Automotive Business Review

Jan 17, 2026 Motorsport

Let’s celebrate our Dakar team

From endless dunes to unforgettable moments, our team has taken on the toughest terrain on earth and now it’s time to welcome them home. Join us as we celebrate the 2026 Toyota Gazoo Racing SA Dakar Rally Team for flying the GR flag high and leaving…

Jan 17, 2026 Motorsport

Benavides steals a 2 second Dakar bike win!

Leader Brabec loses way in final 20 km, Benavides wins Argentine Luciano Benavides has sensationally stolen a two-second overall 2026 Dakar Bike victory for KTM off the leader at the final checkpoint, Ricky Brabec and his Honda at literally the…

Jan 16, 2026 Motorsport

Dakar bikes: championship point for Brabec?

Epic ride puts Honda rider on verge of third Dakar victory 34-year-old Californian Ricky Brabec is on the verge of adding a third Dakar victory in eleven starts to his 2020 and 2024 wins for Honda after a decisive day in the saddle in Friday’s…

Jan 16, 2026 Buzz

RMI and SAPRA congratulate Thulani Tshefuta on his appointment as WR SETA Chairperson

The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), together with its constituent trade association, the South African Petroleum Retailers’ Association (SAPRA), congratulates Mr Thulani Tshefuta on his appointment as Chairperson of the Wholesale and…

Jan 16, 2026 Motoring

Hyundai IONIQ 9 Named World’s Best Large SUV

Global recognition sparks strong consideration for South Africa Hyundai Motor Company’s bold vision for electric mobility has been further validated on the global stage, with the all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 9 awarded the title of World’s Best Large…

Jan 16, 2026 Buzz

15 years of Top Employer excellence for Volkswagen Group Africa

Continuing their legacy of prioritising people, Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has been certified as a Top Employer for the 15th consecutive year. The announcement of the 2026 Top Employers cohort, selected by the globally recognised Top Employers…

Jan 16, 2026 Buzz

Turbo Direct SA: The growth of the company has exceeded all expectations

TurboDirect SA was formed by its current CEO and major shareholder Chris Kambouris. Kambouris was the man who brought Garrett by Honeywell to South African shores back in 2005 with a joint venture with Autozone, shortly thereafter Kambouris acquired…

Jan 16, 2026 Motoring

Mercedes-Benz South Africa Introduces the GLA “Night Edition”

Mercedes-Benz South Africa is proud to announce the arrival of the GLA Night Edition. This special edition brings a new level of urban sophistication and rugged elegance to the premier compact SUV, combining the versatility of the GLA with a…

Jan 16, 2026 Motoring

The New Jetour T1 - Delivering Exceptional Value for Local Customers

While the phrase “value for money” has become common place in automotive marketing, one recently launched SUV is proving that this catchphrase is more than just a tagline. The Jetour T1, recently launched in South Africa and already available in…

Jan 16, 2026 Buzz

China's NEV slowdown signals structural transition in global automotive industry, says GlobalData

The recent deceleration in China's New Energy Vehicle (NEV) market marks more than a temporary pause—it signals a structural transition with consequences far beyond its borders. As the anchor of global electrification, China's shift is already…

Jan 16, 2026 Buzz

DENSO Showcases Premium Heavy-duty Products at HDAW'26

Exhibit features top-rated DENSO and PowerEdge replacement parts DENSO Products and Services Americas, Inc., an affiliate of leading mobility supplier DENSO, will showcase its industry-leading DENSO and PowerEdge brand products for medium- and…

Jan 16, 2026 Motorsport

Entry applications deadline looms for 2026 Simola Hillclimb

It’s just two weeks to go until the window for entry applications for the 16thedition of the Simola Hillclimb closes, and there’s already been fantastic interest from aspiring drivers and teams to compete in this year’s event. As South Africa’s…

Jan 16, 2026 Buzz

Five Years of Workplace Excellence, Four Years of Industry Leadership – DTSA Sets the Pace!

