Philip Buys and Matthys Beukes claim Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage win

Matthys Beukes (far left) and Philip Buys enjoyed a perfect first day in Yellow by winning Stage 3 of the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek. Photo by Zoon Cronje/Nikon/Xtremedia

South Africa’s Yellow Jersey wearers, Philip Buys and Matthys Beukes (SCOTT Factory Racing) claimed a second consecutive stage win when they outsprinted a small lead group on Stage 3 of the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race on Wednesday.

Second place went to the German Team Bulls pair of Tim Bohme and Simon Stiebjahn with South Africans Lourens Luus and Adriaan Louw (Fairview Elite) filling the final podium spot. Buys and Beukes retain their General Classification lead of 3 minutes 26 seconds over Team Bulls.

In the women’s race, the Biogen Toyota Cape Brewing Co. pair of Robyn de Groot (RSA) and Jennie Stenerhag (SWE) claimed their 4th successive stage victory, also in a sprint finish, against Asrin Cycling’s Catherine Williamson (GBR) and Alice Pirard (BEL) and maintained their overall 13-minute lead.

After Tuesday’s gruelling stage, which culminated with a mountaintop finish at the summit of the iconic Swartberg Pass; and with Thursday’s brutal Stage 4 looming, the riders appeared to consolidate somewhat on Wednesday’s Stage 3 over 107km from Prince Albert to De Rust.

In the men’s race, a pack of 5 teams reached the final 20km in the lead group – SCOTT Factory Racing, Team Bulls, EAI Cycling, Fairview RECM (Lourens Luus and Adriaan Louw) and Asrin Cycling’s (James Reid and Herman Persteiner). Unfortunately for Asrin Cycling, Persteiner encountered a mechanical with his chain, which eliminated them from the final dash.

The remaining quartet shared the workload into a strong headwind, but rode a tactical approach to the finish, which included 2 90-degree turns and a slightly uphill finishing straight.

Jennie Stenerhag (far right) and Robyn de Groot look back down the finishing straight after getting a small gap on their rivals in the final sprint. Photo by Zoon Cronje/Nikon/Xtremedia

“We predicted this morning the stage might finish in a sprint so were ready for it. We’ve discussed our sprinting tactics quite a bit, but didn’t have to implement them today as Simon (Stiebjahn) made the first move and we were forced to react. Matthys went after him and I watched Tim (Bohme). Simon faded a bit and that allowed both Matthys and I to go across the line ahead of them,” explained Buys.

“We accepted with about 10km to go that it would come down to a sprint,” said De Groot. “Catherine and Alice rode really well today and we knew that we’d have to be tactically smart to beat them. Fortunately we got our timing right and were able to win. We still have a 13-minute lead, but it’s not big enough to allow us to relax, especially with tomorrow’s big stage.”

Thursday’s Stage 4 is likely to be the most decisive of the 2014 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek. With 2690m of ascent in 109km, it promises to make or break podium ambitions. It could also prove the toughest test for many of the amateurs, who are aiming to just complete the event.

The stage starts with a 25km steady drag before taking riders through the dry, rocky Kammanassie Mountains and over to the forested coastal belt area of George. The contrasts on this stage are remarkable and could well contribute to a General Classification shake-up.

“It will be a tough stage tomorrow. But Matthys and I will not be riding defensively. We’re keen to push the technical sections hard, but will stay as safe as possible,” revealed Buys.

In the other team racing categories, South Africans Brian Lennox and Hannes Hanekom (Klein Karoo Giants) were the top Amateurs, moving into the GC lead in the process. South Africans Kobus and Fienie Barnard (Klein Karoo Mixed), won the sprint for the stage, but are still second on GC to Germans Max Friedrich and Jana Mischance (Firebike Tomotion by Blacktusk).

Heinz Zorweg (AUT) and Bartie Bucher (SUI) of Team Meerendal Wheeler 2 claimed a 4th consecutive stage win and further extended their category lead; while South Africans Johan Labuschagne and Gerrie Beukes (Klein Karoo Veterans) secured a second successive stage win and moved to within less than a minute off Veteran category leaders Fanie Venter and Wayne McDuling (Pynfabriek) in the overall.

In the Solo men’s division, Travis Walker (RSA) won the stage in his category and moved into the General Classification lead, while Christine Janse van Rensburg (RSA), claimed another stage and extended her overall lead in the Solo women’s race.

