Special Assignment

[Mud Dog]

900 pm tomorrow (19th July) ..... TSA is being accused of illegally converting what was supposed to be a panel van into what they launched as a mini-bus, (the Quantum I think). They will be facing a barrage of questions .... should be interesting!

[legend]

900 pm tomorrow (19th July) ..... TSA is being accused of illegally converting what was supposed to be a panel van into what they launched as a mini-bus, (the Quantum I think). They will be facing a barrage of questions .... should be interesting!

Will be tuning in too see who is out of the frying pan into the fire :evil: :evil: :evil:

[Rebel 4x4]

This has been a big discussion since the launch of the quantam. They convert the panel van, bolting on seats and cutting windows in the side panels. Cutting on the side panels, weaken the structure and fatal injuries can/have occured.

I see a lot of these modified panel van's in PE. Very distinct when looking at the side windows with rust around the rubbers. The proper quantam bus, you will find the window is glued in, and the side structure looks slightly different to make it stronger. The properly glued windows ensure better safety than the ones with the old fashioned rubber type.

Its going to be interesting what TSA will answer..... VW side step that fiasco by having an in factory option of selecting glass at the back sides and mountings for additional seats.

[Mud Dog]

Yeah, I think that safety standards are the issue.

Oh, .... forgot to mention, it's on SABC 3

[zepplin]

Doubt if TSA themselves are to blame. When the new quantum was introduced as a taxi they, by law, had to be the 'high roof' models with air conditioning in the rear. As opposed to the 'low roof' variant which could be used for private purposes. This law was introduced to prevent the transporter/goods van from being used for 'taxi' purposes.

The banks will also take some flack as they have knowingly financed these 'illegal' vehicles.

Will be interesting to see who the culprits are here.

[Traveler]

TSA is not doing those conversions themselves. Zepplin is correct.

[Mud Dog]

TSA is not doing those conversions themselves. Zepplin is correct.

But it's their product and if they are the ones that sanctioned the converting company, then they are ultimately responsible. If it's not them that commissioned the converters then who did? The govt. initiative that's doing the 're-capitalization' of the taxi industry? The taxi industry themselves?

Will see what comes out tonight.

[GI Jane]

I was out on my own special assignment this evening at 9.00 pm, so could someone let me know what the conclusion or a summary of what happened on Special Assignment with TSA.. please

[zepplin]

In a nut shell TSA as the manufacturer has not sanctioned the conversions, in fact they have strongly advised againsed it. Their finance arm, Toyota Financial Services however seem to be neck deep in assisting new owners in having the conversions done (by dubious means) & attempting to hide the fact that the vehicle originally purchased was in fact a 'panel van'. They are now trying to muddy the waters when confronted. Part three to follow in the next couple of weeks.

This stink has been around for about six years now & looks to be gearing up for a big showdown.
Having said that, I predict the usual pattern of big press coverage, guvmint investigating then poof - nothing!

Just goes to show that they don't make 'em like they used to.............viva SFA!!!!!!!!!!

[Thabogrobler]

In a nut shell TSA as the manufacturer has not sanctioned the conversions, in fact they have strongly advised againsed it. Their finance arm, Toyota Financial Services however seem to be neck deep in assisting new owners in having the conversions done

Blahblahblah - how could they NOT have known???

[GI Jane]

In a nut shell TSA as the manufacturer has not sanctioned the conversions, in fact they have strongly advised againsed it. Their finance arm, Toyota Financial Services however seem to be neck deep in assisting new owners in having the conversions done (by dubious means) & attempting to hide the fact that the vehicle originally purchased was in fact a 'panel van'. They are now trying to muddy the waters when confronted. Part three to follow in the next couple of weeks.

This stink has been around for about six years now & looks to be gearing up for a big showdown.
Having said that, I predict the usual pattern of big press coverage, guvmint investigating then poof - nothing!

Just goes to show that they don't make 'em like they used to.............viva SFA!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Steve... I agree viva SFA

[Mud Dog]

I don't think that the full extent of the rot will ever be fully known .... yes, the financial arm of TSA seems to be where the problems lie, and it's quite possible that there has been some corrupt back-hand deals between the management there and the suppliers of the sub-standard conversions without TSA being fully aware in the beginning, but they should at least have picked up on it after the first incidents.