on the doors, steering wheel, gear lever and the seats themselves. Unlike the previous Stealth, no big changes have taken place inside. Image: Charl Bosch Similar in execution to Ford's first and second attempts with the previous generation Ranger FX4, the Stealth is more discreetly styled than before, and arguably, more rugged looking than its predecessor. Underneath Introduced as part of the facelift four years, the five-link coil rear suspension and dampers from the rest of the Navara range has been carried over unchanged. Devised specifically for South Africa's road conditions, and described as pothole-proof by company executives, the setup comprises a quicker rebound recovery without compromising on-road or off-road comfort. Launch route involved extensive off-road driving. Image: Nissan A design the Triton-based model won't employ, as it will revert to a traditional leaf-spring setup, the suspension and the lower-profile all-terrain tyres, made for a surprising combination, especially off-road. Composed and comfortable, the Stealth displayed none of the usual rear-end liveliness that comes with an empty loadbid. Moreover, the suspension didn't 'hit through' on the truly rocky sections of the route that involved a slow descent down a cliffside into the valley below. Still not ideal What's more, the Stealth still felt pliant on-road and again, comparable to the Ranger's ride of not being jarring or brittle with a sudden surface change. In fact, the main gripes are familiar ones involving the interior. The area the Navara's age is most prominent, the lack of height adjustment allowing the driver's seat to drop all the way down results in a too high driving position While the steering wheel can be adjusted for rake and reach, the way the seating position is setup still makes for a feel comparable to a forward control truck as one sits 'above' the wheel rather than behind it. Likely to be rectified with the incoming facelift, the dashboard looks dated and is riddled with a less-than-impressive and fussy eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display, as well as a fuzzy and low-quality reverse camera. Spec As for specifications, the Stealth remains unchanged from the LE as it comes standard with push-button start and keyless entry, folding electric mirrors, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, a multi-function steering wheel and type-A USB ports. Leather seats have replaced the fabric ones that come standard on the LE. Image: Charl Bosch Safety and driver assistance features include cruise control, rear parking sensors, six airbags, Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control, Automatic Emergency Braking and Hill Descent Control on the four-wheel-drive models. Tried-and-tested diesel Residing up front, the stalwart YD25DDTI 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine prevails as one of the biggest highlights. Brought in to replace the newer twin-turbo 2.3-litre YS23DDT when production started at Rosslyn, the unit develops an unchanged 140kW/450Nm delivered to the mentioned drive wheels through a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Stealth took the easy and difficult sections of the route in its stride without struggling. Image: Nissan As with the rest of the Navara range, the four-wheel-drive Stealth is equipped as standard with a locking rear differential and a low-range transfer case. Despite the 'box still being lethargic and prone to taking its time when shifting down, the engine has more than sufficient pull, and although not the most refined or quiet, gives off a satisfying wastegate chirp when lifting off of the accelerator. Livelier and more responsive than the admittedly hardcore off-road-focused Pro-4X Warrior, the Stealth also didn't feel as nervous on-road, again due to its not having the same lift-kit, in addition to being quieter around the firewall. Conclusion A sub-segment of the local bakkie market that has become hugely popular in recent years, the return of the Nissan Navara Stealth again shows the significance of buyers being prepared to fork out extra for being different and standing out, in spite of there being no power or torque gains. Stealth can be had either with two-wheel-drive or part-time four-wheel-drive. Image: Charl Bosch Priced at a premium of R35 000 over the LE, the Stealth represents relatively good value, especially as the two-wheel-drive comes in under R700 000 and the 4×4 well below R800 000. That being said, it is still the oldest legacy brand bakkie available today, and while sales are likely to be pushed up a bit, its displacing of the Mahindra Pik Up as the country's fourth best-seller, will still leave it as a left-field option Price As with the rest of the Navara range, the Stealth's price tag includes a six-year/150 000 km warranty and a six-year/90 000 km service plan. Navara Stealth 2.5 DDTI AT – R695 200 Navara Stealth 2.5 DDTI 4×4 AT – R779 200 NOW READ: Nissan Navara has lost ground on Ford Ranger, Amarok and Hilux
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Nissan Navara Stealth returns as more than another ‘sticker' bakkie
