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
Volvo Trucks South Africa has announced the appointment of Anders Friberg as the company’s new Director of New Truck Sales, effective 1 April 2024. He will be based at the Volvo Group Southern Africa headquarters in Johannesburg.
With extensive experience across the commercial vehicle industry and various international brands, Anders brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role. Most recently, he served as the Director of Private Importer Development within Volvo Trucks International and has proven his capabilities in driving sales and implementing effective business development strategies.
His career journey includes pivotal roles within other premium truck brands, where he served as Area Sales Manager, Senior Area Sales Manager, Business Development Manager in Turkey, and Managing Director in Tanzania. Notably, his tenure as Sales Director for Scania South Africa and Export from 2016 to 2020, gave him valuable insight into the South African vehicle industry and market dynamics.
Anders says he is excited to be back in South Africa. “The local transport industry has very unique challenges in terms of operating conditions and logistical pressures. At Volvo Trucks we are committed to helping our customers face and overcome these challenges by providing the best products for the job at hand, as well as unrelenting support and quality services. I am excited about serving our customers and driving success, together.”
Waldemar Christenson, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks South Africa, says the local team is
delighted to welcome Anders.
"His extensive experience and profound understanding of the industry and the local truck market will undoubtedly drive our sales initiatives going forward, ensuring continued success for Volvo Trucks and our customers in the region."
In 2024, Volvo Trucks South Africa is celebrating its 24th anniversary in the country. The company has an assembly plant in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, and currently employs around 900 people at various sites across the country.
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.