Breaking News

TARRYN KNIGHT APPOINTED HEAD OF MARKETING AT FORD SOUTH AFRICA
Ford South Africa appoints Tarryn Knight as Head of Marketing. With nearly 20 years of experience in German automotive brands, she will lead strategic marketing efforts. Knight aims to enhance Ford’s legacy, strengthen customer experiences, and drive continued growth in 2025 alongside her team, following strong 2024 market performance.

REGISTRATION OPENS FOR GLOBAL IBIS SUMMIT 2025
Registration is now open for the IBIS Global Summit 2025, happening from June 24-26 at the Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Istanbul. The event, themed “Shaping The Future: Leadership Through Collaboration,” will focus on industry progress, showcasing the latest technologies and market trends through presentations, discussions, and networking.

DID YOU KNOW?
A century before the Toyota Prius’ 1997 debut, Ferdinand Porsche developed a hybrid gasoline-electric vehicle and marketed it. At the turn of the 20th century, gasoline engines weren’t standard, and one-third of all cars on the road were electric.

BMW X3 SOUTH AFRICAN BUILT
BMW Group South Africa hosted the national launch of the new BMW X3 at Plant Rosslyn, with strong local demand. The plug-in hybrid BMW X3 30e xDrive makes up 10% of sales, contributing to a 45% increase in PHEV retail rates. To meet demand, the plant reintroduced a third shift.

AUTOMECHANIKA JOHANNESBURG MOVES TO GALLAGHER CONVENTION CENTRE
Automechanika Johannesburg’s tenth edition, October 28-30 at Gallagher Convention Centre, aligns with Transport Month, showcasing automotive technologies, sustainability, and market growth through the sub-Saharan Roadshow, Gas Conversion Exhibition, E-Hailing Conference, and CEO Breakfast.

FORD SA ACHIEVES GROWTH DESPITE DECLINING LOCAL MARKET
Having launched a raft of exciting new models over the past two years, Ford reinforced its commitment to delivering an even more compelling and competitive range of vehicles. This has resulted in both its domestic sales and its export volumes growing.

FORD APPROVED DELIVERS CONFIDENCE WITH UNIQUE 160-POINT QUALITY CHECK
Ford Approved has enhanced its services with key refinements designed to deliver a more seamless and rewarding customer experience. This portal offers a range of vehicles that have undergone stringent and comprehensive quality testing.
whats hot

AXALTA LAUNCHES FAST CURE LOW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY
Axalta’s Fast Cure Low Energy (FCLE) technology reduces energy consumption, cuts costs, and supports sustainability, benefiting body shops and the environment. This innovation supports South Africa’s body shops who are grappling with high energy costs, making efficient solutions essential.

AUTOBOYS ALL NEW DISTRIBUTION CENTRE
Autoboys has opened a new warehouse in Pomona, Gauteng, offering 25 000 line items across automotive parts, auto glass, and refinish supplies. This proactive move supports their customer-focused approach, with fast deliveries to meet demand. Autoboys aims to provide agile solutions and excellent service in the collision repair market.

DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO
In yet another drive to reduce sustainability, a new proposed directive from a large insurance company, is seeking to cap a number of parts costings that will effectively reduce repair profitability across the board once again. With unreasonable and unachievable levels of success, the company is targeting repairer margins once again.

MAB AUTOBODY CELEBRATE 27 YEARS OF SUCCESS
MAB Autobody, led by the Marsberg family, excels in parts, paint, and glass supply across the Vaal region. Their commitment to quality, strong supplier relationships, and rapid delivery service set them apart. Expanding services with Octoral refinishing products and cost-effective solutions, they cater to body shops and DIY customers alike.

NEW CELETTE VORTEX (RG1) SPRAYBOOTH
The Celette Vortex spray booth offers exceptional performance with thermal ventilating units ensuring uniform airflow. Its advanced design includes energy-efficient insulation, LED lighting, and EU5 filtration. With fast heating times and low running costs, the Vortex is perfect for water-based and solvent-based paints, providing both durability and energy savings.
new products

SPIES HECKER FAST CURE LOW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY
The Fast Cure Low Energy (FCLE) system optimises speed and energy efficiency, reducing spray booth energy costs by 75% in a 30-minute, 60°C cycle. It enables drying at lower temperatures (20°C) while maintaining productivity. Ideal for body shops, it also supports repairs on temperature-sensitive electric vehicles.

AIRCRAFT HVLP SG AC2000 SPRAY GUN SERIES
The professional SG AC2000 HVLP spray gun comes in three models with stainless-steel nozzles (1.3mm–1.7mm) for a flawless finish. Its adjustable fan width (260mm–290mm) ensures precise coverage. The removable nozzles allow easy cleaning, making it ideal for professional use, delivering consistent, high-quality results with efficiency and convenience.

