Automotive Business Review

Oct 20, 2026 Motoring

Chery and JLR relaunch Freelander with 460 kW plug-in hybrid SUV

FREELANDER 8 combines a 460 kW plug-in hybrid powertrain, dual-motor AWD and serious off-road capability. New five-seat version and AI Voice Assistant were revealed at the 2026 Chery International User Summit. International rollout starts in the UAE…

Oct 20, 2026 Motoring

iCAUR V25 makes global debut with BEV and REEV powertrains

iCAUR has unveiled the new V25, joining the V23 and V27 to complete its V-Series SUV range. The V25 will be offered with BEV and REEV powertrains, intelligent all-wheel drive and extensive factory-integrated customisation options. iCAUR also…

Oct 20, 2026 Buzz

Ford South Africa Celebrates Technical Excellence as Brendon Jordaan Claims Second Consecutive Skills Contest Win

Eight Technicians selected from more than 540 technicians across Ford’s South African dealer network The annual contest celebrates technical expertise, diagnostic discipline and customer-focused professionalism The national winner will represent…

Oct 20, 2026 Motorsport

Volkswagen Motorsport in fine Zwartkops form

Tait takes maiden pole, Atkinson SupaCup runner-up Volkswagen Motorsport ended its 2026 National Extreme Festival campaign on a high note at Zwartkops on Saturday, with drivers Christopher Tait and Rory Atkinson showing grit and pace in both Astron…

Oct 20, 2026 Buzz

Opinion Piece: A training record cannot stop a fatality: mining leaders must test what works at the point of risk

Every mining fatality is a person who should have returned home. That sad reality must remain the starting point for any discussion about safety performance. At the Mine Health and Safety Summit on 17 September, the Minister reported that South…

Oct 20, 2026 Buzz

CTU takes the Transport Month conversation to the operators behind the journey, enablinga respected and safe commuter transport community

As public transport affordability remains under pressure, Clarendon Transport UnderwritingManagers (CTU) will use the SANTACO Roadshows to hear directly from operators about the realities of running sustainable transport businesses The conversation…

Oct 20, 2026 Buzz

Opinion Piece: Why buying a breathalyzer online could be a costly mistake for South African companies

With the rapid rise of online retail, purchasing workplace operational equipment at the click of a button has become standard practice. Commercial fleet managers, occupational health and safety officers,and private consumers routinely turn to…

Oct 20, 2026 Buzz

Four trends shaping the future of motor body repair

The future of motor body repair will be shaped as much by technology, skills, data and environmental requirements as by the work taking place inside the bodyshop. This was a key takeaway from the South African Motor Body Repairers’…

Oct 20, 2026 Buzz

Volkswagen extends vehicle support to early childhood development centres

The partnership improves mobility and helps essential resources reach children in marginalised communities Over 1,2 million children have benefited from VWGA’s partnership with various Early Childhood Development centres Volkswagen Group Africa…

Oct 20, 2026 Buzz

5 Reasons to visit Automechanika Johannesburg!

Join us from 27–29 October 2026 at Gallagher Convention Centre for the 11th edition of Automechanika Johannesburg. Automechanika Johannesburg 2026 is just around the corner! Haven’t registered yet? Here are five reasons why you should register…

Oct 20, 2026 Buzz

Van der Watt, Loosemore are SATC Champions

Michael wins Zwartkops, Julian and Jason seal 2026 titles Julian van der Watt and Jason Loosemore secured the 2026 South African Touring Cars and SATC SupaCup titles at the Zwartkops National Extreme Festival finale on Saturday. While Toyota Gazoo…

Oct 20, 2026 Buzz

1 000 delegates expected at major municipal engineering conference in Durban

South Africa's mounting municipal infrastructure and service delivery challenges will take centre stage when an expected 1 000 delegates gather in Durban next week for the 89th annual conference of the Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern…

Oct 20, 2026 Buzz

Geoff Lourens to Lead Ford South Africa Product Communications

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (Manufacturing) (Pty) Limited has a new voice for its vehicles. Geoff Lourens joined the company as Product Communications Manager, effective 1 October. Lourens reports to Ford Southern Africa Communications…

