Jeep Team’s Pierre Smith wins 2-Provinces Mountain Bike Race

PIETERMARITZBURG, 10 APRIL 2015 – Jeep Team’s Pierre Smith claimed Gold at the 70km Riverside Mica 2-Provinces MTB Race in Gauteng on Monday (6 April 2015), with Christoff van Heerden in 2nd place and Wayd Needham in 3rd.

Just under 200 riders competed in the 2-Provinces MTB at Vanderbijlpark in Stonehaven-on-Vaal, with Smith fighting off strong opposition to break the tape in a fast 2h22m40s, just seconds ahead of Van Heerden (2h22m59s). Needham crossed the line in 2h23m23s.

Said Smith: “This is always a special race to me being right on my door step and it is nice to perform in front of a home crowd. I used this race mainly to prepare for Ashburton Investments National MTB Series in Clarens in 2 weeks’ time and it was a good confidence booster. I enjoyed the route a lot with all the single track and jeep track sections in it and made my move with about 10km to go and just kept the peddle down till the end.”

Other Jeep Team results

In the Western Cape, Jeep Team’s OCR champion, Dominique D’;Oliveira, took on the 22-km Old Mutual 2 Oceans Trail Run on Friday (3 April 2015) finishing 17th in a time of 2h56m.

Said D’;Oliveira: “With the Jeep Warrior still in my legs and the Impi Challenge just around the corner it was more of a training run for me than a race as such, but a great experience. It was probably one of the most challenging one-day trail runs I’;ve ever done but also one of the most beautiful.”

On Saturday, multiple world champion paddler, Hank McGregor, was out of his comfort zone, competing on land rather than in water at the Old Mutual 2 Oceans Half Marathon. Testament to McGregor’s racing spirit whatever the challenge, he finished the 21-km race in 1h24m39s, earning himself a Silver medal.

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

Jeep Team’s Pierre Smith wins 2-Provinces Mountain Bike Race

Opel Corsa wins prestigious AUTOBEST 2015 award

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• “Best Buy Car of Europe for 2015″: Opel’;s new small car wins over expert jury


• First car in AUTOBEST history to win with consecutive model generations

26 JANUARY 2015 - Rüsselsheim. Just 3 months after its European launch, Opel has already received over 55 000 orders for the fifth generation Corsa. In addition to the enthusiastic reception from European buyers, the Corsa has been recognised by a panel of judges who have bestowed it with the AUTOBEST 2015 award.

At the large test finale in Belgrade, Serbia, the newcomer prevailed with a total of 994 points over similarly brand-new competitors including the Hyundai i20 (906 points), Skoda Fabia (871 points) and Citroën C4 Cactus (830 points) making it the first ever car in AUTOBEST history to win the prestigious award with consecutive model generations.

The AUTOBEST expert jury is made up of leading motoring journalists from 15 central and eastern European countries. Comprising around 300 million people, the award is extremely popular and highly respected in this market. Only cars with a compelling price-performance ratio can win this title, because next to classic vehicle characteristics, the jury also carefully considers maintenance costs, spare-parts distribution and dealers’; range of services.

Ultimately the best deal for the normal, average customer is victorious – and the Opel Corsa proved to be unbeatable. Dan Vardie, chairman of the AUTOBEST jury, stated: “The new Corsa proved to be a great small car. All the jury members noticed the arguments that made the new Opel `The Best Buy Car of Europe in 2015′. The new generation Corsa is a meaningful evolution of the Opel model that won AUTOBEST award 6 years ago.”

“We are convinced that the Corsa is the best new small car, and now the AUTOBEST jury has confirmed this,” commented Opel Group CEO, Dr Karl-Thomas Neumann. “We are very proud of this. The new-generation Corsa stands for the art of German engineering, emotional design and excellent value for money. Safety and assistance systems as well as new, state-of-the-art engines and transmissions are real technological highlights.”

