Dakar 2026 tough on South African participants
The 2026 Dakar Rally delivered one of the most thrilling and competitive editions of the world’s toughest off‑road endurance race.
- Industry News
- 19 January 2026
In a time of accelerating transformation for the automotive sphere, from new brands entering the market to a range of anticipated policy shifts, Absa is proud to partner with the key industry voices as a lead sponsor of Dealercon 2025.
Dealercon is a premier gathering of motor dealer leaders, OEMs, fintech disruptors and industry thought leaders, providing a platform to shape the next chapter of South Africa’s mobility story. The event is planned for 17 September 2025 at the Sandton Convention Centre.
The theme for 2025, Shift Happens, is a rallying cry. It captures both the urgency of the moment and the bold decisions that will define the industry’s relevance and growth moving forward.
As a trusted financial partner to the automotive sector, Absa is committed to enabling opportunities for collaboration across key stakeholders. We’re excited to be part of the conversations that matter and the solutions that will shape the road ahead.

“Our track record of collaboration across the industry is strong, with being a primary partner to our clients forming a key part of our business strategy. Our flagship Golden Partner Awards has run for over three decades and is testament to our commitment to honouring excellence among motor dealers,” says Charl Potgieter, Managing Executive at Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance.
“We have also played a role in connecting our automotive partners with new markets, leveraging our presence in 16 countries in Africa and abroad to drive value for our customers and associates. That is why we are proud to extend our support once again to the industry helping to bring Dealercon 2025 to life,” he stated.
Hosted by Cars.co.za, the Dealercon experience promises insightful dialogue on digital transformation of the industry, fresh intelligence with the launch of the Cars.co.za Industry report powered by TransUnion and provocative ideas from industry thought leaders, including naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa and CEO of Business Leadership South Africa Busi Mavuso.
The 2026 Dakar Rally delivered one of the most thrilling and competitive editions of the world’s toughest off‑road endurance race.
Volvo Cars has partnered with type specialists Dalton Maag to develop Centum, a bespoke typeface crafted specifically for the in‑car environment.
Time to enter is running out for prospective participants in the 16th Simola Hillclimb, which will be held in the Knysna region later this year from 30 April to 3 May.