On the 15th of January 2026, the Top Employers Institute recognised organisations that excelled in HR best practices. The criteria for the certification include people strategy, work environment, talent acquisition, learning & development, diversity…

Jan 16, 2026 Motorsport

Red Bull and Ford - Formula One’s new powerful partnership

By Graham Duxbury @TheRealDux Today marks a symbolic milestone for Formula One’s next era as Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls unveil their 2026 liveries in Detroit, Michigan, alongside new power unit partner Ford. Staged at the US automotive giant’s…

Jan 16, 2026 Motorsport

TGRSA crews push hard as Dakar heads towards the finish

Stage 11 of the 2026 Dakar Rally delivered another long, fast and physically demanding day, with the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa crews once again required to balance outright speed with endurance as the rally entered its final stretch. Joao…

Jan 16, 2026 Buzz

Race-Bred Street Cred: Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC from Ford Racing is Most Advanced, Powerful, and Track-Capable Dark Horse Yet

Ford Racing today introduces the new Mustang Dark Horse SC. Designed, engineered, and manufactured in house from expertise hard-won on tracks around the world, Mustang Dark Horse SC is the most advanced, powerful and track capable* Mustang Dark…

Jan 16, 2026 Motorsport

Ford 1-2-3, Dakar disaster for Toyota

l Attiyah tightens grip on Number 6, trouble for Lategan Nasser Al Attiyah appears on course to his sixth Dakar Rally victory following a dominant day for Ford and disastrous one for Toyota. Ford trio, Mattias Ekstrom, Romain Dumas and Carlos Sainz…

Jan 16, 2026 Buzz

Recall readiness and reverse logistics competency are critical, supply chain industry body says amid baby formula recall in SA

Following the recall of possibly contaminated baby formula, South African supply chain industry body SAPICS has stressed how critical it is for all organisations to examine their recall readiness and improve their reverse logistics plans, processes…

Jan 15, 2026 Buzz

Charge showcases charging of electric trucks through renewable energy one year after launch

Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) has reached a historic milestone for South Africa’s transport and energy transition, successfully charging the country’s first electric truck using fully off-grid, solar-powered, ultra-fast public charging at its…

Jan 15, 2026 Motoring

JAC Motors launches T6 2.0L CTi single-cab bakkie

JAC Motors has launched the new T6 2.0L CTi 1-tonne single-cab bakkie, offering rugged, proven capability and exceptional value from R299,900 (VAT incl.). Powered by JAC's fuel-efficient 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, also used in the T8 since 2023,…

Jan 15, 2026 Buzz

Linking the golden thread of education – Prisma strengthens pathways from training to higher learning

Prisma Training Solutions has taken a significant step toward strengthening South Africa’s mining skills pipeline by formalising the link between Further Education and Training (FET) and Higher Education and Training (HET). This development creates…

Jan 15, 2026 Buzz

Fuels Industry Association of South Africa Welcomes Supreme Court of Appeal Ruling on SANRAL Access Levies

The Fuels Industry Association of South Africa has welcomed the judgment handed down by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) on 12 January 2026 in Kasselman N.O. and Others v South African National Roads Agency Limited and Others. It has described the…

Jan 15, 2026 Motorsport

Dakar bikes going down to the wire

Benavides reclaims lead from Brabec, Rally 2, original tight The Dakar 2026 Bike lead has changed twice in two days to see just 26 seconds between Luciano Benavides’ KTM and Ricky Brabec’s Honda with just over 400 of the race’s 5000 kilometres left…

Jan 15, 2026 Buzz

SAMBRA experts debunk common motor body repair myths – and share what your MBR wants you to know

With social media “quick fixes” flooding timelines and DIY car-care hacks gaining traction, many motorists unknowingly put their vehicles at risk. To help set the record straight, the South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA), a proud…

Jan 15, 2026 Motorsport

Benavides grabs Dakar bike lead

Argentinian Luciano Benavides benefited KTM teammate Daniel Sanders crashing to jump into a slender Dakar 2025 Bike lead over Honda rider Ricky Brabec on Stage 10 Wednesday. French Honda rider Adrien van Beveren sped to victory while South African…

Jan 15, 2026 Motorsport

Serradori, Century dominate dramatic Dakar day

Al Attiyah back ahead of Lategan on another mad day to Bisha Frenchmen Mathieu Serradori and Loïc Minaudier utterly dominated the tenth stage of Dakar 2026 aboard their South African built Century Factory CR-7. On another day that saw the…

Jan 15, 2026 Buzz

MasterDrive is open for business 2026!

