Dealer industry news from around Southern Africa
Netcare Diagnostics (a Netcare Group business) is introducing its first fully electric vehicles to its transport fleet, starting with shorter urban routes for collecting patient pathology specimens.
A dispute over the payload ratings of Jetour’s T1 and T2 SUVs has developed further following weighbridge testing in Gauteng, with the Automobile Association (AA) questioning some of the results and Jetour South Africa maintaining that its revised figures have been independently verified.
Chinese vehicle manufacturers continued to record significantly stronger growth than established OEM brands in South Africa during the second quarter of 2026, according to TransUnion's Q2 2026 Mobility Report.
South Africa's automotive market is becoming increasingly diverse, with growth extending beyond traditional new vehicle finance into used vehicles, rental and leasing, alternative financing and consumers who are more focused on affordability.
South African consumers face growing pressure on household finances after the South African Reserve Bank raises interest rates, adding to a range of rising costs that are already influencing vehicle purchasing decisions.
South Africa's economic recovery lost some momentum during the second quarter of 2026, while higher fuel and transport costs increased pressure on household affordability.
Car recalls often raise concern among owners, but the National Automobile Dealers' Association (NADA) says recall campaigns show that manufacturers are accountable and committed to quality, safety and customer care.
Affordability is driving a structural shift in South Africa’s vehicle market, with SUVs gaining significant ground as consumers increasingly seek competitively priced, well-equipped vehicles.
South Africa’s used car market continued to grow during the first half of 2026, despite pressure on household budgets and a 25 basis point interest rate increase in May.
South Africa's push to position industrial policy, and electric vehicle (EV) development in particular, as a cornerstone of economic transformation for emerging economies has found new traction at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
DealerCon 2026, hosted by Cars.co.za, will take place on Thursday, 17 September 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
Volkswagen AG is facing the most profound crisis in its modern history, with Reuters reporting that the company is preparing to cut up to 100 000 jobs worldwide and potentially close four German plants as part of a sweeping restructuring programme.
The Mazda MX-5 has long been celebrated as one of the world’s most iconic sports cars, and in South Africa, its following has grown into a vibrant community of enthusiasts.
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Cars are the ultimate symbol of freedom, independence and individualism. They offer the freedom to ‘go anywhere,’ whenever it suits and with whom one chooses.
Sarah Redshaw