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
We will keep his legacy alive for future generations, says Pine Pienaar, Group Franchise Executive of the Human Auto Group, to Dealerfloor in reaction to the sudden passing of Jacques Strydom (54), owner of the well-known motor group.
Jacques was the third generation in charge of this family business founded by his grandfather, the late Barnie Human in 1950 as Human & Kie, which later on became Human Auto Motors Bloemfontein and grew to Human Auto, the Ford bastion in the Free State and Northern Cape, with dealerships in Bloemfontein, Welkom, Kimberley and Ficksburg.
In recent years, other brands like Chery and Foton were also added to the group’s portfolio.
Says Pine: “Under Jacques’ leadership Human Auto won the Dealer Group of the Year title at the Ford Dealer of the Year awards for four consecutive years as well as numerous other awards. Jacques had a unique leadership style, making sure that he got the strongest possible management team.
“He chose to spend most of his time on his farm with his family and was a leading figure in Saddlebred horse circles where he was at his happiest,” Pine says.
Jacques created the Be Human Middelwater Plaas with a conference and wedding facility and get-together venue, for the public, with concerts, flee markets and other social events being held there. It is also a place where his dealers and staff could engage with customers.
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.
Hyundai Automotive South Africa is expanding its Hyundai Grand i10 range with the introduction of a new Executive derivative, as competition intensifies in the price-sensitive entry-level vehicle market.
Geely has launched the new Geely Auto E2 in South Africa, adding a compact all electric hatchback to its growing local line up.
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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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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.
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