MasterDrive is ready to kick off the new year and welcomes organisations back as they return from the festive season break. Our team is ready to walk alongside yours on your road safety and driver training initiatives throughout 2026. The CEO of…

Jan 15, 2026 Buzz

Hyundai Automotive South Africa Reaffirms Disability Inclusion and Mobility for All

Hyundai Automotive South Africa reaffirmed its commitment towards embedding disability inclusion into its operations, through continuous disability-related employee training, improving dealership layouts and vehicle modifications. The aim is to…

Jan 15, 2026 Motoring

Range Rover unveils exclusive London-inspired editions, honouring the capital’s coveted neighbourhoods

Range Rover has revealed an exclusive series of London-themed editions, which celebrate British luxury, character and originality. The collection begins with the unveiling of the Range Rover Evoque Hoxton Edition and Range Rover Velar Belgravia…

Jan 15, 2026 Buzz

Record year for Mahindra as sales surge by over 40%

Mahindra has cemented its position as one of South Africa's favourite brands with an all-time sales record in 2025. The company reported a total of 18 097 vehicles sold over the past calendar year, representing massive 40% year-on-year growth. In…

Jan 15, 2026 Buzz

Stellantis Announces 2026 Corporate Calendar

Stellantis N.V. announced today the following corporate calendar for 2026[1]: February 26, 2026: Full Year 2025 Financial Results April 30, 2026: Q1 2026 Financial Results July 30, 2026: Q2 2026 Financial Results October 28, 2026: Q3 2026 Financial…

Jan 15, 2026 Motorsport

TGRSA completes second marathon stage as Dakar heads into final phase

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) brought the second Marathon Stage of Dakar Rally 2026 to a close on Stage 10, as crews emerged from two days without full service and made their way to the bivouac in Bisha. The stage rewarded a clean…

Jan 14, 2026 Mobility

Strengthening Africa’s Pharma Supply Chain Through Cold-Chain Compliance

Across Africa, I have seen how the ability to deliver safe and effective medicines depends on one critical factor: cold-chain compliance. As demand for vaccines, biologics, and other temperature-sensitive medicines grows, so does the need for a…

Jan 14, 2026 Buzz

African Group Lubricants promotes Elmarie Esterhuizen to Financial Director

African Group Lubricants (AG Lubricants) is pleased to announce the promotion of Elmarie Esterhuizen CA(SA) to the role of Financial Director, joining the organisation’s executive leadership team. She previously served as Financial Manager at AG…

Jan 14, 2026 Buzz

December 2025 used car sales show strong year-on-year growth despite monthly dip

The Ford Ranger remains the best-selling model, with used car sales generating R12.89 billion in revenue. December 2025 was a positive send-off for the South African used car market, with sales easing after a very strong showing in October and…

Jan 14, 2026 Buzz

Reliance’s battery manufacturing pause exposes deeper fault lines shaping battery industry, says GlobalData

Reliance Industries Limited has paused its initiative to manufacture lithium-ion battery cells in India after negotiations with China’s Xiamen Hithium Energy Storage Technology fell apart. The breakdown followed China’s recent tightening of export…

Jan 14, 2026 Buzz

Case Study: Building a stronger emergency response system in Limpopo

Strengthening Limpopo’s post-crash emergency response has been one of the most powerful achievements of the Limpopo Road Safety Programme (LRSP). Through a combined focus on updated clinical training, advanced rescue skills and improved operational…

Jan 14, 2026 Buzz

Top trends set to reshape logistics in 2026

Businesses that rely on the movement of goods are preparing for yet another year of transformative change. Shifts in technology, geopolitics, climate impact and customer expectations are redefining how supply chains operate, and companies that build…

Jan 14, 2026 Buzz

NEASA Youth Development Program: Technical students available!