For more information on the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek, visit www.capepioneer.co.za. For race updates, follow @BridgeCPT on twitter and Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek on Facebook.

The field of over 400 riders is stretched out under the fast early pace during the opening kilometres of Stage 3 of the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek. Photo Zoon Cronje/Nikon/Xtremedia

Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek 2014
Stage 3
Leading results
Men:
1 Philip Buys (RSA) / Matthys Beukes (RSA) – SCOTT Factory Racing 3:54:35
2 Simon Stiebjahn (GER) / Tim Bohme (GER) – Team Bulls 3:54:35
3 Adriaan Louw (RSA) / Lourens Luus (RSA) – Fairview Elite 3:54:37
4 Johann Rabie (RSA) / Gawie Combrinck (RSA) – EAI South Africa 3:54:39
5 James Reid (RSA) / Herman Persteiner (AUT) – Asrin Cycling 3:56:38

Women:
1 Jennie Stenerhag (SWE) / Robyn de Groot (RSA) – Biogen Toyota Cape Brewing Co 4:33:03
2 Catherine Williamson (GBR) / Alice Pirard (BEL) Asrin Cycling 2 4:33:10
3 Theresa Ralph (RSA) / Esther Suss (SUI) – Meerendal Wheeler 1 4:41:00

Amateur:
1 Brian Lennox (RSA) / Hannes Hanekom (RSA) – Klein Karoo Giants 04:19:47
2 Jaco Ferreira (RSA) / Alexander Lamberts (RSA) – Columbia Europcar Bridge 4:32:35
3 James Tennent (RSA) / David Garrett (RSA) – Giant 2 4:30:42

Veteran men:
1 Johan Labuschagne (RSA) / Gerrie Beukes (RSA) Klein Karoo Veterans 4:19:57
2 Fanie Venter (RSA) / Wayne McDuling (RSA) – Pynfabriek 4:33:13
3 Noel Droomer (RSA) / John Swanepoel (RSA) – Cornerstone Cycles 4:38:01

Master men:
1 Heinz Zorweg (AUT) / Barti Bucher (SUI) – Meerendal Wheeler 2 4:19:05
2 Waleed Baker (RSA) / Glen Haw (RSA) – Pitstop 4:50:52
3 Izak Visagie (RSA) / Lieb Loots (RSA) – Wilde 3 4:55:00

Mixed:
1 Kobus Barnard (RSA) / Fienie Barnard (RSA) – Klein Karoo Mixed 4:36:01
2 Max Friedrich (GER) / Jana Zieschank (GER) – Firebike Tomotion by Blacktusk 4:36:03
3 Igna de Viliers (RSA) / Daleen Van der Leek (RSA) LGE Midas Bells Cycling 4:44:37

Solo men:
1 Travis Walker (RSA) 4:02:30
2 Renay Groustra (RSA) 4:02:32
3 Ken van den Bulke (NED) 4:03:20

Solo women:
1 Christine Janse van Rensburg (RSA) 4:55:30
2 Katja Cauwenbergh (BEL) 5:17:06
3 Nina Hind (RSA) 5:34:14

Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek 2014
General Classification after Stage 3
Leading results
Men:
1 Philip Buys (RSA) / Matthys Beukes (RSA) – SCOTT Factory Racing 12:12:56
2 Simon Stiebjahn (GER) / Tim Bohme (GER) – Team Bulls 12:16:23
3 Ismael Venture (ESP) / Ramon Sagues (RSA) – ESMTB.com 12:32:29
4 Waylon Woolcock (RSA) / Darren Lill (RSA) – Cannondale Blend 12:34:49
5 Michiel van Aelbroeck (NED) / Robby de Bock (NED) WMTB.Be – Feenstra 12:35:56

Women:
1 Jennie Stenerhag (SWE) / Robyn de Groot (RSA) – Biogen Toyota Cape Brewing Co 14:02:49
2 Catherine Williamson (GBR) / Alice Pirard (BEL) – Asrin Cycling 14:16:36
3 Theresa Ralph (RSA) / Esther Suss (SUI) – Meerendal Wheeler 1 14:43:34

