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
Mercedes-Benz South Africa Limited (MBSA) has announced two changes at the executive level.
Both are key executive appointments within its Sales & Marketing and Aftersales operations of the manufacturer.
Selvin Govender, currently responsible for Marketing and Sales for Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA), will take over the position of Vice President and Director for Marketing and Sales for Mercedes-Benz GDs Europe, Middle East & Africa (MBGD), effective 1 February 2023.
Commenting on Selvin’s departure, Mark Raine, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars and Executive Director of MBSA, said: “Selvin Govender has been synonymous with the Mercedes-Benz brand for over two decades and has been integral in leading the company’s enviable brand in the premium automotive sector and commercial success throughout his tenure.”
A successor to Selvin will be appointed and communicated in due course.
In regard to personnel changes within the Aftersales division, Alexandre Ferreira, currently Head of Customer Services MBC at MBSA, will become Strategic Projects Lead MBC at Mercedes-Benz Brazil, effective 1 January 2023.
Alex joined Mercedes-Benz Brazil in 1996 and has, over his 26-year history at Mercedes-Benz, held various positions across passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
“MBSA would like to commend Alexandre Ferreira for his commitment to the success of the Aftersales division and the transformation of our business to gear it for future growth and exceptional customer service. We wish him well in his new role, which is of strategic importance in Brazil,” concluded Mark.
A successor to Alexandre will be appointed and communicated in due course.
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.
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.
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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.