NEASA Youth can assist you with junior resources! Technical students: who are working toward their National Diplomas; have completed their TVET N4 to N6 academic training (18 months); and practical workshop experience (6-12 months). Trades…

Jan 14, 2026 Buzz

Registration for TyreXpo Asia Bangkok 2026 & AutoMROtive 2026 is Opening Soon: Register Your Interest Now!

The 15th edition of TyreXpo Asia Bangkok 2026 and the inaugural AutoMROtive 2026 will take place together from 13 – 15 May 2026 in Thailand, creating a comprehensive platform that connects the entire tyre and automotive maintenance, repair, and…

Jan 14, 2026 Mobility

The best hydrogen for heavy-duty transport is locally produced and green

If trucks ran on hydrogen instead of fossil fuels, carbon dioxide emissions from heavy-duty road transport could be significantly reduced. At the same time, a new study from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden shows that differences in how…

Jan 14, 2026 Buzz

AA clarifies role of Safer Cars for Africa programme, encourages motorists to use NCAP safety ratings for informed choices

Following on The Automobile Association of South Africa’s (AASA) recent media statement highlighting the zero-star adult occupant safety rating awarded to the Hyundai Grand i10 under the Global New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) #SaferCarsForAfrica…

Jan 14, 2026 Buzz

The TT and trusts: legacies in The Isle of Man

The Isle of Man is famous for many things, but nothing defines it quite like the TT: a motorbike race so fast, so technical, and so unforgiving that even veteran riders describe it as a test of absolute precision. With more than 200 corners being…

Jan 14, 2026 Motorsport

Day 9 turns Dakar on its head

Goczals, Price beat Baragwanath, Roma leads Ford 1-2 Tuesday’s ninth day of Dakar action turned the 2026 race on its head. Polish Goczal brothers Eryk and Michal historically led Aussie Bike refugee Toby Price to a Toyota Hilux 1-2-3 from South…

Jan 14, 2026 Motorsport

Dakar bike drama, intrigue on Tuesday

Sanders comes from behind to retake lead, Schareina wins Dakar’s ninth Bike day proved a day of drama and intrigue as leading riders had to fight for their lunch on Tuesday. On another cruel day for early leaders Edgar Canet and Ross Branch, Daniel…

Jan 14, 2026 Buzz

Make SAPICS Part of Your 2026 Professional Goals

As we all begin a new year, many professionals are reflecting on their career goals and identifying practical ways to grow, learn, stay relevant, and add greater value in the workplace. Joining SAPICS – the Association for Supply Chain Management in…

Jan 14, 2026 Buzz

Employment equity the danger of last-second submissions and system errors

The deadline for the 2025 Employment Equity (EE) submission is 15 January 2026, and missing this deadline will result in non-compliance with the EE Act, and may lead to Labour Court action and possible fines. It is imperative that employers must…

Jan 14, 2026 Buzz

Electric power for efficient and sustainable logistics

Under the motto ‘The First Name in Forklifts’, industrial truck specialist Clark will be presenting the highlights of its electric counterbalance forklifts at LogiMAT 2026 in Stuttgart (Hall 10, Stand 10B78). The focus will be on the crossover…

Jan 14, 2026 Motorsport

Lategan, Cummings fight back at Dakar

Toyota duo beat Ekstrom’s Ford and Sandrider Attiyah on Monday South Africans Saood Variawa and French Navigator Francois Cazalet, and Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings fought back to a Toyota 1-2 on Monday’s eighth stage of Dakar 2026. Latgan and…

Jan 14, 2026 Buzz

Dunlop Tyres and Isuzu Motors South Africa Partner to Drive Local Enterprise Development in Gqeberha

