Opel Corsa Utility: United in the fight against crime

In a drive to further mobilise and empower communities in helping the police fight crime, General Motors South Africa (GMSA) has made eight Corsa Utility vehicles available to neighbourhood patrols in the city.

The hand over today of South Africa's top selling half ton bakkies, has given the i-Patrol project a major boost in expanding its reach in the local community. i-Patrol, which is a joint venture between the South African Police Services (SAPS), community policing forums, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Williams Hunt Port Elizabeth and Algoa FM, aims to promote closer co-operation between the police and the community.

i-Patrol follows an anti-crime awareness project, Crime Crackdown, an initiative GMSA started last year in partnership with Algoa FM, which now moves beyond awareness to visibility on the streets.

According to Denise van Huyssteen, GMSA's Communications Manager, the company views crime prevention as one of the core areas of focus in terms of corporate social responsibility. She said crime affected every single person in the city and that every individual should have the freedom to live and work in a safe and secure environment. "We should move from apathy to action if we are serious about driving crime out of our neighbourhoods," she added.

The cluster commanders for the Motherwell and Mount Road clusters, assistant commissioner Johan Kapp and assistant commissioner Dawie Rabie, said that vehicles are a vital resource in the fight against crime. They said areas where neighbourhood watch patrols are active, have proven to be less affected by crime. Motherwell and Kabega Park are prime examples of areas where crime had reduced as a result of effective community policing according to the assistant commissioners. "As much as crime prevention is the work of the police, it is everyone's responsibility to help them do their job efficiently and effectively. An initiative like i-Patrol is a prime example of how working together can assist to eliminate criminal activity," they said.

The police need the support of the community to help combat crime they said. Both Rabie and Kapp concurred that crime takes place at community level and that community members are often aware of who commit these crimes. "This helps the police to persecute the suspects and ultimately prosecute them."

The neighbourhood patrols that receive Corsa Utilities today were chosen after a stringent selection process whereby sector crime forums submitted proposals which provide evidence of success, current performance and how utilisation of vehicles would enhance effectiveness. The recipients of the vehicles include Gelvandale, Swartkops, Humewood, Kwazakhele, Kabega Park, Bethelsdorp, New Brighton and Walmer. This is a pilot project which will be reviewed after a year.

GMSA retails 3,266 units in August 2009

With passenger sales of 1,180 units, light commercial vehicles of 1,971 units and truck sales of 115 units, GMSA recorded a market share of 11.01 percent for the month of August 2009.

August 2009 Market

"Another disappointing month of sales realized for the overall industry in August with over 1,000 units, or 3.4% down versus July 2009. This translates to 26.2 % down on the same month in 2008. Overall, the market remains 32.3% down on a year-to-date basis with the medium/heavy commercial market down significantly. We were hopeful that we would continue to see a bottoming out of the industry, but after August and the weaker than expected results, we are not sure if this will happen this year. A more realistic view is that we will not see significant change before at least the second quarter of 2010,” advised Malcolm Gauld, GMSA Vice President: Sales & Marketing.

"South African consumers again received a further 35 cents per litre increase in the price of petrol this month. The Rand has remained strong against major currencies, but we still maintain it remains vulnerable going forward. The Prime interest rate decreased by 0.5 % (10.5 %) with further drops in consumer Inflation and Producer Inflation to 6.7% and 3.8 % respectively. However, this must be continued to be reviewed in the light of increasing unemployment figures and rising commercial insolvencies,” continued Gauld.

"On a more positive note – GMSA are very excited about the all New Chevrolet Cruze that will make its debut in the South African market in October 2009. An exciting product, which has it all in terms of amazing interior and exterior design, space and safety features and it also carries the renowned Chevrolet value proposition! It is a well timed 'tonic’ for all South African motorists,” concluded Gauld.

GMSA New Vehicle Sales Commentary – JULY 2009

GMSA retails 4,109 units overall in July 2009

GMSA recorded a market share of 13.37 percent for the month of July 2009 made up of 1,693 passenger vehicles, 2,290 light commercial vehicles and 126 trucks.

Opel Corsa Utility market leader – 52nd consecutive month as SA's top selling half ton bakkie!

The Opel Corsa Utility continues its remarkable run as the best selling sub-one tonner in the South African market with 1,375 units recorded.

