Africa-Press – Ethiopia. South Africa will soon have a huge gap in the market as the Nissan NP200 reaches the end of its reign following the end of production at its Rosslyn plant.
This segment of the market was once very popular.
It was historically dominated by models such as the Volkswagen Caddy bakkie, Mazda Rustler, Ford Bantam, Corsa Utility, Chevrolet Utility and Nissan NP200, which were common sights on South African roads.
Small bakkies like these were consistently popular with tradesmen or leisure enthusiasts looking for an affordable vehicle that was light on fuel and could carry some load.
None of South Africa’s other local manufacturers seem to have the appetite for a new product offering in this segment, instead concentrating on models that fulfil their export contracts.
Stellantis are jumping at the opportunity and has confirmed that they will launch the Fiat Strada in the Middle East and Africa.
However, this is limited to left-hand drive markets only.
If the decision is taken to launch the Strada in South Africa, it will only happen with the next-generation model, which is not scheduled for launch before the end of 2024.
A modern take on the compact bakkie idea
The Fiat Strada is a well-established product in markets like Brazil, where it is the indisputable sales leader. The Strada offers the latest in terms of technology, design and safety.
An extensive model range includes single and double-cab derivatives. LED headlights and a robust, distinguished appearance characterise the Fiat Strada.
Cargo capacity is said to be unparalleled for a bakkie this size, with the ability to carry between 650kg and 720kg, depending on the version and offering up to 1 354 litres in the single cab model, making it exceptionally suited to professional and personal needs.
The Strada’s interior is said to be comfortable and offers an abundance of storage compartments and air-conditioning to ensure passenger comfort. It is equipped with advanced technologies such as stability control, hill start assist and traction control. Safety technology includes four airbags, pretensioner seatbelts, and even Isofix child seat anchors.
In Brazil, the Strada is currently offered with a 1.3 litre naturally aspirated engine and a 1.0 litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine that boasts 92kW and 200Nm.
Fiat claims that the Strada offers unrivalled versatility, with the ability to function as both a reliable workhorse or a travel companion.
“The introduction of the Fiat Strada in Sub-Saharan Africa marks a significant milestone for Stellantis. The Fiat Strada is a flexible partner for people who welcome change and push their limits because it combines the practicality of a family vehicle with the dependability required in a business environment.
“With this new vehicle, we expand our range of mobility solutions into the emerging entry-level pick-up segment, catering to the needs of our Sub-Saharan African customers. This reaffirms our commitment to strengthening our leadership in the region’s light commercial vehicle (LCV) market,” said Samir Cherfan, the chief operating officer of Stellantis Middle East and Africa.
Will the Fiat Strada be built in South Africa?
Earlier this year, Stellantis confirmed its intention to develop a greenfield manufacturing facility in Coega, South Africa, with the Industrial Development Corporation and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.
The manufacturing plant will be built in the South African Special Economic Zone in Coega, situated near Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape. The greenfield manufacturing project is planned to be completed by the end of 2025.
The first launch planned for early 2026 is a 1 T pick-up truck, with volumes expected to reach up to 50 000 completely knocked down units annually, including export, in line with the industry masterplan, known as the Automotive Production Development Programme.
The plant will be predisposed in terms of space and painting to go up to 90 000 units per year.
Whether this production will include the Strada product range is yet to be confirmed because no decision has been made on the production and whether that will consist of single or double-cab models.
However, it would make sense to produce a vehicle that is sold in the region at this new facility.
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