Dunlop Tyres South Africa has partnered with its Original Equipment partner, Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf), to launch a local supplier development initiative that brings world-class tyre expertise directly onto the production line at IMSAf’s…

Jan 14, 2026 Motorsport

Benavides sneaks into Dakar bike lead

Luciano’s brilliant day of navigation up front pays off Luciano Benavides delivered a brilliant day of navigation to rack up over seven minutes of road-opening bonus to win Monday’s eighth stage. His victory moved the Argentine into a ten second…

Jan 14, 2026 Buzz

Affordable medical insurance for your employees

As previously communicated, NEASA has partnered with Momentum to roll out an affordable medical insurance product in the workplace. While this product is not a medical scheme, it provides comprehensive primary care to employees at an affordable rate…

Jan 14, 2026 Buzz

The BEE predicament

Reserve your seat - 4th National Roadshow Due to popular demand, NEASA will be hosting its 4th National BEE Roadshow in March 2026. During this roadshow, we will present a BEE solution: which ensures you retain complete control and total ownership…

Jan 14, 2026 Buzz

Matric results out? A trade career in the automotive sector could be your smartest next step

As thousands of matrics across South Africa receive their 2025 results, many young people are now facing one of the biggest decisions of their lives: what comes next? While university may seem like the default choice, it is not the only - nor always…

Jan 14, 2026 Motoring

Fresh Vibes Incoming: Lepas Arrives in Mzansi Q1 2026

South Africa, the new year starts with a clean slate, and it’s about to get a serious upgrade. In Q1 2026, a bold new name in premium mobility arrives on our roads. Lepas, from the Chery Group, is set to redefine how Joburg, Cape Town, and Durban…

Jan 14, 2026 Motorsport

TGRSA crews dig deep on opening day of second marathon stage at Dakar 2026

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) faced one of the toughest tests of Dakar Rally 2026 on Stage 9, the opening leg of the second Marathon Stage. With crews heading deep into remote terrain and spending the night without external assistance at…

Jan 13, 2026 Buzz

Nissan LEAF Named World’s Best Compact Car by Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year Jury

Nissan is proud to announce that the all-new Nissan LEAF has been awarded the prestigious title of World’s Best Compact Car by the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) jury – the only automotive awards panel in the world comprised exclusively…

Jan 13, 2026 Buzz

Buying a Used Car in 2026? Here’s What South Africans Should Know

January is a month of new beginnings. New jobs, promotions, university acceptances, and relocations often come with longer commutes. For many South Africans, these transitions share a common need: reliable transport. The used car market is where…

Jan 13, 2026 Motoring

Tata to expand local offering with two exciting new models in 2026

Tata Motors South Africa returned to South Africa in 2025 with a range of four models that prioritise style, safety and value for money. Thanks to an extensive and growing dealer network and an exciting model range that includes hatchback, coupé and…

Jan 13, 2026 Buzz

Hyundai Automotive South Africa Congratulates Class of 2025 and Reaffirms Commitment to Education and Reading Culture

Hyundai Automotive South Africa has extended its congratulations to learners who have successfully passed their 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations, while offering encouragement and renewed hope to those who did not achieve the results…

Jan 13, 2026 Buzz

Jetour celebrates annual global sales record of 622 590 for 2025

Jetour’s global sales reached 622 590 units last year, a 9.5% year-on-year increase and setting a new annual record. Since first launching seven years ago, this SUV brand has sold more than 2.15 million units globally across 2 000 sales and service…

Jan 13, 2026 Motorsport

Variawa claims Stage 8 victory as TGRSA heads into second marathon at Dakar 2026

Stage 8 of the 2026 Dakar Rally delivered one of the toughest tests of the second week so far, with a long, fast loop around Wadi Ad Dawasir combining extensive dune sections, rocky canyons and riverbeds. For TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa, it…

Jan 12, 2026 Buzz

Tesla recalled more than 115,000 Cybertrucks in 2025, NHTSA data shows

Finbold today released new research revealing that Tesla recalled more than 115,000 Cybertrucks in 2025, based on official manufacturer filings submitted to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The analysis aggregates…

