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
Ashley Reddy (photo) is the new Head of Aftersales and Dealer Network Management at Audi South Africa. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having spent 15 years in various leadership positions within the automotive industry.
With a focus on aftersales and dealer development, Ashley's background includes experience in parts sales, pricing strategies, customer service, warranty management and business process improvement. Her leadership skills have been honed through years of involvement in strategy implementation, forecasting, cashflow management and project execution.
Ashley began her career in the automotive industry as an assistant accountant at BMW before transitioning into sales at Hyundai. Most recently, she served as the General Manager for Aftersales at Mercedes-Benz Vans, where she led significant initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and drive business growth.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ashley Reddy to Audi South Africa,” says Sascha Sauer, Head of Audi South Africa. “Her extensive experience and proven track record make her a valuable addition to our team. We look forward to leveraging her expertise as we continue to deliver exceptional service and support to our customers and dealer network."
“I am absolutely delighted to join Audi South Africa. It is a brand that resonates with my personal mantra of continuous improvement. I look forward to a great partnership with the Audi dealer network and to driving the business to continued success,” she says.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ashley is passionate about inspiring young professionals, particularly in the aftersales sector where women are underrepresented. She dedicates her time to mentor and empower individuals, finding it both fulfilling and rewarding.
“Ashley’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Audi SA as the company strengthens its position in the market and drives innovation in the automotive industry,” Sascha concludes.
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.