Published on June 27, 2005

The tuk-tuks that phut-phut around Thailand could soon be tuk-tukking in South Africa too, according to the Cape Argus newspaper.

A South African importer is hoping the little three-wheelers will become a feature on the streets of Cape Town.

The vehicles have yet to be legalised for

use on South Africa’s roads, but they were

on display at a Thai trade fair at the Cape Town International Convention Centre last week.

Local IT businessman Robby Lachnitt believes tuk-tuks could have a wealth of applications in Cape Town.

They have all sorts of uses in Thailand, but it’s as taxis that they’re perfect. Bangkok is of course overrun with the mites.

“We think they could be perfect for Cape Town guest houses or hotels to ferry their guests, by shops for deliveries or by restaurants for branding,” said Lachnitt.

“In Thailand they’re colourful and wonderfully individual. They’re lit up like Christmas trees.”

They are being distributed by Glomas and will retail for around 39,000 South African rand (Bt237,000).

A caller to the Cape Argus suggested the tuk-tuks should replace the city’s fleet of Rikkis taxis.

But the little Rikkis Suzukis can carry up to eight people and perhaps serve a slightly different market.

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