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
BMW Group South Africa and BMW Group Financial Services South Africa have announced the appointment of Thilosh Moodally to Director: Government Affairs and Communications.
Thilosh says in her 20-year automotive track record, she had the honour of working in several areas across the BMW Group South Africa operations. “I feel privileged to now represent the Government Affairs and Communications portfolio at Director-level at BMW Group South Africa and BMW Group South Africa Financial Services.
“The ability to navigate change, while balancing tradition and modernity, has defined my professional career in various management positions, and I plan to tap into this experience in my new role.”
She started her career at BMW Group South Africa in 2003 as a Chartered Accountant in Plant Rosslyn. With over two decades of experience in the automotive industry, she has diversified her career portfolio in many business areas, including Finance, Aftersales, Dealer Development, Head of MINI South Africa, General Manager of Customer and Brand, and General Manager of Government Affairs and Communication.
Thilosh has been instrumental in many transformational projects at BMW Group South Africa, including the implementation of the Future Retail and New Retail models. In 2023, she was declared the ‘Excellence Award’ winner at the Motoring Women of the Year Awards and led the communications team through the momentous BMW Group South Africa 50-year celebrations.
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.