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
Volkswagen has introduced a comprehensive service and maintenance programme called EasyDrive Vehicle Plans.
According to the manufacturer, the plans will give customers peace-of-mind motoring and benefits like protection against inflation as prices are fixed at today’s rates for future servicing and maintenance costs, transferability from the current owner to a new owner and enhanced resale value with a full service-history, says Steffen Knapp, Head of the Volkswagen Passenger Car Brand.
Customers have the option of extending the EasyDrive Maintenance and Service Plans up to 10 years/ 300 000 km.
The comprehensive EasyDrive Maintenance Plan covers all costs (parts and labour) associated with scheduled vehicle services, repairs of defective components and wear and tear items (excluding tyres) that need to be replaced as well as 24/7 Roadside Assistance.
The EasyDrive Service Plan covers all manufacturer-specific scheduled service requirements, including parts and labour costs.
Included in the EasyDrive Maintenance and Service Plans is access to the technical expertise of the 109-strong Dealer Network in Southern Africa, over 40 000 genuine Volkswagen vehicle parts, which are available in the country as well as customer care in the form of 24-hour Roadside Assistance.
Using the WeConnect Go App, Volkswagen drivers can book a vehicle service on the app. Using the digital Service Cam feature, a first and an innovation for the dealer network in South Africa, a technician can diagnose an issue on the car and show this to the customer via video, the customer is then able to give approval before repairs are made on the vehicle.
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.