Jan 12, 2026 Motorsport

Nissan Formula E Team again on the podium in Mexico City

Rowland clinches third, while Nato claims top-10 finish Nissan Formula E Team’s Oliver Rowland put in a fantastic drive at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, recovering strongly from a mid-race setback to clinch third in Round 2 of the 2025/26 ABB FIA…

Jan 12, 2026 Motorsport

Formula E R2, Mexico City E-Prix, 10 January 2026

Jaguar TCS Racing showed promise and pace in Mexico City but was unable to convert performance into points after a turbulent race for both drivers. Mitch Evans started Round 2 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in fourth position after…

Jan 12, 2026 Motoring

Mazda Develops New Body Color, “Navy Blue Mica”

Introducing a vivid, deep blue colour to be rolled out sequentially across Mazda’s lineup, starting with the all-new CX-5. Mazda Motor Corporation has developed a new body colour called Navy Blue Mica. The all-new CX-5, the best-selling model in…

Jan 12, 2026 Motorsport

Dakar day 7: Ekstrom benefits late Lategan drama

Off the hook Attiyah leads Ekstrom, Roma, Lategan after seven days German Factory Ford Raptor duo, Mattias Ekström and Emil Bergkvist benefited last sector dramas for South Africans Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings’ Overdrive Toyota Hilux to win the…

Jan 12, 2026 Motorsport

Dakar bikes day 7: Chucky in charge

KTM in control as Benavides wins, Sanders leads KTM tightened its grip on the Dakar 2026 Bike race when Argentine Luciano Benavides dominated Sundays' seventh stage and the first day of the second week. Defending champion and Benavides’ teammate,…

Jan 12, 2026 Motorsport

South Africa in the Dakar Rally spotlight during first week filled with drama

The first week of the 2026 Dakar Rally that started on Saturday, 3 January in Yanbu in Saudi Arabia, has seen various South African competitors flying the flag high in the Car Category. The Dakar Rally, regarded as the toughest motorsport event in…

Jan 12, 2026 Motorsport

The Koloc family and Buggyra ZM Racing keep fighting through a challenging Dakar

Rest days at the Dakar Rally are never truly restful. They are a moment to breathe and pause, a moment where determination and machines are rebuilt. For Aliyyah and Martin Koloc and the entire Buggyra ZM Racing Team, today is also the moment to…

Jan 12, 2026 Motorsport

Ferreira shines as TGRSA tackles tough start to week two at Dakar 2026

The second week of the 2026 Dakar Rally got underway with a demanding Stage 7, and it proved to be a mixed but telling day for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa as the rally headed deeper into the southern dunes. João Ferreira and Filipe Palmeiro…

Jan 11, 2026 Motorsport

TGRSA regroups in Riyadh after demanding opening week at Dakar 2026

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) arrived at the Rest Day of the 2026 Dakar Rally with all three crews still firmly in the fight after a punishing opening week that tested both endurance and resilience. After six stages, Saood Variawa and…

Jan 10, 2026 Motorsport

TGRSA crews reach rest day after demanding stage 6 at Dakar 2026

The opening week of the 2026 Dakar Rally came to a close on Friday with Stage 6, taking competitors from Ha’il to Riyadh over a demanding route dominated by technical dunes and complex navigation. For TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa, the focus was…

Jan 09, 2026 Buzz

"Chery Group’s global 2025 sales reach 2.8 million vehicles, with exports of 1.34 million vehicles cementing its position as China’s top automotive exporter

With the December 2025 sales figure of 244,928 vehicles announced, Chery Group has successfully concluded the year. The Group’s cumulative vehicle sales reached 2,806,393 units, representing a year-on-year increase of 7.8%. Among these, Chery…

Magnificent lustre: Range Rover develops mirror-like paint finish for Bespoke clients

Jan 09, 2026 Motoring

LATEST NEWS

Terms & Policies

Popular Articles