Stanley Makombe

Lexus South Africa recently launched the all-new GX 550 in South Africa, setting a benchmark in the premium off-road SUV segment. With a perfect blend of power, sophistication, and cutting-edge technology, the new GX is designed to meet the needs of both urban explorers and off-road adventurers alike. Although there is no official Lexus dealership in Zimbabwe but the local market can import directly from South Africa which takes about three weeks for the customer to take possession of the car if it is already in stock. This remarkable vehicle encapsulates Lexus’ commitment to innovation and luxury, offering an unrivalled balance of rugged capability and refined comfort.  The Lexus GX was built based on the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (J250) but with numerous design differences that suits those who seek the extraordinary in the finishes, the GX invites drivers to explore new horizons with confidence. This clearly confirms the fact that Lexus is the luxury version of Toyota. The Lexus GX has been a staple in luxury off-road SUVs for over two decades in North America and Eurasian markets, though it’s only now debuting in South Africa which will feed the rest of Africa markets. The first-generation GX 470 launched in 2002, blending Toyota Land Cruiser Prado toughness with premium comfort and was powered by a 4.7L V8 and full-time 4WD. The second-generation GX 460 (2009) introduced a more efficient 4.6L V8 and advanced Crawl Control for superior off-road handling. A 2013 facelift refined its design, safety, and tech, keeping it competitive. In 2019, a bold redesign brought sharper styling, an Off-Road Package with terrain management features, and Lexus Safety System+ as standard, cementing the GX’s reputation for capability and luxury. Built on the robust GA-F global architecture platform, the new GX retains its traditional body-on-frame construction while incorporating modern advancements that improve stability, handling, and overall performance. Its bold, sculpted design makes a powerful statement, with a commanding presence that stands out on any terrain.  The vehicle’s distinctive thick, squared-off bonnet and pulled-back front pillars reinforce its off-road prowess, while its wider stance and lower height enhance both visual impact and off-road stability. The signature spindle grille and sleek LED headlamps provide a sophisticated, dynamic look, while the high-positioned headlights and radiator cooling ducts are designed to prevent damage on rough terrains. According to vice president of marketing at Lexus South Africa, Glenn Crompton, the all-new GX is perfect for adventure-focused Lexus customers seeking a luxurious and tough SUV that can take them deep into the outdoors.  “The GX combines the best of both worlds, offering the luxury and craftsmanship Lexus is renowned for, ensuring comfort and refinement. “Its strong design, V6 performance, and improved 4×4 features – especially in the Overtrail grade – give it the credentials to tackle almost any terrain in South Africa. “The inclusion of a third row of seats in the SE grade adds seven-seat flexibility, offering an ideal solution for families seeking additional space,” says Crompton. Inside, the new GX offers an environment that is as luxurious as it is functional. The Tazuna cockpit places the driver at the centre of the experience, providing commanding visibility and intuitive access to controls. The fully digital instrument cluster and a generous 14-inch touchscreen multimedia system add to the advanced technology and convenience. The interior atmosphere is open and calming, designed with high-quality materials that emphasise comfort and style. The GX is available in both five- and seven-seat configurations, providing ample space for both passengers and gear. The Overtrail variant offers unique interior enhancements, including durable yet refined materials, distinctive trim accents, and state-of-the-art technology, ensuring both comfort and durability for off-road adventurers. At the heart of the new GX is a powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 260kW and a remarkable 650Nm of torque. This enhanced powertrain ensures dynamic acceleration and exceptional performance on challenging terrain.  Paired with a 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission, the GX delivers smooth acceleration and robust towing performance. The Lexus GX SE is a refined and versatile seven-seater luxury SUV, delivering both performance and comfort.  Convenience features include a power back door with a kick sensor, auto-retractable side-step rails for ease of entry and exit, and a solid roof rail for added cargo versatility. The cabin is finished in luxurious semi-aniline leather with massaging front seats, ensuring comfort on long journeys. The Mark Levinson 14-inch display and 21-speaker premium sound system deliver a superior in-cabin entertainment experience, while the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) assists with tight manoeuvres. For those seeking ultimate off-road performance, the GX Overtrail variant is tailored for extreme exploration. With exclusive design elements, including 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tyres, a 20mm wider tread, and reinforced under protector, the Overtrail is built for the most challenging environments. Advanced systems such as the Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) and Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) provide unmatched traction and stability on any terrain. With six modes – Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow, and Rock – drivers can adapt the GX Overtrail to a wide range of conditions. Additionally, the GX Overtrail features a central structure designed to support accessories, ensuring maximum personalisation for outdoor enthusiasts. Safety remains a priority for Lexus, with the new GX equipped with the latest Lexus Safety System. This intelligent suite includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), offering enhanced protection for both the driver and passengers. All of these features combine to ensure the driver’s peace of mind no matter where they go on the road. The all-new Lexus GX is not just an SUV — it’s a statement of innovation, luxury, and adventure. Designed for those who seek to explore extraordinary places, the GX sets a new standard in the premium SUV segment. Whether conquering remote landscapes or navigating city streets, the GX is built to inspire and elevate every journey. With its superior capability, refined design, and relentless pursuit of perfection, the GX invites you to explore wherever the road leads. The GX (both SE and Overtrail)

