With just eight weeks to go before the official opening of Automechanika 2022 at the National Exhibition Centre, Nasrec, Johannesburg and the announcement – on June 7th – of the winners of the coveted Innovation Awards, the names of the jury members tasked with evaluating entries have been announced.
“Product innovation is synonymous with the Automechanika brand and as such, a group of highly qualified and respected automotive experts representing recognised organisations and representative bodies within the industry has been assembled to score products based on a predetermined list of criteria. These include design, quality, efficiency, functionality, practicality, value for money, environmental friendliness and – of course – innovation,” says Michael Dehn, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt South Africa, the organisers of Automechanika Johannesburg.
The cut-off date to enter is midday on Friday, May 6th, 2022.
Organisations represented on the panel of judges include the Retail Motor Industry (RMI), the Automobile Association (AASA), the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM), the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), the Automotive Industry Export Council (AIEC), the Motor Industry Bargaining Council (MIBCO) and Absa, which is also a sponsor of the event.
“Absa sees its involvement with Automechanika Johannesburg and the Innovation Awards as a catalyst for collaboration and partnership with the automotive and related industries. Investing in innovations will propel the aftermarket industry into the next stage of the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution. As such, it is my mandate to assist businesses in reaching that next level and to stay relevant and competitive through innovation,” explains jury member Thami Letsoalo, Business Development Manager: Automotive Sector at Absa.
The jury members will draw on their expertise in fields such as macro-economics, import and export, aftermarket retail, business and skills development, transformation, sustainability, automotive technology, marketing and more to identify the most innovative and pioneering automotive products that are manufactured, supplied or distributed in South Africa. Through this process, products that bring fresh perspectives to the OE or aftermarket segments in which they compete – and which hold the promise of performing beyond expectation – will be identified.
In keeping with the latest automotive trends, the categories of the 2022 competition are:
Panel of Judges
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.
Audi South Africa has expanded its compact SUV line-up with the introduction of the new Q2 S line derivative.
LDV South Africa has added a new entry model to its line‑up with the launch of the T60 Utility Single Cab. Priced from R299 900, it is positioned as one of the most affordable single‑cab bakkies in the country, aimed at businesses and fleet operators who require a dependable workhorse with modern equipment.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
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.
Young South African motorists are increasingly opting for more affordable and practical vehicles as the cost of living puts pressure on household budgets, while still maintaining comprehensive insurance cover.
The row over BMW’s Spider-Man promotion is not really about superheroes. It is about trust, control and the creeping feeling that modern cars are becoming digital platforms first and private possessions second.
