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
Toyota conducted a successful demo run of the Hilux MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) concept model at Kasarani during the seventh round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) in Kenya.
The Hilux MHEV concept was driven by four-time WRC champion and former Toyota world title winner, Juha Kankkunen from Finland, with co-driver Jimmi Gathu, a renowned local Kenyan media personality and actor. The company showcased its clear stance to deliver diverse vehicle ranges on its journey towards carbon neutrality.
After the demonstration, Juha Kankkunen said: "I’m 100% sure that this type of car will fit in Africa very well because there are still long-distance drives and it's very difficult to charge electric cars. You can save fuel, which means less CO2. Africa is a good market for this kind of car, and you can reduce CO2 with hybrid cars. That is the future.
"I have had the pleasure of driving different models for the Toyota brand from Full-electric cars, Hybrid and Hydrogen and can attest that these models are much faster than standard models."
Jimmi Gathu excitingly gave his impression, saying: “It was an amazing experience. It’s fantastic that Kenya’s most popular, most reliable, toughest car is being tested as a concept car for hybrid especially in addressing the issue around carbon emissions, beginning with small steps as you seek to achieve carbon neutrality – I think it's perfect.”
Dennis Awori, who is a Country Delegate of CFAO Group in Kenya and Chairman of CFAO Kenya Toyota Tsusho Group, emphasised the importance of bringing vehicle options such as the Hilux MHEV to Africa, where robust and versatile vehicles like the Hilux are highly popular.
Even in relatively well-developed regions of Africa, such as Kenya or even in South Africa, there are some areas where electricity supply is unstable. In these areas, if it takes time to solve issues such as stable electricity supply, and the development of charging networks and securing resources, Mild HEVs are an important option for immediate CO2 reduction. They do not require new equipment or power supply and can also use existing petrol stations and can reduce CO2 emissions.
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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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
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.