South Africa’s platinum investment has been so poor in the last few years that it has failed even to keep pace with the replacement of production capacity, let alone provide an increase in production capacity. As a result, the country will be unable to take full advantage of the excellent business opportunity that upcoming vehicle emission legislation presents. Set to boost platinum demand in 2014 are Europe’s Euro Six emission standards, which will require platinum- and rhodium-based catalysts to control nitrogen oxide output, and the Euro Four equivalents that are due next year in China, Thailand and Russia. Journalists will also no longer be privy to Johnson Matthey’s regular platinum briefings as the company’s contract is not being renewed. Seen delivering their final 2013 platinum briefing to the South African media in Johannesburg are Johnson Matthey GM: research Peter Duncan and GM: marketing Jeremy Coombes.