Group1 Auto Blog
Welcome to the Group1 Auto blog where we will offer useful tips and advice, share industry news and discuss interesting automotive topics.
Car Maintenance On Your Phone With Renault And Fixter
Posted by Group1 Renault on 25 Jan 2023 under Renault
Imagine Maintaining Your Renault With The Touch Of A Button
You get the Renault Duster, Kiger, Captur and Triber, so a Fixter should come as no surprise. Perhaps it is some kind of utility vehicle?
Actually, Renault just bought Fixter, which is not a car, but an app. It allows you to book a service, repair or even a roadworthy for your car, online, at the click of a button.
Fixter will make the appointment online, prepares a quote, collect the vehicle from your house or work and take it to the dealer or agency. It will sort out the invoicing, aftersales issues, as well as service and repair guarantees. It will then return your vehicle to you.
Digitalisation
The acquisition of Fixter is part of Renault’s drive to speed up its digitalisation programme. After all, you can do almost anything online now, so why not sort out your car in the same way?
Hakan Dogu, Renault Group’s senior vice-president of global aftersales, explained: ‘Developing our activity in the independent aftermarket is a strategic axis within the Renault Group’s aftermarket.
“By acquiring the Fixter start-up, we will be able to combine the expertise and strength of the group and its network with Fixter’s agility and knowledge of all the digital aspects of automotive maintenance. We will thus be able to offer services of the highest quality and accelerate the digitalisation of our activities.”
Fixter’s is currently most active in France, and has a rapidly-developing network in the UK. It is also busy expanding into other European countries.
Renault said Fixter will benefit from the support of the multi-brand network of Motrio garages, which has 2,500 sites in Europe, the know-how and digital services of Renault Group plus the financial expertise of Mobilize Financial Services.
About Fixter
Fixter was founded in 2017 to bring together automotive industry specialists and digital experts. It was the first end-to-end digital service to offer simplified vehicle maintenance and free drivers from the stress and hassle of going to a garage. Although Fixter is still developing its footprint in the UK, it is already considered the industry standard there.
Fixter has a very efficient interface and it makes maintaining your car as simple as ordering an Uber or ordering food delivered to your home. Until this initiative is launched in South Africa – you can book your service online with Group1 Renault.
Keep Up With Renault News
To keep up with your favourite car brand – read our blogs by following us on social media.
The post Car Maintenance On Your Phone With Renault And Fixter appeared first on Renault Blog at Group1.
Nissan Leads The Way In Hybrid Technology
Posted by Group1 Nissan on 25 Jan 2023 under Nissan Electric Vehicles
Nissan’s Hybrid Technology Takes A Giant Leap Forward
Nissan has always been at the forefront of automotive innovation and their commitment to hybrid technology is no exception. The company has been researching and developing hybrid powertrain technology for many years, resulting in the market-leading Nissan e-Power hybrid system. This combines a petrol engine and an electric motor to provide superior fuel economy and a smooth ride while reducing carbon emissions. Let’s take a closer look at Nissan’s latest hybrid technology innovations and how they could redefine the meaning of eco-friendly performance cars.
Nissan’s New e-Power Hybrid Technology
Nissan’s new and improved e-Power hybrid technology is a testament to the fact that electric motors are not going anywhere. The latest update in the automotive world is that Australian motorists now have the option of purchasing hybrid models for both the Nissan X-Trail and Qashqai cars. For front-wheel drive, the Qashqai is a great option while the X-Trail gets Nissan’s ‘e-4orce AWD’ system with an additional motor on its rear axle.
The electric motors in both of these new incredible hybrid SUVs actually drive the wheels while the petrol engine is essentially the generator. One of the many benefits of this kind of hybrid technology is modifying the handling balance by changing each motor’s torque. In simple terms, more power at the front leads to understeer while more power at the back causes oversteer and a perfect combination in-between produces neutrality – something highly beneficial for drivers.