July 2009 Market

"July was GMSA's second best month this year, with 4,109 units sold resulting in a share achievement of 13,4 percent," says Malcolm Gauld, GMSA Vice President for Sales and Marketing.

Gauld noted that South African consumers will receive a further 20c per litre decrease in the price of petrol and diesel this month. Prime interest rate remains at 11% and consumer Inflation has dropped to 6.9% with the Producer Inflation dropping by 4.1% he said. "However, this must be viewed in light of the latest unemployment figures, continued mortgage stress and rising commercial insolvencies, which are all on the increase," he cautioned.

Further more Gauld said, the effects of the world-wide slow down in economic activity and the banks' credit granting policies continue to mitigate any immediate positive effects for the SA motor industry. "Whilst the Rand has remained strong against the major currencies over the past month, we still believe that it remains vulnerable going forward," continued Gauld.

According to Gauld July's industry performance generally matched that of June, with passenger sales weaker than expected and LCV sales stronger. "Given the additional selling days in July, its too early to make the call that the industry has stopped the roller coaster ride downwards, but we are encouraged by the performance of the commercial segments. August month will be an indicator," concluded Gauld.

All New SAAB 9-5 Saloon

Sleek, sophisticated and unmistakably Saab, the all-new 9-5 saloon signals the dawn of a new era for the Saab brand. With progressive, confident styling and advanced technology, Saab's distinctive new flagship will bring a fresh, alternative choice to the premium saloon segment when it goes on sale in 2010.

The clean, sculpted shape embraces the purity of Scandinavian design, and its dramatic wraparound window graphic echoes Saab's aviation heritage. With styling inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept car and a muscular, low-slung stance, the new 9-5 heralds the introduction of a bold and expressive design language.

The array of high-tech features on offer includes: an aircraft-inspired head-up information display (HUD); adaptive headlights (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam); adaptive cruise control; Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control; keyless entry and starting; dual-zone climate control; dynamic parking assistance, and Saab XWD with eLSD: the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system.

The all-turbo powertrain line-up is the broadest ever offered by Saab, carrying forward Saab's rightsizing engine strategy focusing on responsible performance through the development of highly efficient four cylinder turbo engines. There is a choice of three fuels – petrol, diesel and E85 bioethanol – and with diesel power, the new 9-5 offers CO2 emissions as low as 139 g/km.

"This car is the start of a new era for our brand," says Jan-Ake Jonsson, Saab Automobile's Managing Director. "We have created an advanced and very distinctive product by leveraging the power of our roots in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design, sporty driving and responsible performance. The new 9-5 delivers in all these respects, as will every future product from Saab."

Chevrolet CRUZE delivers

Chevrolet has always stood for value, and the Chevrolet CRUZE delivers on that promise like never before. Moving the benchmark a notch higher, the new Chevrolet CRUZE redefines the value proposition with its class leading quality, superior design and spacious styling, both inside and out.

“Chevrolet’s outstanding value does not mean a compromise in features and the Chevrolet CRUZE offers much higher specification levels than expected in this segment,” says Des Fenner, GMSA Product Communications Manager.

The Chevrolet CRUZE will be facing some tough competition in its segment. However, this unbeatable value package, with its high safety levels, and uniquely designed exterior and interior, is carried throughout the range.

The Chevrolet CRUZE delivers on its promise of outstanding value, from the entry level 83kW 1.6 L CRUZE through to top of the range, 104kW 1.8 LT 6-speed CRUZE. The Chevrolet CRUZE is priced on an average of 10% lower than its nearest competitors.

“We’ve managed to create a vehicle that will suit most people’s motoring needs and there is certainly a CRUZE in the range for everyone. South African buyers really need to take a closer look at the all new Chevrolet CRUZE when it makes its début at dealers in October,” says a confident Des Fenner.

Chevrolet CRUZE recommended retail selling prices:

CHEVROLET CRUZE 1.6 L R 174,192.00
CHEVROLET CRUZE 1.6 LS R 186,126.00
CHEVROLET CRUZE 1.8 LS R 204,133.00
CHEVROLET CRUZE 1.8 LT A/T R 244,440.00

The prices indicated are inclusive of VAT

The Chevrolet Cruze will be available to the public early in October 2009 from over 140 General Motors Dealers nationwide.

Watch your local press/TV/magazines for more details!