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
Mr Naohiro Yamaguchi is the new chairman Isuzu Motors South-Africa (IMSAf) effective from 1 October.
He has held various leadership roles throughout his 35-years with Isuzu and has filled various positions in business, including that of International Sales Office Manager from 1999 to 2003 in Japan, and several General Manager positions in Thailand from 2003 to 2015 and Senior Executive positions specialising in Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) in India from 2015 to 2021.
Naohiro will continue serving in his current role as Senior Executive Officer: LCV Business (LCV Business Department, Sales Division and Sales Headquarters) and will commence duty as chairman of IMSAf while residing in Japan.
“We are pleased to have Naohiro Yamaguchi join the Isuzu Motors South Africa team, especially given the extensive Isuzu experience he brings with him. We look forward to supporting him in his Chairmanship as we continue to grow Isuzu from strength to strength in the markets we represent,” said Billy Tom, President and CEO of Isuzu Motors South Africa.
Naohiro Yamaguchi takes over responsibility from Shigeji Sugimoto, who has been Chairman of IMSAf since March 2020. Shigeji Sugimoto fulfilled his role as Chairman while based in Dubai and will now begin a new role as Senior Executive Officer and Chairman of Isuzu Motors Sales Co Ltd, which is the biggest distribution subsidiary in Japan.
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.