Autoworld In House Training on Motul Lubricants

Trainer Pascal Mukuka on the far-right hand side standing

Autoworld constantly invests in its staff, with regular training arranged in order to maintain a high level of professionalism.

Late August sales and purchasing staff, including those from our fitment centre, attended a lubricants workshop, with Lubricants Sales Manager Themba Mukuka, from CFAO Group of Companies, as trainer. Mr Mukuka explained the unique benefits of using Motul lubricants, urging staff to encourage our customers to use them.

There were two training sessions in all, with 12 attendees at each session.

September offer from Autoworld

Give your engine an overhaul with discounted oils this month! Make the most of this offer on all Castrol and Engen lubricants. For 1 week only - the clock’s ticking …

All about the Elephant charge 4x4 challenge

By David Findlay, Autoworld Rally Team Captain

The Elephant charge is an off road rally challenge filled with adrenaline and adventure. Each team of up to 6 members drive in mountainous terrain in a 4x4 trying to get the shortest possible distance around the course of 10 checkpoints. That’s it!

It’s not so much speed that wins, but slow and very technical driving. The race is an 8 hour event and in that time the winning team should complete a total distance of 25-30 km. This is easier said than done as there are hardly any roads on the course and teams solely rely on GPS navigation. However the Elephant charge is not only about being thrown about in a 4x4 for eight hours in order to stand a chance of winning a trophy. Its true purpose is one of greater importance ...

Raising money for conservation

That’s the key! The teams have a mammoth task ahead of them each year to approach companies and individuals to seek sponsorship. This can be done in many different ways. However the Autoworld team has partnered with all our local and international suppliers around the world. When they offer special discounts on purchases we buy, we pass these onto the Elephant charge each year. This has been a highly successful method, raising a total of USD156,443 from 2010 to date. And still counting!

The sponsorship funds raised each year are used for conservation, specifically for education and anti-poaching initiatives. There are many conservation organisations from all over Zambia supported by the Elephant charge. These are listed here https://www.elephantcharge.org/beneficiaries

Trophies won

Besides raising money for conservation, Team Autoworld has won three trophies for the shortest net distance, one trophy for the overall race and tsetse line, and four trophies for the gauntlet (a section of the course designated as ‘extreme terrain’).

Our Elephant charge team finds it a great pleasure and privilege to represent not only Autoworld but also the many suppliers that support this cause!

The Autoworld Rally car - ups and downs

In 2010 the Autoworld team started the race in a Fiat Jeep which broke down after only a few kilometres. We completed the race in a standard Land Cruiser vehicle - with poor results.

The first car the Autoworld team started with in the 2010 Elephant charge, and learned a good lesson from the experience (completing the race in a Toyota Land Cruiser pick up)

Team Autoworld in 2010

In 2011 we built up a Hilux Surf, thanks to generous support from our sponsors. This vehicle, fully modified, eventually won the Elephant charge in 2014! We raced the Hilux Surf until 2017, when we received overwhelming support to build a new vehicle.

2018 Car and Sponsors

Throughout the year 2018 there was a lot of panic to get the new car working and ready to race in September. This cost me a broken hand while working with the engineers day and night to finish the vehicle. I finally completed the car with a team of mechanics/electricians and fabricators two nights before the race, leaving hardly any time for thorough testing.

I want to particularly thank the following sponsors for all the support to build this vehicle and raise a significant amount for conservation:

Autoworld Ltd
TJM Australia
Tracks 4 Africa
Pratley
Willard batteries
Zamtyre Distributors
Raylite batteries
GUD filters
Safeline brake pads
Tire World Exports
Spanjaard
Castrol Lubricants

Autoworld Car 18 at the Pilatus checkpoint – the section that we won (the Gauntlet)

Autoworld CAR 18 racing down the Rock face to win the Gauntlet! Picture by Cassandra Green

As mentioned above, we didn’t have enough time to complete the car and fully test it before the race. And this cost us the race! Unfortunately, an hour before the race began, on our way to a checkpoint, we hit into a tree stump which severely damaged the steering rod. We managed to dismantle the part during the race and temporarily fix it. But not having the under vehicle protection fitted was the problem. It wasn’t long before the steering rod was bent with rocks. This in turn caused strain against the driveshafts, and one of them eventually snapped completely. This left us with a vehicle with no 4WD when we needed it most. We put our heads together as a team and decided to at least complete the Gauntlet section and ensure we won one prize. We all sadly knew that we would not be completing the full race given the condition of the car at that point.

