This special RAPTOR box set includes protective coating, hardener and a genuine RAPTOR spray gun, making it simple to start applying durable, great-looking protection to cars, 4×4s, trucks, campers or boats. It’s an easy, all-in-one solution for tough, attractive finishes.

Hyundai’s 2025 HARP roadshow celebrated strong aftermarket growth, adding 25 new repairers and improving parts availability with a 90% first-pick rate. Audit issues were noted, but training expanded. Attendees debated insurance and efficiency, and Hyundai launched a new TV campaign.

South Africa is developing a national Electromobility Occupational Skills Programme to train EV and hybrid technicians. Led by merSETA and RMI, it will formalise EV skills, improve safety, and align training with rising model availability, supporting the country’s Just Energy Transition.

Volkswagen Group Africa’s Kariega plant has produced its 500,000th facelifted Polo, bound for Germany. Despite industry pressures, the facility remains a major exporter, shipping over 452,000 units since 2021. Nearly 2 million Polos have been built overall, reinforcing VW’s export leadership.

LEGO South Africa has revealed a full-scale LEGO Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance car at the Mercedes-Benz Experience Centre. Built from 192,937 bricks and weighing 913kg, the 5.1-metre replica showcases engineering, creativity, and a unique collaboration with Mercedes-Benz.

A Financial Conduct Authority review revealed widespread undervaluation of stolen or written-off vehicles. Insurers are now paying £200 million in compensation to 270,000 drivers. The FCA’s intervention led to process changes, ensuring fairer payouts amid volatile second-hand car market prices.

AkzoNobel and Axalta have announced an agreement to combine creating a premier global coatings company. Both of these highly regarded brands have a proud history in the coatings business.

The CRA Conference held at Automechanika Johannesburg gathered 160 plus industry delegates to discuss collision repair trends, vehicle complexity, productivity, and training. Key presentations highlighted innovations, ADAS, body shop challenges, workforce shortages, and collaboration, with exhibitors, sponsors, and networking creating a highly successful event.

Santam’s review of its motor book aims to boost customer satisfaction and compliance, demanding collaboration with technically capable collision repairers. Rising ADAS complexity, OEM standards, and regulatory changes are reshaping the repair ecosystem, requiring fairness, quality, and speed.

The eleventh Automechanika Johannesburg at Gallagher Convention Centre featured a lively, well-attended show with Chinese aftermarket suppliers, Autoboys’ award-winning displays, DAZE Technologies’ products, and multiple conferences. Networking and demonstrations highlighted innovations, with next year’s event scheduled for 27–29 October 2026.

Tony’s Colours, celebrating 38 years in coatings, has rebranded with a modern identity, enhanced services, and strong local and international partnerships. Known for high-quality paints, expert colour matching, abrasives, and customer-focused solutions, they support body shops and industrial refinishers efficiently.

MAGALS Training Academy addresses South Africa’s artisan shortage by offering accredited, practical, and theoretical automotive training. Students gain mentorship, industry-standard skills, and workplace readiness across collision repair, refinishing, alignment, and management.

Summer can present automotive refinishing challenges with the added heat and humidity. Sherwin-Williams have some top tips to help get the best in your coating’s performance.

Alvinah Matlala discovered her passion for spray painting after shifting from an initial interest in science. Supported through training, she’s now a qualified spray painter, mentors three apprentices, and encourages women to enter the trade with confidence.

The collision repair industry faces rapid technological change, oversupply, and rising costs, challenging shop owners. Yet opportunities exist in Africa’s aging car parc and local parts production. Resilience, innovation, integrity, and a “can-do” attitude are key to thriving amid disruption.

M&P Bodies, a family-run Johannesburg manufacturer of custom load bodies and trailers, now uses MIPA’s advanced PUR-HS paint system for superior coverage, faster drying, and lasting gloss. With advanced colour-matching, they lead South Africa’s shift toward next-generation commercial refinishing.

