Chery names its first bakkie Grootman
Chery has named its first bakkie for South Africa Grootman, a name chosen by South Africans. The model is planned to make its local debut in the first quarter of 2027.
- Product News
- 2 October 2026
Absa and Renault in South Africa announced a strategic alliance designed to drive market-leading growth for both businesses.
This partnership brings to market the launch of Renault Financial Services, an Absa finance product aimed at offering finance plus a comprehensive suite of financial services to Renault customers.
Through this alliance, Renault dealers will gain unprecedented access to Absa's robust portfolio of financial solutions for both retail and wholesale finance. This integration will also provide a seamless, efficient experience for dealers and customers alike, streamlining operations and enhancing customer experience.
"By aligning our services with those of the Renault dealership network, we are not just offering financial solutions but also creating an ecosystem that supports the automotive industry’s growth and development," says Charl Potgieter, Managing Executive: Absa Vehicle Finance.
Key benefits of this alliance include Absa and Renault in South Africa collaborating to deliver bespoke, flexible finance and credit solutions to customers. The alliance will also leverage an expanded sales network to accelerate growth for both alliance partners, setting the stage for Absa and Renault in South Africa to compete head on in the automotive sector.
“At Renault, we are committed to delivering high-quality vehicles and a customer experience that exceeds expectations. We believe Renault Financial Services, an Absa finance product, will add to the Renault Value-Added Services offering aimed at enhancing the customer buying experience and drive vehicle sales for the Renault dealership network,” says Shumani Tshifularo, Chief Executive Officer: Renault of South Africa.
As a leading pan-African bank, with a presence in 15 countries on the continent, Absa supports its partners in exploring new opportunities across the continent. The bank’s digitally powered approach will also ensure that Renault Financial Services’ customers enjoy market-leading turnaround times on deals, from application to payout.
“Our alliance with Renault in South Africa underscores our commitment to being a primary partner to our clients. Our goal is to offer customers seamless financial solutions, empowering them to write their life stories with their mobility needs taken care of,” Charl says.
South Africa’s new vehicle market recorded aggregate domestic sales of 61 645 units in September 2026, an increase of 12.7% compared with the 54 706 units sold during September 2025.
SA Auto Week 2026 is scheduled to take place in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, from 13 to 16 October, with the event marking five years of SA Auto Week.
South Africa’s domestic new-vehicle market strengthened in September, recording 61 645 sales, its highest monthly total of 2026. Sales increased by 3 747 vehicles, or 6.5%, from August’s originally reported total and were 12.7% higher than in September 2025.