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
FAW Trucks South Africa, marked its 30-year milestone with a touching exchange. In a symbolic gesture, FAW swapped out one of the last remaining 4th-generation models from a loyal customer’s fleet.
FAW commemorated a loyal customer’s long-standing partnership with the brand by replacing one of the very first units in his fleet, a 2009 15.180FLS model, which happens to be one of the last remaining 4th-generation vehicles in the region. The old unit, with a remarkable estimated 1.5 million KMs on the clock, now graces the Coega museum, while the customer received a brand-new JK6 model — a testament to FAW’s commitment to progress and its legacy.
The historical walk at our 30-year anniversary event wouldn’t be complete without this iconic vehicle. Henry Bruwer, a steadfast FAW customer, played a pivotal role. His unit, meticulously maintained over 15 years, embodies the heart of FAW’s journey. Its inclusion underscores the scale of importance this milestone holds for our brand, FAW says.
With decades of operation, Henry’s logistics business spans regional routes, serving communities across South Africa. His introduction to FAW began years ago, and his first purchase — a 4th-generation model – became the backbone of his fleet.
Why that specific model? He explains how it seamlessly fitted into his fleet’s needs. Fuel efficiency, reliability and exceptional aftersales support from FAW convinced him to invest further. Today, FAW trucks constitute a significant percentage of his logistics operation. Beyond the original purchase, he now owns various FAW models, each contributing to his business’s success.
At the anniversary event, Henry felt immense pride seeing his old unit in the historical walk-up. Now it resides in the FAW SA museum.
Henry described the JK6 as “Promising”. The unit seamlessly integrates into his fleet, promising efficiency and reliability. As he navigates the road ahead, he embodies the spirit of progress that defines FAW, says the truck manufacturer.
(Source FAW)
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.