Amateur:
1 Brian Lennox (RSA) / Hannes Hannekom (RSA) – Klein Karoo Giants 13:43:44
2 Mattias Winkler (SUI) / Francois Naf (SUI) Meerendal Wheeler 13:58:39
3 Jaco Ferreira (RSA) / Alexander Lamberts (RSA) – Columbia Europcar Bridge 14:03:06

Veteran men:
1 Fanie Venter (RSA) / Wayne McDuling (RSA) – Pynfabriek 9:32:38
2 Johan Labuschagne (RSA) / Gerrie Beukes (RSA) Klein Karoo Veterans 9:46:39
3 Marne Dirks (RSA) / Pierre Griffioen (RSA) – Bridge Torq Zone Vets 9:58:36

Master men:
1 Heinz Zorweg (AUT) / Barti Bucher (SUI) – Meerendal Wheeler 2 8:52:48
2 Izak Visagie (RSA) / Lieb Loots (RSA) – Wilde 3 9:56:34
3 Waleed Baker (RSA) / Glen Haw (RSA) – Pitstop 10:30:56

Mixed:
1 Max Friedrich (GER) / Jana Zieschank (GER) – Firebike Tomotion by Blacktusk 14:09:59
2 Kobus Barnard (RSA) / Fienie Barnard (RSA) – Klein Karoo Mixed 14:20:51
3 Igna de Viliers (RSA) / Daleen Van der Leek (RSA) LGE Midas Bells Cycling 14:50:46

Solo men:
1 Travis Walker (RSA) 12:43:02
2 Alan Gordon (RSA) 12:45:10
3 Ken van den Bulke (BEL) 12:48:24

Solo women:
1 Christine Janse van Rensburg (RSA) 15:14:12
2 Katja Cauwenbergh (BEL) 16:42:14
3 Nina Hind (RSA) 17:53:57

Elite points
Men
1 Philip Buys (RSA) / Matthys Beukes (RSA) – SCOTT Factory Racing 33
2 Simon Stiebjahn (GER) / Tim Bohme (GER) – Team Bulls 30
3 Ismael Venture (ESP) / Ramon Sagues (RSA) – ESMTB.com 16
4 Johann Rabie (RSA) / Gawie Combrinck (RSA) – EAI South Africa 16

Women
1 Jennie Stenerhag (SWE) / Robyn de Groot (RSA) – Biogen Toyota Cape Brewing Co 35
2 Catherine Williamson (GBR) / Alice Pirard (BEL) – Asrin Cycling 29
3 Theresa Ralph (RSA) / Esther Suss (SUI) – Meerendal Wheeler 1 27

For full results visit www.capepioneer.co.za

Also view:

Mountain Bike Events / Planning and the Safety of Bikers

Mountain Bike Safety and Riding on the Trail

Endurance Sports, Driver Fatigue and Road Safety

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In keeping with tradition, the terrain of the 2014 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek is unforgiving. The leaders tackle a loose, rocky climb during Stage 3 on Wednesday. Photo by Zoon Cronje/Nikon/Xtremedia

Philip Buys and Matthys Beukes claim Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage win

International link to hold significant potential benefits for the 2015 Johannesburg International Motor Show

The recent acquisition of a majority share in SA Show Services by Messe Frankfurt, of Germany, is seen as holding significant potential benefits for the 2015 Johannesburg International Motor Show which takes place at the Expo Centre, Nasrec, from October 14-25.

Messe Frankfurt, one of the largest trade fair organisers in the world, has offices all over the world and extensive expertise in exhibition organisation, which puts it in a strong position to assist its SA subsidiary with leveraging international involvement with next year’s show.

SA Show Services is the company appointed by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA (NAAMSA) and Expo Centre to organise and manage the 2 previous Johannesburg Motor Shows, held in 2011 and 2013. Now the newly-named SA Shows Messe Frankfurt will also take over the role from Expo Centre as NAAMSA’s joint venture partner.

“NAAMSA welcomes the new international link with Messe Frankfurt and is looking forward with great anticipation to that company’s specialised input into the creation of the local motor industry’s best ever motor show,” said the president of NAAMSA and CEO of Toyota SA, Dr Johan van Zyl, addressing guests at the launch of the 2015 motor show in Johannesburg today (September 25).

Dr van Zyl also announced that WesBank will be the Platinum and lead sponsor at next year’s show after filling this position at the 2013 event.

“We welcome WesBank’s ongoing support and enthusiasm for our industry’s biennial showcase and look forward to a long and successful association between WesBank and NAAMSA,” said Dr. Van Zyl.

