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- Industry News
- 15 October 2026
A new Peugeot, Citroën and Opel dealership opened its doors in KwaZulu-Natal in an expansion drive to amplify the brand representation on KZN’s south coast.
Bates Motors Shelly Beach is a full-service dealership for all three brands for new and pre-owned sales and service
Bates Motors is an inspiring South African success story. Owned and operated by Isipho Capital Holdings, the new dealership is executively managed by its CEO and Dealer Executive, Sipho Mdanda. Joined by his wife and Chairperson of Isipho, Fortunate Mdanda, the dealership offers all the benefits of a family-run business combined with the expertise of its successful corporate owners.
The Mdandas are at the forefront of South Africa’s new wave of industrialists, consolidating their extensive banking and corporate management experience through various growth strategies. As a 100% black-owned business (and 65% black women-owned), the organisation aims to be an exemplary model of transformation for the country’s entire motor industry. Offering employment and supplier opportunities in the area, Isipho Capital Holdings brings the many benefits and confidence of their Transversal Contract with National Treasury.
“We strive to create customers for life and dedicate all our time to earn our customers’ enthusiasm through continuous improvement driven by integrity, teamwork and innovation across our team,” says Sipho Mdanda, Dealer Executive of Bates Motors Shelly Beach.
Dealer Principal, Shaun Bartlett and Sales Manager Daya Reddy are eager to meet customers in their new facility. “We’re looking forward to helping customers with any of their sales and aftersales needs and sharing in the passion for the Opel, Citroën and Peugeot brands,” says Bartlett.
Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director Stellantis South Africa, says they are excited to be even more convenient to KZN customers in the area as he welcomed Bates Motors to the Peugeot, Citroën, and Opel brands. “The addition of Shelly Beach is part of our broader plans to grow our representation across the country,” he says.
The Peugeot, Citroën and Opel brands have an exciting 2021 ahead in terms of products. These include the recently launched Peugeot 2008 and 3008 SUVs, including the GT line. Also on the cards before the middle of the year is the 208, while the Landtrek bakkie will hit local shores towards the end of the year.
Opel has an equally busy year ahead. The new Opel Corsa was launched in the first quarter of 2021, along with the Crossland. Planned introductions for the remainder of the year include the Grandland during the second half.
The new facility caters for all Peugeot, Citroën and Opel customers’ needs, including comfortable waiting areas with complimentary Wi-Fi and refreshments.
Already operating from 1 April, Bates Motors Shelly Beach is in Shelly Beach Business Park at 4265 Marine Drive, Shelly Beach.
As fuel prices and operating expenses continue to challenge South African businesses, alternative energy solutions are receiving greater attention.
Honda has expanded its local SUV line-up with the introduction of the CR-V RS e:HEV AWD. The newcomer brings hybrid power to the CR-V range while adding updated styling, additional technology and a revised cabin layout.
South African Auto Week 2026 opened in Durban on Tuesday, 13 October, with transformation and skills development among the key issues for the automotive industry, highlighted by an Absa Group investment of R13.5 million in the Automotive Business Council | naamsa’s Dreams Academy.
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