Positioning below the Pro-4X Warrior and Pro-4X Warrior, the Stealth becomes the 'entry-level' off-road focused Navara model in complete contrast to the previous iteration. The Nissan Navara, in its current internally named D23 guise, has been around for 11 years which, apart from the Mahindra Pik Up, makes it the oldest bakkie currently on-sale in South Africa. A late arrival in 2017 followed by a facelift four years later, which saw it adopt its current look in addition to production moving from Thailand to the Rosslyn Plant outside Pretoria aside, the Navara has been a consistent top five segment seller despite often struggling to breach 500 units. This, combined with the ongoing speculation of Nissan possibly vacating Rosslyn as part of its radical cost cutting measures announced earlier this year, has seemingly made little impact on Navara sales completely faltering to less than 100 units similar to its alliance sibling, the new Mitsubishi Triton. Known to be replaced later this year by a completely new generation based on the Triton, the future of the D23, in South Africa at least, appears unlikely to head the same route. Seemingly set to follow the same approach as South America where the Frontier name is used, the Navara will benefit from a second facelift and remain in production as part of an apparent dual-model roll-out similar to what had been used with the NP300 Hardbody. A decision probably made as a means of keeping costs down while assuring the future of Rosslyn, the introduction of the Australian-developed Pro-4X Warrior earlier this year has seen a further bolstering of the range of the arrival of the revived special edition Stealth. A nameplate first used on the NP200 a decade ago and then on the pre-facelift Navara in 2019, the Stealth's return sees it slot-in below the standard Pro-4X and above the derivative it is based on, the LE, with the sole option being rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive. Unlike its predecessor though, the Stealth doesn't merely represent an appearance or sticker package as actual revisions having taken place underneath its new attire. The launch in Magaliesburg last week also didn't conform to normality as the majority of route was off-road ranging from a conventional gravel road, to a propre rock-laden off-road trek around the ADA Off-Road Training and Outdoor Centre on the outskirts of Hartebeestpoort. Externally, the Stealth's additions over the LE includes a restyled black grille and bumper, the latter complete with an integrated nudge bar, standard side-steps, a Stealth-badged sports bar, and 17-inch black alloy wheels wrapped in Dunlop Grandtrek all-terrain tyres. Continuing the darkened theme as per the Stealth name are black mirror caps and roof rails, black door handles and black Stealth badges at the base of the front doors and on the tailgate. A choice of three colours round the exterior off; white, Infinite Black and the same Techno Grey as on the the Pro-4X. Bar extended leather trim on the doors and armrests, the Stealth's interior has not changed from the LE – a departure from the original that receive orange seats inserts as well as stitch work on the doors, steering wheel, gear lever and the seats themselves. Similar in execution to Ford's first and second attempts with the previous generation Ranger FX4, the Stealth is more discreetly styled than before, and arguably, more rugged looking than its predecessor. The biggest indicator of the Stealth no longer being all about looks, as mentioned, resides underneath where Nissan has retuned the five-link coil rear suspension with uprated dampers. Made specifically for South Africa's poor road conditions, and described as pothole-proof by company executives, the redesign involves a quicker rebound recovery without negating on-road or off-road comfort. A design the Triton-based model won't employ as it will revert to a traditional leaf-spring setup, the revisions to the suspension, and indeed the lower-profile all-terrain tyres, made for a surprising combination, especially off-road. Composed and comfortable, the Stealth displayed none of the usual rear-end liveliness that comes with an empty loadbed. Moreover, the suspension didn't 'hit through' on the truly rocky sections of the route that involved a slow decent down a cliff side into the valley below. What's mor, the Stealth still felt pliant on-road and again, comparable to the Ranger's ride of not being jarring or brittle with a sudden surface change. In fact, the main gripes are familiar ones involving the interior. The area the Navara's age is most prominent, the lack of height adjustment allowing the driver's seat to drop all the way down results in a too high driving position. While the steering wheel can be adjusted for rake and reach, the way the seating position is setup still makes for a feel comparable to a forward control truck as one sits 'above' the wheel rather than behind it. Likely to be rectified with the incoming facelift, the dashboard looks dated and is riddled with a less-than impressive and fussy eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display, as well as a fuzzy and low-quality reverse camera. As for specification, the Stealth is unchanged from the LE as it comes standard with push-button start and keyless entry, folding electric mirrors, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, a multi-function steering wheel and type-A USB ports. Safety and driver assistance comes in the form of cruise control, rear parking sensors, six airbags, Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control, Automatic Emergency Braking and Hill Descent Control on the four-wheel-drive. Residing up front, the stalwart YD25DDTI 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine