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
The inaugural Fuels Industry Imbizo under the theme “Embracing the Future of Energy Mobility”, emphasised the shift from conventional fuels towards a diversified energy mix, with growing focus on alternatives such as electric mobility.
Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, opened proceedings with a keynote address, followed by a panel discussion titled “What the New Energy Vehicle Revolution Means for the Petroleum Sector”. The Electric Mission engaged in strategic dialogue with representatives from Toyota South Africa Motors, Volvo Car South Africa, Chery South Africa, First National Bank and Accenture South Africa.
Hiten Parmar, Executive Director of The Electric Mission, stated: “Globally, the sale of internal combustion engine vehicles has already peaked in 2017, and today, more evidently, consumers are voting with their purchasing power under their energy security with the transition to electric vehicles.” Road transport accounts for 97 percent of transport sector emissions, according to the Department of Transport. Minister Barbara Creecy addressed delegates on Day 2, highlighting the urgent need for improved fuel quality standards, as South Africa still relies on Euro 2 emission norms dating back to 1996.
Hiten reported that South Africa’s battery electric vehicle stock is expected to reach 7 940 units by the end of 2025. He cautioned against hybrids as a transitional technology, pointing out that plug-in hybrids can emit up to five times more than manufacturers claim. He stressed that technologies must be assessed on their emission reduction potential relative to the investment required.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has projected that 30 percent of global car sales in 2026 will be electric, rising to 50 percent by 2035 without new policy interventions. Fatih Birol, IEA Executive Director, remarked: “The vase is broken, and trust in fossil fuels will not be fully restored.”
South Africa ranks among the top 25 countries globally for the average number of electric vehicles per public charging point. Complementing this, the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) reported 12.5 gigawatts of private solar generation capacity registered by the end of 2025.
Hiten emphasised the need for national policy coherence, particularly with the anticipated Cleaner Fuels 2 policy scheduled for implementation from mid-2027. He argued that this must incorporate a framework for fuel efficiency standards.
The 2026 Imbizo provided a platform for stakeholders to explore how South Africa can position itself for a sustainable, efficient and low-carbon future. Hosted by the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa, the event offered insights, regulatory clarity and strategic direction to navigate technological, environmental and policy shifts.
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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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
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.