The independent used car dealerships in Africa face tremendous challenges in accessing capital for financing inventory purchasing as a result of the industry largely perceived as informal by financial institutions. It is for this reason that today we unpack the insights in the Dealer Floorplan Financing and breakdown how it works, and why it can be a beneficial option for independent used car dealerships and the customers. Floor plan financing is a way for dealerships to finance their inventory, acquiring vehicles on credit and paying it off as they make sales. This is very essential because purchasing inventory outright can be prohibitive. Using this specialised form of vehicle inventory financing the independent car dealerships can access the capital they need to purchase and stock their showrooms to acquire a wide selection of vehicles, making them readily available for customers to test drive and purchase. In the majority of cases, the lenders retain the titles of the vehicles until they are sold to end-users thereby making securitisation easier. This is more practical in countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, and Uganda which allows the imported vehicles to pass through the borders before the taxes are paid and store them in the bonded warehouses controlled by the government revenue authorities. When the inventory is sold one by one, the dealership pays back the original balance plus interest. This allows dealerships to keep a revolving supply of inventory without having to make large upfront purchases or drain their entire cash flow. In essence the Floor plan financing works similarly to a revolving line of credit.  It is a type of short-term financing designed to help dealerships cover the cost of their inventory while also allowing them to adjust their stock without incurring a major financial burden. When a dealership wants to purchase a vehicle, they send a request to their finance company. When approved, the finance company will release funds for the vehicle purchase directly to the supplier. The benefits to customers: Enhanced customer experience With a well-stocked inventory, dealerships can offer customers the opportunity to test drive and purchase vehicles immediately. This immediate availability improves customer satisfaction and can lead to higher sales. Reduced risk of importing vehicles Importing cars from far away sources presents a huge risk to customers and having stock being available conveniently in the bonded warehouses within the country is more secure to the customers. The benefits to the dealers: Increased inventory Floor plan financing allows dealerships to maintain a larger inventory, ensuring a wide selection of vehicles for customers to choose from. This increases the likelihood of making a sale and satisfying customer preferences. With the bonded warehouse facilities, the inventory can be spread in different locations to create convenience for different types of customers. Streamlined inventory acquisition By accessing funds from a lender, dealerships can quickly and efficiently acquire new vehicles, keeping their inventory up-to-date and attractive the potential buyers. Improved cash flow Floor plan financing frees up cash flow for dealerships, as they can allocate their funds to other operational expenses. This flexibility allows dealerships to invest in marketing, staff training, and other initiatives that drive business growth. Reduced administrative costs By utilising floor plan financing, dealerships can streamline their inventory acquisition process and reduce administrative tasks associated with purchasing vehicles outright. I also believe that the government will also benefit by collecting the taxes in a secure manner because the money will be coming from a well-structured source whose taxes are calculated when the cars are being placed into the bonded warehouse facility. What should the dealers do to secure the facility; Formalise the business; Majority of the Used Car Dealers run this business as an informal SME and they do not do any banking. However, it is essential to meet the basic Know Your Customer (KYC) with banks which includes company registration, tax compliance by paying taxes, getting annual audited financial statements and the trading licenses from the local authorities. Maintaining proper books of accounts It is essential to maintain proper books of accounts that can lead to the successful auditing of the books. However, in order to have good records one must be banking their money so that there are bank statements to prove that the business is viable and has a cash flow. Have an association for all the dealers It is highly recommended to have an association that is recognised by the government to engage on industry policy issues. I am aware that we have the Motor Trade Association of Zimbabwe (MTA). However, having been the past chairman of the Used Vehicle section under MTA 17 years ago l certainly know that its vision is more connected to the brand new vehicle dealers emphasising the collection of the industry levies and passing them on to the govt. It is my view that the used car dealers requires a separate association that understands the peculiarities of its member challenges and industry dynamics. Although l am aware that there were some efforts previously to set it up but it ended up not succeeding because of a lack of leadership direction and competing for positions that became retrogressive to its objectives. In Japan all exporters of used cars are represented by the Japan Used Motor Vehicle Exporters Association to which l am privileged to personally know the current managing director of the organisation. I also know that in Kenya the Kenya Auto Bazaar (BAZ) is the main representative body chaired by John Yator and the organisation is involved in industry policy matters on a daily basis with its government. Similarly, in Uganda, the Used Car Dealers Association Uganda Limited is the representative body headed by Charles Kamunvi. Our country currently uses the United States dollars as one of its currencies, which those with income in US dollars can borrow at an interest rate of between 12 to 15% per annum. So the viability of utilising this credit line lies in good profit margins that can still cover the lender’s interest rates, bonded

The ability to wash your car at home by yourself is one good way to bond with your ride besides saving some money. However, there are important steps that you should learn in order to wash it inside and out like a professional and avoid causing some technical problems unnecessarily. I, therefore, want to take you through the step-by-step guide to wash, dry, and vacuum it all-around and get it squeaky-clean. l must, however, emphasise the fact that you must use the dedicated car wash soap or shampoo, which are specially formulated for automotive paint as compared to the dish soap or laundry detergents. The dish soap and laundry detergents are designed to cut through grease and grime which can be too harsh for the car and may strip away protective wax or sealant layers. Positioning of the car Park in under the shade. The car should not be under direct sunlight and parking it under the shade is strategic. The sun makes the car dry quickly which possibly leaves some soap scum and patchy spots on the car’s body. Unfortunately, a car parked under the shade will have a water run way into a storm drain which is not friendly to the environment because that can lower the community’s water quality. But as an alternative you can choose to wash it on an overcast, cloudy day for less sunlight if there is no parking shade. Park on the grass. Parking your car on grass helps in absorbing the dirty and soapy water. But you should be careful if the type of soil in your area is very soft because it can easily get saturated with water and get muddy which may result in your tires getting dirty or the entire car getting stuck. Furthermore, you should avoid using the non-eco-friendly car wash products as they can damage your lawn which is expensive to restore. The