By individually controlling the extent of regenerative braking at both front and rear, Nissan claims that it can maintain a more level position to prevent an abrupt nose dive due to any type of deceleration. The automaker additionally states that its twin-motor system is faster than conventional all-wheel drive systems in distributing power from side to side and front to rear.
Upcoming Nismo Performance Car Using Hybrid Technology
With the release of the two hybrid SUVs in Australia, it’s clear that Nissan is continuing to push boundaries when it comes to green technology. Now, they have announced another exciting development: a new Nismo performance car with hybrid power that could indirectly be a successor to the all-impressive and highly esteemed Nissan GT-R.
While Z-cars are not a common sight in countries with strict emissions policies, Nissan has confirmed that this new exciting hybrid performance car will meet emissions requirements and could go on sale as early as 2030 in the U.S., UK and Europe. This move further cements Nissan’s position as one of the leading automakers when it comes to cutting-edge hybrid technology.
Takao Katagiri, Nissan Nismo CEO, confirmed that this upcoming car will have a hybrid powertrain but also hinted at a combination of EV and hybrid models. Such amalgamation is hoped to revolutionise the market by providing drivers with a greater level of mobility.
Nissan’s Take On Researching Solid-State Batteries For EVs
Nissan executives had previously stated that any performance EVs will need solid-state batteries which are still largely in the early development stages. Richard Moore, strategy boss of the West Midlands Gigafactory said that “if the new car is to be viable in Europe, a hybrid option will be the most likely starting point.”
Nissan may be headed for a complete shift to electric powertrains but they are not quite there yet. François Bailly, the senior VP and chief planning officer of AMEIO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania) stated: “I would love to have an EV sports car, but we need to organise. We’re not ready to announce the sequence, but it’s clearly on the table.”
Nissan’s timeline for solid-state batteries gives us a glimpse into the future of electric vehicles designed with enthusiasts in mind. Research is well underway and plans are in place for a pilot factory in 2024 where the technology could be ready as early as 2026! From there, expect to see this technology used in the production of EVs from around 2028.
Nissan’s New e-4ORCE 04 Racer
Since Nissan is a major competitor in the Formula E championship and while they only finished 9th out of 11 constructors last season, the Japanese automaker is pinning its hopes on the new e-4orce 04 Racer. This new Formula E racer delivers 40% more power than its predecessor with a maximum speed of 320km/h with tremendous acceleration and grip.
With Formula E representing the apex of EV technology, this next-level series will bring about thrilling innovation and excitement on and off the track as car manufacturers are pulling out all the stops to deliver an EV racer that can compete with the very best. With the new e-4orce 04 Racer, Nissan hopes to achieve top results on the track and in the development of next-gen EV and hybrid technology.
In summary, Nissan has been among the top companies leading the proverbial change in the research and development of electric and hybrid technology. With the increasing demand for more sustainable transportation options, Nissan’s investment in hybrid technology is sure to pay off in the long term and have a positive impact on the environment. For more up-to-date motoring news from around the world, follow our blog!
The post Nissan Leads The Way In Hybrid Technology appeared first on Nissan Blog at Group1.
An Inside Look At Chery’s Surging Sales Figures And Growth
Posted by Group1 Chery on 25 Jan 2023 under General
How Chery Global Sales Have Skyrocketed
Chery Automobile Co ., Ltd was founded in 1997 and quickly become one of the most recognised and respected car brands. They have expanded globally at a tremendous rate showing impressive sales figures of over 1 million units sold in 2022. South Africa is no exception as the latest range of Chery cars has proven exceptionally popular and Group1 is proud to be a Chery dealer offering motorists the chance to experience first-hand why we rate these vehicles so highly.
A Breakdown of Chery’s Global Sales Across Three Levels
The remarkable success of Chery is direct a result of its relentless efforts to understand core technologies. As a brand that strictly adheres to independent research and development, they have established five R&D centres across the globe with a total of 7,000 experienced designers and engineers who have worked for renowned car brands such as Jaguar Land Rover and General Motors.
