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
Haval Motors South Africa has appointed Conrad Groenewald to the newly created position of Chief Operations Officer. The appointment is effective from 1 July 2022.
Haval says that the appointment fits into its investment strategy to grow its presence in the Southern African market, increase its market share and create more effective marketing strategies. It also aims to grow its product portfolio significantly in the next 18 months.
Conrad was the Director of Sales Operations at Ford South Africa. Before taking up this role at Ford, he spent many years in the local automotive industry and three years in China on an international assignment. This, according to Haval, gives him a sound understanding of Chinese business and relations between the two countries.
Says Conrad: “It is not often that you are presented with an opportunity to join a young and upcoming brand in the automotive sector. I look forward to the challenge and trust I can add to the tremendous growth Haval is experiencing in Southern Africa.
“Haval is currently the fastest-growing automotive brand when measured year on year. From what I was privileged to do far, all I can say, is that I am joining the team at a very exciting time.”
GWM is in its 15th year of operations in SA, and Haval has been on sale for the past five years.
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.