Oct 20, 2026 Mobility

Volkswagen Concept Vehicle Mission Efficiency Sets World Record on Continental Tyres

Tyres a key component in achieving world record Rolling resistance around 25 percent below threshold for EU tyre label’s highest class A rating Record-breaking drive from Wolfsburg to Vienna: consumption of just 7.51 kWh per 100 km including…

Oct 20, 2026 Motorsport

Polo Cup: Scheepers must wait for Kyalami

Scheepers and Da Luz share Astron Energy Polo Cup wins Hannes Scheepers took a major step toward the 2026 Astron Energy Polo Cup title with a win and a second place at the Zwartkops Extreme Festival’s penultimate round 30th birthday Astron Energy…

Oct 20, 2026 Buzz

HAVAL named New Energy Achiever of the Year as GWM wins three naamsa Accelerator Awards

HAVAL H6 PHEV and GWM TANK 300 also recognised as GWM joined industry leaders in Durban to discuss the future of mobility in South Africa GWM South Africa secured three honours at the 2026 naamsa Accelerator Awards, powered by WesBank, spanning both…

Oct 20, 2026 Motorsport

Alibhai storms to Zwartkops double, MSA4 title

Aqil’s clean sweep seals ’26 Investchem MSA4 title Aqil Alibhai dominated the Investchem MSA4 season finale at Zwartkops on Saturday, storming off pole position to both race wins to seal the 2026 championship. Johannesburg racer and former British…

Oct 20, 2026 Motorsport

Seller, Purificati ZX10 Kings of Zwartkops

Another Seller double as Purificati takes the title While Clinton Seller sailed to another double SunBet ZX10 Masters Cup Powered by Tork Craft victory at Zwartkops, Damion Purificati clinched both the 2026 overall and Class B championships with a…

Oct 20, 2026 Buzz

Hyundai Wins Four NAAMSA Accelerator Awards for Leading Transformation

Hyundai Automotive South Africa has won four awards at the 2026 National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) Accelerator Awards, strengthening its position as a contributor to transformation, job creation and skills…

Oct 20, 2026 Buzz

Transport Month – the mobile poverty trap

South Africa’s broken public transport network has become an engine of economic exclusion, forcing working-class households to spend up to 45% of their monthly income just to get to work. The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) issued this…

Oct 20, 2026 Motorsport

Dias is Volkswagen Rookie Cup Champion

Sebastian Dias wrapped up the 2026 Volkswagen Rookie Cup title at Zwartkops Raceway’s National Extreme Festival finale on Saturday. Dias entered the weekend leading a tense four-way title fight, but a race one win and third in heat two secured him…

Oct 20, 2026 Buzz

Aware.org and JMPD mark four years of partnership against drinking and driving

AWARE.org and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) marked four years of partnership on 13 October at the Alcohol Evidence Centre (AEC) in Dube, Soweto. Their work combines enforcement support, public education and…

Oct 19, 2026 Buzz

Durban Maths and Science learners celebrated at Engen Year-End Awards

Durban top learners were recognised for their academic achievement, improvement and commitment to learning at the Engen Maths & Science Schools (EMSS) Year-End Awards. Top learners attended an awards event held at Merebank Secondary School in South…

Oct 19, 2026 Mobility

Volvo Cars and NVIDIA expand partnership to advance safe automated driving

Volvo Cars today announced it is expanding its partnership with NVIDIA to unlock new levels of safety in automated driving technology in future cars from Volvo, building on the companies’ decade-long collaboration. The technology will make its debut…

Oct 19, 2026 Buzz

The Truth About Minimum Wages: A Job Is Better Than No Job

A job – even a low-paying job – is better than no job at all. The National Minimum Wage Commission will soon announce its proposed changes to the mandatory national minimum wage. For employers, another increase may mean another increase in the cost…

Oct 19, 2026 Buzz

Millennials driving women car sales in SA

Women are reshaping South Africa’s car market and make up almost 50% of new vehicle transactions – and Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) are driving the shift and account for half of all sales to women. Lightstone’s analysis of data sourced…