The president of NAAMSA went on to say that the rate of technological developments in the automotive industry was now proceeding at an unbelievable rate and that the show will be the ideal opportunity for exhibitors to display and demonstrate these new technologies and explain the benefits to consumers.

Many of the exhibitors are expected to bring prototypes to the show to give visitors a glimpse into the future.

“The management team of the 2015 motor show is investigating various interesting overseas and local innovations top provide a ‘wow’ factor for visitors, but for now we are keeping these exciting plans under wraps as we finalise the offering at one of the largest consumer shows in the country. The lifestyle aspect of motoring will also feature in exhibits and activations at the show to extend its appeal and reach,” added Dr. Van Zyl.

The 2015 Johannesburg International Motor Show will be the 4th such event held under this banner since 2008, after it succeeded the Auto Africa Motor Show which was staged 6 times from 1996 to 2006.

The Johannesburg Motor Show will again be staged under the auspices of the International Organisation of Vehicle Manufactures (OICA) as a world-ranked event on the official calendar. The only other OICA accredited show on the African continent is held in Cairo.

The Johannesburg International Motor Show is further endorsed by various industry bodies including the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) and the Retail Motor Industry organisation (RMI).

As usual this SA show will cater for all segments of the local vehicle market, being cars, light, medium, heavy and extra-heavy trucks and buses. It will also feature displays by manufacturers and suppliers of automotive components for the OE and replacement markets as well as service providers to the automotive industry.

Lifestyle double cab pick-ups will be exhibited with the passenger cars, but the other commercial vehicles will be displayed separately. Medium, heavy and extra-heavy trucks as well as buses co-located at Expo Centre as the Johannesburg Truck & Bus Show, while components and accessories will be on display in the Auto Shop.

“The Johannesburg International Motor Show is also an excellent platform for the SA motor industry to promote itself as one of the major success stories of democratic South Africa,” added the executive director of NAAMSA, Nico Vermeulen.

Dr Van Zyl

“The industry continues to face an extremely tough and competitive business environment, both locally and internationally, requiring continuous re-examination of the prevalent business model to ensure global competiveness into the future. It plays an important role in the local economy, being responsible for some 8% of the country’s gross domestic product while contributing more than 12% of the value of South Africa’s export.

“From a manufacturing perspective the challenge is to provide products that comply with a myriad of regulations and changing requirements globally as well as the adoption of new automotive technologies.

“On a retail level the challenge remains to ensure the ongoing viability of the dealers while satisfying ever-increasing customer demands and expectations.

“The 2015 Johannesburg International Motor Show will offer local consumers and visitors from beyond our borders a unique insight into the rapidly changing automotive future. Exhibitors will grasp the opportunity to showcase new technologies, either production ready or at an advanced stage of development as well as launching many new models for sale into the Southern African market.

“Most of all the show will  provide consumers with an opportunity to compare makes and models at one place and at one time, while experiencing the excitement of our industry up close and personal,” concluded NAAMSA’s executive director.

International link to hold significant potential benefits for the 2015 Johannesburg International Motor Show

Datsun prepared for first appearance at Moscow International Autosalon

Datsun, the newest automobile brand on the dynamic Russian market, celebrates its first appearance at the prestigious Moscow International Autosalon (MIAS) today by showing 2 new models.

The Datsun on-DO sedan, launched earlier this year with the first customer deliveries due in September, will be joined by the brand new Datsun mi-DO hatchback which will be given its worldwide launch at MIAS. Sales of this dynamic new model are due to start in early 2015.

Datsun on-DO was revealed in April this year, with the order bank opened in July. Such was the interest in the car that Datsun received more than 2000 enquiries in the opening weeks.

The first deliveries will be made after the end of MIAS, but IT specialist Mikhail (29) from Omsk city – one of the first customers to place a pre-order for the car – has been invited to the show where he was given a symbolic key to mark this historic event.

MIAS has become a stage for global unveil of the second car in the Datsun model line-up for Russia.

The brand new Datsun mi-DO is a practical yet sporty 5-door hatchback with a strong masculine appearance: bold, distinctive and cool. Among its stand out features are its ‘face’;, dominated by Datsun’;s confident ‘D-Cut’; grille and which, in turn, is flanked by dramatically elongated projector headlamps that stretch virtually from grille to fender to create a look that differentiates sedan and hatchback at a glance.

