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
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM), the current vehicle sponsor for the 2023 Rugby World Champions, the Springboks, has extended the partnership to the South African Rugby Union (SARU) president, Mark Alexander.
The collaboration between the SARU president and Toyota marks the beginning of a dynamic partnership. Mark Alexander is set to receive a brand-new Toyota Prado 2.8GD VX-L, adding an adventurous touch to his leadership journey.

“We are pleased to welcome Mark Alexander to the Toyota Family. This partnership is testament to our shared values of excellence, dedication and South African heritage. The choice of the Toyota Prado reflects the brand’s dedication to providing vehicles that not only meet high-performance standards but also mobility for all,” says Leon Theron, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at TSAM.
“I am grateful for Toyota’s commitment to South African rugby and their goal towards creating mobility solutions for all. This gesture is true testament of their drive both on and off the field,” says Mark Alexander, President of SARU.
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.