prevails as one of the biggest highlights. Brought in to replace the newer twin-turbo 2.3-litre YS23DDT when production started at Rosslyn, the unit develops an unchanged 140kW/450Nm delivered to the mentioned drive wheels through a seven-speed automatic gearbox. As with the rest of the Navara range, the four-wheel-drive Stealth is equipped as standard with a locking rear differential, as well as a low range transfer case. Despite the 'box still being lethargic and prone to taking its time when shifting down, the engine has more than sufficient pull, and although not the most refined or quiet, gives off a satisfying wastegate chirp when lifting off of the accelerator. Livelier and more response than the admittedly hardcore off-road-focused Pro-4X Warrior, the Stealth also didn't feel as nervous on-road – again due to its not having the same lift-kit – in addition to being subtly quieter around the firewall. Conclusion A sub-segment of the local bakkie market that has become hugely popular in recent years, the return of the Nissan Navara Stealth again shows the significance of buyers being prepared to fork out extra for being different and standing out in spite of there being no power or torque gains. Priced at a premium of R35 000 over the LE, the Stealth represents relatively good value, especially as the two-wheel-drive comes in under R700 000 and the 4×4 well below R800 000. That being said, it is still the oldest legacy brand bakkie available today, and while sales are likely to be pushed up a bit, its displacing of the Mahindra Pik Up as the country's fourth best-seller, will still leave it as a left-field option. Price As with the rest of the Navara range, the Stealth's price tag includes a six-year/150 000 km warranty and a six-year/90 000 km service plan.
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
South Africa: Nissan considering Rosslyn plant closure
Nissan is reportedly considering closing its Rosslyn plant in South Africa, with the brand's local division telling us it's currently 'conducting a detailed assessment' of the situation. Nissan's Rosslyn plant in South Africa is on the beleaguered automaker's list of 7 production facilities set to close over the next two years, according to a fresh report out of Japan. However, Nissan SA says it's not able to confirm whether the Gauteng-based plant will indeed be affected. Earlier in May 2025, Nissan announced a worldwide 'recovery' plan that includes 20,000 job cuts as well as the closure of seven production plants over the next two years. Now, citing unnamed sources, Reuters reports that the list includes twi factories in Japan and two in Mexico, along with plants in South Africa, India and Argentina. However, Nissan's global head office says the report is 'speculative and not based on any official information'. The Rosslyn plant currently builds only the Navara. asked Nissan South Africa to comment on the future of its Rosslyn plant and the company told us it's 'currently conducting a detailed assessment regarding the announced plant closures', adding in its statement that this process is 'internal'. As such, the Japanese firm's local division says it is unfortunately not able to confirm 'at this stage' which plants 'will be affected'. Nissan's global cost-cutting drive is built around reducing its workforce by 20,000 employees (including the previously announced 9,000 job cuts) and 'consolidating' its production plants from 17 to 10 by fiscal year 2027 (which starts in April 2027). Ivan Espinosa, Nissan president and CEO. In addition, Nissan says it will switch to a more 'market-specific approach', positioning the United States, Japan, China, Europe, the Middle East and Mexico as 'key markets' and adopting a 'customised approach to other markets'. As a reminder, in October 2023, Nissan South Africa entered a 'formal consultation phase to restructure the business '. This followed the news that the NP200 half-tonne bakkie – which went out of production at Rosslyn in March 2024 – would not receive its planned replacement. After some 16 years, Rosslyn production of the NP200 ended in March 2024. Since the NP200's demise, the Rosslyn factory – long described as Nissan's 'light commercial vehicle hub' for Africa – has been producing only the long-in-the-tooth D23-series Navara. However, in October 2024, Nissan SA's Managing Director Maciej Klenkiewicz told us the company was 'working on the replacement, but the process is starting from scratch'. At the reveal of the Navara Pro-4X Warrior in March 2025, Jordi Vila, President of Nissan Africa, said he 'sees a strong future for our company in Africa', adding that the Navara 'represents a core model in our plans to capture opportunities and expand our footprint'. Single- and double-cab Navara units are made at Rosslyn, for SA and other African markets. Over the opening four months of 2025, Nissan SA registered 1,838 units of the Rosslyn-made Navara locally, seeing it rank sixth on the list of Mzansi's best-selling bakkies, year to date (the Navara occupied the same position in 2024, with 4,874 units sold in SA). Over the same four-month period, the factory exported 3,101 units. Nissan officially opened its Rosslyn plant in 1966, meaning the factory has been producing new vehicles for nearly 60 years. In addition to various Datsun and Nissan nameplates, the factory has also built models from other brands, such as the first-generation Fiat Uno and Renault Sandero.
