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
The Fleet Safety Awards 2024 has opened, revealing a completely refreshed entry and judging site. As from now, candidates can submit their entries into the running to be crowned one of the winners in November.
The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says the launch of the Awards was planned for the month of May because of its significance to the organisation. “During May, we celebrate our 25th anniversary. The Fleet Safety Awards is one of the achievements made over our rich 25-year history.
“Its growth and support in the first year surpassed initial expectations with the second year of the Awards bettering even that. The significance of the Fleet Safety Awards and especially the place they hold in the MasterDrive calendar, as well as the role they have come to play in the road safety arena, is one of powerful influence and encouragement to promote safety within fleets.”
This year, challenges with the dedicated entry site were resolved. “The process is simpler, faster and more user friendly. These changes combine the first and send entries into a single entry, thereby doing awat with the need to return to answer the more extensive questions.
“These questions are further streamlined. There are fewer questions, but we still gain a deeper understanding of how entrants prioritise the promotion of road safety. Several other changes simplify the process more. We are confident entrants will truly appreciate these changes.”
“MasterDrive looks forward to recognising those committed to road safety and, consequently, make the Awards an even stronger driving force within corporates. We anticipate the entries will double again in 2024. With tremendously successful awards in 2022 and 2023, we highly anticipate what this year holds,” says Herbert.
Anton Cornelissen, Head of Santam Heavy Haulage Insurance, a headline partner, says Santam is proud to partner with MasterDrive’s Fleet Safety Awards for the second consecutive year. “It aligns with our core values and commitment to road safety within the transport industry. By recognising and celebrating excellence and achievements of companies and individuals, we set a benchmark for excellence, encouraging other businesses to prioritise safety.”
Jennifer Heyes, Marketing Director Africa at Castrol, another headline partner, says: “Safety is one of our core values as it is linked to our BP corporate philosophy of ‘care for others’. We are in the business of helping motorists get to their destination – so we assume responsibility for promoting road safety.”
The Director of Sales at Webfleet, the newest headline partner, Justin Mason, says a key objective is promoting road safety through products and services. “It provides real time information helping make drivers and fleets safer. Partnering with MasterDrive on this initiative makes perfect sense, aligning with our commitment to road safety. “
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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Cars are the ultimate symbol of freedom, independence and individualism. They offer the freedom to ‘go anywhere,’ whenever it suits and with whom one chooses.
Sarah Redshaw
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.