Trans Letaba Panelbeaters in Tzaneen is a family-run, multi-approved body shop excelling in repairs from paintless dents to major structural work. Investing in technology, training and PPG systems, they prioritise quality, skills development and customer service while continuing a proud multi-generation legacy.

This Tool Box offers secure, organised storage with three lockable drawers and a top tray, all using smooth ball-bearing slides. Available as the fully equipped 127-piece TCTB127 set or the empty TCTB005 version, it’s ideal for professionals or DIY users.

This special RAPTOR box set includes protective coating, hardener and a genuine RAPTOR spray gun, making it simple to start applying durable, great-looking protection to cars, 4×4s, trucks, campers or boats. It’s an easy, all-in-one solution for tough, attractive finishes.

The Telwin Digital Puller is
designed for straightening and repairing steel panels in body shops. It
includes automatic and manual guns, earth cable, puller tools and
accessories. Its LCD digital control panel adjusts welding parameters easily,
and it operates on single-fuse mains power.

PPG has introduced the PPG MIX‘N’SHAKE™ automated stirring system to replace manual paint mixing in the automotive refinish sector. It improves consistency, reduces consumable waste, and saves valuable time for painters and body shops.

Daze Masking Film is a semi-transparent, multi-layer, printable plastic covering that clings to surfaces for fast, effective masking. Its static charge and Corona treatment improve adhesion and capture paint mist. Versatile for automotive, industrial, or construction use, it speeds up masking tasks.

Body Shop BOOST is a digital, holistic assessment tool evaluating all areas of a body shop. BASF South Africa analyses performance, reveals potential through a cloud-based platform, and guides improvements to increase profitability, transparency, KPI tracking, and productivity benchmarking.

The GYSPOT PTI GENIUS is a fully automated, ergonomic spot welder featuring a lightweight pneumatic clamp, motorised jib, 14 500 A output, 550 daN force, multiple tacking modes, LCD navigation, SD traceability, and BMW approval. Includes G3 and G5 clamps.

The Daze Defender PAPR offers portable, lightweight respiratory protection for spray painting, vehicle refinishing, and industrial applications. It features a digital battery display, backpack turbo air filter, CE 2834 certification, and comes with a 12-month guarantee.

U-Pol Flyweight polyester filler offers smooth, creamy application, fast curing, and high adhesion on multiple substrates. Lightweight and easy to sand, it resists pinholes and can be shaped even after curing, making it ideal of repairs on metal, paint and fibreglass.

Tork Craft’s Lockable Three-Drawer Track Box offers secure, organised storage on the move. With a top tray and versatile compartments, it’s perfect for professionals and DIY enthusiasts seeking style, reliability, and efficient tool management.

BMW revives its revolutionary Neue Klasse with electrified drivetrains, modular hardware, and software-defined features. Echoing its 1960s innovation roots, it introduces a new vehicle platform with four “Superbrains,” aiming to redefine connected mobility, performance, and sustainability through deep, integrated design.

Europe’s push for cheaper small BEVs faces challenges: high battery costs, shrinking margins, and competition from China. Simplified designs may reduce repairability, risking “single-use” cars. Collision repairers face fewer billable hours, while insurers favour salvage. The political ‘cunning plan” may collapse.

Manufacturers worldwide are watching closely, edging nearer to modular, removable structural components in design. Tesla’s 2024 Model 3 introduces bonded and riveted steel sub-assemblies, altering front structure repairs significantly. This shift exemplifies how vehicle architecture evolves, forcing collision repairers to adapt.

Vehicles today demand integrated components to ease assembly and repair. With rising complexity, manufacturers must partner with collision repairers to reduce costs, improve service, and enhance sustainability, especially amid global competition and evolving customer expectations.

ADAS repairs require proper identification and manufacturer guidelines. Careful handling of radar and camera sensors is crucial, as incorrect bumper repairs impact safety. Recalibration is essential, and collision repairers must follow strict procedures to ensure system functionality and vehicle safety.

