Charging an electric truck with off-grid solar power
A historic milestone has been reached with the opening of South Africa's first off-grid solar station for electric trucks.
- New Energy Vehicles
- 16 January 2026
Ryan Brews of Hatfield Volkswagen Melrose Arch scooped up the top award at the 32nd VW Grand Prix Awards Ceremony held in Cape Town.
This award recognises the dealership that consistently delivers outstanding results across all business areas.
The Grand Prix Awards ceremony honoured 72 outstanding members of the Volkswagen dealer network across 17 distinct categories. These prestigious awards celebrated excellence in dealership performance, with highlights including the coveted Micro and Macro Group of the Year awards.
“Volkswagen’s unparalleled success in South Africa rests upon the unwavering foundation of our esteemed dealer network. The network’s relentless dedication, exemplary service and profound passion not only sustain our market leadership but also elevate the Volkswagen legacy.
“We gather to honour their tireless efforts and steadfast commitment to excellence, a pledge that continues to drive our brand forward,” says Niels Wichmann, Head of Brand, Volkswagen Passenger Cars.
The coveted Dealer of the Year Award was presented to Ryan Brews of Hatfield Volkswagen Melrose Arch, marking his first win in this category.
Michael Kaftel from Hatfield Group received the Macro Dealer Group of the Year award for the eighth consecutive year. Their consistent excellence contributed at least 8% of Volkswagen’s total dealer sales.
The Dealer Group Award was presented to Kevin Pillay of CFAO Group in recognition of the group’s outstanding performance in supporting the Volkswagen brand.
“This is the power of partnership, where excellence becomes tradition and dedication writes the next chapter of our success,“ Niels concludes.
A historic milestone has been reached with the opening of South Africa's first off-grid solar station for electric trucks.
With the local automotive market’s consistent growth, month after month last year, one brand is not giving up a piece of its sales cake slice.
The automotive sector is moving through one of the most transformative periods in its history, shaped by rapid advances in technology and shifting consumer priorities.
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