Kia’s Tasman bakkie arrives in South Africa
Kia has taken a bold step into one of South Africa’s most competitive automotive segments with the launch of the Tasman, its first-ever double cab bakkie.
- Product News
- 9 April 2026
The well-known BB Group, headed by Arnold du Plessis, now has a strong footprint in Welkom on the Free State Goldfields with the acquisition of the Haval, Hyundai and Renault dealerships in the city.
The three dealerships joined the BB Group during June with others in Kimberley following suit to bring the BB Group to 55 dealerships, representing 19 different brands.
In Welkom, the three dealerships, including their used-car divisions will continue business as usual on the current premises. The only exception is that the three workshops were combined and are now all centred in one mega facility at the current Hyundai and Haval premises, says Marnus Bothma the Dealer Principal at Renault and also overseeing the Hyundai and Haval dealerships.
Marnus says they will ensure the BB Group’s vision and mission statements, which centre on an impeccable success record achieved through excellent value propositions to customers, employees, stakeholders and the community. “While observing and adhering to the highest ethical, financial and legal standards, our vision will be achieved through the growth of our employees as individuals and as a team. In doing so, we will exceed every expectation, leading to long-term relationships with our customers and partners.”
BB Group now has 55 dealerships, representing 19 different brands...
The three new dealerships will be under the banner of BB Welkom and form part of the BB Group’s 60-year legacy that started way back in 1959 in Pietersburg as a Datsun dealer and later extended into Phalaborwa, Mokopane, Tzaneen, Middelburg, Pretoria and more recently, Welkom and Kimberley.
He says BB Welkom’s staff are all committed to the Group’s philosophy in this regard with a ‘can-do’ attitude, friendly and helpful approach to all customers, a culture of integrity in every transaction and personalised service, which prioritises the customer’s worth’.
Marnus started his career in the motor industry in 2001 with Renault Welkom as a Sales Executive. “Renault as a brand has grown over the years, and I am thankful that I have been part of this growth.
“Hyundai, Haval and Renault are well-established brands in South Africa, and I am looking forward to exciting times for the brands. Along with my team at BB Welkom, we are excited to be part of the BB Group and we will make use of our combined know-how to adapt to the ever-changing industry,” he ends.
Kia has taken a bold step into one of South Africa’s most competitive automotive segments with the launch of the Tasman, its first-ever double cab bakkie.
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has reached another major milestone with the production of the 500 000th unit of the current Polo for the export market.
OMODA has expanded its South African lineup with the arrival of the C5 SHS hybrid, a new addition to the C5 range.
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