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Currently rivalling braai-side conversations about the Springboks’ chances of winning in the forthcoming Rugby World Cup in France and whether a Ford Ranger is even a match for a Toyota Hilux, talk of which neighbours spent what on their respective load-shedding “fix” is all but guaranteed to spark debate in many South African homes. Whether you’re able to spend whatever it takes to become altogether less reliant on the national grid, or you’ve chosen to navigate a balance between affordability and keeping only must-have appliances and conveniences running during periods of unstable power delivery to your home, depending on … Read more…

Within South Africa, lie some of the world’s most exquisite classic cars, each with its own captivating story. While some of these automotive gems stay tucked away in secrecy, others graciously make appearances for display from time to time. Curious to witness their timeless allure? Here’s your exclusive guide to where you can feast your eyes on some of these stunning beauties.   1. Knysna Motor Show Long before the annual Simola Hillclimb event drew massive crowds of enthusiasts and an ever-expanding line-up of some of the fastest cars and drivers in the country to compete against the clock, … Read more…

Already battle-weary when it comes to a traditional reliance on a functioning national grid, rumours of the imminent introduction of new, yet-to-be-explored stages of load-shedding events have many South Africans escalating plans for a move away from this dependence on a national energy supply. Solar PV is proving one of the most popular means of independent power generation for many homes across a predominantly sun-drenched South Africa. Of the three main types of solar PV systems available, the homeowner has a choice between being off-grid, partially off-grid (hybrid) or on-grid, the latter also known as grid-tied. As the name suggests, off-grid implies that … Read more…

Generally taken for granted or, indeed, only acknowledged after the fact, the bouquet of modern car safety features fitted to most new vehicles has thankfully evolved at a generally faster pace than the cars themselves. That said, these five innovations in automotive safety have undoubtedly saved many lives over the years:  1. The three-point seatbelt While the lap-type, two-point seatbelt had been around since the 1800s, it wasn’t until then president of Volvo Cars Gunner Engellau tragically lost a relative in a motor vehicle accident that the push towards a more effective way of securing occupants within their respective … Read more…

From skilled designers to respected engineers and line managers, together with world-class assembly lines and a reputation for a broadly excellent work ethic, South Africa has for many years remained a significant player on the global automotive scene. A market that also hosts a huge fanbase of car enthusiasts, Mzanzi has also produced some of the most sought-after limited-edition cars in modern motoring. 1. BMW 325iS The “Gusheshe” as it’s fondly referred to in South Africa is a car introduced locally in 1989 for the purpose of making it eligible for racing by meeting certain standards, known as homologation. … Read more…

The Solar & Future Energy Show Africa, spanning two days, concluded on the 26th of April at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The show has emerged as a prominent fixture in the region’s solar energy industry and attracted some 15 000 attendees and over 300 exhibitors from across the globe, including the United States, China, India, Israel, Thailand, South Korea, and Germany. With a sprawling exhibition area, the show has matured into one of the most influential events in South Africa’s new energy sector. During the exhibition, Rentech had the privilege of engaging with a diverse array of visitors, … Read more…

With pressure on both the cost and, indeed, reliability of South Africa’s troubled national energy grid, many consumers are exploring ways of becoming less reliant on this supply. While in our part of the world, harnessing the power of the sun offers one notable alternative; is it plausible to rely solely on solar?  As the South African consumer prepares for a sixteenth straight year of so-called load-shedding (power cuts), the news of an imminent 18.65 percent increase in the cost of this broadly unreliable basic service has proved to be a catalyst for many households to explore viable options of becoming … Read more…

The fastest-growing source of global renewable energy is showing no sign of slowing in terms of both investment and, indeed, adoption. In a market that enjoys as much annual sunlight as South Africa, isn’t it time we look to properly harness this impressive resource? Let’s take a closer look at some facts about the making use of solar power: It’s been around for a while In 1839, a then 19-year-old French physicist Alexandre Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect, the ability to generate energy from the sun’s rays. Later, in 1941, American scientist Russell Ohl working for Bell Laboratories would … Read more…

A well-established means with which to harness clean energy using the power of the sun, various innovations in solar PV technology look set to make this science both generally more accessible, but also altogether more aesthetically pleasing. While we’ve come a long way in terms of what’s achievable via a strategically positioning series of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels mated within a power grid, such is the rate of innovation within this hugely significant industry that it may not be long before this technology more seamlessly integrates into our everyday lives. We look at five of the most pertinent future-focused updates likely coming our … Read more…