The Corsa is one of Opel’;s most important models and accounts for around one-4th of the tradition-rich brand’;s total sales. In the 32 years since the first-generation Corsa was introduced to the market, over 12.4 million units of the small car have been sold. The 4th-generation alone, the Corsa D, sold around 3 million units between 2006 and 2014 and won the AUTOBEST award in 2007. The new Corsa is also a cornerstone of Opel’;s ongoing product offensive: to 2018, the brand will introduce 27 new cars and 17 new engines to the market.

The all-new Corsa reaches South African roads during the first quarter of 2015.

Opel Corsa wins prestigious AUTOBEST 2015 award

All-New Mazda2 Wins Good Design Gold Award 2014 In Japan

The soon to be launched in South Africa, all-new Mazda2 wins Good Design’;s Gold Award in Japan

After just recently winning Car Of The Year Japan, Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that the all-new Mazda2 received the Good Design Award’;s Good Design Gold Award (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Minister’;s Award), sponsored by public interest incorporated foundation, Japan Institute of Design Promotion.

Following the Mazda CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3 the soon to be launched in South Africa, all-new Mazda2 is the 4th in Mazda’;s line-up of new-generation products which feature the full range of SKYACTIV technology* and KODO-Soul of Motion design.

Aspiring to create a new-generation subcompact that would shatter people’;s preconceived notions about this class of vehicle, Mazda packed all the new technology and design ideas that have defined the automaker’;s new-generation models into the compact body of the Mazda2. KODO design has been evolved to give the model a sense of life and an undeniable presence that belies the vehicle’;s compact size. With the interior, Mazda designers aimed to set a new global benchmark for the segment. Every element, from spatial composition and forms, through to colour coordination and textures, was drastically transformed to realize a feeling of quality that exceeds the class.

The Japan Institute of Design Promotion said about the Mazda2, “Mazda has taken all of the KODO design from the last few years and condensed it into this compact body. The tense undulations of the body surfaces remind one of a wild animal in pursuit of prey, and every line expresses a sense of speed. The exterior is so dynamic it is hard to believe this form was achieved on a small city car. Not only does the quality feel of the interior exceed the standards of the class, the natural driving position made possible by moving the front wheels forward means you never feel like you are driving a small car. Along with the SKYACTIV clean diesel engine this model lets you enjoy the most fundamental pleasure of the automobile-moving your own hands and feet to get where you want to go-with all 5 senses.”

Established in 1957, the Good Design Award is Japan’;s only comprehensive program for the evaluation and commendation of design. In 2014, a total of 1,258 designs were awarded the Good Design Award, among which the highest scoring 100 were named to the Good Design Best 100. The Good Design Gold Award is awarded to the most outstanding designs among the Good Design Best 100.

For more information about the Japan Institute of Design Promotion’;s Good Design Award:

http://www.g-mark.org/?locale=en

“Mazda Southern Africa is inspired and enthusiastic about launching this now multi award winning all-new Mazda2 in South Africa early 2015.” Says David Hughes – MD of Mazda South Africa

*SKYACTIV is the umbrella term for Mazda’;s range of next-generation technologies-including gasoline and diesel engines, transmissions, body and chassis – developed under Mazda’;s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom vision to provide both driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance.

All-New Mazda2 Wins Good Design Gold Award 2014 In Japan

All-New Mazda2 Wins Good Design Gold Award 2014 In Japan

The soon to be launched in South Africa, all-new Mazda2 wins Good Design’;s Gold Award in Japan

After just recently winning Car Of The Year Japan, Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that the all-new Mazda2 received the Good Design Award’;s Good Design Gold Award (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Minister’;s Award), sponsored by public interest incorporated foundation, Japan Institute of Design Promotion.

Following the Mazda CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3 the soon to be launched in South Africa, all-new Mazda2 is the 4th in Mazda’;s line-up of new-generation products which feature the full range of SKYACTIV technology* and KODO-Soul of Motion design.

Aspiring to create a new-generation subcompact that would shatter people’;s preconceived notions about this class of vehicle, Mazda packed all the new technology and design ideas that have defined the automaker’;s new-generation models into the compact body of the Mazda2. KODO design has been evolved to give the model a sense of life and an undeniable presence that belies the vehicle’;s compact size. With the interior, Mazda designers aimed to set a new global benchmark for the segment. Every element, from spatial composition and forms, through to colour coordination and textures, was drastically transformed to realize a feeling of quality that exceeds the class.

