Absa is proud to announce its role as an anchor sponsor of South African Auto Week (SAAW) 2024, to be held from 15 to 18 October at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Organised by naamsa (the automotive business council), this prestigious event coincides with the 100th anniversary of South Africa's automotive industry—an important milestone for one of the country’s most vital economic sectors.
“We take great pride in our partnership with the automotive industry. Our own legacy, as a pan-African bank, has seen us evolve in tandem with the industry, navigating shifting landscapes and embracing transformation to meet emerging challenges. We remain deeply committed to our long-standing partners in the automotive sector, fostering mutual support as we adapt to new realities and spearhead innovation for the future.
“As we look ahead, Absa will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping automotive progress in Africa, ensuring that our partners and customers alike benefit from seamless, innovative and tailored financial services,” says Geoff Lee, Absa Product Solutions Chief Executive.
As the automotive industry sits at the intersection of innovation and sustainability, Absa’s sponsorship underscores its commitment to driving transformation and growth in this sector. SAAW 2024 presents a critical platform for thought leaders, industry players and policymakers to discuss the future of mobility in Africa, and Absa will leverage this opportunity to highlight its contributions in shaping this future.
Absa's participation in SAAW 2024 will focus on four key pillars:
• Sustainable Mobility Solutions
• Financial Innovation in the Automotive Sector
• Regional Integration and Resource Utilisation
• Industry Collaboration and Public-Private Partnerships
Charl Potgieter, Managing Executive of Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance, says: "Our sponsorship of SAAW 2024 aligns with our commitment to being an active force for good, especially in the automotive industry. We are excited to engage in forward-thinking discussions on sustainable transport and explore how innovative financial solutions can drive the adoption of eco-friendly mobility, both in South Africa and across the African continent."
He then concludes: "While we celebrate a century of automotive excellence in South Africa, our sights are firmly set on the next 100 years. Absa is committed to being a key player in driving a sustainable and innovative future for the African automotive industry. Through tailored financial solutions, we aim to support both consumers and industry players—making eco-friendly vehicles more accessible to the public, while also empowering manufacturers and dealers with the funding and resources they need to grow and innovate.
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You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
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Volvo has confirmed that its vehicles will now integrate Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence system. This development builds on the company’s existing collaboration with Google, which already provides Android Automotive OS and Google services in Volvo models.
New vehicle sales in 2026 continued their positive trend in April, with the 47 979 units sold marking the best April figure since 2013. This represents a remarkable performance by local automotive retailers despite a host of economic headwinds and a challenging trading environment.
April 2026 marked a turning point in South Africa’s economic landscape, as global energy markets were jolted by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, according to naamsa | The Automotive Business Council.