Abiding by its core concept of “Establishing the Enterprise Based on Technology”, Chery has been able to export its products across the globe, garnering immense admiration and success.
In 2022, Chery achieved remarkable results – boasting a global cumulative sales volume of over 1.127 million units in the first 11 months and export figures climbing to more than 406,000 units – representing an astonishing 32.6% and 70.9% year-on-year growth respectively!
October 2022 marked the fifth consecutive month that Chery sold over 100,000 vehicles globally, totalling 132,828. This represents an impressive increase of 50.4% year-on-year and is 38.8% higher than the previous annual peak from 2021. Congratulations to the entire Chery team for such an extraordinary accomplishment!
Chery’s Growing Success Around The World
From January to October 2022, Chery’s Tiggo lineup excelled in global markets. They sold 159,500 Tiggo 8’s and 134,900 Tiggo 7 cars across the world with considerable success in the Middle East and South America, but especially in Brazil.
Here, the brand sold 29,854 units for a market share of 2.38% which places Chery in the top 10 among automotive brands. The ever-growing appeal of the Tiggo family has made their newest addition, the Arrizo 6 sedan – an award winner for Best Resale Value – a favourite among Brazilians and for good reason.
Boasting an exemplary intelligent technology configuration, Arrizo 6 PRO is superior to its competitors. Its ACC system fuses multiple functions such as ICA, TJA and LKA; furthermore, the AEB mechanism drastically reduces the potential risks of accidents.
To top it all off, this powerful car features a 1.5TCI engine with 156 Ps in maximum horsepower and 230 N m for peak torque that further enhances performance when paired with CVT transmission – enabling abundant power while maintaining low fuel consumption rates!
In the Middle East, Chery saw an outstanding double boost in both sales and brand image. The Tiggo 8 Pro sparked a revolution of sorts across Qatar’s automotive market – earning it the title of “The Most Intelligent Pioneer” according to notable press outlets.
Global Sales Of The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro
Setting the bar for high-end flagships, Chery’s Tiggo 8 Pro is a formidable 7-seat medium and large SUV with superior intelligent configuration and a luxurious driving experience. As evidenced in J.D Power’s 2022 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, it ranks an astounding second among mid-sized SUVs!
As it stands today, this model has won an array of awards such as the “2022 Most Innovative Model” in Saudi Arabia and the “Best Medium-sized SUV of the Year” in Mexico. It’s clear that the groundbreaking technology setting is what has made Tiggo 8 Pro Max such a hit. Specifically, its advanced ADAS system integrates more than ten driving-assisting features for increased protection and comfortability whilst on the road.
Furthermore, the Tiggo 8 Pro Max is fitted with an all-encompassing intelligent AWD system with six driving modes tailored to any situation. Whether you’re looking for a more economic drive or need to power through offroad terrain, its options of economic, normal, sporty, camping, skiing and off-roading will always keep your journey running smoothly.
With its impressive performance, Tiggo 8 Pro was presented with the esteemed “Best Medium-sized Crossover Vehicle” title at the Philippines International Auto Show. Adding to this exciting victory, Tiggo Pro FAMILY received an additional honour when it achieved the “Best Selling SUV Award” from Qatar Automobile Association.
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV Unleashes Its Potent Power in Grand Fashion
Chery, one of the initial companies to experiment with new energy technology, has established itself as a global leader in this area. Its most renowned creation is DHT – an impressive hybrid transmission that includes “3 engines, 3 gears, 9 working modes and 11-speed ratios”. This pioneering invention puts Chery on the cutting edge of technological progress.
Since its launch at the Philippines International Auto Show and winning the “Best Hybrid Vehicle Award”, Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV with this technology has been widely acclaimed in the auto industry as it should. The 1.5T engine on the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV model resulted in another award at the 2023 Auto Award Ceremony in Sao Paulo for a displacement below 2.0L.
The Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV is one of the most efficient and cost-effective cars on the market. Featuring a combination of fuel engines and dual motors, it offers an impressive average efficiency rating greater than 90% under NEDC working conditions. Plus, you get up to 75 km in pure electric mode – that’s the power you can rely on.
Boasting a quartet of powerful core facets – “strong power, super smoothness, long-time endurance and extremely fuel-efficiency” – this vehicle stands out from the rest by a long shot. Not only does it possess an edge over comparable products in its class but far beyond that, it is predicted to become a leader across all industries.
Chery Cars And The FIFA World Cup
The remarkable international sales of Chery can be attributed to the excellence and durability of its most recent models, coupled with its dedication to providing outstanding customer service in anticipation of the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
Last year October, Chery launched several global activities in conjunction with the FIFA World Cup, including lighting up certain landmarks in Qatar, Mexico and Brazil among other countries. They also initiated a ‘Play Together’ TikTok challenge and the ‘With Chery With Love Carnival Night’ which engaged many fans, spreading the love for football and the Chery brand.
Overview Of The Chery Cars For Sale In South Africa
The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro is a compact SUV that offers a perfect balance of style and performance. With its sleek design and efficient engine, it’s a great choice for city driving and makes for an ideal first car for students or for small families. The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is a larger SUV that offers more space and comfort for families, also equipped with a long list of advanced safety features and modern styling.
At the top end of the range is the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, the flagship of the brand. This luxury SUV features advanced technology, ample room for all occupants and premium materials – all at an affordable price. With such great options in terms of value for money without sacrificing quality or luxury, it’s no surprise the company’s global sales have skyrocketed.
At Group1, we are proud to be a Chery dealer and we believe in the vehicles we sell. We’ve seen firsthand the quality and innovation that goes into every Chery vehicle and we’re confident that our customers will be just as impressed. Whether you’re looking for a compact car or a luxury SUV, Group1 Chery can help find the perfect car for your needs.
The post An Inside Look At Chery’s Surging Sales Figures And Growth appeared first on Group1 Chery.
NEW Chery Omada 5 Confirmed For Arrival In SA!
Posted by Group1 Chery on 18 Jan 2023 under Chery OMODA 5
Chery Omada 5
SUV enthusiasts, assemble! It has officially been confirmed that the new Chery Omada 5 crossover SUV will be making its way onto South African showroom floors later this year. Positioned above the Tiggo SUV range and the Arrizo sedan range, the Omada 5 was launched in China last year and has been making waves ever since its initial reveal.
Chery is definitely on top in the South African automotive market right now. The Chinese automaker returned to the South African automotive industry in November 2021 and managed to sell 10 000 units within a single year. In fact, after selling 1262 units through its dealer channels in July 2022, it took 8th place in the local passenger vehicle segment without missing a beat.
Chery Omada 5
So what can SUV drivers look forward to when it comes to the NEW Chery Omada 5? Here’s the gist.
First of all, it’s beautifully spacious, without being too bulky to manage on the road as an everyday ride. The Omada 5 measurements are as follows:
- Length: 4,400mm
- Width: 1,830mm
- Height: 1,585mm
- Wheelbase: 2,630mm
The design language is also 100% on point. Following in the slipstream of the new Chery ‘Art in Motion’ design platform, it manages to be brawny and elegant at the same time – no mean feat! Of course, we all love the very recognisable diamond matrix grille (it really means business!), and this time it’s flanked by LED headlights as well as LED daytime running lights. The rest of the body is nicely sporty, leaning into the current trend towards coupe-inspired silhouettes.
The Omoda 5 showcases Chery’s new ‘Art in Motion’ design language boasting an integrated diamond matrix grille which is flanked by split LED headlights and LED daytime running lights. From the side, the Omoda 5 takes on a sporty stance with the roofline adopting a sloping, coupe-like silhouette. Sharp, angular taillight clusters further add to the sporty look of the Omoda 5.
