Subaru Southern Africa has expanded its maintenance plan for new vehicles, offering a five-year or 105,000km coverage instead of the previous three-year or 75,000km option. The change, effective August 1, aims to meet growing buyer expectations and reduce the total cost of vehicle ownership. Dealers across South Africa will now include the extended maintenance plan as a standard feature on all new Subaru purchases.

The decision reflects increased competition in the automotive sector, with consumers prioritizing long-term value. The extended plan is expected to attract more buyers by reducing future service costs. Industry analysts suggest the move could influence other manufacturers to follow suit.

Separately, authorities in South Africa reported a tragic incident at a disused mine near Rustenburg, where at least 14 illegal miners were found dead and many others injured. Police are investigating the cause of the incident but have not yet released detailed information. The event highlights ongoing challenges related to unsafe working conditions in informal mining sectors.

These developments underscore the diverse challenges facing South Africa, from economic policy shifts to safety concerns in industrial settings.