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
Chery South Africa embarked on a partnership with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the Department of Transport to provide transport for senior delegates and visitors to the 15th BRICS Summit.
The summit kicks off in Johannesburg on Tuesday, 22 August and ends on Thursday, 24 August.
As an official Presidential Vehicle Partner, Chery South Africa handed over the keys to 60 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro MAX vehicles to the organisers of the event. These vehicles were used in the run-up to the event and to transport VIPs and international delegates during the event.
The handing over was attended by various dignitaries, such as the Deputy Director-General, Clayson Monyela, from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Miss Hlengiwe Bengu, the Chief Financial Officer for DIRCO, Minister Li from the Chinese Embassy, as well as senior representatives from the Department of Transport.

The Summit is hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa and attended by senior government officials of the five member states, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa and their partner organisations.
“To be chosen as an official Presidential Vehicle Partner, a brand and their chosen vehicle must offer the highest level of luxury, performance and safety. We are extremely proud to be able to provide our flagship Chery Tiggo 8 Pro MAX to the South African government and all the members and guests of the BRICS countries,” says Tony Liu, Executive Deputy General Manager of Chery South Africa.
Chery launched the upgraded Chery Tiggo 8 Pro and Pro MAX earlier in August and has since started deliveries to customers and vehicle fleets. The new Chery Tiggo 8 Pro MAX offers a host of upgrades to customers, including a new grille and light design in front and new rear light clusters and an LED light bar that runs the length of the vehicle.
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.