Automotive Business Review

May 12, 2025 Buzz

JAC T9 2.0L CTi breaks 24-Hour SA Endurance record

What started as a casual braai challenge between four friends creating content for IgnitionTV ended in victory, as JAC Motors' T9 2.0L CTi smashed the official South African 24-hour Endurance Record for commercial vehicles, covering 4,084 kilometres…

May 12, 2025 Buzz

Fiat Grande Panda Joins Forces with Shaggy to Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of His Smash Hit, “Boombastic”

Once again, FIAT teams up with global music icon, Shaggy, the unmistakable voice that gave life to the ever-topical hit “Boombastic.” To celebrate the original’s 30th anniversary, Shaggy recorded a new, modern rendition and filmed a new video,…

May 12, 2025 Buzz

Jaguar TCS Racing heads to Tokyo this weekend for Rounds 8-9 of the 2024/25 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship

A podium for Nick Cassidy at the recent Monaco E-Prix ensured the British team left the Principality on a high note and will be looking to maintain that momentum in Japan. The scene of Jaguar TCS Racing’s 100th race in Formula E last year, the…

May 12, 2025 Buzz

Volkswagen Group Africa hosts third annual Health Care Run

Welcoming 1 897 runners at their Kariega plant, Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) hosted a successful VW Health Care Run this past weekend. The event, held on Saturday 10 May, was the third annual VW Health Care Run and offered distances of 5km, 10km…

May 12, 2025 Motorsport

W2RC heads to the heart of Africa for landmark round in South Africa

With its rich history in rally-raid development and competitive success, South Africa will soon be hosting the world championship it helped shape, and the entry list for the first World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) event to be held in Southern…

May 12, 2025 Motorsport

Zwartkops set for thrilling ATE VW Challenge

It’s set to be a battle of the generations, wits, and talents when the ATE Brakes VW Challenge returns to action at Zwartkops Raceway’s Regional Extreme Festival presented by Coca-Cola on Saturday 17 May. Class B man Stuart Mack may be leading the…

May 12, 2025 Motorsport

Rookie Judd Bertholdt the star of the show in Astron Energy Polo Cup

Volkswagen Motorsport enjoyed a positive outing at its home race at Aldo Scribante Racetrack, just down the road from Volkswagen Plant Kariega on Saturday. Volkswagen Rookie Cup champion Judd Bertholdt took a second Astron Energy Polo Cup pole…

May 12, 2025 Motoring

All-new Suzuki Dzire is here to please

Suzuki Auto South Africa is expanding its local model lineup with the launch of the fourth-generation Dzire. A dazzling new player in the AB-segment arena, this sleek compact sedan strikes an enticing balance between comfort, practicality, safety…

May 09, 2025 Buzz

Toyota South Africa Motors and Automark launch new brand campaign

Automark, Toyota South Africa Motors’ pre-owned vehicle division is proud to announce the launch of its latest brand campaign, “New to You”. Produced by Toyota’s agency partner, Studio One, the “New to You” brand campaign reaffirms Toyota and…

May 09, 2025 Buzz

Behind the scenes: Archie Rutherford on what it takes to bring the W2RC to South Africa

This month the SA Safari Rally will make history in South African motorsport as the who’s who in global and local rally raid prepare for the inaugural Round 3 of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) taking place 18 – 22 May in the North West…

May 09, 2025 Buzz

Caution to motorists: The case of Simayile-Sigijimi v Road Accident Fund

By Raynold Tlhavani, Partner, Rethabile Shabalala, Senior Associate, & Roberto Brown, Candidate Attorney from Webber Wentzel The Western Cape Division of the High Court recently delivered a significant judgment in Noluvuyo Simayile-Sigijimi v Road…

May 09, 2025 Buzz

Enviro Automotive Unleashes Cutting-Edge 4x4 EVs and Unprecedented Price Reductions

A seismic shift is underway in the South African automotive landscape as Enviro Automotive ignites an electric revolution with the arrival of its groundbreaking Riddara 4x4 Double Cab electric pick up vehicles manufactured by the Geely Auto Group.…

