AA and Jetour clash over T1 and T2 payload ratings
- Industry News
- 1 October 2026
Dealer industry news from around Southern Africa
South Africa has been urged to move quickly to protect and strengthen its automotive manufacturing sector as uncertainty around Volkswagen’s global operations highlights the growing pressure facing carmakers worldwide.
South Africa entered 2026 with improving economic conditions, offering greater support for consumers and the automotive sector after several challenging years.
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has marked a major milestone in its local manufacturing history with the ceremonial line off of the ninth generation Hilux at its Prospecton plant in Durban.
Isuzu Motors South Africa has invested close to R2 million in a new artificial intelligence, coding and robotics laboratory at Khulile Primary School in Motherwell, Gqeberha, giving 650 learners access to digital learning technologies.
Lightstone Auto’s July 2026 report shows that South Africans under the age of 35 are buying fewer cars than they did a decade ago. Stagnant incomes, high youth unemployment and rising living costs have squeezed disposable income, making it harder for younger buyers to enter the market.
Chery South Africa has confirmed that the Tiggo 4 range will be the first model produced at its Rosslyn manufacturing plant, with local production scheduled for the second half of 2027.
Mahindra South Africa joined forces with Miss Soweto 2025/26, Lungile Siyaphi, to distribute food parcels to families in need at the Mamlangeni Community Centre in Orlando, Soweto.
The Outdoor and Adventure Expo will return to B’sorah near Hartbeespoort Dam from Friday 14 August to Sunday 16 August.
Tshililo Nelwamondo has been named Volkswagen Group Africa's (VWGA) Best Apprentice for 2026 after being recognised at the annual Best Apprentice Awards ceremony held in Wolfsburg, Germany in June 2026.
Africa’s trade corridors have long been central to connecting the continent with global markets. The focus is shifting towards internal corridors, logistics infrastructure and regional integration that link manufacturers, farmers, mines and businesses across borders to create value within Africa.
BYD and Absa’s launch of BYD Finance is more than a branded vehicle finance arrangement. For Absa, it is part of a broader attempt to rethink how South Africans buy, use and support new-energy vehicles.
The launch of BYD Finance by BYD and Absa marks a significant development in South Africa's fast-growing electric vehicle market, with the two companies positioning the new offering as a catalyst for broader adoption of new energy vehicles across the country.
Nissan’s second‑quarter vehicle sales in the United States (US) showed a modest improvement, giving its new chief executive Ivan Espinosa some encouragement. Yet he acknowledges that the company still faces a significant challenge in restoring its position in the market.
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Cars are the ultimate symbol of freedom, independence and individualism. They offer the freedom to ‘go anywhere,’ whenever it suits and with whom one chooses.
Sarah Redshaw