Oct 19, 2026 Buzz

MTBPS 2026: CHARGE calls for EV tax reform and investment in locally produced clean energy for transport

Ahead of the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on Wednesday, 21 October, Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) reiterates its call on Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to firstly, reform the tax burden on electric vehicles (EVs) and, secondly, fund…

Oct 19, 2026 Buzz

Meet the MIWA SpannerTorque Pavilion at Automechanika Johannesburg

Practical expertise. Industry connections. A car built before your eyes. Automechanika provides a comprehensive platform for industry professionals to explore a wide range of products and services across key categories, including parts and…

Oct 19, 2026 Buzz

Pro-Tech measures up

Great value, precise measuring up to eight meters Precision is the starting point of every successful job. Whether you’re squaring up timber framing, measuring out cabinetry, or marking layout points in the workshop floor. Now D-Tech has expanded…

Oct 19, 2026 Motorsport

Dunlop's Regional Titles still wide open

One Gauteng Extreme Festival to go and it’s all to play for All four Dunlop Northern Regions Extreme Festival championships will be decided at the Zwartkops finale in Pretoria on Saturday 21 November. That follows a cracking penultimate round at the…

Oct 19, 2026 Motorsport

First national SA Rally-Raid overall championship for Guy Botterill

...while all other title battles and standings to be determined at season finale The results of the recent VAPS HCV Vryheid 400, the fourth and penultimate round of the 2026 South African Rally-Raid Championship, saw the former multiple national…

Oct 19, 2026 Motorsport

Zwartkops Extreme: we are the champions!

Julian, Jason, Aqil, Sebastian & Damion seal 2026 titles The 2026 Extreme Festival crowned most of its National circuit racing champions at Zwartkops Raceway on Saturday. Julian van der Watt took the premier South African Touring Cars title, Jason…

Oct 19, 2026 Motorsport

Tom Hartley Jnr announces the sale of five extraordinary McLaren Formula 1 cars

From Ayrton Senna’s and Gerhard Berger’s championship-winning MP4/6As to Lando Norris’s 2023 MCL37A, the most modern Formula 1 car ever offered for private ownership Tom Hartley Jnr, one of the world’s most respected and exclusive high-end dealers…

Oct 19, 2026 Motoring

LEPAS’s First Global Concept Car Set for World Premiere

The Reveal will take place during Global Elegant Lifestyle Week, unveiling next-generation Leopard aesthetics From October 18 to 24, LEPAS, Chery Auto’s Premium NEV brand, will host its inaugural Global Elegant Lifestyle Week during the 2026 Chery…

Oct 19, 2026 Mobility

Technology Drives the Future of Travel: Jetour Continues to Expand Its ‘Travel+’ Ecosystem

From exploring distant horizons to enjoying the journey itself, expectations for travel are evolving. In South Africa, this is reflected in the growing popularity of 4x4 vehicles, as consumers look for vehicle versatility to navigate everyday life…

Oct 16, 2026 Buzz

Volkswagen Group Africa clinches four Naamsa Accelerator Awards

Locally-built Polo and Polo Vivo honoured with three awards The company also won the Next Gen workforce award in Transformation category Durban – Underlining the legacy of the Volkswagen brand in South Africa, the makers of the People’s Car were…

Oct 16, 2026 Buzz

JMC on the Road, with Stories of Courage Along the Way (Day 2 and 3 of 7)

Day 2 | Bravery & Strength The second day of the JMC Seven7 Drive started with the team leaving Polokwane and continuing the road ahead, with another long stretch of road ahead of them. The destination was Kimberley, where the team would spend the…

Oct 16, 2026 Buzz

HORSE X-Range C15 wins Hybrid Technology Solution of the Year at AutoTech Breakthrough Awards

HORSE X-Range C15 is an integrated engine-generator unit that allows existing BEV platforms to serve as foundations for range-extended EV models System recognized for its engineering and innovative approach to hybridization at the AutoTech…

Oct 16, 2026 Buzz

UK poised to become leading zero emission manufacturing location through innovation and heritage

The UK has the potential to capture a greater share of zero-emission and next generation automotive technology manufacturing, according to a report published by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) today. The UK Zero Emission Vehicle…