Returning home after a well-earned end-of-year break, before preparations for the new work and school year begin, it’s a good idea to ensure your favourite leisure vehicle’s battery is setup for its corresponding period of rest. Often taken for granted, the intricate workings of any vehicle’s electrical system, including its battery, require a level of maintenance and upkeep in order to be able to perform optimally when called upon. From caravans to motorboats and motorcycles, in the case of a leisure-focused vehicle, while we’d all prefer to be able to make more frequent use of these items, it’s inevitable … Read more…

The heartbeat of a modern automotive engine bay, we take a closer look at what makes your car’s battery such a crucial component Since the broad adoption in the 1920s of an electric starter function in automobiles, the role of an accompanying source of energy within the packaging of a car’s engine bay has proved significant. Seamless in its workings, the evolution of this crucial component may not generate the same headlines as, say, headlights, yet there’s still plenty of innovation worthy of acknowledgement in the way the modern car battery functions. 1. Battery technology is at the forefront … Read more…

From a plethora of electronic device chargers to a child’s favourite cuddly toy, the list of forget-me-not items to be considered before leaving home for your end-of-year family holiday destination can prove daunting. Including a timely service of your vehicle, here’s why you should consider registering your new Willard car battery. Just like the often-mocked South African adage that the box is your guarantee, as a consumer, your power lies in the ability to accurately trace the purchase of an item back to an exact date and time. Whether for reasons of dissatisfaction, unreliability or a simple decision change, … Read more…

The Els for Autism Series 2022 Golf Series recently reached its finale with a two-day event held at Sun City. The Els for Autism Series golf days, which took place throughout the year at some of South Africa’s finest golf courses, make up a considerable source of income for the work Els for Autism does in South Africa, and the spectacular Sun City was a fitting backdrop to end the year. Days one and two of the event were held at the Sun City Golf Course and the Lost City Golf Course respectively, with 108 players competing for top … Read more…

AutoX has donated funds to go toward tree-planting in 2022 in Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu Natal provinces. The donation equated to 620 trees being planted at 16 beneficiaries across the three provinces along with staff tree planting volunteer day in each region. Click here, to download the full report….

The optimal operation of your car’s battery aside, it’s good practice to ensure that every component is functioning to its potential. This means timely servicing and checking systems to safeguard against even the smallest fault creating a knock-on effect on the ultimate flow of performance. A slow starting engine Reliant on several factors, processes and even a chemical reaction to work efficiently, the first sign that your car’s battery is taking strain or, indeed, needs to be replaced is a slow crank of the engine it’s mated with. Before rushing to replace it, however, consider whether the prevailing outside … Read more…

AutoX, battery manufacturer of Willard and SABAT Batteries, continues where it left off last year when it secured the naming rights sponsorship for the Els for Autism South Africa 21/22 Golf Series. The Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 by Ernie and Liezl Els a few years after discovering that their son, Ben, was impacted by the disorder, which affects 1 in 59 individuals. Els for Autism aims to provide families across the globe with best practice interventions and support. In early January 2011, Ernie and Liezl Els embarked on a goal to create a service that … Read more…

The recent Automechanika Johannesburg trade fair for the automotive aftermarket, organised by Messe Frankfurt South Africa and staged at the Expo Centre, Nasrec, from 7-10 June 2022, provided a blend of product displays and activations. Corné Strydom, Sales & Marketing Executive for AutoX, had this to say about the presence of three of its brands, Willard®, VARTA® and Rentech® at Automechanika, “With hundreds of exhibitors and with visitors from Sub Saharan Africa and around the world, this was a great chance to show off some of our feature brands.” “Our Willard brand is fiercely proud of its local roots. … Read more…

Whether you’re an advocate for DIY or the option of “leaving it to the experts” isn’t available, working around your car’s battery can prove hazardous. It’s worth noting the following precautions before taking to your toolbox. Considered Clothing An impressively complex component, the inner workings of a car’s battery include any number of potentially harmful materials, liquids, and fumes. While appropriate gloves are a must (no, not your open mitts), also consider whether the rest of your body, as well as your favourite cardigan are suitably protected against any unforeseen spills or damage. This includes eye- and footwear. Recommended … Read more…

If you were looking for a true-blue indigenous brand which has been a stalwart in the local parts aftermarket for decades, Willard® Batteries would most certainly pop up on your radar. For over 65 years, Willard Batteries has reflected the South African spirit of combining international state-of-the-art technology with local ingenuity and knowhow. With a strong brand name and reputation, Willard Batteries recently took podium position and was voted as South Africa’s favourite battery brand for 2021. This is not a first for the brand, having been rated amongst consumers as their favourite battery brand of choice in the … Read more…

Renewable energy solutions provider Rentech’s sponsorship of 200 Rentech 6v, 4.5AH batteries and 5 Noco Genius Gen 2 chargers for the non-profit Cape Leopard Trust is set to contribute invaluably towards research and conservation of leopard populations in the Cape region….

