
The legend is back - VW introduces updated Golf GTI
Volkswagen will introduce the updated Golf GTI to the South African market in the last quarter of 2025. Well over 2.3 million GTIs have been sold worldwide.
- Product News
- 2 September 2025
OMODA South Africa held an exclusive soirée to preview its upcoming C9 luxury flagship model, giving high-profile guests a taste of this eagerly anticipated newcomer’s distinctly upmarket character.
Held at Langhams Lifestyle Estate in Fourways, Johannesburg, the specially curated evening event was held in collaboration with Absa, OMODA’s vehicle-finance alliance partner and one of Africa’s largest diversified financial services groups.
Guests included A-list celebrities such as Khosi Nkosi, Dr Khanyile, Gogo Skhotheni, Khosi Twala and Brian Temba, to name but a few. In addition, Absa representatives, members of the media and government officials were in attendance, along with sought-after visual artist, Ramarutha Makoba.
Invited guests had the opportunity to “leave their mark” on a special canvas, which Makoba will soon transform into a one-of-a-kind work of art. The final artistic piece will be revealed at the official launch of the OMODA C9 in October 2024, before being auctioned off for charity.
“Considering that the new C9 is itself a true masterpiece of automotive design, our collaboration with an artist of Ramarutha’s stature is fitting. Of course, this initiative will also allow OMODA to give back to the community, with the proceeds of the artwork auction to be donated to a charity that will be announced at the C9’s launch,” says Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager for OMODA & JAECOO South Africa.
Charl Potgieter, Managing Executive at Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance, added that the evening’s events showcased the values that underscore Absa’s partnership with OMODA and JAECOO Finance, an Absa product, is centred on helping customers realise their dreams of vehicle ownership but extends beyond vehicle finance.
“Strengthening Absa’s position as the bank of choice in the automotive industry, our partnership with OMODA is a truly multifaceted one, as this evening’s event has demonstrated. We are delighted that our collaboration with OMODA is centred on making a meaningful contribution to the local economy, as we drive innovation and accessibility in South Africa’s fast-paced automotive financing sector,” says Charl.
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) notes that August continued the positive trend for new-vehicle sales in South Africa, reflecting strong consumer demand and activity across the market.
Although the tariff clouds are gathering over the South African economy with serious implications for the local automotive export industry, local sales of new vehicles are soldiering on at a decent pace.
Automechanika Johannesburg successfully hosted its final CEO Breakfast for 2025 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, bringing together senior automotive industry leaders for strategic discussions as the co-located Festival of Motoring roared into life.