important tools required Every job requires the right tools and in this case you need the following; -Two-gallon buckets -Two car wash sponges -Wheel brush -Cotton cloth -Wet-dry vacuum with a blower feature -Old, clean toothbrush -Microfiber cloths -Small bowl -Water hose -Cotton cloth The step by step washing process In today’s highly organized world we should know that every execution requires a structured process flow. The below process is what you should follow; Tidy the interior Start with removing items that don’t belong in the car such as receipts, empty juice bottles, lunch boxes and dispose of them. The console, underneath the seats, between armrests, clove compartment and door pockets are the usual dumping areas for such items. The good thing with this exercise is that you end up finding some long-lost treasures. -Vacuum floor mats and blow the interior -Slap the floor mats together to remove loose dirt. -Lay them on the driveway, then vacuum them using a wet-dry vacuum with a blower. -Blow debris from the spaces between each seat and the center console with the vacuum hose connected to the exhaust port. -Dust cracks and narrow openings -Rub a clean toothbrush along the dashboard and door panels to unearth debris and dust these small areas. Then, use the vacuum hose to suck up the waste. To clean the seat belts, dip a cotton cloth into a cup of warm water mixed with a few drops of laundry detergent and wipe the belts clean. -Vacuum the floor and upholstery With the front car seats moved all the way forward, vacuum the area under them from the backseat. While sitting in the back, vacuum the back floor. Move the front seats back and vacuum the floor in front. Be sure to vacuum both the passenger and driver’s side of the car. Finally, recline the seats and vacuum as far into all the narrow openings as possible to retrieve any lingering dirt. Wipe down the dashboard Using a microfiber cleaning cloth, wipe the dashboard. Move on to the middle console, gearshift, steering wheel, door handles, cup-holders, and seats. Apply the appropriate interior cleaner to the surfaces. Replace floor mats Replace all the floor mats. Give them a shake before placing them in the car to remove any dust or dirt that may have landed on them from sitting on the driveway. Hose down the exterior Make sure that all car doors and windows are closed. Hose down the entire car, paying special attention to the tires, where debris and brake dust collect. Clean tires and wheels Using a second sponge, clean the tires and wheels. You may need a wheel brush to reach smaller spots. You can also use an old toothbrush to clean between the wheel spokes. Rinse and dry exterior Using the hose, thoroughly rinse the car from top to bottom to be sure all soap is rinsed off, allowing the water to drip to the floor. Working in a circular motion immediately dry the car with a cotton cloth, from high to low. This way, as the water moves down, they won’t rewet areas you just dried. Try using a leaf blower to dry your car faster, working from top to bottom to let the water drip down. I have also realised that washing your car at home also helps in socialising with your family by involving them in one two things in the process. Factually speaking when you wash your car from home it technically provides an advantage of avoiding pressure washing from the professional car wash businesses because that usually forces water into sensitive areas. The sensors, spark plugs, ignition system and the alternator may malfunction if exposed to moisture. So besides saving some money by washing the car by yourself it also provides you with the chance to pay attention to details such as the condition of the tires. Many motorists do not know the real condition of their tires which exposes the entire family at the risk of a tire puncture or tire burst which may result in an accident. So once in a while it is

There are cars that l cannot forget in my life owing to its good driving experience, great comfort, good fuel efficiency and market popularity. One of the cars that resonates with this feeling is the 1986 Nissan Sunny HB12 aka the Nissan Sunny box. Today we go down memory lane and do an in-depth analysis by exploring its historical context, contemporary relevance and the impact it created during its pick period before it was discontinued. The Nissan Sunny HB12 was an entry level sedan car, with a 1.5-liter 4 cylinder engine with a manual and automatic gearbox that turned out to be iconic in its appeal in the local market.  The engine was a 68 horse power with a maximum speed of 140kms/hr. Some of the features of this sedan included a manual steering, manual windows, an analogue speedometer, a digital clock, a stereo system, and an air conditioner, which worked perfectly well.  It had a simple design that appealed to the majority of the motorist and until today it still evokes interest in the market because of its previous impact influenced by its design and technology that resonated with majority of motorists. Performance and efficiency The car’s performance was perfect with an excellent acceleration, handling and speed. Given the engine size the power was fairly good for a sedan car while still giving good fuel economy which was a critical factor for consumers looking to minimise running costs. The gears were so simple to engage, which created a perfect driving experience compared with other cars like the VW Jetta whose gear shifting experience was complicated as if one was driving a 20 tonne truck. I must say the HB12’s handling dynamics were designed to strike a balance between practicality and responsiveness. This contributed to a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, particularly in light of its compact size. Fuel efficiency The car’s fuel average was really good. I remember that we could drive around until we could forget that the car uses fuel.  I estimate that we were getting between 14-16kms/litre within the city and maybe more on the highway.  The engine had a carburetor system whose fuel consumption dependent on how well it was serviced and set.  Seating comfort The car’s comfort was exemplary; it had the style of seats that the 1980’s cars usually had, were the comfort was equal to seating on a sofa at home. The seats had fabric with a combination of leather which were extremely comfortable to travel in.  