The Autoworld / TJM Treasure Hunt Trophy

Autoworld and TJM Australia each year sponsor the Elephant charge Treasure Hunt Trophy. There is a great prize to be won with this trophy - a 9500lb TJM winch! In order to win this prize a team must complete all the checkpoints of the course. At each checkpoint the team will receive a number which is part of the full coordinates leading to a peg hidden in the bush somewhere around the course.

The first team to get the full set of coordinates and find the peg wins the prize. The Hot Clutch team won the trophy last year, auctioning their newly acquired winch at the event. (All proceeds from the auction were given to one of the conservation beneficiaries.)

Team in action! Picture by Cassandra Green

For all the final results of the 2018 Elephant charge, click here

Sponsorship Appreciation

I am so grateful for all the support, sponsoring the team so well that we were able to reach a great milestone last year with a new vehicle. Over and above that we were still able to raise a significant amount of money to come in at third place for money raised. Every bit counts and we all know the threat that wildlife and natural reserves face today. I am always thankful to be able to play my role in raising money for this great cause.

2019 Focus

For 2019 my focus is to fully complete the vehicle in good time and ensure all the hurdles and teething problems are attended to beforehand. This will enable us to finally finish the race and  hopefully get some better results. Most importantly as a team we want to strive for the first place for money raised - the most important prize of them all. With the continued support of our sponsors, I hope to achieve this goal. If we complete the shortest distance as well then that will be the cherry on the cake!

Thanks to everybody who played a part in this event from sponsors, to mechanics and team members. You all did a great job.

I feel really blessed as we prepare for a great 2019 Elephant charge coming up on 28th September 2019.

David Findlay, Autoworld Team Rally Captain

For more details about the Elephant charge, visit the official Elephant charge website www.elephantcharge.org

Photo Gallery

The new vehicle based on 80 Series chassis and 45 Series cab

Team Autoworld winning - receiving the Gauntlet 1st prize

The Autoworld Team: Top row (left to right) - Johann, Owen, Pete, Ross; bottom row (left to right) - Frank, David

Balancing act during the race. The steering rod was bent and the car could not turn and almost overturned. Johann and Frank are keeping the four wheels on the ground while David reverses out

Thank you to all the sponsors:

August special offer

For a massive 15% discount as well as free fitting and balancing on all our tyre brands, get down to any of our participating branches within the next few days.

July special on GUD filters

This month we’re introducing a 15% discount on our complete range of GUD filters. Whether you need to change your vehicle’s oil filter, fuel filter or air filter, now is definitely the time. Get ready for some serious off-roading! !(and problem-free motoring in town)

Autoworld June 2019 offer - 8 days only

Starting today, 15% discount on all Willard, Raylite and Hi-fase batteries!

Is the cooler weather challenging your battery? Did you know that batteries run a maximum of 3 to 5 years, even with proper care.

One simple way to test if your car battery needs replacing is to start the car at night and switch on the headlights. With the vehicle out of gear, press the accelerator. If the headlights get brighter as you do so, then that's a sure sign your battery is on its way out.

Now’s a perfect time to get a new battery, with this generous offer from Autoworld. Available at all participating branches and Impala Service Station while stocks last.

Autoworld in-house training conducted by Wynn Products from South Africa

With the motto “Keeping Zambia moving”, Autoworld puts a lot of effort into stocking up-to-date spares and accessories for all its customer vehicle needs. Coupled with that, the company gives high priority to training its employees, ensuring they are fully equipped to help customers.

In early May 2019, representatives from Wynn Products in South Africa held two day-long training sessions for salesmen and warehouse staff. Altogether 24 staff members attended. Material covered included the different Wynn products, the different characteristics of each product and which one is suitable for different needs.