Chery Omada 5
FUN FACT: It also happens to be one of the first lines of new models to be built on the next-gen Chery Omni-chassis that will be able to accommodate the powertrains of IC engines, electric vehicles, hybrids, and even hydrogen.
Inside the NEW Chery Omoda 5, discerning motorists can look forward to a very luxe finish, including not one, but two, integrated high-def infotainment screens that measure 10.25 inches each.
We cannot wait to get you behind the wheel of this exciting new Chery SUV! Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when you can book a test drive. Our team is standing by to ensure that the process is as smooth as possible. In fact, we can even bring your dream Chery SUV to you to test drive at a time that suits your schedule.
The post NEW Chery Omada 5 Confirmed For Arrival In SA! appeared first on Group1 Chery.
Best-Selling Car In The UK – The New Nissan Qashqai
Posted by Group1 Nissan on 18 Jan 2023 under Nissan Qashqai
UK Motorists Love It And We Love The Nissan Qashqai Too!
In the early ‘70 British cars were trend setters. Marques like Jag and Bently, Rover and Austin were world beaters, and it was difficult to see how the nascent Japanese auto industry could get a foothold in that market. And yet it did.
In the past half century, while Britain lost its car industry to foreign ownership, Japanese cars have gone from cheap and reliable to market leaders. These cars were readily accepted by the motoring mad British driving public, and now leading this pack is the third-generation Nissan Qashqai.
Nissan has a massive presence in Britain, through its key Sunderland plant, one of the manufacturing pillars that underpin Nissan’s presence in the international motoring market.
And now the Qashqai is the best selling car in the UK.
The Nissan Qashqai is well-known in South Africa and around the world. It was, a decade or more ago, the car that launched the wildly popular crossover segment. The crossover combines the best of a normal car or station wagon with the bits that make SUVs so popular. So the Qashqai is spacious and well appointed, seating 5 comfortably, with a huge boot and nice ground clearance. This superb balance gives you a family car, an urban run-around for a working person, and the ability to leave it all behind and go off-road.
The Qashqai has taken this appealing combination through three generations to what is now its most popular iteration yet.The internal combustion-only powered Qashqai in the UK is very similar to the Qashqai you can buy in SA, so the same features that make it so popular there can be enjoyed here too.
In the base trim we get 6 airbags, an 8-inch audio display, Android/Apple infotainment, reverse camera, 17” alloy wheels, cruise control, LED headlamps and a wireless charger. One step up gives you ProPilot level one autonomous display, 18” wheels and lane-keep assist among others.
In the UK, though, you can get a Qashqai with e-Power. A frugal petrol engine powers a battery which drives the front wheels, giving you the range and flexibility of petrol with the economy, responsiveness and massive torque of an EV.
We believe the Qashqai will soon get an e-Power variant in South Africa, but we don’t know when. In the meantime, what are you waiting for? Take a Qashqai for a test drive and see for yourself why the whole world is still in love with this car after all these years.
The post Best-Selling Car In The UK – The New Nissan Qashqai appeared first on Nissan Blog at Group1.
Major Facelift For The 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross
Posted by Group1 Mitsubishi on 16 Jan 2023 under Mitsubishi Xpander
The Mitsubishi Xpander is well-known and well-loved in South Africa – a versatile 7-seater people carrier that looks and acts like an SUV. It gives you the ability to carry a lot of people, or a lot of stuff, or some people and some stuff, even people sitting next to each other with long cargo next to them.
The Xpander Cross, which hasn’t made it to South Africa, was launched three years ago with the basic Xpander we know, but with even more SUV cred.
The Cross has now received a major facelift both inside and on the exterior.
On the safety side it gets Active Yaw Control that improves handling in corners by applying braking force onto the inside front wheel, based on the steering angle, brake pressure, longitudinal G-forces, yaw rate, and wheel speed.