The Japan Institute of Design Promotion said about the Mazda2, “Mazda has taken all of the KODO design from the last few years and condensed it into this compact body. The tense undulations of the body surfaces remind one of a wild animal in pursuit of prey, and every line expresses a sense of speed. The exterior is so dynamic it is hard to believe this form was achieved on a small city car. Not only does the quality feel of the interior exceed the standards of the class, the natural driving position made possible by moving the front wheels forward means you never feel like you are driving a small car. Along with the SKYACTIV clean diesel engine this model lets you enjoy the most fundamental pleasure of the automobile-moving your own hands and feet to get where you want to go-with all 5 senses.”

Established in 1957, the Good Design Award is Japan’;s only comprehensive program for the evaluation and commendation of design. In 2014, a total of 1,258 designs were awarded the Good Design Award, among which the highest scoring 100 were named to the Good Design Best 100. The Good Design Gold Award is awarded to the most outstanding designs among the Good Design Best 100.

For more information about the Japan Institute of Design Promotion’;s Good Design Award:

http://www.g-mark.org/?locale=en

“Mazda Southern Africa is inspired and enthusiastic about launching this now multi award winning all-new Mazda2 in South Africa early 2015.” Says David Hughes – MD of Mazda South Africa

*SKYACTIV is the umbrella term for Mazda’;s range of next-generation technologies-including gasoline and diesel engines, transmissions, body and chassis – developed under Mazda’;s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom vision to provide both driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance.

All-New Mazda2 Wins Good Design Gold Award 2014 In Japan

All-New Mazda2 Wins Good Design Gold Award 2014 In Japan

The soon to be launched in South Africa, all-new Mazda2 wins Good Design’;s Gold Award in Japan

After just recently winning Car Of The Year Japan, Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that the all-new Mazda2 received the Good Design Award’;s Good Design Gold Award (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Minister’;s Award), sponsored by public interest incorporated foundation, Japan Institute of Design Promotion.

Following the Mazda CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3 the soon to be launched in South Africa, all-new Mazda2 is the 4th in Mazda’;s line-up of new-generation products which feature the full range of SKYACTIV technology* and KODO-Soul of Motion design.

Aspiring to create a new-generation subcompact that would shatter people’;s preconceived notions about this class of vehicle, Mazda packed all the new technology and design ideas that have defined the automaker’;s new-generation models into the compact body of the Mazda2. KODO design has been evolved to give the model a sense of life and an undeniable presence that belies the vehicle’;s compact size. With the interior, Mazda designers aimed to set a new global benchmark for the segment. Every element, from spatial composition and forms, through to colour coordination and textures, was drastically transformed to realize a feeling of quality that exceeds the class.

The Japan Institute of Design Promotion said about the Mazda2, “Mazda has taken all of the KODO design from the last few years and condensed it into this compact body. The tense undulations of the body surfaces remind one of a wild animal in pursuit of prey, and every line expresses a sense of speed. The exterior is so dynamic it is hard to believe this form was achieved on a small city car. Not only does the quality feel of the interior exceed the standards of the class, the natural driving position made possible by moving the front wheels forward means you never feel like you are driving a small car. Along with the SKYACTIV clean diesel engine this model lets you enjoy the most fundamental pleasure of the automobile-moving your own hands and feet to get where you want to go-with all 5 senses.”

Established in 1957, the Good Design Award is Japan’;s only comprehensive program for the evaluation and commendation of design. In 2014, a total of 1,258 designs were awarded the Good Design Award, among which the highest scoring 100 were named to the Good Design Best 100. The Good Design Gold Award is awarded to the most outstanding designs among the Good Design Best 100.

For more information about the Japan Institute of Design Promotion’;s Good Design Award:

http://www.g-mark.org/?locale=en

“Mazda Southern Africa is inspired and enthusiastic about launching this now multi award winning all-new Mazda2 in South Africa early 2015.” Says David Hughes – MD of Mazda South Africa

*SKYACTIV is the umbrella term for Mazda’;s range of next-generation technologies-including gasoline and diesel engines, transmissions, body and chassis – developed under Mazda’;s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom vision to provide both driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance.

