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
Goodyear South Africa has appointed Paul Gerrad (photo) to the position of Managing Director effective from 1 May 2024.
Gerrard takes over from Richard Fourie, who led the company for two years from April 2022.
A seasoned leader with deep experience in operations and supply chain gained from the automotive industry in South Africa and abroad, Gerrard joined Goodyear in 2010 as Group Procurement and Supply Chain Director for South Africa.
In 2016, he moved to Dubai, as Director of the company’s Supply Chain Function for Emerging Markets (Middle East & Africa, South Africa and Turkey). In 2020, he returned to South Africa and took on the role of Manufacturing Director of the Kariega Plant. He will still be based at the Kariega plant for his new role.
“Goodyear South Africa has a proud legacy of being a key contributor to South Africa’s tyre manufacturing industry,” says Gerrard. “I look forward to continuing our successful delivery of high-quality tyre products to the drivers in the country.”
Gerrard holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) degree in Business Administration from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
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.