There is a new electric parking brake, a digital instrument cluster and a larger 8-inch instrument cluster. Controls such as climate control are now on a screen and you can charge your phone wirelessly.
The Xpander Cross comes with a naturally aspirated 1.5-petrol engine that gives you 77kW power and 141 Nm torque, either through a CVT or 5-speed manual. The CVT has 220mm ground clearance, while the MT has 225mm. That power and torque and generous ground clearance, as well as the 17” alloy wheels, give it the ability to go on the roads less travelled.
The Cross has had its front and rear overhang stretched by 95mm, and the wheels have a two-tone look with grey accents to match the front and rear skid plates and door garnishes.
The ‘T’ motif on the front is now more prominent and is reflected on the rear of the car, where updated taillights give it a more modern look and feel.
Road tests overseas are very complimentary to the updated Cross, with the total package seen as a pretty well-balanced seven-seater MPV/Crossover.
The Mitsubishi Xpander has proved to be a hit in South Africa with larger families, people with active outdoor hobbies and as versatile staff transport for businesses. Alas, at the moment it does not look as though Mitsubishi will bring the Cross to South Africa. Nevertheless, it is interesting to see how the company continuously push the development envelope in the various markets where it is active.
The post Major Facelift For The 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross appeared first on Group1 Mitsubishi Blog.
Pride In Your Product – Anand Mahindra And His SUVs
Posted by Group1 Mahindra on 16 Jan 2023 under Mahindra
Anand Mahindra is the chairperson of Mahindra & Mahindra, manufacturer of Mahindra cars, as well as active in aerospace, agribusiness, aftermarket, automotive, components, construction equipment, defence, energy, farm equipment, finance and insurance, industrial equipment, information technology, leisure and hospitality, logistics, real estate and retail.
He is a Harvard Business School graduate and was named one of the 25 most influential business people in Asia. He is very wealthy. He can drive whatever car he wants, and he chooses to drive the excellent SUVs his company makes. A man who believes in what he makes.
Mahindra Bolero Invader
Anand owns several Mahindra SUVs, including the Bolero Invader, among the first cars he ever bought. This 3-door Bolero variant has a notably short wheelbase and it was sold and bought as a lifestyle SUV.
Mahindra TUV300
He also owns a TUV300, a car not sold in India. This one is rather special, though. It is a battle green shade and is fitted with the Mahindra aftermarket Armour kit. This specific car looks ready for battle in any upmarket mall, a luxury tank.
Mahindra TUV300 Plus
This is a stretched 9-seater version of the TUV we know in South Africa. He had it painted in a special steel grey and calls it the Grey Ghost.
Mahindra Scorpio
Anand is very proud to own a cult first-generation Mahindra Scorpio 4×4. This car is so popular in India that it was not discontinued after the launch of the Scorpio N, but rather renamed the Scorpio Classic.
Alturas G4
The Mahindra Alturas G4 – twin to the Ssangyong Rexton is a very special and rare car. Originally launched as a competitor to the Toyota Fortuner, the Alturas/Rexton is a rather rare vehicle. The one in Anand’s garage is called ‘Baaz’.
Scorpio N
The Scorpio N was launched recently in India, and Anand has a top-end red 4×4 version. This seven-seater is named Bheem, a character in ancient mythology.
It is telling that someone who can afford any car in the world chooses the ones his company makes. It gives us a glimpse of the passion and pride that has made Mahindra part of the Indian psyche. It is perhaps the key reason why this brand has rapidly spread to global markets.
The post Pride In Your Product – Anand Mahindra And His SUVs appeared first on Group1 Mahindra Blog.
Here’s Why You’ll LOVE The Renault Kwid As A Pre-Owned Car Option
Posted by Group1 Renault on 16 Jan 2023 under Renault Kwid
Renault Kwid Named Best Pre-Owned Hatchback 2023
If you have been on the lookout for a really great second-hand hatchback car, we highly recommend that you take a look at the Renault Kwid. Between the SUV Climber, the magnificent Dynamique, and the super affordable Expression and Expression AMT, the impressive Kwid range has been an amazing success worldwide. This includes India, where it recently scooped up a major award.