CELETTE SA LAUNCH VORTEX RGI SPRAYBOOTH
The Vortex RG1 full-size spraybooth (7110 x 3600m) features galvanised floor grates, 50mm insulated panels, bi-folding front doors, and an operator’s side door. It has clear-view LED lighting (800 Lux), EU5 ceiling filtration, and LPG gas direct-drive motors for cost efficiency, ensuring top-tier performance and energy savings.

TELWIN GLUE REPAIR DELUXE FOR SMART REPAIR
The Telwin Glue Repair Deluxe is a professional PDR system for dent repair without paint removal. It comes in a durable, recycled plastic case for easy organisation and transport. Equipped with various tools for different repair stages, it’s ideal for body shops.

LEGEND IS A HIGH-CLASS FASHIONABLE HVLP AIR SPRAY GUN
The Carla Legend HVLP air spray gun offers high paint transfer efficiency and excellent atomisation, ensuring superior spraying results while reducing paint waste. Its ergonomic die-cast aluminium body provides durability and stability. Ideal for medium to high adhesive spray painting.
Future Tech

REPAIR OVER REPLACE BUMPER SKINS
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 MANUFACTURING – A WARNING?
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.

MAJOR DIE CAST BODY PARTS – HURDLES AND OPPORTUNITIES
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.

ADAS ROCKS UP IN SOUTH AFRICA
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.

EUROPEAN AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS – LIGHTS OUT?
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.
Driven

FORD TERRITORY TITANIUM
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.

NEW BMW X2 M35i xDRIVE
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.

HYUNDAI EXTER LAUNCHES LOCALLY
After 18 months of negotiations, the Hyundai Exter has been launched in South Africa. Originally designed for India, this 1.2 compact crossover SUV offers a stylish, sporty design with features like an 8-inch infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Exter is priced from R269 900 and offers excellent value.

FORD RANGER TREMOR
The Ford Ranger Tremor combines the XLT’s comfort with Wildtrak X’s off-road capabilities, featuring a 154kW Bi-Turbo engine, full-time 4WD, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Its rugged design includes steel protection and off-road features like a 360-degree camera. Priced from R978 600, it offers superior performance and comfort for off-road enthusiasts.