When l recall about its comfort l really think that the comfort is way much better than some of the newer cars we see today. Handling The car’s driving experience was very stable at low speeds and the suspension was also relatively soft. I could hardly feel the potholes on bad roads. The only negative part was when you go over 100 km/h, the car would tend to get unstable which was understandable because of its lightweight body. Storage spaces Being a sedan, storage was fairly good with a decent-sized boot that can carry two large bags. However, the interior lacked spaces to store items like cup holders, and the door compartments are also very small compared to the modern car designs. Spare parts and maintenance The availability of parts was made easier because they were many units in the market owing to its popularity. So majority of mechanics were familiar with how to service and repair this car model. The availability of parts is a crucial factor in affordability and accessibility for any vehicle. Popularity and market value The Nissan HB12 became sold like a hot cake in Zimbabwe in which if you had to respond to an advert from a seller it was advisable to go with hard cash if you were serious about buying. If you go and view and call later it would have gone. I remember that one day we saw this sedan across the road with a “FOR SALE” sticker but we couldn’t get the number clearly to call. The car was being driven in the opposite direction and we were forced to make an illegal U-turn and chased the car to stop it. A majority of the very neat ones was with old people and mostly the white community resident in the northern parts of Harare had the most well looked after units. Small towns such as Mvurwi, Chinhoyi, Marondera and Bindura became part of our hunting grounds for this car which had turned into some kind of “gold” in the market. The market value of the car remained very good as one could sell it at any time because of high demand. Influence to my industry breakthrough  The Nissan Sunny HB12 actually carved my profession in this industry as I understood its performance from driving it myself and mastered the art of sourcing and selling it to many customers. Sometimes when l would buy a very clean one and think of keeping it for myself, but unfortunately I would get an offer that I could not resist and I would let it go.  It is from this experience that I learnt to stop having an attachment with a car because I could not really keep a specific car for myself for a long time before receiving offers and go back to looking for another vehicle. It’s an industry trend. Conclusion It is my conclusion that the Nissan Sunny HB12 represented some simple, but perfect engineering that offered a unique blend of practicality, reliability, and style.  If you’re lucky to find one in excellent condition it is worthy it to try it and drive car that blends with reasonable value, dependability, and a certain vintage charm, the HB12 deserves serious consideration. I would put it in the class of the 1974 VW Beetle being the legendary car models that left a strong and unforgettable memory in the minds of the users. Driving one represents a statement of timeless design and dependable performance.  Let me know your experience with this

The Toyota Landcruiser Prado is a medium to large sport utility vehicle (SUV) manufactured by Toyota Motor Corporation and sold since 1985. Among the Land Cruiser series, it is a cross-country vehicle positioned for light duty use, and was initially positioned as a low-priced Land Cruiser outside Japan, but after the second generation, it has become significantly more sophisticated, larger, equipped with four or all-wheel-drive capabilities, and often now a popular choice for middle class management, family vehicle and those who reside in areas where paved roads are scarce and off-road handling is a necessity. Originally it was a lightweight light-duty model of Land Cruiser equipped with a straight-four engine, but the situation has changed completely since the addition of a passenger wagon model in 1985. Toyota Japan re-introduced the diesel engine Prado in 2015 after stopping the production on the merits of contributing to a safer environment. So today we shall pay attention to exposing the different trim versions which comes at the TX, TX-L and TZ-G. The Toyota Landcruiser Prado comes in a stylish, with robust exterior and powerful yet versatile four-wheel-drive layout. It is designed to be highly competent both on-road and off. Its interior is roomy and comfortable, with adaptable seating that can be folded down for additional cargo space. Owing to limited space to write all the Prado trim’s features I am just going to pay attention to finer details on the highest grade. The TZ-G Trim The TZ-G is the highest grade that comes with premium features compared to the TX-L including the airmatic suspension, providing an even smoother driving experience. The airmatic suspension allows you to lift and lower the vehicle suspension level in accordance with the road situation.  It comes with a new-generation 1GD-FTV 2800cc diesel engine that guarantees more power and better fuel economy.  It can push 12-13km per litre, ensuring you can go further with less. Not to mention, it can produce 200hp and 420Nm of torque. It delivers power to the wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. Regarding fuel capacity, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has an 87-litre fuel capacity on models that come with a single fuel tank. Models with two fuel tanks have a 150-litre fuel capacity: 87 litres in the main tank and 63 litres in the sub-tank. Monocular Camera System  Multi-terrain anti-lock braking dystem (ABS)  Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Toyota Prado suspension The suspension system on the Prado car is designed to tackle diverse terrain while giving passengers a comfortable ride. It has an independent front wheel suspension that enhances the steering response and vehicle stability. In addition, it employs a rear solid axle suspension, which is crucial for ensuring reliable off-road performance. There are also anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles and adaptive damping, further enhancing the Prado’s performance and versatility while driving in different road conditions. In addition to these systems, Prado has a full-time 4×4 system to provide continuous power to the four wheels in all road conditions.  You don’t need to engage or disengage 4-wheel drive on your Prado. Whether you are driving on sand or water, the Prado will distribute torque automatically to the rear and front axle to maximise traction and stability. Toyota Prado exterior The first thing you will notice about the Prado is its signature chrome front grille. It commands attention more with its body-on-frame design. This means the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has its body mounted on a robust and rigid chassis carrying its power train. The wheels, suspension steering, and brakes are also mounted on the chassis because the Toyota Prado is a relatively heavy SUV, weighing 2140kg for the kerb weight and a gross weight of 2990 kg. The body-on-frame design further enhances its capabilities of handling challenging terrain. In addition, it gives its occupants a smooth and safer ride when traversing obstacles. Whether driving on a rough road, through mud, water, or rough weather, you will be safe inside your Prado. Other exterior features you will like on the Toyota Prado include a sunroof, available in the TXL and TZ-G as standard features. Some Prado TX also have a sunroof, so when you want to import a TX Prado, remember to request one with a sunroof if that’s a feature you want in your Toyota Prado Land Cruiser. But customers do not sometimes understand these differences and in many times someone may see a price for a TX and use it to bargain when buying a TX-L or TZ-G. Toyota Prado interior Toyota Prado has a spacious interior with a thoughtful layout of all its features. In the Prado TX, you can opt for fabric or leather seats.  However, in the Prado TXL and TZ-G, leather seats are a standard feature. There are various seat configurations, so you can choose a 5-seater or a 7-seater Prado. The spacious first and second-row seats give you ample room in a five-seater, and you can fold down the second row in a 5-seater or the third-row in a seven-seater for more cargo space. The front row is plush and comfortable, with an old-school hand brake and power-adjustable seats for the driver and front passenger. You will enjoy features like multiple adjustments for the seat height, back support, and seat back angle. The TZ-G has thigh support, excellent for long journeys, and heated and ventilated seats. The Prado has dual or tri-zone air conditioning. You can adjust the temperature from the front, second, or third row. It can also adjust the steering wheel to the level you want for the best driving position. Another interior feature you will like is the advanced infotainment system. The Prado has a 9.1-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration. It supports Apple Carplay and Android Auto, so you can access entertainment whenever you want. The Land Cruiser Prado is not just a capable off-roader. It comes with an impressive set of safety features. Of the three Prados, the TZ-G has the most safety features. If you

