Latest news with #priceReduction
News24
6 days ago
- Automotive
- News24
GAC Motor's lifetime engine warranty redefines SA car market
GAC Motor South Africa is entering 2025 with bold energy, a customer-first mindset, and a series of groundbreaking initiatives designed to solidify its position as a major player in the South African automotive market. With strategic price reductions, a historic industry-first warranty, new model launches, and dealer network expansion, GAC Motor is rewriting the rules of engagement in the industry — offering exceptional value, innovation, and quality to the South African consumer. Driving Change with Transparent Pricing In a move that underscores its commitment to transparency and customer-centric values, GAC Motor South Africa has announced a strategic price reduction on two of its most popular models — the GAC Emzoom and GAC Emkoo. This significant pricing realignment is not a promotional gimmick but rather a result of improved foreign exchange conditions and global cost-saving efficiencies that the company has opted to pass directly to consumers. 'Our customers deserve to benefit from favourable market conditions,' says Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director of GAC Motor South Africa. 'This price drop reflects our investment in the market and our belief in long-term, honest relationships with our consumers and partners.' As of January 2025, the new retail pricing is: · Emzoom Comfort: R419,900 · Emzoom Executive: R439,900 · Emzoom R-Style: R489,900 · Emkoo Executive: R519,900 · Emkoo Executive Plus: R559,900 This move aligns with the company's broader strategy to increase accessibility and value, while reinforcing its long-term commitment to the South African market. A Warranty That Redefines Industry Standards Taking customer confidence to a new level, GAC Motor South Africa recently unveiled an i ndustry-first Lifetime Engine Warranty across its entire vehicle lineup. This groundbreaking offer covers an unlimited number of years and mileage for the original vehicle owner, provided the car is serviced at authorised GAC Motor service centres using approved parts. This bold warranty initiative not only sets a new benchmark in customer service but also reflects GAC Motor's confidence in the quality, durability, and craftsmanship of its vehicles. It's a move designed to inspire trust and long-term loyalty among South African drivers. 'This warranty is a powerful promise — a declaration of the confidence we have in our products,' says Ramsoomar. 'It's about peace of mind, lifelong value, and building a brand that people can truly believe in.' GAC Motor is also expanding its model range to meet the evolving needs of South African drivers. Among the most anticipated new arrivals are the Aion Y electric crossover SUV and the all-new GAC Motor M8, both combining advanced technology with refined design. Additionally, new derivatives across existing models will offer drivers more choices to match their lifestyles. In alignment with global trends towards green mobility, GAC Motor will also introduce Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and fully Electric Vehicles (EVs) in South Africa during 2025 — showcasing the company's forward-thinking approach to sustainability without compromising on performance. Beyond its product lineup, GAC Motor is heavily investing in its national dealership network, growing from 28 to a projected 40 dealerships by the end of 2025. This expansion ensures that more South Africans will have access not just to vehicles, but also to GAC's comprehensive aftersales service and support. A Vision for the Future, Built on Innovation and Trus t As part of the Salvador Caetano Group, GAC Motor South Africa benefits from global expertise, including access to six international R&D centres and t hree state-of-the-art production facilities. This robust innovation infrastructure fuels the brand's ability to deliver high-quality, reliable, and forward-thinking vehicles for the South African market. 'We're entering a very exciting phase,' says Brian Smith, Marketing Director for GAC Motor South Africa. 'Our developments for 2025 reflect a long-term strategy focused on offering South Africans more choice, better value, and unmatched peace of mind.' Looking Ahead As GAC Motor South Africa ramps up its market presence with competitive pricing, innovative products, and customer-focused warranties, the brand is poised to transform the automotive landscape. It's not just about selling cars — it's about building a community of drivers who value innovation, trust, and quality at every turn. For more information, visit or contact your nearest GAC Motor dealership.
NHK
25-05-2025
- Business
- NHK
Japan agriculture minister pitches plan for cut-price rice
Japan's agriculture minister has pitched a plan to reduce the price of rice as consumers struggle with soaring costs. Koizumi Shinjiro visited Sapporo in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido to explain his proposal to rice producers, wholesalers and retailers. Koizumi plans to release stock from public stockpiles with the aim of driving down the price of a five-kilo bag to 2,000 yen or 14 dollars, or less than half of the current price in supermarkets. Koizumi said the government would start by releasing 300,000 tons through non-bid sales contracts. He said the amount to be released would not be capped so long as there is demand. He also said there would be no conditions attached to buybacks, and that the government would shoulder transport costs. A farmer who met the minister said "I think it's a great idea for supplying rice at reasonable prices, as current prices are way too high. But I think that price should not be the standard." Koizumi later conceded that while prices should be kept high, current prices are clearly too high. The agriculture ministry will hold a briefing on Monday on policies and methods for non-bid contracts for the release of stockpiles.
NHK
22-05-2025
- Business
- NHK
Japan eyes sale of rice reserves through discretionary contracts
Japan's new agriculture minister says the government is considering changing the way it sells the country's reserve of rice stocks. It's the latest measure aimed at tackling the surging prices of the staple grain. Agriculture Minister Koizumi Shinjiro said on Wednesday: "My ministry will cancel an auction for stockpile rice scheduled next week. I told ministry officials to come up with measures for selling the stockpiles through discretionary contracts, instead of competitive bidding." The ministry has been selling the stockpiles to bidders who offer the highest prices at auction, but some argue that the method has kept prices high. Discretionary contracts with buyers may help lower prices, but it poses the challenge of how to select contractors and decide prices. The new method also faces legal issues. The rice issue was debated in the Diet on Wednesday. Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru indicated the government wants to reduce prices to below 4,000 yen, or 28 dollars, per five kilograms. Rice farmers are both hopeful and concerned about the future, as Koizumi takes office. Seki Takashi, a rice farmer said: "Koizumi has served as the director of the LDP Agriculture and Forestry Division and met farmers across Japan. So he knows the reality of Japanese farming. I believe he will draw up policies to give us hope and reverse the decline in the number of rice farmers." Another farmer, Sasaki Takayuki said: "He is relatively young as a politician. I expect him to be more flexible and speedier. He may also have the power to push through policies even in the face of opposition." Farmer Hata Shinichi said: "Rice prices are unexpectedly high, but we are worried they may crash someday. We want policies that will stabilize prices for five, 10 years so producers can keep on going and will be able to create long-term plans." Hata said the farming population is shrinking and productivity has not improved. He hopes the new minister will tackle these mid- to long-term challenges.