Oct 16, 2026 Buzz

The car is changing. The career is changing. The opportunity is growing

RMI training keynote at SA Auto Week 2026 highlights the skills and career opportunities shaping South Africa's automotive aftermarket. Automotive careers are evolving, not disappearing. That was a key message from the Retail Motor Industry…

Oct 16, 2026 Mobility

inDrive enhances passenger experience in South Africa with new app features

inDrive, the global mobility and delivery services platform, has introduced new passenger features to its appin South Africa, designed to make everyday journeys more predictable, transparent and safe. The features are built around a single…

Oct 16, 2026 Buzz

Ama Qamata and Temba Bavuma join Audi to usher in a new era for the Four Rings

Audi South Africa introduces acclaimed South African actress Ama Qamata and Proteas cricket captain Temba Bavuma as the official brand ambassadors for the Q: A New Era campaign Qamata's growing international acting career and Bavuma's evolution as a…

Oct 16, 2026 Buzz

Industry Conferences at Automechanika Johannesburg 2026

More Reasons to Visit: Industry Conferences & LIVE action content at Automechanika Johannesburg 2026 This year’s conference programme offers valuable opportunities to gain industry insights, explore emerging trends and connect with key players…

Oct 16, 2026 Mobility

Transport Month focus on moving bulk materials more efficiently

The efficient movement of many bulk materials – including the materials used to build South Africa’s infrastructure – doesn’t just depend on roads, railways and trucks. This Transport Month, heavy equipment manufacturer Astec Industries has…

Oct 16, 2026 Buzz

Employment Equity: EE Plan Draft Code Rejected

NEASA has rejected the Department of Employment and Labour’s Draft Reviewed Code of Good Practice on the Preparation, Implementation and Monitoring of the Employment Equity Plan and its reinforcement of a racial employment quota regime in South…

Oct 16, 2026 Buzz

AA stands with women in the fight against gender-based violence

In a country where police record nearly 1 000 women murdered every three months and more than 100 rapes every day, private emergency response networks designed for motorists and roadside breakdowns are finding themselves on the front lines of South…

Oct 16, 2026 Mobility

DFSK South Africa celebrates World LPG Autogas Day as local businesses embrace fuel savings

As the world recognises World LPG Autogas Day, DFSK South Africa is proud to highlight the growing importance of LPG Autogas as a practical, cost-effective alternative fuel for South African motorists and businesses. As rising operational costs…

Oct 16, 2026 Motorsport

Botha's Dakar dream typifies theRed-Lined ethos

A rookie on the Road to Dakar, Philip continues an epic journey If ever a competitor typified the true spirit of the Road to Dakar Challenge, it is Philip Botha. Just a few years ago, he arrived in the sport as an absolute novice with zero racing…

Oct 16, 2026 Buzz

Future Travel Starts Now: The 2026 JETOUR Global Technology Experience Day Is About to Begin

The 2026 Jetour Global Technology Experience Day is taking place from 20 to 23 October in Wuhu, China, where Jetour’s global headquarters are based and a major centre for the brand’s research, development and manufacturing operations. The event,…

Oct 16, 2026 Buzz

FNB and Wesbank Renew On The Road Partnership as Road Freight Podcast Surges Past 300,000 Views and 7,000 Youtube Subscribers

Second-year sponsorship comes as the platform reaches 2 million TikTok views and expands its influence among South Africa’s road freight SMMEs FNB and WesBank have renewed their sponsorship of the On The Road Podcast for a second consecutive year,…

Oct 15, 2026 Buzz

Partnership empowers South Africa’s next generation of artisans

African Group Lubricants and Fezamax Training Academy are helping equip aspiring artisans with the practical skills, industry exposure and professional experience needed to succeed in South Africa’s automotive and industrial sectors South Africa’s…

Oct 15, 2026 Motoring

The Lepas L6: big on presence, bigger on what comes standard

From R469,900, the L6 brings premium design, smart technology and an unusually generous specification to South Africa's mid-size SUV market. What if the most interesting thing about a new SUV wasn't the badge on the bonnet, but everything you get…