Although sharing the same wheelbase and front-wheel drive chassis layout as Datsun on-DO, Datsun mi-DO is shorter overall to emphasise its driving dynamics. Both cars sit on a 2,476mm wheelbase, are 1,500mm tall and 1,700mm wide, but the new Datsun mi-DO is 3,950mm long compared to the Datsun on-DO at 4,337mm.

Datsun mi-DO is well equipped. Comfort and safety have been priorities: every version will have a driver and passenger airbag as well as ABS. Standard equipment will include a winter pack with heated seats and door mirrors while special attention has been paid to ensure road, engine and wind noise is kept to a minimum.

Power comes from a 87hp version of Datsun’;s 1.6-liter 8V engine, while a 4-speed automatic transmission is optionally available in place of the standard 5 speed manual transmission.

All Datsun customers will benefit from market leading support. So far there are 25 dedicated Datsun dealers in key regions of the country with 75 more due over the next 2 years. Every car will be backed by a comprehensive 3 year/100 000 kms warranty. To ease purchasing options, Datsun is offering a unique credit programme – Datsun Finance.

 “The Datsun concept of offering a new car from a foreign maker at a highly affordable price has struck a chord with Russian car buyers. Datsun might be a new name on the Russian market but its impact will be felt for years to come. Rest assured we are totally committed to the Russian market: our debut at MIAS marks just the beginning of the story,” says Vincent Cobee, Global Head of Datsun.

The names Datsun on-DO and Datsun mi-DO reflect the cars’; international heritage, encompassing Japanese, English and Russian themes. DO is a Japanese word that means ‘moving’; and also refers to a ‘way’; of doing things. ‘on’; is the Russian word for ‘he’; while ‘mi’; sounds like the English word ‘me’; and personalises the car. Put together in Russian, they underline the individuality and personality of both cars.

Datsun prepared for first appearance at Moscow International Autosalon

Dates announced for 2015 Johannesburg International Motor Show

The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) are pleased to announce the dates of the 2015 Johannesburg International Motor Show taking place from 14 – 25 October 2015 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec. A number of exciting innovations are in the pipeline and planning stages.

The Show officially opens to the media on Wednesday 14 October 2015 with the first of 2 dedicated media days. Attendance on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 October is limited to the media and preview guests.

The public will get their first opportunity to visit the show on Friday 16 October 2015 which has been added as an additional public day providing the public with greater access to the show. The show is open to the public over 10 consecutive days from Friday 16 – Sunday 25 October 2015.

The Johannesburg International Motor Show is Africa’s largest and most comprehensive automotive industry event with a show floor encompassing passenger cars, leisure vehicles, exotic marques, parts and accessories and automotive lifestyle products.

Co-located is the Johannesburg Truck and Bus Show focusing on the commercial vehicle sector featuring exhibits of trucks, buses, trailers, motor body builders and parts and services aimed at the commercial vehicle market.

The biennial Johannesburg International Motor Show enjoys the distinction of inscription on the prestigious OICA International Motor Show Calendar recognising the show as one of the top 10 motor shows in the world. Recognition by OICA – the International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers – highlights the stature of the South African automotive industry as a role player in the global automotive manufacturing sector.

The call for exhibitors kicks off on Friday 1 August 2014 and automotive companies interested in participating can download booking forms from www.jhbmotorshow.co.za

Attracting over 240,000 visitors to the 2013 edition the Johannesburg Motor Show is once again set to be a highlight of the Southern African motoring calendar in 2015.

Dates announced for 2015 Johannesburg International Motor Show

Volkswagen Rally brings international flavour and local legends

The Volkswagen Rally, which starts at AutoPavilion on Friday and finishes at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, 11 and 12 July, will see amongst the national and local entries 2 international entries from the Volkswagen Sasolracing team. Regular national rally competitors Hans Weijs Jnr and Björn Degandt from Holland and Belgium will be joined by Raimund Baumschlager and his navigator, Klaus Wicha, from Austria and Germany.

Weijs and Degandt currently lie 4th in the national standings with Weijs particularly keen to experience the challenging stages of the Longmore Forest.