As well as Wynn's automotive interior sprays, Autoworld stocks a range of oil treatment products such as Engine Additive, Power Steering & ATF Conditioner, and Diff & Gearbox 'Stop Leak'.

As you will see from the smiling faces, the training was a huge success, with the team eager to put into practice what they’ve learned.

With spare parts, it's all about the brand

There’s nothing more frustrating than spending time and money getting your car serviced, only to be let down by the quality of the parts you’ve put in. It often comes down to the brand. A good brand can make all the difference between a well-functioning enduring part and a poor performing component that quickly packs up altogether. And this principle also applies to treatment products such as fuel additives and leak sealants.

Why not spend your precious time and money efficiently and effectively with high performing inputs? Autoworld is constantly searching out quality brands. And the goal is to help your vehicle perform at its very best.

Brands we're proud to have recently promoted include Hella lighting products, NF fuel additives, Turtlewax interior polishes and the Shield range of car care and maintenance products.

We also recommend and stock Wynn's oil treatment products and Redman solid brass battery terminals.

Autoworld specials on KYB and Monroe shocks

Potholes and gravel roads significantly reduce the life of vehicle suspension components, especially shocks, though driving cautiously over bad roads will help. See our previous article on shocks.

Worn out shocks not only adversely effect passenger comfort but also driver control and wear and tear on other components.

Now is definitely the time to sort out your shocks, because this month we have a package of offers on shock absorbers!

1) A big 20% discount off all KYB and Monroe shock absorbers.

2) If you buy a set of 4 shocks, a further 20% discount applies to the fitting charge.

The only catch is that this offer expires 8th May! Make sure you don’t miss out :)

April offer from Autoworld

Are your tyres loosing their tread? This month we have tyres on offer by quality brands Goodyear, Continental, Bridgestone, Pirelli and BFGoodrich! Get your 15% discount for these tyres at any participating Autoworld branch or Impala Filling Station. Discount available for one week only.

Autoworld and International Women's Day 2019

The Autoworld Zambia marchers with their banner

8th March 2019 was International Women’s Day, and Autoworld participated in the March Past. Team Autoworld were looking sharp in smart co-ordinated chitenge outfits.

Vice President Inonge Wina, Zambia’s first woman Vice President, was the honoured guest. She encouraged the women of Zambia to be vibrant and innovative as the country is now being moved by women in many leadership roles and other walks of life.

The theme for International Women’s Day in Zambia was “Think equal. Build smart. Innovate for change”.

Vice President Inonge Wina being welcomed by 1st Deputy speaker of the National Assembly Catherine Namugala at the freedom statue, while Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo looks on. Photo courtesy Lusaka Times

Team Autoworld join the march in honour of International Women’s Day 2019

Autoworld partners with ISL Colour Race for Cancer 2019

The 2019 ISL ‘Super Heroes’ Colour Race for Cancer will take place on May 1st 2019. ​This 5km fun run / walk starts and finishes at the sports field at ISL (International School of Lusaka). More avid runners can do the loop twice; and there is a shorter 2.5 km loop for younger children. Come and run or walk, bring the children and make it a family day! There will be live entertainment, food and drinks and activities for the children. This race is organised by ISL in conjunction with the Sam Damalis Trust Fund.

How do we register?
To register, click here and complete the details. It costs just ZMW150 per person.

Tell me about the ‘Colour’ theme? And the ‘Super Heroes’ theme?
Everyone is free to interpret these themes in their own way - whatever they’re comfortable with, however they want to express themselves - through costume, wig, face paint, body paint … the choice is yours.

What is Autoworld’s role?
This year (2019) Autoworld is partnering with the organisers of the race through sponsorship.

What happens to the funds raised?
All funds raised are dedicated to helping children battling cancer in Zambia. The organisers work closely with the Paediatric Cancer Ward at UTH.

Over the last 8 years, this initiative has raised funds towards medication, specialised diagnostic tests, supplemented nursing staff salaries, equipment for kitchen for carers to use, monthly supply of chlorine, creating a play area for the children, given additional assistance to Kayula Home, assistance to Twende Learning Centre and, from the beginning of 2018, a weekly supply of clean drinking water to the ward. Find more details here.