The Independent
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
London's oldest art fair marks 40th year with new works by celebrated British artists
Art fans spilled out of Somerset House as they tried to get their hands on a new work by renowned British print artist David Shrigley at the London Original Print Fair on Thursday (20 March). Now celebrating its 40th year, the fair saw iconic pieces by Picasso, Hockney, Warhol, Basquiat, Joan Miró and Tracey Emin hang walls away from Shrigley's 'I Will Not Allow The Dark Skies To Affect Me' – a yellow chick in his signature childlike style. The fair's anniversary exhibition, Prints from Private Collections: 40 years of Print Collecting, saw some 1,200 works from more than 40 exhibitors displayed in the rooms of Somerset House, with galleries bringing collections inclusive of everything from British Modernism to Indian printmaking to the walls. New work by Peter Blake – the legendary pop artist who co-created The Beatles' iconic Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover – was unveiled at the fair by CCA Galleries. Elsewhere for music lovers, works by Radiohead's Thom Yorke were hung by Tin Man Art alongside pieces by the band's celebrated artwork designer Stanley Donwood, including the abstract album cover for OK Computer. For the Prints from Private Collections anniversary display, returning gallery Abbott and Holder collaborated with the Imperial War Museum to present a spotlight exhibition, 'The Great War: Britain's Efforts and Ideals'. The collection, previously held in storage at the Imperial War Museum, showcased original prints commissioned in 1917 from eighteen artists, inspired by the industry and values of wartime Britain. It had been more than 100 years since a commercial gallery had exhibited the lithographs. The London Print Fair itself is of historical note. Launched in 1985, the event holds the title for the city's oldest art fair. Its director of 38 years, Helen Rosslyn, told The Independent the fair launched because print dealers mostly didn't have shops or galleries to display in, so founder Gordon Cooke partnered with the Royal Academy of Arts (the fair's home until 2020) to host 16 exhibitors. 'It was a little stockroom, really,' she said. 'From that, it's just kept growing as people got more comfortable about buying prints.' Art consumers may once have looked down their noses at purchasing prints, thinking of the works as more like photocopies than an edition carefully created by the artist. But Rosslyn says this couldn't be more wrong. 'Printmaking is quite collaborative,' she explained. 'You get an artist and they will find a printmaker who's a specialist in the business of printing. They'll tell them the right inks, the right paper, and the relationship between a printer and an artist might go on for 40 years,' she said. 'Prints are original artworks because the artist always anticipated making an addition,' Rosslyn said while explaining the difference between a print and a copy. 'They aren't just a reproduction or something artists have made as a painting,' the art fair director added. 'It dates right back to [Albrecht] Dürer's day. He realised that if he did a great painting it would get stuck in somebody rich's house. Whereas, if he made a woodcut, just the simply carpenter could buy [a print] with a week's wages.' Addressing the print market's place in the art world, Rosslyn continued: 'I sort of like to think of prints as a well kept secret. But a lot of galleries are now setting up 'editions' wings. They're recognising that not only do prints bring in more people who can afford to buy art but it's a stable way of selling and collecting in a steady market.' It's also one of the only ways you can own a Picasso work for under £10,000 a piece.