All-New Mazda2 Wins Good Design Gold Award 2014 In Japan

All-New Mazda2 Wins Good Design Gold Award 2014 In Japan

The soon to be launched in South Africa, all-new Mazda2 wins Good Design’;s Gold Award in Japan

After just recently winning Car Of The Year Japan, Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that the all-new Mazda2 received the Good Design Award’;s Good Design Gold Award (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Minister’;s Award), sponsored by public interest incorporated foundation, Japan Institute of Design Promotion.

Following the Mazda CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3 the soon to be launched in South Africa, all-new Mazda2 is the 4th in Mazda’;s line-up of new-generation products which feature the full range of SKYACTIV technology* and KODO-Soul of Motion design.

Aspiring to create a new-generation subcompact that would shatter people’;s preconceived notions about this class of vehicle, Mazda packed all the new technology and design ideas that have defined the automaker’;s new-generation models into the compact body of the Mazda2. KODO design has been evolved to give the model a sense of life and an undeniable presence that belies the vehicle’;s compact size. With the interior, Mazda designers aimed to set a new global benchmark for the segment. Every element, from spatial composition and forms, through to colour coordination and textures, was drastically transformed to realize a feeling of quality that exceeds the class.

The Japan Institute of Design Promotion said about the Mazda2, “Mazda has taken all of the KODO design from the last few years and condensed it into this compact body. The tense undulations of the body surfaces remind one of a wild animal in pursuit of prey, and every line expresses a sense of speed. The exterior is so dynamic it is hard to believe this form was achieved on a small city car. Not only does the quality feel of the interior exceed the standards of the class, the natural driving position made possible by moving the front wheels forward means you never feel like you are driving a small car. Along with the SKYACTIV clean diesel engine this model lets you enjoy the most fundamental pleasure of the automobile-moving your own hands and feet to get where you want to go-with all 5 senses.”

Established in 1957, the Good Design Award is Japan’;s only comprehensive program for the evaluation and commendation of design. In 2014, a total of 1,258 designs were awarded the Good Design Award, among which the highest scoring 100 were named to the Good Design Best 100. The Good Design Gold Award is awarded to the most outstanding designs among the Good Design Best 100.

For more information about the Japan Institute of Design Promotion’;s Good Design Award:

http://www.g-mark.org/?locale=en

“Mazda Southern Africa is inspired and enthusiastic about launching this now multi award winning all-new Mazda2 in South Africa early 2015.” Says David Hughes – MD of Mazda South Africa

*SKYACTIV is the umbrella term for Mazda’;s range of next-generation technologies-including gasoline and diesel engines, transmissions, body and chassis – developed under Mazda’;s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom vision to provide both driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance.

All-New Mazda2 Wins Good Design Gold Award 2014 In Japan

Subaru Levorg wins coveted 2014 Good Design Award

The Subaru Levorg has won the coveted 2014 Good Design Award from the Japan Institute of Design Promotion (JDP). Following the 2013 award bestowed on the Subaru Forester and the 2012 awards for the Impreza and XV, this marks the 3^rd consecutive year that Subaru has been honoured with the Good Design Award, which reflects JDP’;s high praise for the Subaru design that fuses style and functionality.

The JPD comments: “True to its product concept as the fusion of sports car and wagon features, the Subaru Levorg has a dynamic form with fender blisters and a roof line which is sloped more sharply than the traditional wagon-style Legacy while maintaining the brand’;s strengths of good visibility and a versatile cargo space. On the inside, Subaru has gone so far as to set up a special design team to complete finishing touches, where we can see the attention that they’;ve given to details in the feel of materials and the sound quality of moving parts.

“With further advances made on the brand’;s unique technologies such as the horizontally-opposed Boxer® engine and EyeSightT driver assist system, the Subaru Levorg has been completed as a vehicle which ensures a secure, enjoyable driving experience.”

Subaru Levorg wins coveted 2014 Good Design Award