What happened last year?
International School of Lusaka has been running the Colour Run for the last 5 years. Last year the Sam Damalis Trust Fund joined forces and together they hosted the very first Colour Run for Cancer in June 2018.

Attended by 650 runners, including many children, the 2018 event raised ZMW 85 000. After consultation with the doctors from the UTH paediatric cancer ward, the money was spent on some refurbishments to ensure privacy for the patients in the high care ward, an industrial floor cleaner, air conditioning for the classroom in the ward and a contribution towards the teacher’s salary. Each week they provide 16 x 20 litre bottles of water to the ward and each month a 50kg drum of chlorine.

For more photos, see the ISL Colour Race for Cancer Facebook page.

Auto repair and maintenance kits - Autoworld March offer

What better time to get stocked up? This month Autoworld has a 15% offer on repair kits from Holts, brake pads from Safeline and filters from brand leaders GUD.

Keep your vehicle in good shape. With a little help from Autoworld, your local parts specialists.

A full range of NF fuel additives

Does your car need a boost? Enjoy enhanced performance with NF fuel additives from Autoworld. Choose from Outback Guard for Petrol, Outback Guard for Diesel, Ultra Race Fuel Concentrate, and Diesel Boost! Check the NF website for full information on each product line, general information about Octane boosters, and FAQs.

Castrol lubricants offer Feb 2019

February is the month of romance. Love your car with an oil change!! What better time than now, with Autoworld’s 15% discount off all Castrol lubricants - running for one week only.

First Autoworld offer for 2019!

Get the kids to school on time with a brand new car battery!

A car battery lasts 3 to 5 years. Yours may need replacing. And now’s the time. We’re currently offering a 15% discount off all Willard and Raylite batteries - for one week only.

Buy a new battery today from your nearest Autoworld branch - for a sharp start to the day.

A Christmas Eve to remember - by Annie Zulu

From left to right: Margaret Mali, Mark, Emmanuel, Joseph Mulenga. Andrew Malembeka, Moses and Annie Zulu

Joseph Mulenga has been a security guard at Autoworld for the last 10 years. He retired last month and was presented with parting gifts from Autoworld staff members. Everyone knows him as “Zemule”.

For many years Mr Mulenga has been part of Autoworld life, watching over the vehicles and outside premises, and helping around the fitment center with various jobs. He has always been helpful to members of staff; and on his retirement, some of the Autoworld team had the idea of buying him a Christmas present to say thank you. This was all in the spirit of giving around this festive season. The gifts were presented on Dec 24 2018, Christmas Eve. Joseph is a man of few words but we were happy to put a smile on his face. He did not expect this and it was a wonderful surprise for him. His present included a monetary gift and a Christmas hamper of assorted items.

Joseph Mulenga is a family man with five children and four grandchildren. He managed to build a house before he retired. We all wished him well at the presentation and urged him to continue to support his family.

Autoworld and the 2018 Labour Day celebrations

1st May is Labour Day, which is renowned internationally. In Zambia our theme for this year was ‘Building Partnerships for Sustainable National Development Through Job Creation and Social Justice’. With jobs having become so scarce, especially for the youth, this theme was very timely.
 
The Guest of honour was H.E. President Edgar Lungu who took the salute from the enthusiastic marching workers.

Autoworld had two employees awarded prizes - Ms Ruth Sakala , from Head Office, for honesty;  and Mr Isilimwe Mulambwa of Ndola branch, also for honesty. In addition, Autoworld won a trophy for coming second in the Float Category for the display on the Autoworld speed boat. Congratulations to everyone involved!

Truck and Bus Tyres offer - on all Triangle and Doublestar tyres

Calling all truckers and bus companies in Zambia. A massive 20% off all Triangle and Doublestar tyres while stocks last.

Three reasons why you should replace worn out tyres:

• Tyre treads provide the traction necessary to grip wet or oily roads
• Tyre treads help keep your tyres cool, reducing the risk of blowouts
• Tyre treads help keep your tyres inflated. Low pressure tyres can’t grip the road as well, making it harder to steer the vehicle, harder to brake, and increasing fuel costs.

What better time than now to replace fleet vehicle tyres - with this amazing 20% discount offer from Autoworld!