May 09, 2025 Buzz

SAPICS announces board of directors

Supply chain industry body SAPICS announced its board of directors at the not for profit’s annual general meeting (AGM). Having taken the reins as SAPICS president in February, Thato Moloi will continue to lead SAPICS in this role and as a director…

May 09, 2025 Buzz

Driving Trade Forward: AfCFTA, AGOA,BRICS and the Tariffs - All On The Menu At Automechanika CEO Breakfast

On Thursday, 8 May, leading figures in the automotive industry met at the Centurion Country Club for another Automechanika CEO breakfast event - "The African Connection" -, hosted by Messe Frankfurt South Africa. “As we navigate shifting trade…

May 09, 2025 Buzz

Be a part of the inaugural AFP Colloquium

The South African Association for Fleet Professionals (AFP) is proud to host their inaugural Colloquium during the month of May. It will be the first of many events that the organisation will host specifically designed for fleet managers and the…

May 09, 2025 Buzz

Mahindra remains auto enthusiasts’ top choice

Mahindra South Africa has made history by becoming the first manufacturer to win the coveted Motor Enthusiast Award for two consecutive years at the 2025 South African Car of the Year competition, powered by Old Mutual Insure. The XUV 3XO AX7L,…

May 09, 2025 Buzz

GAC Motor Sets the Pace for 2025 in South Africa

New Models, Electric Innovation, and Dealer Network Growth Drive Brand’s Strategy Forward GAC Motor is poised for significant growth in South Africa in 2025, with a series of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing its presence and product…

May 09, 2025 Motoring

GR Yaris: now more potent and available with automatic transmission

Toyota South Africa is proud to announce the arrival of the updated GR Yaris – an exceptional performance vehicle developed with direct input from the World Rally Championship (WRC). Now, for the first time, the GR Yaris is available locally with an…

May 09, 2025 Motoring

Volkswagen adds a new derivative to the Amarok model line-up

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has added a new derivative in the Amarok model line-up. The Amarok Life 2.0 TDI with 125kW is now available with 4x2 drivetrain mated to 6-speed automatic transmission. The new Amarok Life 2.0 TDI 125kW 4x2 comes…

May 08, 2025 Buzz

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado scoops Adventure Utility award at SA Car of the Year competition

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) is pleased to have secured an award at the 2025 SA Car of the Year (COTY) competition. The latest generation Toyota Land Cruiser Prado scooped the Adventure Utility award at the annual industry event. The Adventure…

May 08, 2025 Buzz

Jasmine Paolini, new Alfa Romeo Brand Ambassador

Alfa Romeo is delighted to announce that Jasmine Paolini, one of the brightest stars in international tennis, is the new Brand Ambassador for the Italian global brand, which boasts over 115 years of legendary history including iconic models,…

May 08, 2025 Buzz

Jetour unveils cutting-edge models and latest innovations at Auto Shanghai 2025

Auto Shanghai, officially known as the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, is a premier biennial automotive trade show held in Shanghai, China that underscores China's pivotal role in the global automotive industry, highlighting…

May 08, 2025 Buzz

Chery reinforces its commitment to safety with the Tiggo 8 PHEV, offering advanced protection for every journey

Chery has leveraged years of hybrid technology expertise to develop a comprehensive energy matrix covering fuel, hybrid, extended-range, and pure electric systems. In the rapidly expanding hybrid market, Chery’s CSH (Chery Super Hybrid) technology…

May 08, 2025 Buzz

WesBank advises car buyers to consider the total cost of ownership amid rising vehicle ownership costs

South Africa is widely regarded as a car-loving nation, often passionately loyal to certain brands and models. However, with the seemingly endless entry of new models, consumers have more choice than ever. As variety abounds and more buyers visit…

May 08, 2025 Buzz

Introducing the New Hyundai ALCAZAR: The Bold and The Beautiful 7-Seater Family-Friendly SUV