MAHINDRA XUV 3XO
Mahindra marks 20 years in South Africa with the launch of the XUV 3X0, a sporty, well-equipped sub-compact SUV. With a refined 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine and features like a 360-degree camera, six airbags, and ADAS level 2, the vehicle offers great performance and value, priced from R254 949.
Breaking News
OCTORAL PRODUCTS TO HELP WITH LOAD SHEDDING
Octoral have a wealth of research and development behind their products. Under the spotlight are two clears that need little or no energy to cure, which will help with keep costs lower and throughput higher.
AUTO BODY SPECIALISTS WIN BMW AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CENTRE OF THE YEAR
Auto Body Specialists (ABS) were awarded the BMW Body Shop of the Year Award for 2022. Inside their office is a “Wall of Excellence” featuring countless trophies awards from across the collision repair industry. There is no doubt that the team at ABS take quality workmanship and customer experience strive to be the best-of-the-best.
Whats Hot
IBIS 2024 RHODES GREECE
IBIS Global 2024 will be from 21-23 May in the captivating destination of Rhodes, Greece. Located at the Sheraton Rhodes Resort, IBIS Global Summit 2024 offers an immersive experience, serving as a hub for profound discussions, innovative approaches to industry challenges, and unparalleled networking opportunities. The theme is Transforming Tomorrow Together.
ACCREDITED TRADE TESTING CENTRE FOR AUTO BODY REPAIRS AND SPRAY PAINTING
C3 Auto Body Repair are able to assist with accredited trade testing and training services for Automotive Spray Painting and Autobody Repairs. They are located in Bloemfontein and are able to help with arranging accommodation and transport during testing.
CRYSTAL BALL VIEW IS MOST LIKELY NEEDED FOR THIS YEAR
What can we expect in the collision repair industry this year? Take a look at what Steve Kessel, Operations Director at the Collision Repair Association (CRA) has to say about the great things achieved with CRA members and possibly headwinds heading our way.
CITY PAINT AND ABRASIVES
City Paint and Abrasives relaunched their Brackenfell store in the Western Cape to offer a full retail experience for their customers. Qualified staff are present on the shop floor to assist with queries and you can wait for your mixed colours in comfort or shop a little in the meantime.
CELETTE UP SERVICE IN KZN
Celette SA have been converting spraybooths at a rapid pace in KZN this year. Overall costs drop by approximately 30% when you install the direct gas burner heat exchanger on a booth. Celette SA offer a range of jigs, tools, infra-red and welding equipment for all shops.
QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION WITH NEIL ABRAHAMS
Neil Abrahams is Territory Sales Manager – South Africa Automotive Finishes Division for the Sherwin-Williams Company, recently sat with Automotive Refinisher to give us a more in-depth look into their products, training, back-up support and much more.
TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT CHRISTINE BOORMAN AND DR SMASH
A passion for the collision repair is what Christine Boorman exudes as she answers some questions about her history in the industry and the Dr Smash package. 2023 will see more great changes for Dr Smash with new systems and structures that will be released to make business easier.
LUXOR NAMED NUMBER ONE VALUE BRAND
With value brands growing in the segment of repair across the country, Luxor, with their refinish systems of Carvello, Autogold and Xcéla were delighted with the top spot of a survey done at the end of last year. They have approximately 500 refinish and industrial distributors
SAINT-GOBAIN HAS GOT YOUR WORKSPACE COVERED WITH a.b.e FLOOR COATINGS
Saint-Gobain, your one-stop-shop for body shops, also have a.b.e epoxy paints within their range. The epoxy range is robust as well as oil and petrol resistant which is ideal for the automotive industry.
WHAT IS PIXELPAINT
PixelPaint was designed for millenial’s who desire a more customised look. This is a less labour-intensive option of ink that produces a two-colour decorative paint effect with less work, waste and cost that is often associated with custom paint work. You can paint complex patterns in high resolution.
NEW PRODUCTS
EXTENDED LITHIUM BATTERY PACK FOR FESTOOL POLISHER AETSC125
The new ETSC 125 cordless compact sanders ensure unparalleled mobility and ease of movement when working. The powerful 18 V battery pack with 3.0 Ah guarantees power similar to that of a mains-powered tool. With an extremely compact design, balanced weight distribution and perfect ergonomics only weighing 1.4 kg. A dust-free, healthy working environment:
SAGOLA NEW MINI XTREME SPRAY GUN
SAGOLA presents its top technological expression in bodywork finishing spray guns. Smaller, lighter, with optimal weight distribution and more comfortable. The mini Xtreme is Sagola’s SMART repair spray gun.
With a new shiny and modern design carefully designed ergonomics, which offer enviable balance, usability and perfect mechanisation.
HURRICANE EQUIPMENT GEARBOX OIL EXCHANGE CLEANING MACHINE
The ATF-20DT Electric Auto Gearbox Oil Exchange cleaning machine sets the same regulation to create an automatic flow of oil circulation. It switches after the oil has been changed and is fast and efficient. It replaces the new oil with the exact amount and clears the gearbox of oil sludge and impurities.
TORK CRAFT 20V IMPACT DRIVER TC20090
This impact driver combines the drill’s rotational force with bursts of impact similar to an impact wrench to drive and remove fasteners efficiently. The ¼” quick change chuck accepts all ¼” hex screwdriving attachments. With the powerful 20V battery it delivers up to 110Nm of torque, while the built-in LED worklight illuminates the work area. Fastening capacities: Machine screw 4-8mm Standard bolt 5-14mm High tensile bolt 5-12mm
MOXICAL DRYING AND STORAGE RACKS FOR BODY SHOPS
The latest addition to Moxical’s range are locally made panel and bumper stands. They are made from high quality steel and can be wall mounted – whatever your shop needs. These racks allow for safe storage and drying in the body shop.
Call Thomas on 082 785 4006 or visit www.moxical.co.za to place your order or find out more. Distributors welcome.
SPRALAC SP0190 OPACITY WHITE
Body shops are always looking for ways to create cost efficiencies within the repair process. To help customers achieve savings, Spralac products deliver results similar to premium brands at a more competitive price point.The High Opacity White is a 2K white topcoat that offers good coverage for passenger and commercial vehicles.
