Author: Gugu Lourie

The best-selling BMW 1 Series has undergone an extensive mid-life refresh, with significant visual and mechanical updates. These changes are so substantial that BMW is calling it the fourth-generation 1 Series. Featuring a dynamic design, a completely revised drive portfolio, and extensively enhanced chassis technology, the new BMW 1 Series stands out as the sportiest vehicle in its class. Highly efficient engines equipped with 48-volt mild hybrid technology, alongside a resource-conserving production process that prioritises material recycling, optimise sustainability throughout the entire product life cycle. Its progressive nature is further showcased by a redesigned interior, an expanded range of automated…

The independent board of JSE-listed MultiChoice has advised shareholders to consider accepting a takeover bid from Canal+, a French media conglomerate. Despite this endorsement, both entities face substantial regulatory obstacles before the deal can be finalised. Canal+ and MultiChoice issued today a Combined Circular to MultiChoice Shareholders regarding the mandatory offer by Canal+ to acquire the MultiChoice shares it does not own for a consideration of R125.00 per share. The board, in a collaborative statement, has deemed the offer price of R125 per share as equitable and advisable, urging shareholders to accept it once the conditions are met. However, the…

Luxury car manufacturer JLR is today announcing significant progress in upskilling its workforce for electrification. More than 20,000 JLR colleagues and partners have been trained in electrification and digital skills as part of JLR’s Future Skills Programme. The UK’s largest luxury car manufacturer has trained: More than 2,400 manufacturing employees in its UK production facilities with EV skills More than 95 per cent, or 10,000, of JLR’s retail partner technicians, ensuring workshops are prepared to service JLR’s next generation luxury electric vehicles Nearly 3,000 engineers trained in electrification Around 2,500 in data and digital And more than 4,200 JLR and…

U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin has unveiled the Connected Vehicle National Security Review Act, a piece of legislation aimed at bolstering national security in the automotive sector. This new bill proposes the establishment of a formal review process for connected vehicles manufactured by Chinese EV makers or other nations deemed of concern. Under the legislation, the Department of Commerce would be empowered to restrict or prohibit the entry of such vehicles into the U.S. market if they are found to pose a potential threat to national security. “Today’s vehicles are more sophisticated than ever, carrying cameras, radars and other sophisticated sensors,…

In a move to address the growing demand for skilled technology professionals in South Africa, Regenesys Business School has launched the School of Technology. This initiative is driven by the urgent need to bridge the existing skills gap in the tech industry, fostering innovation and supporting economic growth. According to Nicolaas Kruger (NK), CEO of Regenesys School of Technology, the establishment of the school aligns with Regenesys’ vision to transform lives by awakening potential and nurturing a new generation of holistically developed technology leaders. See below the Questions and Answers for an interview with NK conducted by TechFinancials: What motivated…

The flagship new Range Rover Sport SV has ignited significant demand among South African clients, with all 35 limited-edition Range Rover Sport SV EDITION ONE units being fully reserved upon order opening. According to the Land Rover website, Range Rover SV retails for more than R4.4 million, suggesting that a Limited-Edition Range Rover Sport SV EDITION ONE will cost even more. Based on this price, it indicates that affluent South Africans are ready to spend approximately R154 million to acquire these exclusive vehicles. Jaguar Land Rover South Africa’s Product and Pricing Manager, Janico Dannhauser, mentioned in a statement that close…

Pepkor, a JSE-listed retailer renowned for quality clothing at discounted prices, is a big player in South Africa’s FinTech ecosystem. FinTech is revolutionising how customer needs are met by enhancing accessibility, reducing costs, and providing personalised financial solutions. Through digital banking and online payment systems, customers can conduct transactions conveniently from anywhere, while automated services and robo-advisors offer efficient, low-cost financial management. FinTech also promotes financial inclusion by extending microloans and mobile banking to underserved populations. Additionally, the use of data analytics allows for tailored financial products, and advanced security measures, such as blockchain and fraud detection technologies, to ensure…

Pepkor, a JSE-listed retailer renowned for quality clothing at discounted prices, has quietly entered the smartphone market. The Pep clothing retail arm sold 8-million cellular handsets in one year, with 50% being smartphones. Pepkor has also introduced a cellular handset rental option called FoneYam at 180 Pep and Ackermans stores by December 2023. The retailer said FoneYam has now been rolled out to 1 000 stores. Today, Pepkor disclosed that FoneYam cellular handset rental product, which makes smartphones affordable and accessible to customers, was rolled out further with more than 200 000 active FoneYam customers by the end of the…

Generative AI (GenAI) is the next big leap for PC technology, promising to bring unseen levels of productivity and efficiency to businesses worldwide. With AI-enabled PCs, we can expect faster decision-making, streamlined workflows and smarter data analysis. Just as the introduction of the PC 40 years ago revolutionised the way we work, GenAI will shape the future of the PC-human experience, unlocking new possibilities for growth and innovation. As AI grows alongside technological advancements in PCs, Dell predicts that PCs will move beyond driving human productivity to driving human performance. AI promises immense productivity benefits, reduced latency and improved cost…

Santam, South Africa’s largest short-term insurer, has wholly acquired Kandua, a leading online marketplace company for home services. Kandua will merge with Santam’s existing home service offering, Home+, forming a wholly owned, independent subsidiary of the insurer. The Kandua.com website offers an online marketplace for home services that enable consumers to connect with, compare and hire professionals across hundreds of service types, such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and more. Service providers can use the ‘Kandua for Pros’ app to find new customers and easily manage their core business processes. “Kandua’s talent, technology and customer base are valuable assets for our…