Renault has been the top-selling European car brand in India for a while now, and this was reiterated when OLX Autos and Autocar India recently named the Kwid the best pre-owned small hatchback car for 2023. According to Sudhir Malhotra (Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Renault India), the KWID has been instrumental in its amazing market-share growth in India, which is not a small feat when you are competing in the most competitive entry-level car segment.
Here are a few reasons why the Renault Kwid stands out for second-hand buyers in India, and around the globe:
Refined Design
Even though the KWID is a smaller vehicle, it shares design language with Renault SUVs. Its strong stance and good looks are normally the first things that draw prospective buyers, and it really leaves a lasting visual impression on the road.
Next-Level Infotainment
Renault Kwid drivers are able to control everything in their car hands-free thanks to a great infotainment system that incorporates voice recognition, video playback, as well as supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, all from an 8-inch touchscreen.
Enhanced Driver Comfort
Renault believes in providing consumers with an effortless driving experience, and this is certainly the case with technology like the reverse parking camera (+ guidelines) and electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors in the mix.
Low Maintenance Costs
The Kwid has a cost of maintenance lower a 1c/km and comes with a comprehensive manufacturer warranty for 2 years/50,000 km, with an extension option of up to 5 years. This makes for effortless ownership.
Top Safety Features
Industry-leading active and passive safety features are standard across all Kwid variants. This includes:
- Dual front Airbags
- ABS and EBD
- Seat belt reminder
- Overspeed Alert
- Driver side pyro and pre-tensioner
- Load limiter
How’s that for an amazing second-hand car situation? To learn more about the new and used Renault vehicles we currently have on our showroom floors in Johannesburg and Stellenbosch, get in touch with our seasoned Group1 Renault team. We offer great value on expertly vetted pre-owned Renault cars and SUVs, so you can enjoy driving pleasure at a budget-friendly price.
The post Here’s Why You’ll LOVE The Renault Kwid As A Pre-Owned Car Option appeared first on Renault Blog at Group1.
Why You Need The New Renault Trafic Panel Van
Posted by Group1 Renault on 12 Jan 2023 under Renault Trafic
New Renault Trafic Panel Van: What You Need To Know
The new Renault Trafic panel van has launched in South Africa, much to the delight of business owners across the country. It’s a welcome addition to the Renault commercial vehicle line-up as they’ve sold more than 2.2 million units worldwide since its inception in 1980. The latest offering includes various updates and improvements over previous models and you can even turn the cabin of the Renault Trafic into a mobile office as there is enough space for a laptop and an A4-size swivel stand.
What’s New On The Renault Trafic Panel Van?
This powerful workhorse has been redesigned with a bold look featuring an assertive front bumper, a large radiator grille and two bright LED headlights. The refined style coupled with up-to-date interior technology is among the many aspects that make this versatile and practical vehicle stand out among the rest.
Other standouts on the fourth generation Renault Trafic panel van also include the two sleek non-metallic colour options, Ice Cool White or Cumulus Blue, a new streamlined radio antenna and 16-inch steel wheels graced with stylish hubcaps.
Step inside the all-new Renault Trafic and you’ll discover a dashboard embedded with features such as Connect R&Go radio, complete with Bluetooth, USB and aux port connectivity! And to make your daily commute that much more enjoyable, this impressive panel van also has power-adjustable mirrors along with comfortable black fabric upholstery and wider armrests on the new door panels.
You can transform your Renault Trafic into a mobile office by simply folding down the backrest on the middle seat. This creates enough space for a laptop and even an A4-size swivel stand to keep all your documents in place. Look a little further and you will find several storage bins, including a cleverly placed compartment beneath the passenger bench seat.
