Dakar - South African crews dig deep as second week begins
The 2026 Dakar Rally roared back into action on Monday with Stage 8, a gruelling 481km loop around Wadi Ad Dawasir.
- Industry News
- 12 January 2026
Volkswagen recognised dealership excellence at its annual Grand Prix Awards recently held at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Gauteng.
“The 109 teams that make up our dealer network are a vital part of the Volkswagen business. As the ‘People’s Car’, it is crucial that we acknowledge the people who contribute significantly towards our annual sales and whose ongoing hard work and loyalty help drive the Volkswagen brand. Their accomplishments and dedication should never go unnoticed,” said Steffen Knapp, Head of Volkswagen Passenger Cars.

The Grand Prix Awards ceremony recognised 86 dealer network colleagues across 15 award categories, including the two most sought-after awards, the Micro and Macro Group of the Year.
Juraj Dolezal of the Lowveld Group won this year’s Micro Dealer Group of the Year. To be considered for the award, the Group is required to have a minimum of two dealerships contributing a minimum of 2% towards the overall Volkswagen Dealer sales result.

The Macro Dealer Group of the Year award was won by Brad Kaftel of Hatfield Group. It is the Hatfield Group’s fifth consecutive win in this category for the group. To qualify for this category, the dealership must contribute at least 8% towards the overall Volkswagen Dealer Sales result.
The coveted Dealer of the Year award was won by Lemmy Dolezal of Alan Hudson Motors who is a first–time winner in this category. The Dealer of the Year award is given to the Dealership that delivers the best and most consistent overall results across the business.

We are ready to take the Audi nameplate to new heights in the province through Audi Centre Polokwane, the new flagship dealer in this region.
Geely Auto South Africa is preparing to take its rightful place in the local automotive market, with 33 dealerships already operating within a month after the Chinese auto giant’s return to the country.
Zweli Sibiya, Dealer Principal of Hyundai Benoni, is a man who rose from humble beginnings to lead one of the top-performing dealerships.