Oct 15, 2026 Buzz

PRI announces Ed Pink and Shirley Kear Valentine as 2026 Hall of Fame inductees

Legendary engine builder Ed Pink and sprint car industry pioneer Shirley Kear Valentine have been named as the 2026 Performance Racing Industry Hall of Fame inductees, recognising their lasting contributions to motorsport. The PRI Hall of Fame…

Oct 15, 2026 Buzz

Tiger Wheel & Tyre’s Girl Take the Wheel Initiative Helps Keep Young Girls in School

A day of off-road adventure and women’s empowerment has turned into something far more meaningful, as Tiger Wheel & Tyre’s Girl Take the Wheel initiative makes a difference in the lives of young girls through a donation to the Ernest Foundation. On…

Oct 15, 2026 Buzz

Engen invests in ICT skills to open pathways for youth employment and entrepreneurship

Engen has welcomed 50 young people to its 2026 ICT Learnership Programme, investing in crucial digital skills to help address youth unemployment and prepare participants for opportunities in a technology-driven economy increasingly shaped by…

Oct 15, 2026 Buzz

Looking For Your Next Skilled Carpenter? Host a Carpentry Apprentice

(Available only in Gauteng) Give a young South African the opportunity to learn, gain experience, and build a career, while your business gains access to developing technical talent. NEASA Youth is inviting employers to host a government-funded…

Oct 15, 2026 Motoring

Inspired by the tides:Grenadier Helmsman launches a series of special editions inspired by the elements

Helmsman edition joins Grenadier line-up for MY2027 First of several editions inspired by the adventurous spirit of the Grenadier and the elements it was designed to tackle Incorporates popular design features from previous limited-run models and…

Oct 15, 2026 Buzz

Intersec Europe 2027: Messe Frankfurt launches new trade fair for integrated security technology

Intersec Europe will make its debut in Frankfurt am Main from 14–16 September 2027, bringing together physical security, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence in an integrated approach to protecting buildings, businesses and critical…

Oct 15, 2026 Buzz

Potential for aftermarket to play a key in automotive localisation

RMI calls for retail and aftermarket to be recognised as integral to South Africa’s automotive industrial strategy at SA Auto Week 2026 South Africa’s localisation ambitions must extend beyond the manufacture of new vehicles to include the retail…

Oct 15, 2026 Buzz

From newcomer to top 10: Jetour celebrates two years of rapid growth in SA

A media briefing in July 2024 announced the upcoming launch of a new automotive brand in South Africa, entering an already crowded and highly competitive market where consumers were being presented with more choice than ever before. The question…

Oct 15, 2026 Buzz

'Toyota leads, but women’s vehicle choices are changing'

Almost all new and used light vehicle sales to women take place in South Africa’s major metros and cities. Lightstone’s analysis of South African vehicle buyers, based on data sourced through its Signiosystem since the start of 2021, shows that 99%…

Oct 15, 2026 Mobility

Beyond Showroom: Hyundai Puts Real Cost of Mobility in Focus at Auto Week

With rising fuel prices placing renewed pressure on household budgets, Hyundai Automotive South Africa is using its participation at SA Auto Week 2026, currently taking place in Durban, to spotlight a consideration that extends well beyond a…

Oct 14, 2026 Buzz

What does skipping AAPEX actually cost your business?

Missed supplier connections, undiscovered product lines and valuable industry insights can add up. With AAPEX 2026 taking place from 3–5 November in Las Vegas, the organisers are highlighting the business opportunities automotive aftermarket…

Oct 14, 2026 Buzz

Tork Craft's 750W Jigsaw: cut to perfection

Six speeds, four actions and 750 watts of serious power South Africa’s favourite tool brand, Tork Craft, has expanded its ever-popular power tool line-up with a brand-new cutting powerhouse: the all-new corded jigsaw. Engineered to deliver serious…

Oct 14, 2026 Motorsport

DeLorean takes to the sky: racing at the pinnacle of flying car motorsport as the DeLorean Airspeeder Team

Iconic American marque enters the world’s first electric flying car racing series as a constructor, with the DeLorean Airspeeder Team racing from November 2026 Announced at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, the entry puts the DeLorean name on the grid of the…

