MOTORING NEWS - Beijing Auto Works (BAW) has been selling minibus-taxis in South Africa since 2013.
BAW's 16-seater minibus, the Sasuka, has gradually gained traction in the local market, trading on price as new entrants often have to.
It is obvious that the South African taxi industry is indispensable to our economy and society, but less so how providing transport to the least well-off generates serious challenges when it comes to maintenance and safety.
BAW is well aware of this obstacle for taxi owners and have set about serving a niche in the market.
Their latest introduction to the market is the BAW Sasuka.
The 2,8-litre turbo diesel engine offers 92kW and 320Nm of torque, making it a fairly unique 16-seater option on the local market.
The superior power of the diesel will be a boon to drivers tackling regular hills, especially with a claimed fuel consumption of just 11,9 litres per 100km.
What is more, for those operating in rural areas, diesel is often far easier to source and much safer to transport than petrol.
BAW realise that building a brand in one of the toughest industries in the country requires more than just a calculated and cynical drive to sell taxis for less than the opposition does.
BAW's new Sasuka diesel will enjoy the same comprehensive service plan as its original petrol version - two years or 100 000km.
This can be extended by an optional two year or 200 000km service plan.
The warranty can also be optionally extended to 500 000km on mechanical parts, while on rentals there is the further option of a five year or 500 000km service plan, AA Road Side Assistance including a full tow plan to nearest dealer and Active VOR (Vehicle Off Road) Programme managed from the company's headquarters.
There is front and rear air conditioning as well as heating and a central DVD screen.
This means the Sasuka gets a filter and lubricant service at 15 000km intervals, new brake pads with each service, new brake linings and engine coolant replacement at specific intervals and access to 24-hour AA recovery service.
BAW have not forgotten the real customers - the working folk and elderly who have to pile into these vehicles every day.
The Sasuka uses seats that are sculpted and include headrests. There is front and rear air conditioning as well as heating and a central DVD screen.
In addition to the diesel Sasuka, there are plans to develop an entry level diesel Sasuka panel van, tour bus and commuter vehicle to meet regional demand and to increase their market share.
This will also increase the comprehensive competitiveness of the BAW South Africa product range. To ensure quality control, a two year or 100 000km warranty will be provided by BAW South Africa with the vehicle.
With two full-service derivatives now on the market, BAW is further committing to the local taxi industry with development of a manufacturing plant in Springs.
The plant's development is on schedule and due to be completed in the second half of 2018.
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