Strong demand drives SA to decade-high vehicle sales
The South African motor industry continues to defy expectations by posting another month of exceptional growth.
- Industry News
- 4 November 2025
It all started sixty years ago when Bloemfontein businessman, Barnie Human, founded the Human Auto Group.

His main goal was to provide customers with an excellent product and superior services. Till today, his Ford dealerships in Bloemfontein, Welkom, Kimberley and Ficksburg carry this motto as is evident from the rewards reaped at annual Ford Awards for 2019.
Not only did Human Auto receive the award for the Best Ford Group in the Blue Oval stable, but Human Auto Welkom scooped up a couple of individual awards as well.
Human Auto Welkom’s Workshop Manager, Kattie Griesel, is the winner in the categories for “Fixed It Right First Time” and for Customer Satisfaction, while he also received the runner-up award for Best Workshop Manager. Kattie has been with Human Auto Welkom for the past 13 years and previously at Mercedes-Benz.

Another winner from Human Auto Welkom is Elsabé Janse van Vuuren, who was runner-up in the category for Best F&I. She has been with the group for the past 15 years.
Human Auto Welkom also received the runner-up award for the Best Dealer in recognition for Retail Excellence Performance in 2019. The awards were accepted by the dealer principal of Human Auto Welkom, Pierre Beukes, who have been with the company for 21 years.
“I am very proud of our team and everyone’s performance, also our colleagues at the other Human Auto branches,” Pierre told Dealerfloor.

The name tells the story – Basadi Automotive Group. Basadi, the Sesotho word for women, was chosen by a woman who, against all odds but with an unwavering belief in God, decided in 2018 or so to go it alone in the male-dominated automotive industry.
Hyundai Automotive South Africa amplified its 25-year anniversary by hosting Hyundai Fun Fest celebrations at various Hyundai dealerships across the country.
Stephan Venter is making waves. Most recently with Changan Pretoria.