All batteries, car batteries and the like, eventually need replacing. Although batteries are not thought to be as harmful as they once were, it’s still important to dispose of lead-acid batteries responsibly by recycling them safely….

AutoX, the battery manufacturer of brands such as Willard Batteries and SABAT Batteries, as well as the importer of VARTA, has acquired the naming rights sponsorship, valued at over a million rand, for the ELS for Autism South Africa 2021 and 2022 Golf Series. The 13-event tour commenced at the Wild Coast golf course on 13 December 2020 and will be followed by planned events in 2021 at the following clubs across the country, the Els Club, St Francis Links, Stellenbosch, Waterkloof, Mount Edgecombe, Randpark, Highland Gate, Silverlakes, Ebotse and Sun City. The ELS for Autism Foundation was established … Read more…

By Kelvin Naidoo, Manufacturing and Technical Director of AutoX. AutoX is the manufacturer of the leading automotive battery brands Willard and SABAT and the official distributor of the world renowned VARTA automotive batteries. Lead acid batteries are one of the few battery types that embrace a fully circular economic cycle from manufacture to recycling of over 98% of the battery. An intricate and efficient international infrastructure to close the loop from cradle to grave and back to cradle has been established over many decades, protecting the environment,people and resources. A lead acid battery consists of lead, sulphuric acid and … Read more…

AutoX’s re-entry into the renewable technology market with their brand Rentech, focusing heavily on the solar business, is bearing fruit. The company says demand is rapidly increasing, especially in the domestic and small commercial solar market as well as the motive and standby power markets. Under the Rentech brand, AutoX supplies solar system components and industrial batteries for a range of applications including reserve power for stand-by and back-up applications, gate and garage door motors, Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), solar batteries, motive power for leisure vehicles, golf carts, wheelchairs, marine and 4×4 vehicles, and for traction and materials handling … Read more…

During the winter months, people may need to work on their car battery or use battery charging equipment. Because sulphuric acid is contained in batteries, it is important to remember that it is a poisonous and corrosive liquid and will cause burns and irritation to the skin and eyes if not properly managed. Therefore, take precautions when charging a battery because it can give off a fine mist of sulphuric acid that is dangerous. It is important to always handle batteries with care. When working with a battery, keep it upright, and always charge it in a well-ventilated area. … Read more…

During these cold winter months, the chances of having a flat battery increases significantly, and even more so if the battery is getting old and your vehicle wasn’t driven much during lockdown. When it is cold, the chemical reactions that take place when the battery delivers charge occurs very slowly, and this makes it difficult for the battery to deliver the current it requires. Batteries don’t like standing idle for long periods, and it’s a true case of prevention rather than cure. Here are some useful tips to ensure the health of your car’s battery and to keep your … Read more…

With winter now having fully arrived, should your car fail to start, especially in the morning, the battery is likely the culprit. This could be the result of the lockdown and your vehicle not having been driven as much. If the battery needs to be removed, it is recommended that an authorised fitment centre be contacted, otherwise the following procedures should be used for an automotive battery. Battery Removal: Before removing the old battery, take note which terminal Pos+ or Neg — is connected to the ground cable. The grounded cable is usually connected to the engine or chassis. … Read more…

Going out and receiving help when your beloved car starts acting up has become difficult thanks to the current lockdown in South Africa. With dealerships and car service shops forced to close, it’s now up to you to ensure your car continues to run smoothly and perform – for a short while at least. Now it’s more important than ever to know how to keep your car in good working condition, but there’s no need to worry, we’re here to help! We’ve compiled some useful information that anyone can follow to ensure the health of your car’s battery and … Read more…

Heine, our OEM Manager down in PE was recently hosted on Cape Talk radio. He was interviewed regarding ‘The Do’s and Don’t’s about Car Batteries’ listen on the link below, or read the transcription below: Pippa Hudson: Now, we’re making good on a promise in Car Talk today. A promise to do a segment focused on car batteries and how we treat them, and how we can prolong their life, or what we’re doing that is unintentionally damaging their life. A couple of weeks back, you may recall we received a listener query about how often she should expect … Read more…

AutoX is proud that over the years Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives have become a core component to the business….