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
“To unleash the power of technology it is vital to have the skills and understanding to harness its potential while mitigating risks. To do so means embracing all the things which make us human - difference, judgement, care, empathy and understanding.” Source, PwC.
Industries across sectors are navigating massive 4IR (Fourth Industrial Revolution) transformation where technological advancements are happening faster than a Lamborghini around Kyalami. However, as they reshape the business landscape at an unprecedented pace, a critical factor remains overlooked: the human element. We still need skilled navigators to steer technological solutions for maximum efficiency and impact. Many organisations have researched this phenomenon, with the likes of PwC alerting us to the importance of integrating human qualities into technological developments.
Why a Human-Centric Approach Matters
Why should the automotive industry, and particularly dealerships, pay attention to this shift? The answer lies in changing consumer preferences. There’s a strong trend towards personalised, human-centric experiences in automotive retail, as this Deloitte study on consumer attitudes in the South African automotive industry reveals. And it’s not a fleeting preference – it’s a fundamental shift in what consumers expect from their interactions in the automotive space.
Introducing a Balanced Approach
Motify's response to this shift has been to adopt a balanced approach. We believe in the power of technology to transform businesses, but we also recognise and deeply understand the irreplaceable value of human interaction. Our programmes, such as AutoRetention and AutoWeb, exemplify this philosophy. While they are tools designed for better data management or digital engagement, what sets them apart is how they foster real, meaningful connections between dealerships and their customers.
Validating Our Strategy
How has this approach fared within Motify? Our recent changes are a case in point. The creation of customer-focused teams, each attuned to its specific market, has allowed us to engage with clients on a more personal level. This isn’t merely a structural change; it's a strategic move to deepen client understanding and cater to diverse needs more effectively.
Empowering Dealerships and Offering Tailored Solutions
For dealerships keen on embracing this new paradigm, Motify provides the tools and strategies to make this transition. Our solutions are designed to integrate with your operations seamlessly, amplifying your technological capabilities while bringing an enhanced level of personal engagement to your customer interactions. By adopting Motify's approach, dealerships can keep up with technological developments and become frontrunners in delivering customer-centric experiences. This is how true value is created.
Leading with a Human-Centric Focus
In conclusion, Motify is committed to a future where technology and humanity are complementary, not competing forces. In an industry focused on the next technological breakthrough, we will always add a human dose of empathy and personalisation. In this way, we stretch beyond adapting to changes in the automotive sector; we aim to redefine them, ensuring you remain tech-savvy and deeply human in your customer interactions.
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.