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24/04/2026

12/04/2026

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26/03/2026

Emerging car brands gain ground – but risk still drives insurance costs

Posted on 26 March 2026 by Moonstone Information Refinery — Leave a comment
Emerging vehicle brands are gaining measurable traction among South African buyers, with new data from Naked Insurance showing a sharp increase in interest over the past year.

However, while consumers expand their consideration sets beyond traditional favourites, insurers and industry data point to persistent risk and cost factors – including theft patterns and rising global supply pressures – that continue to shape premiums and the true cost of ownership.

Data from Naked Insurance shows that emerging brands accounted for 10% of car insurance quotes on its platform in January 2026, up from 5% in January 2025. According to the insurer, Chery and Haval are attracting the highest levels of interest among buyers, with Jetour – part of the Chery group – gaining momentum.

Naked co-founder Ernest North said this reflects a shift in how consumers evaluate vehicles.

“South Africans are clearly becoming more open to emerging vehicle brands as they look for cars that offer a strong balance of price, features, design, and practicality.”

He added that consumer conversations increasingly centre on trust and long-term viability.

“In many conversations about cars today, people are asking whether these brands are worth considering, whether they can be trusted, whether parts and servicing will be available, and whether they offer the kind of value and reliability that could make them a serious long-term alternative to the established favourites.”

Naked’s data indicates that these brands are firmly in the consideration set. North cautioned against viewing the shift as purely price driven.

“Many consumers are gravitating towards these makes because they are building a reputation for offering strong specifications, comfortable interiors, and modern designs that compare favourably with more established brands,” he said. “‘Value for money’ used to mean fewer features and more compromise. The new entrants are challenging that perception.”

Total cost of ownership comes into focus
North said buyers considering emerging brands should assess the total cost of ownership rather than focusing solely on the purchase price.

This includes insurance, fuel, servicing, and depreciation. He noted that insurance remains a critical component, particularly where vehicles are financed, and advised consumers to obtain quotes before committing to a purchase to understand the full monthly cost.

Fuel consumption should be assessed using real-world data rather than manufacturer claims. On servicing, he pointed to increasingly competitive warranties and service plans offered by newer brands but cautioned that exclusions and conditions need to be carefully reviewed, particularly in relation to consumables, dealer footprint, and parts availability.

Depreciation is another key factor. Vehicles that lose value more quickly may prove more expensive over time because of weaker resale value.

“The surge in interest in emerging brands shows that South African consumers are increasingly open to alternatives to long-established vehicle brands, especially as they are trying to make smart financial decisions,” North said. “The exciting part is that consumers today have more choice than ever, with less compromise on quality, features, and design.”

Popular vehicles – and persistent risk patterns
Despite growing interest in newer brands, established models continue to dominate South Africa’s vehicle landscape.

Data from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) shows that vehicles such as Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Polo Vivo, and Toyota Corolla Cross remain among the country’s top-selling models.

These vehicles also feature prominently in vehicle crime statistics. The Tracker Vehicle Crime Index, drawing on national tracking data, consistently identifies the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Volkswagen Polo as among the most targeted vehicles for theft and hijacking.

Tracker attributes this to strong demand for these vehicles and their parts in legal and illicit markets. The index also shows that hijackings now account for a growing share of vehicle crime, reflecting a shift in criminal activity.

For insurers, these patterns translate directly into pricing and underwriting decisions. Industry data published by insurers and risk analysts indicates that high-risk vehicles may attract higher premiums, stricter policy conditions, and requirements such as tracking devices or higher excesses.

Global pressures begin to feed through
In addition to local risk factors, global developments are beginning to influence vehicle and insurance costs.

Local insurers are already warning of potential knock-on effects. OUTsurance Group chief executive Marthinus Visser said, in comments reported by News24, that although premium inflation has recently moderated – partly because of lower claims, particularly in motor – the conflict in the Middle East could reverse that trend.

He indicated that higher oil prices and disruptions to key shipping routes are adding pressure to global supply chains, increasing the cost of goods such as vehicle parts. This, in turn, is expected to feed into claims costs.

Visser said these developments are likely to be inflationary, with both consumer price inflation and claims inflation expected to rise as supply chain pressures build. However, he noted that the impact may not be immediate, because insurers may absorb some of the costs in the short term, and the extent of the effect will depend on how long the conflict lasts.

Sanlam chief executive Paul Hanratty has also warned of broader economic consequences. Speaking to BusinessDay, he said a prolonged Middle East conflict could have a significant impact on financial markets, driven by higher oil prices and rising inflation.

Hanratty indicated that sustained price pressures could reverse the recent trend of easing interest rates, placing additional strain on consumers and slowing economic growth. He also cautioned that the situation presents material risks for insurers and financial services firms more broadly, both through market volatility and potential operational disruptions in affected regions.

