New Sprinter van for Mercedes
Running up to the North American Commercial Vehicle show, Mercedes-Benz Vans has released details of the new Sprinter. The new commercial van include multiple driver assist systems and greater connectivity for fleet vehicle management. “We want to offer the most suitable mobility solution for every sector and for every transport assignment,” said, Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. “It also goes without saying that the new edition of iconic van possesses the classical attributes of reliability, safety and cost-effectiveness. The new Sprinter launches in Europe during the first half of 2018.
Ford, Orlando Pirates tie-up
Ford South Africa announced on Tuesday that they had entered into agreements with the Orlando Pirates to become the Premier League soccer team’s new official vehicle partner. The agreement, valid for three years, will see the American automaker supply Pirates with a portfolio of vehicles, which include the Mustang, Ranger, Everest and Transit. “Orlando Pirates is a household name in South Africa with a massive following and a proud heritage,” said Dr Casper Kruger, MD of Ford Sub-Saharan Africa. “We are delighted to become the vehicle of choice for Orlando Pirates.”
ContiSense is new tyre tech
Tyre manufacturer Continental revealed two new technology concepts on Wednesday that aim to improve vehicle comfort and road safety. Originally debuted at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, Contisense makes use of electrically conductive sensors to measure the tread and temperature of the tyre, and ContiAdapt, which adjusts rim width and tire pressure according to identified road conditions. Continental aims for the technology to become standardised in vehicles alongside other vehicle innovations such as electrification and automated driving. The technology is also seen as a step forward for the REDI sensor technology, previously introduced in 2014.
New Volvo XC40 ready for production
The all-new Volvo XC40 was launched last week in Milan, Italy, and it’s expected to reach South African shores by the second quarter of 2018. The XC40 will be the third SUV variation from Chinese-Swedish automaker, and an addition to the rapidly-growing mini-SUV segment. Discussions are also underway to potentially offer the Care by Volvo business model, which includes a calling service and related services, in South Africa, along with the new XC40. The new model will also be the first Volvo to be offered with the company’s all-new 3-cylinder engine, alongside the standard Drive-E powertrains that are currently available in other Volvo models.