The standard vehicle designs sometimes do not meet the entire market’s needs and functionalities that create an opportunity for design modification and conversions. However, there is very little information about such companies that handle the design modifications and conversions in a highly technical and professional manner in accordance with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards and materials. The design modifications I am referring to are quite different from the usual performance upgrades, aftermarket wheels, body kits or the spoilers. So today my interests are to exchange some insights on the modifications of the vehicles mostly on the specialized type of cars which includes; Safari game drive vehicles These are specially modified vehicles that carry tourists during the game drives, which are redesigned to meet the various needs of different size of safari companies. There are several types of such designs as you may have experienced during your visits that includes; n Policarbonated sides conversions – mostly used by tour operators travelling longer distances n Sectional cab cut-out conversions – these are very popular and more affordable option and still allows communication with guests by the driver/tour guide n No cab conversion – the vehicle cab remains intact n Fold down windscreen conversion with roll-over compliant high frame – these conversions are mostly used in sanparks using passenger carrying vehicles such as minibuses and microbuses n Fold down windscreen cConversion with low frame and removable roof – these conversions are normally used by private game farms and not allowed in sanparks as it is not roll-over conversion Our country is big on tourism based on the 11 national parks that we have across the country. So the demand for these modifications and conversions is very high to handle the game drives that matches international standards. Essentially we need these modifications to make it easier for the tourist to view the animals while seated comfortably and without the risk of being attacked by the animals or the modifications making noise or creating some discomfort. It is common sense that we have to upscale our standards in order to make it reasonable to charge more by offering the right modified game drive vehicles that matches the class of customers from VIP, middle class and the lower market. Ambulances Ambulances are specialised redesigned vehicles that carry patients who must be rushed to a hospital for medical attention while being treated as the vehicle is moving or are a mobile hospital which can go to the patient’s location and provide adequate medical assistance. The vehicles are bought as a normal van or station Wagon or microbus and then undergo the modification and conversion process that sometimes takes three to four months to complete. So ideally what l am saying is that you cannot go and purchase an already made ambulance because the equipment inside depends with a specific purpose. Of course it is possible to buy some good used mostly from Japan and Australia which are units being disposed by companies previously owned them as brand new. There are different types of Ambulances such as; n Basic ambulance – Basic life support ambulance is the most common type of emergency service and is typically the first responder in these situations. n Neonatal ambulance – Neonatal ambulances attend to deliveries and post-delivery needs. Neonatal ambulances also transport babies to specialised hospitals n Mobile ICU ambulance –  Mobile intensive care unit ambulance, or MICU, is an emergency vehicle that provides advanced life support  to patients while transporting them to the hospital. MICUs are equipped with more medical equipment and supplies than standard ambulances.  n Advance life support ambulance – Advanced life support ambulances are equipped with additional medical equipment and highly trained medical professionals capable of providing life-saving Vehicles for the disabled Handicapped vehicles are modified specifically for the disabled people with mobility impairments to enter, exit, and drive them.  They are also known as wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs). These vehicles can be minivans, SUVs, or other types of cars designed to suit their needs considering that some may have one hand and some not have legs. n Minivans: Have low floor heights and spacious interiors, making them a good choice for wheelchair users  n SUVs: Have wide doorways and a higher seating position, making them easier to enter and exit for people with limited mobility  n BraunAbility Entervan: Designed for power chair users who can stay seated while driving or riding  Some of the features includes extended floors, lightweight ramps for low-grade inclines, side-entry or rear-entry designs, and wheelchair lifts for full-sized vehicles. These features can include ramps, lifts, seating options, and hand controls.  Ramps n Manual or electrical: Ramps can be used to transfer a wheelchair into the vehicle. rear entry ramps provide more space inside the vehicle.  n Low floor models: Low floors make it easier to enter and exit the vehicle.  lifts n Wheelchair lifts: These lifts allow for easy loading and unloading of wheelchairs and other mobility devices.  n Hoist lifts: Some vehicles can be equipped with a hoist lift that can accommodate large mobility devices.  Seating options n Removable or foldable seats: These seats can be removed or folded to create more room.  n Swivel seats: These seats rotate to make it easier for wheelchair users to transfer to and from their wheelchair.  n Transfer boards: These adjustable seats can help ensure the comfort and safety of passengers.  Hand controls  n Push and pull hand controls: These controls can be used by those who are trained to maneuver the vehicle. These modifications are very specialised and cannot be performed by entities that don’t have approval from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) as a quality control measure. The majority of such companies that perform this kind of specialised vehicle modification and conversions work are mostly found in South Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States of America. I must be honest that l have never seen such a company here in Zimbabwe. So my advice is that once you are faced with this kind of need please do not use anyone who claims that they can do it without a verification

