Kia’s Tasman bakkie arrives in South Africa
Kia has taken a bold step into one of South Africa’s most competitive automotive segments with the launch of the Tasman, its first-ever double cab bakkie.
- Product News
- 9 April 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.
Kia has taken a bold step into one of South Africa’s most competitive automotive segments with the launch of the Tasman, its first-ever double cab bakkie.
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has reached another major milestone with the production of the 500 000th unit of the current Polo for the export market.
OMODA has expanded its South African lineup with the arrival of the C5 SHS hybrid, a new addition to the C5 range.
Advertisement
Advertisement
You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
Unknown
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has reached another major milestone with the production of the 500 000th unit of the current Polo for the export market.
Nissan South Africa has agreed to sell its Rosslyn production facility after 60 years of operation. The plant, which produced models such as the 1400 ‘Champ’ bakkie, NP200 and Navara, was acquired by Chery SA. The Chinese automaker has sold over 80,000 vehicles locally since 2021 and is now strengthening its African presence.
Following an intense national selection process that pushed participants to the limit, South Africa’s representatives for the 2026 Defender Trophy global final have been decided.