SPOT WELD DRILL BITS FROM CELETTE SA
Celette SA offer spot weld drill bits with a very high-grade cobalt alloy that are extremely durable TiCN coating. This gives the workpiece its extreme toughness and a very good hot hardness strength. The precise edge geometry and concentricity accuracy boost the drill bit’s breakage resistance and service life.
GUNIWHEEL VEHICLE MOUNTING SYSTEM
GUNIWHEELTM is a universal vehicle mounting system with a tyre and wheellike design. With GUNIWHEELTM you are able to safely move a vehicle off of lifts and out of repair bays within your body shop while eliminating damage caused by unstable jack stands as the car stands with no wheels.
FESTOOL’S CORDLESS PERCUSSION DRILL TPC 18/4 BASIC QUADRIVE
The Festool TPC 18/4 works with screws and drills with larger diameters. It works rapidly for clean work progress when working with small diameters. The TPC is extremely durable thanks to its brushless EC-TEC motor, which has extreme resilience and endurance.
The flexible cordless system for applications with high power needs.
ITALCO AC6003 FILTER
This triple stage filter unit from Italco has a fine filter and activated charcoal cartridge to deliver the perfect solution for dry and clean compressed air. If you are experiencing lack of adhesion, dust, fish eyes and other problems on your coated surfaces, this could be a problem due to your compressed air supply.
FUTURE TECH
CAN GOOGLE AND QUALCOMM TAKE OVER THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY?
From mergers to new companies focussing on electric and internal combustion engines, it’s a labyrinth of chaos as motor manufacturers wheel and deal. Digital partners have been added too and regular suppliers have become integral suppliers. Quite possibly the tail is wagging the dog, but everyone remains silent.
THE SOUNDS OF VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS FIGHTING BACK
Are electric vehicles the best and only way? Is there not a need for one of the world’s largest employers not to make profit? Why should vehicles and transport be devoid of any pleasure, especially the great sound of an engine to get the juices flowing?
LI-ION BATTERIES: SIZE DOES MATTER
What happens if an electric vehicle’s battery is damaged during an accident? What if the battery damage is enough to initiate thermal runaway? If batteries do catch fire they will burn for days inside your work shop and are highly toxic in enclosed spaces – very dangerous!
THE TRUTH ABOUT PARTS SHORTAGES
One of the markers of the Covid-19 pandemic was the scale of misleading information and indeed downright lies that were punted around by major individuals, companies and even governments. It has become very hard indeed to cut through the fog of ‘stories’ and click bait to understand objectively what is
DRIVEN
THE ALL-NEW HYUNDAI PALISADE
South Africa is in a better place, given most of the world is not following the European ‘BEV or else’ path to oblivion. Parts supply situation remains relatively strong due to domestic manufacturing. Literally the European losses will be gains for South Africa.
THE NEW BMW X1
The BMW X1 third generation model has just launched in a petrol and diesel engine. It’s a well put together vehicle for the cross over segment, that has a quality look and feel. Restructured equipment packages enable targeted individualisation of the car.
BMW 3 SERIES
Every seventh BMW sold is a 3 Series, making this iconic model a much sought-after car. It has a 45-year old legacy and the new 3 Series has just launched locally. Take a more indepth look here.
SEVENTH HEAVEN
The seventh generation BMW 7 series is opulence personified. From the outside in, it’s a touch of elegance and full to the brim with the latest digital technology for infotainment as well as safety features. The 7 Series now offers its first all-electric BMW i7 xDrive60.
HILUX GR – AN INSTANT ICON AFTER 2023 DAKAR
The GR bit in the new sporty Hilux’s nameplate refers to Gazoo Racing, the competition arm of Toyota internationally. It won’t hurt the demand for the new GR Sport one bit that by mid-January 2023 a Toyota Hilux had won the famous Dakar for the second year on the trot!
FORD’S RANGER RAPTOR SE
The Ford Ranger Raptor SE is a monster of a truck with imposing looks and a wild appeal. It’s a great ride around town and on the highway, but it comes into its own off-roading. With all the mod-cons and technology part of the package, what’s not to like?
HYUNDAI VENUE
The updated Hyundai Venue looks to maintain its popularity on the local market with its refreshed looks. The addition of an N-Line sporty version of this model will definitely get the taste buds drooling, however, safety is still paramount in the fit and feel of this funky vehicle
THE FORD EVEREST SPORT 4X4
The Ford Everest Sport is certainly a beefed-up seven-seater family SUV with attitude. It has excellent ground clearance and is a great drive off-road or in normal day-to-day needs. The interior and exterior match in comfort and sharp design, with tons of safety and infotainment options included.
THE RETURN OF THE GLADIATOR
South African motorists (mainly farmers) were exposed to the Jeep Gladiator nameplate way back in the 1960s, when it was basically a no-nonsense, single cab bakkie with impressive off-road capability. This new Jeep, based on an extended Wrangler platform, is nothing like that.
The 2022 Jeep Gladiator, launched in mid-June,
THE ALL NEW BALENO FROM SUZUKI
Suzuki is aiming for monthly sales in the region of 500 units with its new Baleno, and the way Suzuki is climbing up the South African sales charts, there seems to be little reason why this won’t be achievable. In June Suzuki cemented its third place in the overall sales
The Voice of the African Collision Repair Industry
Automotive Refinisher magazine is the largest African collision repair publication. After three decades, we are still passionate about all corners of our industry and feature articles on the latest launched vehicles and the best collision repair shops and vehicle refinishes locally and abroad. We pride ourselves in keeping our readers up to date with the latest trends in repair, training courses and other interesting technical stories. In this ever changing fast-paced business, we feel the need to keep the repair network well informed so they may take their business to the next level. Automotive Refinisher is a proudly South African publication, which is not only enjoyed in South Africa but throughout Africa and international markets