Other standard features on the new Renault Trafic panel van include the following:
- air-conditioning
- cruise control
- rear park sensors for better manoeuvring in busy urban centres
- dual front airbags
- tyre pressure monitor
How Much Space Does The Renault Trafic Panel Van Offer?
The Trafic panel van impresses even further with an expansive loading bay of 4.15m, making it the largest in its class. To top that off, you get 8,900 litres of cargo space and a maximum load capacity of 1,279kg with a 750 kg towing capacity – all designed to make your life a lot easier.
There is a total of 84.8 litres of space in the passenger cabin for storing all those random bits that end up on the floor or the cubbyhole. This includes a new drawer that can accommodate up to 88 litres, 54 litres of which is located under the passenger bench seat, as mentioned earlier. They’ve even made sure that tool retrieval is a breeze as the Renault Trafic’s load area is accessible through a left-side sliding door and two rear swivel doors that can open 90º or 180º.
Renault Trafic Performance, Pricing And Warranty
The Trafic is equipped with a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine (referred to as the “dCi 170”) that powers its front axle via a 6-speed manual gearbox. With peak power output of 125 kW and 380 Nm torque, it has an impressive combined fuel economy rating of 7.2 litres per 100 km from its 80-litre tank which translates to more than 1 000 km range.
Now available at most Renault dealers, the Renault Trafic price is R599,999. This includes a 5-year/90,000km service plan and a 5-year/150,000km mechanical warranty as standard. The all-new Renault Trafic panel van is an ideal partner for those who need a modern, reliable, spacious and versatile commercial vehicle that is ready for anything.
From its impressive engine performance and fuel economy to the tremendous amount of space, the Renault Trafic should be on your list in 2023 and beyond!
The post Why You Need The New Renault Trafic Panel Van appeared first on Renault Blog at Group1.
Three Top Five Viewed American TV Ad Spots For Nissan
Posted by Group1 Nissan on 11 Jan 2023 under General
Three Nissan Ads Among Five Top US TV Car Ads
Brie Larson is an American actress, filmmaker and singer. Recently she starred as Caron Danvers in the mega-Marvel movies Captain Marvel and Avengers: Endgame. She is also the face of Nissan USA and the TV ads featuring her dominated the US automaker ads, taking up three of the top most-seen spots in 2022.
American TV advertising is beyond huge. Mainstream sports such as NBA (baseball) and college football, and news and talk shows, draw tens of millions of viewers. Winning in this arena is vital to the success of any advertiser and Nissan has done very well last year.
Number one on the list is called Today Is Made For Thrill: Why Wait For Tomorrow? It was viewed 2.54 billion times and features a collage of Nissan cars, with Larson at the wheel. The ad is fast-paced and has exceptional production values and you just want to drive a Nissan right there.
Second on the list is 60 Years in 30 Seconds. This ad was seen 2.54 billion times and references Nissan’s 60-year legacy in the States. Yet again tightly written and directed, with great nostalgia shots followed by superb action footage.
Fifth on the list is Electric Cars For Electric Drivers, viewed 2.07 billion times. It talks about the Leaf legacy and the future of Nissan EVs, with the message that these vehicles have covered over 5 billion miles and they are so silent, you can hear your heart beating faster when you drive them.
So now you are wondering about ads three and four on that list, right? To be fair, and to show you the kind of competition in this market, here they are.
Number three is Dodge: We Do Power, which features muscle cars going fast, a pretty much-defining characteristic of that brand’s top models.
In fourth place is Subaru: Well Adventured. This is visually and conceptually very pretty, but probably two too many ideas crammed into one ad. But they know their market best.
The thing about these ads is that they are all aimed at brand building. It feels as if South African TV advertising is too small and too fractured to do that, and we have often been left with only hard-sell advertising instead.
If you want to keep up with Nissan news here and around the world, check out our blog or follow us on social media.
The post Three Top Five Viewed American TV Ad Spots For Nissan appeared first on Nissan Blog at Group1.