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
Shaun Willis is the new head at BMW Motorrad South Africa, stepping over from MINI where he was in charge. His role at MINI been taken over by Carmen Myles as the new head at the brand.
Shaun held several key roles with the BMW Group over the last 27 years. His previous roles include BMW Group Aftersales Area Manager: sub-Saharan Africa; BMW Group South Africa Aftersales Manager: Gauteng South; BMW Group South Africa Area Sales Manager: Gauteng; and MINI South Africa Head of Sales.
As the Head of MINI South Africa for the past three and a half years, Shaun built on his extensive experience in Wholesale and Retail, and Sales and Aftersales to consolidate MINI South Africa’s strong position in the country.
Now looking to lead BMW Motorrad South Africa to greater heights, Shaun commented: “It’s been a real privilege to work and grow with the MINI South Africa team. I am looking forward to leading the BMW Motorrad South Africa team, which has done an excellent job growing the motor-cycle division. I know that we will display great performance in the time ahead.”
Carmen Myles brings with her a wealth of knowledge with over 17 years’ experience in sales. Carmen has also built and maintained strong business relations across BMW Group South Africa and its retailer network.
In her current role as BMW Group South Africa Manager: Transaction Pricing and Product Offers, she has been responsible for transaction pricing in the new direct sales model for BMW Group South Africa, MINI and BMW Motorrad for the past three years.
Carmen is a resourceful and skilled sales professional, having previously filled roles such as MINI South Africa Regional Manager: Sales; BMW South Africa Regional Manager: Sales and Marketing; MINI South Africa Manager: Sales, Planning, Steering and Operations; and BMW Group South Africa Manager: Sales Development.
Upon her appointment, Carmen commented: "I am honoured to lead the MINI South Africa team, and I’m especially excited to collaborate with my new team members. Having worked closely with the iconic brand over the years, I hope to continue the innovative work it has produced so far - particularly as we prepare for a transformative automotive future. I look forward to adding value to our customers’ lives with maximal experiences and a minimal footprint.”
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.