Hijacking of cars is real and it can happen to any motorist and hence today we shall navigate around this deadly problem and share ideas on how to survive or avoid it altogether.  First of all, l must elaborate that hijacking is theft of a motor vehicle from its driver by force or intimidation. This is one danger that any motorist is prone to be subjected to at one point and it is wise for drivers to equip yourselves with skills to foil it should it happen. Targeted vehicles Toyota Fortuner (GD6 and D4D) Toyota Landcruiser 79 series V8 Toyota Hiace Van. Toyota RAV 4. VW Polo (especially hatchbacks) Nissan NP200. Ford Ranger (both double and single cabs) These car models, luxury vehicles and 4x4s are the main targets for hijackings, including any vehicles carrying cash-in-transit, gold or diamonds. If you own and drive any of these highly targeted cars you seriously need to be more vigilant about this issue. Hijackers get instructions to provide such vehicles by criminals, who offer them instant cash upon delivery. These vehicles are immediately stripped for spares or given new identities and sold to waiting clients locally or in neighbouring countries like Mozambique and Uganda, among others. Steps to reduce the risk of hijacking; nAlways be alert of your surroundings by taking note of suspicious vehicles or individuals when travelling to and from residential areas. nMake valuables invisible. Don’t give thieves more motivation to break into your car. If you have to leave personal property in your car, keep it in the trunk. Even in areas you think are safe, don’t leave a purse or other valuables on the car seat unattended. nPark in secure, highly trafficked and well-lit areas. In public parking garages or areas, stay as close as possible to guard booths or store entrances. Best case, keep your car in a garage and always lock the door to your home garage. nImprove your security around your home by ensuring that entrances are well lit at all times and don’t provide any cover for hijackers. nInstall an electric gate with an intercom buzzer that is easily reached from the car ensures that you and your guests will be able to enter and exit the property quickly without leaving your vehicles. nIf you suspect of being followed don’t go straight into the driveway, rather go around the block once and if vehicle continue following drive to the nearest police station. nKeep your doors always locked, mostly at intersections and dangerous spots. Don’t stop at an accident scene at night as that maybe a trap by hijackers. By using a little common sense and being aware of your situation and surroundings you will effectively reduce your chances of falling victim to hijacking or other violent crime simply by protecting yourself and become an effective player in the fight against crime. While as Zimbabweans we culturally very hospitable as confirmed by many tourists, but it’s advisable, for that moment when driving, to be highly suspicions of anyone who may want to ask or come close to you especially at night. And according to research findings hijackers usually target motorist during rainy weather which makes helicopter tracking difficult. It is a fact that all motorists are prone to this danger even if you don’t drive any of the targeted cars. In South Africa, Zimbabweans are being hijacked because of using vehicles with Zimbabwe number plates. In South Africa a car is hijacked every 32 minutes. The hijackers target foreign vehicle owners who are known for carrying around a lot of cash. With Zimbabwe being the biggest trading partner with South Africa, contributing to about 1 500 000 tourist visiting there every year the issue of hijacking needs serious attention by motorists. It is sad to understand that the hijacking business has been joined by our fellow countrymen in South Africa, who approach the motorists in local languages that naturally make the Zimbabwean drivers more welcoming thinking he/she has just met a brother or sister from home. While in many cases driving a vehicle with local number plates to South Africa maybe justified owing to the kind of goods that one needs to buy, but I seriously recommend you to consider hiring a vehicle in South Africa or use transporters with domestic number plates. Avoid carrying a lot of hard cash. But assuming you can’t avoid this payment option l further suggest you carry cash equivalent to what you are buying at one moment to avoid pulling R50 from a bunch of R10 000.  Usually hijackers follow you for a long time until they find the appropriate time to hit on you. Trucks carrying loads are also a major target by Lebanese and Portuguese truck hijackers in South Africa. These gangs are sophisticated criminal syndicates who are entrepreneurial and innovative in their tactics. Once they hijack a truck carrying a load they will demand cash to be deposited into an account in order to release the driver and the load. Drivers for trucks carrying loads must be trained to avoid hijacking and how to survive them should they be found in such a trap. But as humans we are all prone to danger as merely walking is equally risky. And should hijackers pounce on you unexpectedly, where you can’t escape it, consider the following tips to achieve a peaceful conclusion to the incident and save your life and others; Remember you are not the only one that is scared and nervous as everyone involved is in the same emotional state, including the perpetrators. *Stay calm, and encourage others around you to do the same. *If shooting occurs, keep your head down or drop to the floor. *Divulge only information that cannot be used against you. *Do not antagonise your interrogator with obstinate behaviour. *Concentrate on surviving: if you are to be used as a bargaining tool or to obtain ransom, you will be kept alive. *If addressed by the hijackers, respond in a regulated tone of voice. *If

While owning a car is often perceived as an expense, it can be transformed into an asset that brings in extra income. Considering that your car is the second most valuable asset after the house and, therefore, it is strategic to come up with ways to monetise your asset, tap into new income streams and perhaps help you take control of your financial affairs. The timing for this conservation is idle as the majority among us are already suffering from the “January disease” syndrome, which seems to be a consistent symptom every beginning of the year. Let us drive through the details; Renting out your car: Sharing your vehicle for profit Do you have a second car gathering dust in your garage? Do you work from home or on flexible hours?  If your answers are yes in both cases, then you are indeed a candidate for potential revenue generation using your car.  Provide chauffer driven car rental services in which you can drive the car by yourself or use a reliable driver.  Similarly, you can register with Indrive and Bolt and start getting customers to provide short distance transport within the locality. These online platforms facilitate the process, connecting you with responsible customers.  Ensure your car is in good condition, it is insured to carry passengers, and you’re comfortable with the terms of the agreement. Tips for success: Transporting school children: A dependable and reliable service School runs can be stressful for parents, particularly when juggling busy schedules.  