8 May 2012

Automotive

 

E-tolling saga: next round

Now that the issue of e-tolling has been put on hold - and let's face it, nothing has really grabbed the public's attention like this whole sorry saga - the DA has asked Public Protector Thuli Madonsela to investigate the Gauteng e-toll collection contracts. Not only that, the DA wants the investigation to include a possible link to suspected arms deal corruption.

Adding to Sanral's woes, Pieter Conradie, director at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr business law firm, reckons that motorists now have no obligation to buy e-tags and, to add even more to the road agency's woes, Conradie also reckons that those people who have bought e-tags, should be able to return them for a refund.

Still on the legal front, Owen Dean says that trade marks are going up in smoke but asks whether the SA government, in proclaiming its intention to emulate the Australian government and prevent the use of brands on cigarette packets by legislation, has thought the matter through properly.

For those of you in the marketing industry, Dewaldt Huysamen has interviewed Rand Fishkin on inbound marketing - and more. Fishkin has some fascinating insights for you.

The faster our communications, the more efficient we can be - which is why MTN wants spectrums to be allocated sooner rather than later. The company has urged the government to allocate unused spectrums so that companies can roll out the next generation of long-term evolution (LTE) technology to drive broadband penetration and improve internet speeds.

Finally, on a subject as close to our hearts as e-tolling, but on a far more sombre level, the fight against rhino poaching is something in which we must ALL become involved. As Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa says, the fight against rhino poaching requires joint initiatives from all South Africans.

Rod Baker, content director

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Editorial news

Legal


No obligation on motorists to buy e-tags
Now that the court has issued an interim interdict against e-tolling, motorists need not buy e-tags and should carry on using the roads as they have previously done. This is according to Pieter Conradie, director at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr business law firm. Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr are the attorneys of record acting on behalf of the applicants. Read more >>

Automotive


Car pooling system affects insurance policy
With the petrol price increasing for the fourth time in 2012 to reach another record high, many motorists may consider forming a car pooling group in an effort to reduce costs associated with daily travelling. However, they could be placing themselves at risk of a motor insurance claim repudiation if they are not aware of the insurance considerations when it comes to car pooling activities. Read more >>

Manufacturing


Demand your tag refund from Sanral says attorney
Business Live reports that the interim interdict granted to the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (Outa) means that the e-tags are no longer necessary and motorists should be entitled to reclaim any money spent from the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) or the Electronic Tolling Company (ETC). Read more >>

Isuzu Trucks considers new assembly options
By 2014, Isuzu Trucks South Africa (Itsa) COO Craig Uren says, the company will have made "significant changes" to the way it assembles trucks locally - Engineering News reports. "We have done a lot of work on how to roll out a cost-effective solution to our manufacturing future in Port Elizabeth," Uren explains. Read more >>

Labour laws to set new course
In March, cabinet approved the submission of the amendment bills for the Labour Relations Act (LRA) and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) to Parliament. The two will deal with the phenomenon of labour broking and child labour, among other things. Read more >>

Retail


New vehicle sales plod along
[Henrie Geyser: motoring editor] The negative impact that public holidays have on the motor trade is illustrated by the 10.5% year on year growth in new vehicle sales in April. Total sales numbered 42 617 which is about 6.9% up on the growth for the first four months of the year. Read more >>


International
High petrol prices are affecting the consumer
NUREMBERG, GERMANY: Consumer sentiment in Germany was divided in April. While the overall economic outlook was viewed more optimistically, the high level of income expectations dropped slightly, and willingness to buy saw significant losses. Following a revised value of 5.8 points in April, the overall indicator is forecasting a value of 5.6 points for May. Read more >>

More International...


Government
SA urges intl community to prioritise road safety
Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has called on the international community to include road safety as part of the global development agenda. Read more >>

Madonsela asked to investigate e-tolling contracts
[Paul Vecchiatto] Public Protector Thuli Madonsela has been asked by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to investigate the Gauteng e-toll collection contracts, including a possible link to suspected arms deal corruption. Read more >>

More Government news...


Motoring
It's pretty, it's practical, it's fast 'n flexy... It's the new Meriva
[Henrie Geyser: motoring editor] Opel has just moved into the Number One slot in the small MPV class with its neat and extremely practical Meriva - in spite of little barbed arrows such as "perambulating toilet" and "mobile wardrobe" being fired at it, more in jest (and a tad of envy, methinks) than in serious slander. Read more >>

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