Motoring
Page 20 | MITCHELL'S PLAIN Thursday, 28 November 2013 Tel: 021 910 6500 Fax: 021 910 6501/06
Road deaths human error, warns Martins
CLASSY: Mazda will be launching the CX-5 (pictured), new Mazda6 and upcoming Mazda3. PHOTO: NETCARSHOW.COM
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azda is about to enjoy its best time in more than a decade as it launches five new-generation models globally in less than three years, said the automaker’s UK managing director Jeremy Thomson. Thomson described the product offensive as “rebooting”. The rapid pace of launches is the biggest since the launch of the previous generation Mazda6, Mazda3 and Mazda RX-8 during 2002-04.
‘Good times’ ahead Thomson said: “We’re predicting good times while the rest of the industry is predicted to be relatively flat. Over the next 18 months to two years we will continue our very strong product-led growth which sends out an exciting message to dealers.”
Its recovery in sales is due to the launches of its CX-5, new Mazda6 and the upcoming Mazda3. The new Mazda6 and 3 have yet to be confirmed for SA, reports Mazda SA. Mazda reports its sales are 10% ahead of the original figure for 2013 resulting in the automaker having to increase production to meet future demands. “While we would rather run with one car too few than one too many, we also need to ensure the network can fully capitalise on the increase in sales opportunities,” UK sales director Peter Allibon said. In the first 10 months of 2013 Mazda UK sold 27 800 cars, 16% more than in the same period in 2012. A restructuring of its dealer network is also paying dividends, boosting sales per outlet and increasing profitability. Average new car sales through each dealer were expected to quickly return to pre-crisis level as total annual volume approaches
40 000 units.
Skyactiv appeal That growth will boost dealer profitability, which is forecast to be better than the industry average for 2014, and return to the top quartile as sales of the automaker’s new generation SkyActiv models reach more than 70% of the total mix in 2014. “A combination of growth, dealer profitability and the increased kerb appeal of the SkyActiv models are encouraging dealers to upgrade to the premium, fresh and 21st century feel of the new corporate identity – a look that was piloted in the UK earlier in 2013 and will make Mazda stand out in multifranchise outlets,” Allibon added. “Meanwhile, the growth momentum continues with Mazda’s position as a franchise of choice being reinforced further by the fact that there are more companies who want to become a Mazda dealer.”
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The 55 people who died after three road smashes the previous two weeks were killed by human error, the Road and Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said last Friday. RTMC acting CEO Gilberto Martins said: “We are saddened and concerned that these accidents are as a result of driver error. We are concerned when we find that it is a human element that caused the accidents and that will only come right if the humans change their driving attitudes.” On the afternoon of Friday 22 November, at least 15 people died and five were hurt when a minibus taxi collided with a stationary truck near Umkomaas, in KwaZulu-Natal, paramedics said. Earlier in the day, 11 people died and 47 were injured when a bus and a car collided on the N1, near Makhado, Limpopo. And 10 days earlier 29 people died and 30 were injured when a bus and truck collided on the Moloto Road near Kwaggafontein in Mpumalanga. Martins said it was important for the public to work with traffic officials and to report unroadworthy vehicles and drivers who exceed the speed limit. He did not define whether he was referring to the road speed limit or the speed limit of the relevant public service and haulage vehicles. He said the RTMC would have various road safety campaigns ahead of the festive season. Transport department spokesman Tiyani Rikhotso said the department was concerned about the state of public transport vehicles because when one crashed there were usually “multiple deaths”. He said holiday season campaigns would focus on public transport and heavy-duty vehicles.
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