Economists and industry analysts point to fuel as a key transmission mechanism. Higher oil prices increase manufacturing and transport costs, while disruptions to global shipping routes add further pressure to vehicle and parts supply chains.

For insurers, this translates into higher claims costs. Rising parts prices, longer repair times, and delays in sourcing components increase the cost of settling claims – a factor that typically feeds into premium adjustments over time.

This dynamic may become increasingly relevant for newer entrants. Although emerging brands are gaining traction on value and features, their long-term insurance profile will depend on factors such as parts availability, repair networks, and claims experience.



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Information source: Moonstone

24/03/2026

It's world TB day

18/03/2026

Small, quick and often overlooked, intravenous (IV) access is sometimes vital to saving lives – especially in pre-hospital emergency care.
Intravenous (IV) access, often called a drip, is not needed for most patients paramedics transport. But when it is required, it gives them immediate access to the circulatory system, allowing rapid treatment when time matters most, says Anel Buys, an Operational Paramedic at ER24 North Metro.

What is an IV line and when is it used?
IV access means placing a small, sterile tube into a vein – usually in the patient’s hand, arm or leg, and sometimes the neck. “In emergency care, IV lines give us immediate access to the bloodstream,” Buys says. “That access is essential when a patient’s condition is unstable or deteriorating.”

For quick access to emergency assistance, save 084 124 to your phone now
Why IV access is critical in emergencies
“Aside from intraosseous (IO) access, where medication is delivered directly into the bone, IV delivery is the fastest and most effective route for administering medication,” says Buys. “It allows us to intervene immediately in life-threatening situations.”

Whether it’s fluids to support blood pressure or medication to control pain, control bleeding or stabilise the heart, IV access enables rapid, targeted care.

When are IV lines commonly used?
IV lines are used in many emergency situations, especially when patients need fluids or medication. People with very low blood pressure, dehydration or shock may need IV fluids to improve circulation and blood flow to vital organs. Patients with traumatic injuries like fractures, may also receive IV pain relief before being moved, helping to ease pain and reduce further strain on the body.

How quickly can paramedics place an IV line?
In most cases, an IV line can be established in around two minutes.

“IV cannulation – inserting a small tube into a vein to allow fluids or medication to be given – is a core clinical skill taught early in paramedic training and practised almost daily in the field,” Buys says. “That repetition builds a high level of proficiency, even in patients with difficult venous access.”

Different types of IV and vascular access
While peripheral IV access is the most common approach, paramedics are trained to use several forms of vascular access, depending on the patient’s condition:

Peripheral IV access: Inserted into veins of the hands, arms or legs and used in most cases.
External jugular (EJ) access: Cannulation of a vein in the neck when peripheral access isn’t possible.
Scalp vein cannulation: Occasionally used in infants.
Intraosseous (IO) access: A needle inserted directly into the bone marrow, providing rapid access to circulation.
“IO access is extremely effective but painful, so it’s reserved for critical cases like cardiac arrest, severe burns or major trauma when IV access isn’t possible,” Buys explains. “For stable patients, peripheral IV access is preferable because it’s less invasive.”

Are there risks associated with IV lines?
Like any medical procedure, IV insertion carries some risk, though most complications are minor. These may include pain, bruising or bleeding at the insertion site, especially if an attempt is unsuccessful. Less commonly, more serious issues can occur, such as infection, infiltration or extravasation (fluid leaking into surrounding tissue), or significant bleeding, particularly in patients taking blood-thinning medication.

“All IV-related problems are recorded and passed on to hospital staff,” Buys notes, so the patient can be closely monitored and treated if needed.

How paramedics are trained to place IV lines safely
Paramedics receive thorough training to make sure IV lines are placed safely and correctly. During their studies, they must pass written tests and hands-on practical exams. They must also complete a set number of successful IV insertions under supervision before the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) considers them competent.

“Ongoing practice in the field refines those skills,” says Buys. “Even experienced paramedics can encounter challenging cases, but training prepares us to adapt.”

Can IV access save lives?
Absolutely. In cases of severe blood loss, IV access allows fluids to be given immediately and life-saving medicines, such as tranexamic acid (TXA), to help reduce bleeding. It also allows administration of drugs like adrenaline to support blood pressure and help prevent cardiac arrest.

“Without IV access, those interventions wouldn’t be possible in the pre-hospital setting,” Buys says.

Supporting patients during transport
IV lines remain important while a patient is being transported to the hospital. They let paramedics keep a close eye on the patient, administer extra treatment if needed, and respond quickly if the patient’s condition worsens.

During inter-facility transfers, IV access also allows ongoing medication infusions and helps ensure care can continue immediately on arrival.

Have there been advancements in IV technology?
While IV techniques in the field haven’t changed much, hospitals are increasingly using tools like ultrasound-guided IVs and infrared vein finders. These help make insertions more accurate and successful, especially for patients whose veins are hard to find.

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