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 Group Africa (VWGA) says it is dedicated to improving the employability of South African youth by providing them with essential knowledge and skills, and by offering them opportunities to showcase their abilities, establish a strong work ethic and prove their worth.
In line with this commitment, VWGA supports the Youth Employment Services (YES) programme, initiated by the South African government six years ago to alleviate youth unemployment. Since 2019, more than 3 000 YES candidates have gained valuable work experience through VWGA and its dealer network. This 12-month programme offers young people their first employment opportunity, enabling them to earn a living and contribute to economic growth.
"As a company with a proud history of commitment to sustainable development and transformation in the country, and as a company that has always been responsive to societal needs, we have pledged our support to the YES initiative by creating job opportunities for South Africa's youth," explained Nonkqubela Maliza, VWGA Director for Corporate and Government Affairs.
Nonkqubela highlighted the benefits to businesses participating in the programme, including the creation of an improved general business environment and the development of a new market by integrating youth into the economy and enhancing their earning potential.
This month, 508 new YES candidates joined VWGA, with 282 of them placed at the Kariega plant, as well as the Sales and Marketing and Aftersales divisions in Gauteng and Cape Town, while 226 candidates were placed within the dealer network.
"Our goal is to connect our YES trainees to permanent employment opportunities, therefore we are piloting a Volkswagen Sales Skills Training programme. This programme selects suitable YES trainees for potential sales positions within the Volkswagen dealer network," says Nonkqubela.
During the selection process, candidates complete a Precise Fit Sales Assessment, which evaluates how well their profiles align with the requirements and expectations of a sales position in a dealership.
"We believe that this programme will further equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to apply for Sales Executive opportunities within the dealer network," Nonkqubela concludes.
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.
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.
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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.