European vehicle manufacturers face challenges with excess capacity, high labour costs, and the shift to electric vehicles. Despite efforts to cut costs, they struggle with profit margins and rising job losses. For collision repairers, the end of mass production could increase parts scarcity, but a shift toward repair and refurbishment may help.

Vehicle design involves balancing vision, engineering constraints, and production simplicity. Tesla’s use of large-scale die casting, like the rear module on Model Y, reduces complexity and weight. However, these innovations require strict repair protocols, with specific limits on welding and straightening to preserve the structural integrity of advanced castings.

As ADAS systems become mandatory, collision repairers must ensure proper calibration of cameras, RADAR, and sensors. Systems like autonomous braking, lane-keeping, and road sign recognition require dynamic or static calibration processes, often using diagnostic tools. With growing system complexity, repairers need training and accurate information to stay competitive in vehicle repairs.

The European automotive industry faces ongoing challenges from emissions regulations, especially with Euro V, VI, and VII, leading to complex and costly systems. The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) has created a conflict, with manufacturers pressured by quotas and fines. Lobby groups like T&E influence policy, complicating the industry’s future and economic health.

Jaguar built its iconic brand through stunning cars, wartime vision, five Le Mans wins, and daring high-speed European journeys. Achieving this over fifty years with a fraction of Mercedes-Benz’s resources, Jaguar’s success relied on a small team and a modest budget, yet left a lasting legacy.

The Ford Everest XLT 4×4 blends performance, comfort, and advanced safety in a versatile, tech-rich package. With a powerful Bi-Turbo diesel engine, off-road capability, and spacious design, it’s a compelling, value-packed SUV for families and explorers alike.

Built in South Africa, the updated Nissan Navara Stealth delivers rugged style, smooth performance, and refined comfort. With powerful turbo-diesel performance, modern tech, and improved ride quality, it’s tailored for African roads—balancing everyday practicality with adventurous capability in 4×2 and 4×4 versions.

The Ford Ranger Platinum, built in Pretoria, blends luxury and utility with a 3.0L V6 turbodiesel, AWD, 10-speed auto, premium leather interior, advanced SYNC 4A infotainment, Matrix LED lightning, and extensive safety features.

Hyundai South Africa launched the Santa Fé Hybrid, a seven-seat SUV with a 175kW hybrid powertrain, AWD, 7.5L/100km fuel efficiency, regenerative braking, advanced safety and luxury features, a modular front bumper, and seven-year warranty, blending performance, efficiency, and style.

The new Hyundai Alcazar is a stylish, spacious, and affordable seven-seater SUV designed for South African families. With bold design, modern tech, flexible seating, safety features, and efficient engines, it offers premium value.

The Ranger Dropside SC features a rugged 2.0L turbo diesel engine, spacious cabin with SYNC 4A infotainment, and a versatile dropside tray for easy loading. It retains payload capacity and offers factory-backed warranties, ideal for commercial delivery fleets.

The new Mini Cooper S delivers thrilling performance with a 2.0-litre turbo engine, agile handling, and dynamic driving modes. It combines classic design with modern tech, including an 8.8-inch touchscreen and enhanced comfort. Despite lacking paddle shifters, it offers a sporty, engaging driving experience.

The new Ford Ranger Raptor redefines off-road performance with a 3.0 litre V6 engine, 292 kW power, advanced suspension, and rugged design. Enhanced tech, luxurious interior, and rally DNA make it a standout bakkie. It delivers serious capability and premium features.

The Ford Territory Titanium returns to South Africa as a tech-filled, premium mid-size SUV. Powered by a 1.8L turbo EcoBoost engine (138kW, 318Nm), it delivers smooth performance with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Spacious, feature-packed, and efficient, it offers advanced safety, high-end comfort, and a refined driving experience.

At the core of the X2 M35i is BMW’s most powerful M Performance 4-cylinder engine, a 2.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol unit that delivers 233 kW and 400 Nm. This power propels the X2 from 0 to 100 kph in just 5.4 seconds. Paired with an 8-speed Steptronic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, it ensures excellent traction and quick gear shifts for a dynamic driving experience.