David Furlonger

Johannesburg

Freelance Writer at Freelance

Long on opinions, short on facts. Not strong on political correctness either. However, passionate about Queen of the South FC. Contact me on [email protected]

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Articles

Possible shutdown of Nissan SA poses threat to its plans on the continent

1 week ago | businesslive.co.za | David Furlonger

Nissan’s potential disinvestment from SA would not only be an admission of failure in Africa’s biggest new-vehicle market but could also complicate the Japanese motor company’s long-held desire to turn the rest of Africa into a major market for its products.
After a decade of auto trade surpluses, the battle is beginning for SA

2 weeks ago | businesslive.co.za | David Furlonger

The government has belatedly offered incentives to encourage carmakers to switch to EV tech, but will this happen fast enough to avoid the full or partial loss of export deals?
Motor industry expects Ramaphosa to ‘go to bat’ for sector in Trump meeting

3 weeks ago | businesslive.co.za | David Furlonger

Self-aware security robot, alien invasion, serial killer couple, octopus documentary and parent assessment
April new-car sales a pleasant surprise for motor bosses

1 month ago | businesslive.co.za | David Furlonger

For every YouTube video that provides helpful DIY advice, there are plenty of others that spread conspiracy theories
April new car sales unscathed by US tariffs

1 month ago | businesslive.co.za | David Furlonger

For every YouTube video that provides helpful DIY advice, there are plenty of others that spread conspiracy theories
Trump’s about-turn on car component tariffs fuels uncertainty

1 month ago | businesslive.co.za | David Furlonger

SA automotive components companies are trying to assess the impact of US President Donald Trump’s latest about-turn on import tariffs. A 25% duty on all imported components was due to come into effect on May 3. The same duty on imported vehicles was imposed in early April. However, US vehicle manufacturers argued that they could not find local suppliers of imported components at short notice. The loss of imports would force them to slow production, lay off workers and sharply raise retail prices...
Auto industry expects to feel pain of Trump’s tariffs in July

1 month ago | businesslive.co.za | David Furlonger

SA motor companies say they will start to feel the full force of US President Donald Trump’s 25% automotive import tariffs from July after export orders have been fulfilled. However, they still hope SA government officials can persuade the US to mitigate some of the effects by then. Mikel Mabasa, CEO of vehicle manufacturers and importers association Naamsa, said on Monday that not much change was expected to exports to the US in this quarter.
Challenge from China: How Mazda plans to deal with shifting market dynamics

1 month ago | businesslive.co.za | David Furlonger

PROFILE In November 2023 Mazda Southern Africa was targeting a medium-term annual sales market of 5,000 for its cars in South Africa. Seventeen months on, MD Craig Roberts thinks the Japanese brand may have to lower its immediate sights. Having reduced dealership numbers from 53 to 33, he suggests a more realistic target is 3,300 sales — an average of 100 per dealer.
NEWS ANALYSIS: No clear road ahead for SA’s motor exports

2 months ago | businesslive.co.za | David Furlonger

President Trump’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on all automotive imports into the US has caught everyone on the hop
Trump’s tariffs: South Africa’s motor industry fears the worst

2 months ago | businesslive.co.za | David Furlonger

Will he or won’t he? The South African motor industry was this week still waiting to learn the potential effects of US President Donald Trump’s global automotive trade war. With more than 10% of South Africa’s automotive exports going to the US, the industry is at considerable risk.