Step in as a dependable solution by offering your car as a safe and reliable transportation option.  This requires consistency and punctuality, as you’ll become a trusted figure in the lives of the families you serve. Separate your service quality from that of mushikashika type of transport service. Essential considerations: Safety: Ensure your car is roadworthy, safe for children, and equipped with the necessary safety features, like seat belts and emergency exit Courier services: Delivering time-sensitive needs Courier services offer flexibility and convenience. You can join platforms like Glovo, Uber Deliveries, or other local delivery apps to transport documents, parcels, or even groceries.  You have the freedom to choose your delivery slots, and earnings are based on the distance covered and the urgency of the delivery. Essential tips of make money: Mobile shop: Fast foods, fresh vegetables or hardware shop You can hook a trailer or a Caravan and modify it to suit your type of Mobile Shop. Convenience is a product that anyone will buy into anytime and every day.  You can drop off the trailer or caravan on your way to work and entrust someone who is good with calculations and honest with cash handling. Essential considerations: Tour guide services: Sharing your city’s secrets If you have a passion for your area, possess a charismatic personality, and enjoy connecting with people, a tour guide service could be the perfect side hustle. Take visitors on customised journeys, exploring hidden gems, historical landmarks, and vibrant local experiences. Your car acts as your transportation hub, offering a unique perspective on your city’s treasures. Boosting your service: Emergency roadside assistance: Helping drivers in need Possess a knack for mechanical know-how? Help stranded motorists jump-start their vehicles, change tires, or deliver emergency fuel.  This requires basic mechanical knowledge, some tools, and the ability to respond quickly in emergencies. Key factors for success: Event transportation: Luxury and chauffeur services If you own a stylish or spacious car, offer event transportation services. Cater for weddings, parties, or corporate events, providing a professional chauffeur experience. This often requires a more formal appearance, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride for clients. Key points for consideration: Specialised transportation: Tapping into niche opportunities Beyond traditional options, explore niche opportunities within the transportation sector. For example, consider: Enterprise creation opportunity While these ideas maybe offered directly from the vehicle owner to the customers, but there is also an opportunity for you start a business using other people’s cars. If you study the market demand properly and come up with a pricing formula that is attractive to both the end user and the vehicle owners that leaves you with good profits, then an enterprise can be established.  Key factors for success: Stanley Makombe has 25 years’ experience in the motor industry and is currently handling vehicle imports from Japan, Thailand, UK and South Africa into African countries. He is writing in his own capacity and can be contacted on +254 743 900 590, on X @Stan_Carsales, email: stanley@stanleymakombe.com, www.stanleymakombe.com

It’s the beginning of the year 2025 and one thing for sure is that it’s back to the basics that starts with back to school for our children. I know that many among us are still having the hangover of the Christmas and New Year holiday celebrations.  It is normal and understood, but with the majority of parents getting involved in the back to school errands it is befitting that we share some ideas around the importance of reverting to the old settings or rejigging our minds to adopt the appropriate driving techniques when taking our children to the schools whether you’re dropping off or just passing through. Staying alert can help prevent accidents and keep our roads safe for everyone. There are different scenarios for each one of us and l will try to cover them all as much as possible. *Taking your kids to a boarding school *Before embarking on the trip check your car if the oil levels are okay, the lights if lighting properly, the wipers if working normally and the breaks if breaking effectively *Fill up the fuel tank a day before departure and request the attendants to check if your battery water level and the radiator coolant is okay *Start the journey very early in the morning when the traffic is very low to avoid the congestion that usually makes people lose patience *Switch the child safety lock on the passenger doors once your kids are inside the car and ask them to put on the seat belts. Avoid allowing any of your kids to take the front passenger seat *Exercise extreme patience while driving on the roads and avoid any distractions such as texting or starting an online Google meeting *Avoid applying emergency brakes as much as possible as that leaves your children in a mild shock that takes time to go away *If you are a very busy parent, please use a driver to drive while you will be sitting on the front passenger seat because it doesn’t cost much compared to risking trying to multitask when taking your children to school *Driving your kids to school on daily basis with your private car *Put a sticker at the back of the car labelled — school children onboard that helps to keep other drivers at bay from your car *Make sure that you put the comprehensive insurance cover on your vehicle compared with taking the third party, which doesn’t cover your children *Have it in your mind that you are a driver doing a job of driving children although you maybe the parent *Be patient: Slow down and plan to arrive early Stay off your phone: Use a hands free kit should it be important to talk to someone while driving Look for signage: Be familiar with where the school zones begin and end, and stick to the stipulated speed limits Watch for children: Children can appear unexpectedly between parked cars or in crosswalks. Obey crossing guards: Look for crossing zones and always follow crossing guard instructions. Follow parking rules: Obey all posted parking restrictions and use the school’s designated drop-off areas. Drop off at the curbside: Make sure children exit the cars and can immediately get onto the sidewalk, away from traffic. Be mindful of bus stops: Be cautious around bus stops and watch for groups of children waiting. *Driving children to school as a business Use much older drivers who meet the requirements for public service vehicle (PSV) that includes; valid medical certificate, valid defensive driving certificate and valid re-test and 25 years and above to drive children because they are not interested in testing how fast the car can go compared with younger drivery *Your vehicles should be in good condition at all times mechanically, with good tyres and sufficient fuel in the tank Take passenger insurance cover for your vehicles that protects your customers in the event of an accident *Do not exceed the vehicle’s carrying capacity as that puts the children at a high risk of danger and subsequent failure to concentrate in the class because of fatigue and tiredness *Put some stickers at the back of the vehicles – Children on Board that helps to keep other drivers at bay from your car *Your drivers should arrive in time to pick and collect the children to avoid speeding to catch up with the school time *All your vehicles should have the Child safety Lock on to make sure that no child can open the doors by themselves *Use modern vehicles with seat belts and emergency exits Pedestrians and drivers sharing the road are responsible for one another’s safety and should always be alert to any potential dangers. And back-to-school traffic safety requires that everyone remains patient, alert and vigilant in addition to obeying all traffic rules and avoiding distractions.     