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Driving with J9 | Dealerships are open, but you can't buy new cars yet - this week's top stories

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It's still pretty rough out there, emotions are running high, and most of the world is in such a dark place. Millions of people are starving, not only in our country but globally. People are in endless lines for food parcels, sleeping in kilometres-long queues to access benefit funds, and thousands of South Africans are losing their jobs, or have significant pay cuts. 

It's an incredibly uncertain time, but it's imperative we maintain the bigger picture in focus, and keep the faith. It's easier said than done to disperse of the anger at the government, but all we can do is continue being safe, and staying home and hygienic. All we have is hope and faith. 

With this said, a slight moment of normality seemed to return earlier this week as government announced car dealerships could re-open despite only at 30% functionality. Initially, it meant car sales could resume, and you could have your vehicle serviced - under strict protocols of course.

Since the news broke last week before the re-opening of car dealerships, online searches for car sales have increased significantly, especially for used cars. And, it seems most vehicle owners are looking to buy down according to AutoTrader's consumer data since most people can no longer maintain their premium vehicles. 

However, there's a severe problem, one the government needs to find a solution to rather quickly. While the public is encouraged to purchase vehicles online and make appointments for test drives, licensing centres and registration authorities are not yet operational. It's mind-boggling. Was this a monumental oversight on the government's behalf?


Have you tried buying or selling a vehicle this week and ran into problems? What do you think the next step should be for the motoring industry to begin recovery? Email us here.

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Image: AFP

So while you could buy a new or used car, technically, you are unable to do so because no vehicle finance or registration processes can be put in place as most of these bodies still fall under lockdown.

It also means car manufacturing can't resume, nor can our economy begin to recover. While employees could build vehicles at local plants, none of these products could be registered, and neither can any cars be exported, placing yet another screeching halt on the economy. 

Let's pray and hope the new week brings solutions so that the motoring industry can begin to recover soon, and that there'll be a glimmer of light in the darkness.

On the brighter side of things, here's what our readers loved this week:

Wheels24's Charlen Raymond looked at three vehicles you would want to buy when the news broke of car sales resuming. It shows the nation's demand for car sales to restart, this was our most-read article all week.

Next up was a piece on half-tonne bakkies which could do well in SA - a gap in our bakkie segment that needs to be filled. Gumtree's Nunben Dixon answered five-frequently asked vehicle questions in lockdown, and Robin Classen told us about a fast Nissan Sabre from a local reader, as well as the history of one of BMW's most popular models.

1. Three vehicles you would want to buy now that car dealerships are open

Toyota Hilux

2. These three half-tonne double-cab bakkies could do exceptionally well in SA

3. 'Can petrol expire?' - Five frequently asked car questions in lockdown

4. This is one Nissan Sabre you don't want to come across on a cold, dark night

nissan sabre


5. WATCH | E30, E46, E90 - All you need to know about the history of BMW's most popular model

BMW E30

Image: BMW

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