Supporting the Pope on Africa soil in or on vehicles assembled on the continent, is the story of OPAIA Motors.
The company provided four electric golf cart style vehicles to assist the transportation of the technical and security teams for His Holiness Pope Leo XIV of the Roman Catholic Church during the activities carried out recently at the pilgrimage site in Muxima, Angola.
The vehicles were duly identified, inspected and validated at the factory, ensuring compliance with high standards of quality, safety and reliability needed for the Pope’s visit.
The Opaia group says it believes that this initiative is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting events of national and international importance, contributing to efficient and organised logistics.
The vehicles were assembled in Angola, by local labourers, having been adapted to the logistical and security requirements of a large-scale operation.
The participation of Opaia Motors reinforces the country’s potential in the automotive sector and highlights the importance of investment in national production, technological innovation, and workforce qualification as pillars for sustainable development, it says in a statement.
About Opaia Motors is located in the Zona Economica Especial (ZEE) and represents an investment of approximately US$150 million. Inaugurated on January 20, 2026, it currently employs around 1 500 workers, with a projected workforce of 3 500 when fully operational.
The industrial unit positions itself as one of the pillars of the Group, with an annual assembly capacity of 22 000 light vehicles and 1 000 buses, oriented towards meeting the needs of the national market and, eventually, regional exports.
ZF Aftermarket has named Maic Dressen as Managing Director of ZF Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd and Sub-regional Head for Sub-Saharan Africa and the DomTom regions. He will lead the company’s South African operations and support its growth across the continent.
Volkswagen has marked 75 years of vehicle production and sales in South Africa with a gala event in Kariega attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, while also revealing the new Volkswagen Tengo, the third model to be built at the local plant. The Tengo will be produced for the South African and wider markets.
BAIC South Africa used the Festival of Motoring 2026 at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit to highlight both its established range and new energy vehicle ambitions. The event marked the first public appearance of ARCFOX in South Africa, alongside the unveiling of BAIC’s X55 Plug‑in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
BAIC South Africa used the Festival of Motoring 2026 at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit to highlight both its established range and new energy vehicle ambitions. The event marked the first public appearance of ARCFOX in South Africa, alongside the unveiling of BAIC’s X55 Plug‑in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.
When Volvo introduced the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric to South Africa in late 2021, the timing raised eyebrows. The country was enduring a severe power crisis, with loadshedding recorded on 200 days that year.
Three months after launching its off-grid, solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging network on the N3 corridor, Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) has confirmed plans to double charging capacity at both Charge hubs.