Looking for the perfect family vehicle that does not compromise on style or your budget? Say hello to the all-new Hyundai ALCAZAR – designed with South African families in mind. A New Addition to our Family The Hyundai ALCAZAR joins our growing…

May 08, 2025 Buzz

Killarney Raceway Skidpan Upgraded

The upgrade of the skidpan facilities at Killarney Raceway in the Western Cape by MasterDrive in collaboration with Western Province Motor Club (WPMC) is complete. A significant investment was made into Cape Town's only professional-grade skidpan…

May 08, 2025 Buzz

New Swift bags more silverware at 2025 South African Car of the Year competition

The fourth-generation Suzuki Swift — the country’s best-selling passenger vehicle in April according to the official sales report published by industry body naamsa — drove away a winner at the 2025 South African Car of the Year competition (SA…

May 08, 2025 Motorsport

GR Cup gears up for round 3 at Gqeberha's Aldo Scribante Circuit

The third round of the 2025 GR Cup, Toyota South Africa’s premier one-make racing series, is set to take place at the Aldo Scribante Circuit in Gqeberha on Saturday, 10 May. This marks the Eastern Cape’s turn to host the high-intensity series, with…

May 08, 2025 Motorsport

Doohan, Oakes out at Alpine

By Graham Duxbury @TheRealDux Jack Doohan’s tough start to his Formula One career continued after the Australian crashed out of last weekend’s Miami Grand Prix on the opening lap. The controversial accident with Racing Bull’s Liam Lawson immediately…

May 07, 2025 Buzz

All new C5 Aircross offers peace of mind with more space, comfort, technologies, now available in electric

With the launch of the new C5 Aircross, Citroën has completed the complete renewal of its range in less than two years. As the Brand's new flagship, it represents the best expertise in a range made up of models that express the same values in their…

May 07, 2025 Motorsport

Neil Woolridge Motorsport unveils all-new, competitor-rivalling NWM Evo Plus

Neil Woolridge Motorsport (NWM) today unveiled its all-new NWM Evo Plus, to compete in the premier FIA Ultimate class of rally-raid around the world. Using its close to 30 years of competition and design experience in the rally-raid world, coupled…

May 07, 2025 Buzz

All-new AMI opens up its order book and adds a new buggy version to its range

Revealed at the Paris Motor Show and sporting an all-new design that makes it more likeable and mature, All-New Citroën Ami will be available to order from 6 May. Agile, with an electric range of 75km and rechargeable in 4 hours from a standard…

May 07, 2025 Motorsport

Defender completes first Rally-Raid prototype test and signs Dakar Rally legend

Original British adventure brand Defender has accelerated its preparations for entering the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) by completing prototype test activity in Morocco with the Defender Dakar D7X-R, in addition to signing two stellar…

May 07, 2025 Buzz

100 years on, Citroën continues to electrify the world

On the evening of Saturday 4 July 1925, the name Citroën was projected in letters of light onto the Eiffel Tower. André Citroën had signed up to the crazy project of the engineer Fernand Jacopozzi: to illuminate the most famous of the monuments of…

May 07, 2025 Buzz

Stellantis Reports Q1 2025 Net Revenues and Shipments

Net revenues of €35.8 billion, down 14% compared to Q1 2024 primarily due to lower shipment volumes, as well as unfavorable mix and pricing Consolidated shipments(1) of 1,217 thousand units, down 9%, reflect lower North American production, a…

May 07, 2025 Buzz

Hyundai Automotive South Africa appoints Stanley Anderson as new CEO

Hyundai Automotive South Africa today, announced the appointment of Stanley Anderson, as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 July 2025. Anderson, who currently serves as Sales and Operations Director at Hyundai Automotive South Africa…

May 07, 2025 Buzz

The most dangerous roads worldwide

A report compiled by Zutobi, an online driver education platform, is displaying South African roads in a negative light again. The report says the country has the most dangerous roads on which to drive in the world. Many are likely not surprised…