Oct 14, 2026 Buzz

A bespoke Breitling Super Chronomat designed exclusively for Aston Martin Valhalla owners

Breitling open the design process of one of its iconic Super Chronomat collection exclusively to Aston Martin Valhalla owners Each bespoke timepiece reflects the individuality of its owner and their Valhalla Two names born from a fascination with…

Oct 14, 2026 Buzz

Connecting South Africa’s automotive ecosystem through change

By Charl Potgieter, Managing Executive for Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance. South Africa’s automotive industry has changed substantially over the past five years, with greater competition, changing vehicle-price dynamics and the emergence of…

Oct 14, 2026 Buzz

Suzuki Dzire leads SA’s five most affordable new sedans in 2026

Crossovers and hatchbacks may be the top sellers in South Africa these days, but the humble sedan still has a strong role to play, especially for ride-hailing services, fleet operators, and families looking to stretch their budgets. Recent pricing…

Oct 14, 2026 Buzz

Foreign Nationals Employment Quotas: Employment Services Amendment Bill: Comments invited

The Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour has invited public comments on the Employment Services Amendment Bill. The proposed law aims to regulate the employment of foreign nationals in South Africa. Of particular concern to employers is that…

Oct 14, 2026 Motoring

New Honda CR-V e:HEV: Hybrid Power, All-Wheel Drive and a Lower Price

First CR-V in South Africa with Honda’s 2.0-litre e:HEV Self-Charging Hybrid Electric Motors Deliver 135 kW and 335 Nm All-Wheel Drive Now Standard Returns to a Practical Five-Seat Layout RS Specification Inside and Out, Plus New Blazing Red Pearl…

Oct 13, 2026 Motoring

Eight Years of ‘Travel+’: JETOUR Evolves from Box-Style SUV Champion to a Leading Global Travel Lifestyle Brand

Long before “Auto + Travel” became an industry buzzword, SUV brand Jetour had already been incorporating travel scenarios into its product definition, technology R&D, and user operations, putting it at the forefront of this industry trend. Since its…

Oct 13, 2026 Buzz

iCAUR V27 Takes top interior design honours at 2026 Torino Automotive Design Award

The iCAUR V27 was named Best Interior Design in the Premium Car category at the 2026 Torino Automotive Design Award. Judges praised the cabin's blend of modern styling, everyday functionality, and intuitive technology. This win builds on the…

Oct 13, 2026 Buzz

The aftermarket is changing. See what's next in Dubai

Automechanika Dubai will bring the people, products and conversations behind the automotive aftermarket together from 10–12 November 2026 at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai. The three-day event offers opportunities to find suppliers,…

Oct 13, 2026 Buzz

B-BBEE: Legal Sector Code: Set Aside

On 7 October 2026, the High Court set aside the B-BBEE Legal Sector Code. The court found that the Minister failed to exercise the required independent judgement before publishing the Sector Code and did not exercise proper statutory discretion.…

Oct 13, 2026 Buzz

SA’s used car market finds its feet in September, but not everyone’s celebrating

Toyota and Suzuki emerged as the annual winners among the top 10 brands, despite mixed results elsewhere in the market. At a Glance – September 2026 Car Sales Used Cars Sales: 33,824 (+1.4% MoM, -1.7% YoY) Average price: R432,938 (+3.4% MoM, +3.5%…

Oct 13, 2026 Buzz

Opinion Piece: Criminal checks - the employee screening gap nobody talks about

In South Africa’s blue-collar, mining, and construction sectors, criminal background screening is often viewed as a secondary consideration rather than a standard hiring requirement.High staff turnover, project deadlines and fluctuating labour…

Oct 13, 2026 Buzz

Supporting SA's Energy Transition: Eaton Electric South Africa launches new Solutions Studio and expands local warehousing and logistics

Eaton, an intelligent power management company, is strengthening its presence and customer support in South Africa with the opening of its new head office, Solutions Studio and expanded warehousing facilities in Longmeadow, Johannesburg, together…

SAPICS Corporate Member - Zycus Event Online - 18th November

Oct 13, 2026 Buzz

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