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
Kia South Africa has donated R70 000 to its long-standing CSI beneficiary (Corporate Social Investment), RADA ,in support of its MiPad project in Women’s Month.
The MiPad project distributes sustainable, reusable sanitary pads to young women who often stay at home when they are menstruating because they do not have access to, or in many cases, the means to buy sanitary wear. Simultaneously, it aims to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of young girls by promoting their self-esteem and sense of equality.
“Our partnership with RADA – an acronym for rape, alcohol, drug, abuse – remains rooted in providing support to organisations that make a tangible difference in the lives of South Africans,” comments Christo Valentyn, General Manager of Marketing for Kia South Africa.
“Whether we are providing financial support to expand the MiPad project or donating a Kia vehicle to more effectively deliver food and other essentials to the various RADA Care Homes, we know that our contribution is being utilised for the betterment of hundreds, if not thousands, of people.”
RADA has a long-standing partnership with Kia South Africa, which has supported the organisation for many years through cash donations to help cover operating costs and vehicle sponsorships to reach the communities it serves more effectively, as well as the MiPad project.
Annually, Kia also supports RADA’s fundraising raffle and will again be providing a Kia vehicle to the winner of the raffle while he/she enjoys a two-night stay at the five-star Tiger Canyon Private Game Reserve, another of RADA’s long-standing partners.
“The RADA team is eternally grateful for all the amazing support we receive from Kia South Africa,” comments Tracey Pitout, General Manager of RADA. “This donation allows us to distribute a further 608 MiPad packs to Grade 7 schoolgirls situated in vulnerable communities, empowering them to attend school uninterrupted by their monthly menstrual cycles. Without Kia’s generous support these handouts would not be possible; it changes the lives of young girls, families and communities.”
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.