Cars.co.za report offers interesting insights
Cars.co.za recently launched Industry Report 2026 at its DealerCon summit, offers insight into the forces shaping South Africa’s vehicle market.
- Dealer News
- 22 September 2026
Chilean lithium miner, SQM, the world's second-largest lithium producer, says it has reached a long-term supply deal with Hyundai and Kia to provide the carmakers with the white metal, key to the production of electric vehicle batteries.
Hyundai and Kia will "secure a portion of (their) future lithium hydroxide supply from SQM", the SQM, which has already landed supply deals with Ford Motors and battery maker LG Energy, said in a statement.
SQM did not give financial details of the deal with the Korean automakers, but said there was "strong motivation to continue with (its) lithium hydroxide expansion plan."
The mining company’s current Chilean capacity for lithium hydroxide, made from lithium carbonate, is at 40 000 metric tons a year, according to its first-quarter results.
SQM is on track to boost output in Chile to 100 000 tons in 2025. It is also building up capacity in China and Australia.
At the end of May, SQM signed an agreement with Chilean state-run mining company, Codelco, to form a joint venture that will let SQM boost output through to 2060 at the Salar de Atacama, one of the world's most prized areas for extracting lithium.
(Reuters).
Cars.co.za recently launched Industry Report 2026 at its DealerCon summit, offers insight into the forces shaping South Africa’s vehicle market.
Nissan has introduced the Tekton, a new compact SUV for the South African market. The model is built on the Renault‑Nissan alliance’s CMF‑B platform and is closely related to the Renault Duster, sharing engines and mechanical components.
At the recent DealerCon 2026, hosted by Cars.co.za automotive excellence was celebrated by honouring top executives in the automotive retails industry.
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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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For most of driving history, the sound of excitement has been orchestrated by the internal combustion engine (ICE).
Toyota is sharpening its focus on hydrogen as a practical route to cleaner heavy-duty transport, using IAA Transportation 2026 to showcase new fuel cell technology and partnerships with leading commercial vehicle manufacturers.
To mark World EV Day, Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) has launched the N3 EV Real-World Test. The initiative will turn everyday electric vehicle journeys between Johannesburg and Durban into a growing source of real-world data for South African motorists and fleet operators considering the switch to electric.