BMW iX3 crowned World Car of the Year 2026 as EVs lead the way
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
- Industry News
- 2 April 2026
The spirit of innovation and growth continues to drive the “Go and Change” movement forward as Walkot Cars celebrates almost four decades of servicing the local Newcastle community.
Established in the 1980s as a family run business, it is an approved GAC and JMC franchise dealership.
“We were honoured to be appointed as the very first official JMC dealer in South Africa, marking a significant milestone for both the brand and a dealership hailing from a smaller town like Newcastle,” says proud Dealer Principal, Yusuf Cotwal.
Traditionally a primarily used-car dealership, Walkot’s belief in the vision of the Caetano family has seen the establishment flourish into a leading new-car facility in the GAC and JMC network.
Located in heart of the CBD, the 700 square-metre franchise has not only become a well-established local landmark, based on its many-decades presence, but boasts four workshop bays, four wash bays, and two prominent showrooms aimed at showcasing the latest products from both leading brands.

Over two dozen staff members are trained and monitored to provide the best customer service experience to Newcastle’s loyal customer database. Walkot has also been recognised by various finance houses through numerous awards over its expansive history in the area.
“Both our Finance and Insurance experts, alongside our honed sales team are committed to ensuring that the extra mile is always a distance worth covering. This attitude has led to us being regarded as a loyal and trusted partner to the local community and receiving accolades including Best of Newcastle in the Vehicle Dealership category for five years in a row,” Yusuf mentions.

“As part of the Salvador Caetano Group, Walkot represents two global automotive brands known for their innovation, performance, and reliability,” says Lionel Pillay, Head of Sales at Salvador Caetano.
“Walkot’s family values, along with its focus on attention to detail and impeccable aftersales service has led to it indeed becoming a trusted partner to both the local community and the Salvado Caetano business. Walkot cars is an excellent example of the growing footprint of dealerships being established nationally across both brands, with market share and customer confidence steadily on the rise,” Lionel concludes.
Lifting above the currents, Orbit Commercial Vehicles Cape Town was once again named the overall 2025 Dealer of the Year and Elite Class winner for Southern Africa at Daimler Truck Southern Africa’s (DTSA) Dealer of the Year Awards.
Gerhard Moolman has stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer at LDV South Africa with a clear priority: strengthening the company’s dealer network.
Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) marked its 2026 Annual Dealer Awards in Gqeberha by recognising dealerships who consistently deliver the everyday dependability customers count on, before, during and long after the keys are handed over.