To keep the rally fans entertained and informed, 2 South African automotive legends will join forces. Regarded by many as the voice of South African motoring, Roger McCleery will commentate on the action of the Volkswagen Rally with none other than motorsport legend Sarel van der Merwe on hand to provide both a first-hand perspective and some anecdotes from his own time behind the wheel.

McCleery’;s voice is instantly recognisable from his long tenure on South African radio, covering the motoring industry and motorsport fans have long held Van der Merwe to be one of the best motorsport talents this country has ever seen – whether in the dirt or on the track.

The pair will be commentating on the Volkswagen Rally from a variety of spectator points during the event and their mix of automotive knowledge and history should provide a highly entertaining addition to the event this year.

With the rally starting at AutoPavilion, stages taking place in Port Elizabeth and Jeffrey’;s Bay and finishing at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, the combination of local rally competitors from the Algoa Rally Club (the organising club), the field of national rally competitors, the 2 international teams competing here and 2 SA automotive personalities, there is much for motorsport fans to look forward to, with something to keep everyone entertained.

The Volkswagen Rally spectator guide will be available in 2 daily newspapers on Thursday, 10 July, in the Eastern Cape and will also be made available online. Visit the Volkswagen Motorsport (Volkswagen Motorsport_za) Facebook page, follow the Twitter account @VWMotorsport_za and the website http://www.algoarallyclub.co.za/ for rally information.

Also view:

Safe Driving on Gravel Roads

Volkswagen Rally brings international flavour and local legends

Wuling the Planet: How Are International Auto Sales Distributed? [Infographic]

Americans purchased 15,603,518 new cars and light trucks final year. Let that number roll about in your head for a minute. Fifteen million, 6 hundred and 3 thousand, 5 hundred and eighteen. That’s a single vehicle for each man, woman, and youngster in the cities of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Austin, Texas, combined. (But none for anyone in Topeka. Sorry, Kansans.) It’s nearly 30 autos sold each minute.

Whilst Americans purchased a new car or truck each and every 2 seconds, even though, individuals worldwide bought 2.6 vehicles per second. An astonishing 12 percent of these have been Toyotas. Such as Daihatsu and its Hino commercial line, the Japanese giant’s 9.98 million sales are a New York pizza slice out of the 83.23 million new automobiles gobbled up in 2013. According to IHS, which is in some techniques the Toyota of business-data gathering, the globe will see 25 million new-automobile sales by 2018. Toyota, for its element, is expecting to sell far more than 10 million autos in 2014.

The silver medal goes to Volkswagen, with 9.73 million sales (47 of them Bugatti Veyrons), although Common Motors managed 9.72 million. Lest there be any query of who’s the boss, although, To­yota out-earned VW and GM combined in the 4th quarter of 2013.

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Some thing Old, Something New
Final year’s 83.23 million sales are a neat tenth of the active international fleet. According to last count by the International Organization of Motor Automobile Manufacturers, there are 833.34 million light automobiles at the moment in use worldwide. Add in heavy trucks (due to the fact larger numbers bruise brains) and you get 1.14 billion autos.

The Path to Riches
Listed alphabetically right here are the 50 largest vehicle markets in the world. The 10 biggest are in gray. Within every of these, we’ve broken out the marketplace share held by Toyota, Volkswagen, and General Motors.

Wuling the Planet: How Are International Auto Sales Distributed? [Infographic]

Nissan’s New International Pickup Truck Teased in Artsy-Aggro Video

Nissan has fired a international-pickup teaser across the bow of the Internet for the second time in a week. Due to be completely revealed on June 11, the truck is previewed this time not by a photo, but an artsy-aggro 30-second video of test footage augmented with pseudo-industrial flourishes.

Although Nissan previously told us this truck has little bearing on our marketplace, we can think of a couple of factors why it may well be worth paying attention to. Very first, the present Frontier has been kicking around for almost a decade, and it’s not a fantastic leap to think that this truck could influence the next Frontier. Second, GM is unleashing the new GMC Canyon/Chevy Colorado twins this year, and the buzz they’re producing indicates there’s nevertheless life in the smaller-pickup segment.

As for this international truck, the video reveals it to be anything but soft, as evidenced by the ladder frame building and strong rear axle with leaf-spring suspension. Nissan is truly playing up the durability aspect, too, claiming the truck has undergone a lot more than 1 million kilometers (621,372 miles) of testing in true-globe conditions and much more than 40,000 quality tests. Colour us intrigued.

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