Press Releases
The Automobile Association (AA) advocates for consumer rights. It also provides useful information to consumers on all aspects of mobility and road use. Read our articles below for more information.
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Do you know the cost of your vehicle?
Do you know how much it costs to keep your car on the road every day? Or, more precisely, do you know how much your car costs you daily, even when it is parked in the garage over weekends? It is important for all vehicle owners to understand that the cost of owning a vehicle goes far beyond only the cost of fuel. Too many people assume the cost of the vehicle is the repayment of the loan (if...
Safer cars a better choice for new buyers
In a recent survey, almost 75% of prospective new car owners stated their purchase decision would be influenced by whether a car has been crash-tested and safety rated. 81% of these prospective buyers said the ratings of vehicles would also influence their decision if they were presented with two similar vehicles with different safety ratings. The survey – which polled more than 650 people -...
Know Your Towing Rights
Being stuck on the side of the road is an unpleasant, and sometimes scary situation for anyone. This can be even worse if you are stuck because of a crash. It is advisable for all motorists to be aware of their rights, and in control of events, in such a situation. We hear too often of motorists who are involved in crashes and they have their vehicles towed away from the scene without their...
Fuel to jump again on oil, April deficit
Fuel prices will jump to record highs in June on the back of stronger international oil prices, and a deficit carried over from April. This is according to the unaudited month-end fuel data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF). The Rand traded in a fairly narrow band against the US dollar throughout May. However, international oil prices have come under strong pressure, accounting for...
Employers have a responsibility to road safety, especially in bad weather
In adverse weather conditions, such as those currently being experienced in many parts of the country, employers have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their employees. And, understanding this obligation before bad weather occurs is vital. Too often we hear stories of employees who go to great lengths, sometimes risking their own and other road users’ safety, to get to work exactly on...
Fuel up as oil price, levies bite
The fuel price is set for a steep hike as higher fuel levies kick in, and an increase in international fuel prices makes its presence felt. This is according to the unaudited month-end fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund. International petroleum product prices, which have remained stable since mid-February, have climbed sharply since 12 March. We're anticipating an increase of...
Petrol price breakdown
To understand how the fuel price is comprised, we are publishing a fuel price breakdown for the third year. This breakdown gives a snapshot of how the cost of every litre of petrol inland, and at the coast, is determined. These figures are based on 93 unleaded octane fuel (inland) and 95 octane fuel (coastal). The purpose of the breakdown, and accompanying infographics, is aimed at educating the...
Oil price spike feeds fuel hikes
Sharp increases in the landed prices of fuels are set to hit motorists hard at the end of April. This is according to the unaudited mid-month data released by the Central Energy Fund. Petroleum prices were largely flat in the first week of April, but spiked sharply as tensions escalated in Syria. The Middle East lies near many of the world's key oil producers, and petroleum prices have...
510 deaths over Easter, urgent action needed
Transport Minister Blade Nzimande released the Easter road death toll today announcing a shocking 14% increase in road fatalities over the Easter period from 29 March to 9 April 2018, over the same period in 2017. This period coincides with national school holidays. The release of these numbers must serve as an urgent indication to government to bring all role-players in road safety into the...
134 000+ road deaths over ten years,unacceptable!
The annual road fatality statistics for 2017, made available by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) on their website on Friday (SUBS: 20 April), is another indication of the need for urgent road safety intervention on South Africa’s roads. The statistics show the situation on the country’s roads is worsening, despite numerous safety campaigns by government and non-governmental...
What to do if you are caught up in civil unrest
Finding yourself at the centre of a civil unrest situation in your car is not something many people think of. However, recent events in some parts of South Africa mean it is wise to be prepared if this does happen to you. The first, and most important action, is to avoid these areas as far as possible. If you are aware of unrest near to you, monitor media and social media, listen to radio...
SA consumers hit hard. Again.
Toll fees across South Africa have risen by between six and seven percent, signalling yet another financial blow to already cash-strapped South Africans. And, the increases come at a time when fuel is touching on record high levels, in part because of the hefty increases to indirect taxes added to fuel prices at the beginning of the month. The announcement was made by the South African National...