Sixteen of TiAuto's retail stores have completed their conversion to solar power, as part of Phase 1 of a project to reduce the group’s dependence on Eskom and to move to renewable energy.

The company notes that Phase 2 “is now well-underway”, with the goal of having all TiAuto’s stores running on solar energy within the next three years.

TiAuto is the holding company of automotive fitment centre brands such as Tiger Wheel & Tyre; Tyres & More and Treads Unlimited.

TiAuto describes the initial results of the move to solar power as “impressive”. 

The group has so far produced an annualised 498 MWh of clean energy, reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 295 t, and saved the equivalent of 42 908 litres of oil.

The group’s investment in solar energy, to date, has reached R10-million.

Phase 1 is defined as solar installations on properties and buildings owned by TiAuto Investments, which encompasses 18 premises, including a large installation at the group’s head office.

Phase 2 is the balance of retail properties that are leased from third-party landlords, where TiAuto needs permission to install solar systems, making it a more complex and time-consuming process. 

Should TiAuto be able to convince all of the landlords to allow it to fund and install solar solutions, it would expand the group’s solar drive to an additional 73 sites, currently equating to roughly R37-million in investment. 

“We will be building and opening around 15 new equity stores in the 2024 financial year (July to June), which would bringing total Phase-2 capital expenditure to R45-million,” says the company.

Recycling is also a keen focus at TiAuto.

“We have recycled 40 000 kg of lead, over 240 000 tyres, 150 t of wastepaper and packaging, and have safely repaired over two-million alloy wheels to date,” says TiAuto Investments CEO Alex Taplin.

“We believe in the principles of the three Rs – reuse, reduce and recycle.”

“Of course, contributing positively to the environment is not just the right thing to do, it’s smart business. We are certainly not finished yet, so watch this space for more exciting announcements in due course,” notes Taplin.