Parents and teachers spend a lot of time reminding students to practice safety when walking or riding their bikes to school. However, students aren’t the only ones who need to brush up on their safety skills as a new school year begins. It’s imperative for parents who are drivers to reacquaint themselves with safe driving practices, too. While some of the most dangerous days of driving are during the month ends, going back to school has its own set of dangers for both students and drivers alike. Taking time to remind yourself of what to watch out for, and then preparing for how to handle these situations, can go a long way toward keeping everyone safer. *Practicing safety around school buses School bus drivers face special challenges on the road. Bus drivers have a large vehicle that has blind spots all around and requires more time to stop. Other drivers sharing the road with buses should adopt driving habits that help make the roads safer for everyone. Here are a few important rules to remember; Always maintain a safe following distance. Keep as much space as possible between your vehicle and the bus in front of you. If you’re in

WITH the year coming to an end in two days’ time, this is a good time to reflect on the challenges you have experienced in 2024 regarding your vehicle or transport department and strategise to improve things. Setting New Year’s resolutions is an old tradition by many among us as individuals and as companies too. But I believe that most of us are guilty of excluding the “automotive” ideas and focusing only on issues to do with eating healthier, getting more exercises, reading more, teaching yourself a new hobby or worshipping God more faithfully. So this time around, I would like to share some ideas that could help you when it comes to your car or your company fleet. Apparently, your car is your image or your vehicle is a reflection of your brand. So it is not something you can ignore. Upgrade your car If you have been procrastinating about upgrading your vehicle, then in 2025, make it one of your big step resolutions to let go of the old one and get into the car of your dreams. There are many reasons to upgrade your car, including but not limited to getting something that matches your status; buying a vehicle with more seating capacity because the family has grown; buying a pick-up truck that helps you carry inputs for your farm; buying a newer model with modern features; buying an automatic transmission vehicle that is convenient to drive; and buying a smaller engine car for fuel efficiency, among others. I encourage you to make this big step this coming year and perhaps avoid expecting a “donation” from the likes of Wicknell Chivayo. Even if you do not have the money to buy the car, making the decision first is critical and this will be followed by the appropriate action. I am privileged to have witnessed over 100 people who followed my guidance to start saving money and the majority of them were successful as they took delivery of their cars eventually. Move from owning a company fleet to leasing Many companies struggle to keep their fleet in good working condition because the majority of the fleets are very old vehicles. It is understood that shoring up new capital expenditure to buy a new fleet is a tall order. But be that as it may, you cannot continue using vehicles that drain your profits. The good news is that things have changed as many companies have moved to leasing instead of buying the vehicles outright and maintenance can optionally be done by the leasing company, leaving your company to concentrate on its core business. If you consider the overall costs of running the workshop department with many skilled staff, breakdown costs and pilferage involving dishonest staff, surely leasing is the way to go as it completely removes the vehicles from your balance sheet and the risk of depreciation. Cath up on car maintenance Not all of us are faithful to our car maintenance intervals as recommended by the manufacturer. I know for certain that there are many among you who literally ignore the recommendations because the car is starting and moving every day. If you are among these culprits, then in 2025, make it a New Year’s resolution to service the car religiously when it is due because your vehicle is only good as its last service. It is important for your safety to ensure that oil and tyre change as well as brake tune-ups are all up to standard because the health of your car is critical to avoid possible breakdowns that can turn out to be very costly. Take small issues with your car more seriously than before. Declutter your car Many of the cars are carrying a lot of junk and clutter, which builds up over time. Things like parking tickets, receipts from payments, empty lunch boxes, flat shoes mostly for ladies who change in the cars, empty car air fresheners, among others, should be removed. It is inappropriate for a good looking car to look like a junk yard inside. Make a new beginning in 2025. Clean up the car and create a refreshing environment that certainly sharpens your mind towards your goal execution this New Year. Minimise driving distractions Driving distractions, often caused by smartphones, are a leading cause of accidents. This coming year, invest in a quality phone holder for hands-free use, or better still, set your phone on “Do not disturb” and hide it away in the glove compartment while you are driving. Focusing and being alert while behind the wheel will make you a better and safer driver in the New Year. Be a calmer driver We have all had moments of frustration on the road, but trying to stay calm makes a big difference. Make a decision this coming year to be more patient with other drivers, even when traffic is heavy, or someone cuts you off. That behaviour of trying to show who Chihera is, Mhofu is or Humba is certainly not going to help anything on the road. Deep breathing, calming music and remembering that everyone makes mistakes, that we are all late where we are going can help you maintain a more peaceful mindset behind the wheel. Set off earlier to avoid speeding Leaving home late to drop off kids at school or arriving at work late throws away all the patience that we have talked about. So the solution is to train yourself to wake up early and leave a little earlier for your destinations. Giving yourself extra time to get where you are going reduces stress and eliminates the temptation to drive too fast. It is a win-win for safety and peace of mind. Drive economically With fluctuating fuel prices, making a commitment to drive more economically could save you a lot of money this coming year. I recommend that you avoid aggressive driving habits like hard braking and rapid acceleration, keep your tyres properly inflated and plan on routes to minimise mileage. Small