Ford dealers, employees making a difference with caring
Ford South Africa employees and dealer partners contributed more than 8 000 volunteer hours to 29 community projects during its 2026 Global Caring Month programme.
- Dealer News
- 2 November 2026
Automechanika Johannesburg 2026 concluded at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand after three days of business matchmaking, technical exchange and industry dialogue.
Organised by Messe Frankfurt South Africa from 27 to 29 October, the 11th edition welcomed 4 519 visitors and 317 exhibitors, and recorded 2 837 business matchmaking meetings and 298 conference delegates.
Michael Dehn, managing director at Messe Frankfurt South Africa, says: “Automechanika Johannesburg is where the automotive aftermarket turns ambition into action.” He adds: “Our focus is to help the industry translate these connections into lasting commercial value across African markets.”
The exhibition brought manufacturers, suppliers, workshop professionals and buyers together across parts and components, repair and maintenance, electronics, accessories, and tyres and wheels. Visitors came from South Africa and markets including Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Germany, China, India, the United Kingdom and the United States. Parts and components accounted for 45% of recorded product interests, followed by diagnostics and repair at 14%, while electronics and connectivity, alongside dealer and workshop management, each represented 9%.
A fully attended CEO Breakfast opened the event, with discussions covering localisation, skills, investment and African trade. Dehn used the gathering to announce plans for an Automotive Incubator Highway connecting African markets and supply chains, and invited governments, associations and businesses to take part. Siphamandla Ndhlovu, Head: Industrial and Manufacturing at Nedbank Business and Commercial Banking, says: “Turning those opportunities into growth takes investment, expertise and strong partnerships.”
The technical programme included the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport regional conference, the Automotive Remanufacturers’ Association conference, and conferences hosted by Goldwagen and Global One Automotive Southern Africa. Technical presentations, training and business insights connected industry discussion with the practical requirements of workshops, suppliers and transport businesses.
On the floor, the MIWA (Motor Industry Workshop Association) SpannerTorque Pavilion united 12 companies and organisations from the independent aftermarket, including Bosch, Hella, ZF and MANN+HUMMEL, and visitors watched a vehicle take shape from the chassis upwards, with components assembled and dismantled to reveal the engineering behind its construction.
Ford South Africa employees and dealer partners contributed more than 8 000 volunteer hours to 29 community projects during its 2026 Global Caring Month programme.
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