Auto China 2026 promises to be milestone event
Auto China 2026 marks another milestone in the evolution of an event that has tracked China’s rise from emerging market to global automotive powerhouse.
- Industry News
- 16 April 2026
FAW Trucks Southern Africa marked a significant milestone with the official opening of its new Cape Town branch at 28 Karee Street, Kraaifontein Industria.
The event brought together key customers, dealer partners and management from FAW's Head Office, celebrating the brand's growth in the Western Cape.
Speakers shared insights into the brand's evolution, after-sales excellence and long-term partnerships, emphasising how FAW Southern Africa has continued to adapt to customer needs while introducing innovative products.
Vernon Rudman, Dealer Principal of FAW Trucks Cape Town, expressed gratitude to the team and partners, noting the hard work behind the transition to the new facility. He thanked colleagues for their dedication in establishing a stronger presence in the Western Cape market, stating: "From the old place to the new place… Thank you for the help in moving from the past, opening today for the new and driving to the future."
Ricqui Alexander, National Aftersales Manager, stated the importance of service innovation, mentioning recent enhancements like the breakout app for 24/7 customer support. He highlighted FAW's focus on empowering agents and ensuring seamless assistance for operators.
Richard Leiter, Executive Director of FAW Trucks Southern Africa, reflected on the brand's journey, which began 30 years ago with a search for a reliable truck brand offering affordability and strong after-sales support. He introduced Xie Huang, COO of FAW Trucks Southern Africa, praising his dynamic approach and experience from challenging markets like the Philippines, where he has already implemented positive changes by listening to customer feedback.
Xie Huang spoke on the global scale of FAW's operations, noting over nine million units sold overseas and a commitment to world-class standards. He emphasised rapid product launches, driven by customer demand, and ongoing investments in stronger products and services to meet local needs.
Customer testimony came from Nicol Heyns, Managing Director of the Portland Group of Companies, a loyal FAW partner for 15 years. He shared how the relationship started with a quest for dependable vehicles and that it has grown to include over 100 mixers and various JH6 models, praising the brand's reliability in demanding applications.
The event reinforced FAW's position as a leader in Southern Africa's commercial vehicle industry, with speakers collectively affirming the trust built through customer-centric innovation and a dedicated network. Attendees also got a preview of some of the upcoming model variants, symbolising FAW's forward momentum in providing cutting-edge solutions tailored to regional challenges.
"This opening represents not just a new branch, but a renewed pledge to our customers in the Western Cape," Richard says. "Together, we continue to power dreams, drive success and build lasting partnerships."
To be named the overall Hyundai Dealer of the Year is not something that simply happens. It is the result of hard work, dedication, looking after your staff and customers, and maintaining a clear focus on your goal. That goal is to be the best.
GWM South Africa hosted its annual Dealer Conference and Dealer of the Year Awards, bringing together its national dealer network of over 100 dealerships to review performance, align on strategic priorities, and recognise outstanding achievement across the business.
LDV South Africa recently hosted its dealer conference, with representation from dealerships across the country. Among those present was Joy Zhu, Africa Regional Director for SAIC Motor International, reinforcing the brand’s global backing and commitment to growth in South Africa.