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
Stellantis is in the process of appointing dealerships within the group, which will also have the Leapmotor brand from China as part of the existing brands already in its network across South Africa
Leapmotor, with a strong emphasis on electric and range-extended electric vehicles, will join Stellantis’s Peugeot, Citroën and Opel brands. Stellantis says this will reflect its strategy to expand its electric mobility offering in South Africa.
Stellantis Managing Director, Mike Whitfield, explains: “South Africa is a critical market for Stellantis, and we are fully committed to unlocking its potential through product, innovation and meaningful partnerships. The launch of Leapmotor is an exciting step for us as we introduce exciting new options for South Africans looking to invest in new-energy vehicles.”
Xin Tianshu, CEO of Leapmotor International, added: “We are committed to redefining the electric vehicle (EV) landscape by leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovation. The launch of Leapmotor in South Africa, through our trusted partner Stellantis, marks another milestone in our expansion strategy. We believe their market expertise and customer dedication will accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and set new standards for innovation and service.”
The initial launch introduces the Leapmotor C10 range extended energy vehicle (REEV). The C10 REEV cater to the mid-size SUV segment, appealing to a wide range of customers.
A shared after-sales facility will be operational from launch offering customers a seamless and integrated service experience across brands. This facility will feature dedicated service bays equipped to manage maintenance, diagnostics and services for electric and conventional vehicles, all delivered by certified experts trained to the highest international standards, says Stellantis.
Other Leapmotor dealerships that have already been appointed include:
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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