May 07, 2025 Buzz

2025 SA Car of the Year Winners Reflect Diverse Mzansi Market

Following two rigorous testing days in March, the country's most respected motoring journalists have spoken, crowning the BMW X3 as the 2025 South African Car of the Year. This marks a successive victory for the German manufacturer, with the G70…

May 07, 2025 Buzz

Toyota South Africa Motors leads the new vehicle sales market

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) is excited to record a 24.4% industry market share in new vehicle sales for April, reflecting a 0.8% increase from March 2025 (23.6%). Toyota’s sales performance of 10 363 units correlates with naamsa’s views that…

May 07, 2025 Buzz

Suzuki toasts strong April sales and 300,000 milestone

Suzuki Auto South Africa is banishing those autumnal blues with the celebration of another stellar month of new car sales and the setting of a new brand milestone. According to the official sales report – published by industry body naamsa on the…

May 06, 2025 Buzz

Chery South Africa launches Cherished certified pre-owned programme, offering consumers quality, affordability, and peace of mind

Chery South Africa is pleased to announce the launch of its certified pre-owned vehicle programme, Cherished. By providing dealers with a selection of carefully inspected and high-quality pre-owned Chery SUVs, the automaker will be able to welcome…

May 06, 2025 Buzz

Volvo Car South Africa makes EV ownership easier with new Guaranteed Future Value offers

Volvo Car South Africa is pleased to announce an exciting leap forward for electric vehicle ownership in Mzansi, with the introduction of Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) offers across our award-winning range of electric vehicles. Leading the charge is…

May 06, 2025 Buzz

Another fuel price decrease brings welcome relief for consumers and businesses

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has confirmed a third consecutive monthly decrease in fuel prices, effective Wednesday, 7 May 2025 (effective midnight Tuesday 6 May) - a development welcomed by the South African Petroleum Retailers…

May 06, 2025 Buzz

Trump’s tariffs and AGOA uncertainty: what African supply chain managers need to know

President Donald Trump’s return to the White House has been accompanied byaggressivetrade policies. Expanded tariffs on Chinese imports, universal import levies and uncertainty around multilateral trade agreements are reshaping global supply chains.…

May 06, 2025 Motoring

Introducing the All-New Jeep® Compass. Redefining Adventure with Distinctive Design, Legendary Capability, Versatility, and Cutting-Edge Technology

The Jeep® brand introduces the latest evolution of its successful Compass, a C-SUV that has captivated over 2.5 million customers worldwide since its debut in 2006. The new Compass is set to redefine expectations in the most competitive passenger…

May 06, 2025 Buzz

LDV South Africa Announces Prestigious Partnership with President and General Manager of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union

LDV South Africa is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Willem Strauss – President of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union – and Jaco Dames, General Manager of the Union. As respected leaders in South African rugby, Strauss and Dames have…

May 06, 2025 Buzz

Jetour South Africa to host star-studded customer day

Four of South Africa’s top musical talents, gourmet street food served fresh from some of South Africa’s favourite food trucks, three thousand tickets and one of Gauteng's premier festival venues. It’s all happening at Casalinga, Johannesburg, on…

May 06, 2025 Buzz

Strong Start to 2025: Alfa Romeo Accelerates with Robust Q1 Performance

Alfa Romeo ended the first quarter of 2025 with results showing strong growth, confirming its continued international expansion, now with a presence in over 70 markets around the world. Deliveries to end customers grew by 29% globally compared to…

May 06, 2025 Motoring

ISUZU MU-X Range Refreshed with Increased Luxury, Style and Safety; Addition of Luxurious New Range-Topping ONYX XT

ISUZU Motors South Africa is introducing the latest evolution of the MU-X, an adventurous sport utility vehicle (SUV) that blends impressive capability with premium comfort and cutting-edge design. Enhanced inside and out, the 2025 model line-up…

May 06, 2025 Buzz

Measuring Impact and Managing Change: CILTSA Conference to Explore ESG Transformation in Transport, Logistics and the Supply Chain

