Cars.co.za report offers interesting insights
Cars.co.za recently launched Industry Report 2026 at its DealerCon summit, offers insight into the forces shaping South Africa’s vehicle market.
- Dealer News
- 22 September 2026
Over thirty firms from across the automotive supply chain have joined forces to advance open-source software development, aiming to create next-generation vehicles while driving down costs, Germany’s leading industry association announced recently.
The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) unveiled the expanded collaboration at the CES technology showcase in Las Vegas. The initiative reflects a growing trend among manufacturers and suppliers to harness artificial intelligence and software solutions as a means of revitalising an industry burdened by slow progress and escalating expenses.
New participants include European automotive group Stellantis, commercial vehicle producer Traton, German engineering specialist Schaeffler, and semiconductor giants Infineon and Qualcomm. They join established names such as Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, increasing the number of signatories from 11 last year to 32.
According to the VDA, the project is designed to cut development and maintenance efforts by up to 40 per cent and accelerate time-to-market by as much as 30 per cent.
Mike Milinkovich, Executive Director of the Eclipse Foundation, which co-organises the initiative, commented: “The growing engagement in this effort underscores a global shift towards open innovation within the automotive sector.”
Car recalls often raise concern among owners, but the National Automobile Dealers' Association (NADA) says recall campaigns show that manufacturers are accountable and committed to quality, safety and customer care.
Affordability is driving a structural shift in South Africa’s vehicle market, with SUVs gaining significant ground as consumers increasingly seek competitively priced, well-equipped vehicles.
South Africa’s used car market continued to grow during the first half of 2026, despite pressure on household budgets and a 25 basis point interest rate increase in May.