Chinese Brands Take 26% of SA Car Sales, Kimi Antonelli Wins Miami GP and More

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Roger Houghton, Dennis Klopper and Johnny Shand on wheels.

Motoring Today is South Africa's longest-running motoring radio show, and this is episode one of its new format on Radio Today 1485. Hosted by one of SA's most experienced motor journalists, Roger McCleery, this episode is pure petrolhead fuel: Formula 1 results, MotoGP from Le Mans, South African hill climb news, the Chinese car invasion of the local market, new book releases on Ferrari and Porsche history, and a conversation with a Suzuki motorcycle dealer on the West Rand. If you love motors, motorsport, and the stories behind the machines, this is your show.

Roger Houghton, calling in from George Airport on his way to Namibia, gives a frank breakdown of the South African new vehicle market: Chinese brands now account for 26 percent of passenger vehicle sales, Chery alone sits at number four nationally, and legacy dealerships are being rebranded across the country. He also covers declining vehicle exports, fuel price pressures, and what GWM partnering with Mercedes in East London could mean for local manufacturing.

Denis Klopper, reached in Colesberg on his way back to Cape Town, joins to talk about his new book: 70 Years of Ferrari in Southern Africa, launched at Cavallieri in Johannesburg. He also covers 60 Years of Kyalami Memories, 60 Years of Porsche at Kyalami, and upcoming biographies of Cyril and Ian, as well as a planned Alfa Romeo title. Books are available via SA Motorsport Memories online or through Exclusive Books.

The show covers the Samola Hill Climb, with Peter Zealey's Toyota MR2 taking fastest modified car honours, Rob Walker's Gould Climb Special, and a nitrous oxide tank drama that spread oil across 300 metres of track. There is also a round-up of the greatest F1 drivers in history, from Juan Manuel Fangio and Jim Clark to Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton, plus Hamilton's push to bring Formula One back to Kyalami as Africa's only Grand Prix circuit.

Colin Windell runs through the updated Ford Ranger lineup: 23 derivatives, a new Sport variant, the 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine producing 222 kW and 452 Nm, and a six-year 90 000 km service plan. Johnny Shand of Bike Man on the West Rand reports that new bike sales are up, fuel prices are pushing commuters onto two wheels, and Brad Binder's KTM contract situation may explain his 2025 MotoGP struggles relative to teammate Pedro Acosta.
15 May English South Africa Automotive · Sports

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