Under the theme "Measuring Impact and Managing Change," the 2025 Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport South Africa (CILTSA) ESG Conference provides a crucial platform to assess and address the integration of environmental, social, and…

May 06, 2025 Motorsport

Podium in the Principality for Nick Cassidy and Jaguar TCS Racing after a superb recovery drive in Monaco

Nick Cassidy and Jaguar TCS Racing returned to the podium in stunning style, climbing up from fourteenth on the grid to third in the second E-Prix of what was an historic Monaco double-header weekend. It was a masterful recovery drive from the Kiwi,…

May 05, 2025 Buzz

The 10 best Turbocharged Cars That Became Legends in The Tuning Scene

”Turbocharging technology has been around foralmosta century, but only in the last couple of decades have we truly explored and exploited the wonders of boost and the powerful benefits and sounds that go with it” saidChris KambourisFounder and CEO…

May 05, 2025 Buzz

Mitsubishi Motors SA awarded as top performer in after sales

Mitsubishi Motors South Africa was presented with the Top Performer award in the After Sales – Customer Experience category at the brands recent annual global after sales business excellence awards ceremony in Thailand. The award measures service…

May 05, 2025 Buzz

Growth momentum swelling in SA new vehicle market

The motor industry may be in turmoil as global policy changes and uncertainty rock manufacturing and potentially exports, but South African consumers continued to show their demand for new vehicles during April. According to data from naamsa | the…

May 05, 2025 Buzz

Local automotive sector bucks the trend, showing growth in April amidst global economic headwinds

South Africa’s automotive sector maintained its growth momentum with retail vehicle sales reaching the 42,401-unit mark in April 2025, an increase of 11,9% over the same period in 2024, according to the latest report from naamsa | the Automotive…

May 05, 2025 Buzz

Panellists announced to adjudicate entries from South Africa in international Defender Awards

Defender is proud to announce the three panelists who have been selected to adjudicate entries and choose the finalists from South Africa in the international Defender Awards. The trio of Ross Holgate of the Kingsley Holgate Foundation, Ivy Wairimu…

May 05, 2025 Buzz

Jaguar Type 00 makes waves in Monaco

Jaguar Type 00 makes its Monaco debut this weekend on a bespoke floating ocean terrace set against the glistening Mediterranean Sea. This unexpected presentation in the jewel of the Côte d’Azur provides the perfect stage for Type 00’s bold…

May 05, 2025 Buzz

naamsa April 2025 new vehicle sales stats: new vehicle market holds firm with steady sales performance

The April 2025 new vehicle market unfolded against a backdrop of escalating global economic uncertainty, yet South Africa’s automotive sector continued to show determined resilience. Even as external headwinds strengthened, the industry’s structural…

May 05, 2025 Buzz

Suzuki Jimny third in class at 2025 Simola Hillclimb

The final day of the 2025 Simola Hillclimb saw Suzuki Auto South Africa's three entries once again punch well above their weight, with Sean Nurse putting the 3-door Jimny on the Class B9 (for SUVs) podium in third place. Admittedly, there were only…

May 05, 2025 Buzz

Emotional King of the Hill at 15th Simola Hillclimb ends with Zeelie, Mitchell and Weston on top

The 15th edition of the Simola Hillclimb was characterised by difficult emotions matched to brave competition at the highest level during the King of the Hill challenge. Sunday’s shortened programme was dedicated to Pieter Joubert who sadly passed…

May 05, 2025 Buzz

Simola Hillclimb confirms tragic passing of Pieter Joubert

Knysna Speed Festival, the organisers of the Simola Hillclimb, have confirmed seasoned competitor Pieter Joubert sadly passed away in an accident today. Joubert was out on his first run on day two of King of the Hill when he lost control of his…

May 02, 2025 Buzz

Suzuki cleared for action at 15th Simola Hillclimb

All three Suzuki Auto South Africa entries for the 2025 Simola Hillclimb are now officially ready to race. The cars and their respective drivers completed all the pre-event checks in Knysna successfully - a task made somewhat easier by the stock…

