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
Customer service was taken to a new high when two clients were surprised with an all expenses paid trip from East-London to attend the launch of BAIC’s new X55 in Johannesburg recently.
They were accompanied by the owner and Dealer Principal of BAIC in the city, Nate Padayachee, and the dealership’s manager, Manolito Knock.
But for the two buyers of BAIC’s new X55 SUV, Tembinkosi Bityo and his wife Cwayita, and Ivan Newman, the surprise did not end there.
On arrival back from the airport, it was straight to the dealership where their families joined in and both clients’ cars were delivered there and then. They were only expecting delivery at a later stage.
Ivan has bought BAIC vehicles from Nate’s Car Sales before and took delivery of a yellow X55 Dynamic, while the Bityo family received their maroon X55 Premium.
“It really felt like a dream come true to be able to attend the launch of the vehicle and for us to be able to sell it, as well as the buyers to buy it,” remarked Nate on the event. “We surprised them with their vehicle delivery straight after we landed. The families and even a dog joined us for this occasion and special moment.
Nate says they’ve sold eight BAIC Beijing X55s to date since the launch of the new model and all the transactions were financed through ABSA. “We even made our sign and new slogan ‘Nate’s Car Sales Powered by ABSA’, and we are truly honoured by this,” he says.
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.
Retail new vehicle sales continue to surge in South Africa despite global and regional conflicts, local floods and droughts.
South Africa’s new vehicle market delivered a standout performance in March 2026, extending its domestic growth trajectory to the strongest level seen in nearly two decades.
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You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
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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.
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