The Motus Group has acquired Sandown Motor Holdings (SMH), a wholly owned subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s (MBSA), retail operations.
The proposed deal includes the SMH passenger car business of its Gauteng West retail operations, as well as a portion of the commercial vehicle business. These dealerships will include Mercedes-Benz Sandton, Mercedes-Benz Constantia Kloof, Mercedes-Benz Bryanston and a single commercial vehicles dealership in Roodepoort.
It forms part of MBSA’s implementation of Project FOCUS, which resulted in the spin-off of Daimler Truck AG. The rationale behind the spin-off was to afford Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Daimler Truck AG greater entrepreneurial flexibility and agility, giving it the independence to focus on its strategic direction in respect to electric mobility transformation, improved customer centricity and to unlock their full potential.
Commenting on the proposed disposal, Co-CEO Mercedes-Benz Cars and Executive Director of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, Mark Raine, says: “MBSA’s proposed sale of Sandown Motor Holdings is the next logical step in the growth of our company. A simplified corporate structure will enable MBSA to focus on the next phase of the company’s growth premised on customer centricity and the future focus of passenger cars of Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach and Mercedes-EQ brands.”
The sale of SMH remains subject to conditions precedent that must be met by MBSA and the Motus Group. The transaction is also subject to the approval of the relevant competition and regulatory authorities.
Dunlop Tyres South Africa has completed a R1.7 billion investment programme at its uMnambithi (Ladysmith) manufacturing facility, introducing new manufacturing technology and expanding production capabilities at the plant.
Mahindra & Mahindra has unveiled the Scorpio Lifestyler, a midsize lifestyle bakkie derived from the Global Pik Up concept first shown in Cape Town in 2023.
The South African automotive industry has gained some breathing space following the latest move by the United States Senate to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, to the end of 2028.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Dunlop Tyres South Africa has completed a R1.7 billion investment programme at its uMnambithi (Ladysmith) manufacturing facility, introducing new manufacturing technology and expanding production capabilities at the plant.
The South African automotive industry has gained some breathing space following the latest move by the United States Senate to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, to the end of 2028.
General Motors (GM) has renewed its joint venture with China's SAIC Motor Corp for another 20 years, enabling the United States (US) automaker to use China as an export hub amid rising competition from Chinese brands in and outside their home market.