May 02, 2025 Buzz

Upward Industry Momentum Reflected in Ford South Africa’s Sales for First Quarter of 2025

The new vehicle sales market appears to be on an upward trend in 2025 after a challenging period over the past two years, and Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (Manufacturing) (Pty) Ltd (“Ford South Africa”) is continuing its positive sales…

May 02, 2025 Buzz

Audi South Africa celebrates dealer performance and excellence in customer service at the annual Vorsprung Awards

Audi South Africa recently celebrated its national dealer network at a distinguished event hosted at The Forum Hyde Park in Johannesburg. The annual Audi Vorsprung Awards is an opportunity to reward progressive performance within the Audi dealer…

May 02, 2025 Buzz

Alfa Romeo wins three design awards at AUTO BILD Germany “Best Brands” Contest

The enthusiasm of German fans for Alfa Romeo design is unwavering. As in previous years the historic Italian brand has also been honored in the 2025 “Best brands in all categories” contest, with several awards. AUTO BILD and BILD readers have…

May 02, 2025 Buzz

Decreased fatality rates – don’t sigh just yet

The Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy released the Easter road fatality statistics revealing a 45.6% decrease in the number of people that died on the roads. The data obtained over the Easter weekend says there were 167 fatalities as opposed to…

Apr 30, 2025 Buzz

Chery puts Tiggo 9 CSH flagship to the test in extreme safety demonstrations

Chery has put its range-topping SUV, the hybrid Tiggo 9 CSH, to the test with two extreme safety evaluations to demonstrate the crash protection of its vehicles. The rigorous tests - a full-front collision between two cars and a high-speed spiral…

Apr 30, 2025 Buzz

SA Rugby Welcomes Hyundai as an Official Sponsor of Junior and Youth Week Rugby

The South African Rugby Union (SA Rugby) is proud to announce a landmark four-year partnership agreement with Hyundai Automotive South Africa, the popular automotive brand, as the new official vehicle of South Africa’s junior national teams and…

Apr 30, 2025 Buzz

LDV (Maxus as Known in China) Makes a Bold Statement at Shanghai Motor Show

The Shanghai Motor Show has once again shown the world just how fast the automotive industry is evolving — and LDV was right at the heart of it. Known globally for pushing boundaries in design, performance, and innovation. As part of the SAIC Motor…

Apr 30, 2025 Buzz

The future has arrived: Upcoming OMODA C3 redefines the crossover with cyber-mecha aesthetics

OMODA has officially unveiled its latest innovation to the world: the futuristic OMODA C3. Making its dramatic global debut at the Shanghai International Auto Show, the C3 made its debut with a cinematic and high-energy launch, revealing a striking,…

Apr 30, 2025 Motorsport

Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy shines at midway point of national Rotax campaign

The Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA) continued to impress as the 2025 MSA South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) reached its halfway mark at Vereeniging Kart Circuit this past weekend. With national titles and Rotax MAX Challenge Grand…

Apr 29, 2025 Buzz

Kgopotso 'KJ’ Mononyane Scores Points in Opening Round of 2025 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup

South Africa seems to be a real hotbed of motorcycle talent of late. The latest rider looking to add his name to the growing list of two-wheel stars is Kgopotso 'KJ’ Mononyane. The 17-year-old Pretoria lad has just entered his second full season of…

Apr 29, 2025 Buzz

The critical issue of ESG Skills – How to bridge the supply and demand ‘gap’

Over the last half-century, sustainable development concepts have increasingly woven themselves into the fabric of economic discussions, resulting in advances in human capital across finance, life sciences, and social sciences. Whether leading a…

Apr 29, 2025 Buzz

JLR drives over £100M of value from reuse initiatives to cut waste as it transforms its industrial operations for electrification

JLR is reducing waste across its industrial operations in the UK and Europe through a £100m reuse, refurbishment, repurposing and recycling drive. As its electrification transformation progresses to the next stage, with the upcoming launch of Range…

Apr 29, 2025 Buzz

LATEST NEWS

Terms & Policies

Popular Articles