Victoria Backhaus-Jerling (photo) has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM).
She succeeds Dave Coffey, who has served as CEO since February 2020 and is retiring after five years. Victoria will be the first woman to lead the AAAM as CEO.
Martina Biene, President of AAAM as well as Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa, expressed her congratulations: “On behalf of the AAAM Management Board, I congratulate Victoria on her appointment. She has demonstrated remarkable expertise and commitment to the development of the African automotive industry, and our board is confident she will lead AAAM to even greater achievements. We are also proud to welcome the first woman to fill this pivotal role.”
“We also extend our gratitude to Dave for his tireless dedication in transforming AAAM into a highly respected organisation. Under his leadership, AAAM has grown from 17 members in 2020 to 80 members today and has become a key player in advancing automotive industrialisation in Africa,” Martina adds.
Before her appointment, Victoria served as Head of the Project Office in South Africa for the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) since October 2020.
Victoria says she is honoured to be appointed into this role, and she looks forward to building on the strong foundation established by Dave and the AAAM team. “My focus will be on driving collaboration, inclusivity and innovation across the continent, ensuring that AAAM continues to serve its members and stakeholders effectively. We have declared 2025 the year of collaboration and inclusivity, and I am excited to work with partners to further industrialise and grow Africa’s automotive industry.”
Dunlop Tyres South Africa has completed a R1.7 billion investment programme at its uMnambithi (Ladysmith) manufacturing facility, introducing new manufacturing technology and expanding production capabilities at the plant.
Mahindra & Mahindra has unveiled the Scorpio Lifestyler, a midsize lifestyle bakkie derived from the Global Pik Up concept first shown in Cape Town in 2023.
The South African automotive industry has gained some breathing space following the latest move by the United States Senate to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, to the end of 2028.
Advertisement
Advertisement
You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
Unknown
Dunlop Tyres South Africa has completed a R1.7 billion investment programme at its uMnambithi (Ladysmith) manufacturing facility, introducing new manufacturing technology and expanding production capabilities at the plant.
The South African automotive industry has gained some breathing space following the latest move by the United States Senate to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, to the end of 2028.
General Motors (GM) has renewed its joint venture with China's SAIC Motor Corp for another 20 years, enabling the United States (US) automaker to use China as an export hub amid rising competition from Chinese brands in and outside their home market.
