Auto China 2026 promises to be milestone event
Auto China 2026 marks another milestone in the evolution of an event that has tracked China’s rise from emerging market to global automotive powerhouse.
- Industry News
- 16 April 2026
The automotive industry was illuminated by the brilliance of women at the fifth annual Motoring Women of the Year Awards Ceremony.
This grand evening was a tribute to the top 51 women who leave an indelible mark in their respective categories.
* Top Performers Category Top 5:
1.Michelle Jacoby (Barons VW Pietermaritzburg KZN).
2. Roxanne Lantz (VW & Audi South Coast KZN).
3. Derishka Reddy (Lindsay Saker VW Alberton GP).
4. Rudean Bokbaard (Kelston Hyundai Graaff-Reinet EC).
5. Jenny-Lee Barnard (BB Motor Group Nissan Tzaneen Limpopo).
* Sales Category Top 5:
1. Tumi Kganyago (Bidvest McCarthy Toyota Hatfield GP).
2. Daynah Hawkins (Continental Cars BMW & Mini Nelson Mandela Bay EC).
3. Thiloshnee Juggernat (We Buy Cars Dome GP).
4. Jamie-Lee Pretorius (CFAO Action Ford Malmesbury WC).
5. Paulete van Staden (Subaru Centurion GP).
* F&I Category Top 5:
A historic moment unfolded in the F&I category with a tie:
1. Natasha Botha (Mercedes Benz Kunene Witbank MP) and Michelle Anderson Halfway Hyundai Port Shepstone KZN).
2. Chandre Glover (We Buy Cars Jhb South GP).
3. Lavishni Mahass Naidoo (Fosters Toyota Taxi Centre Eldorado Park GP).
4. Starling Halliday (Westvaal Isuzu, Opel & Citroën Menlyn GP).
* Aftersales Category Top 5:
1. Charmaine Pillay (Halfway Ford Waterfall KZN).
2. Letetia Moses (FMGH Jeep & Volvo Hillcrest KZN).
3. Phumzile Mtetwa (Motus Kia Hillcrest KZN).
4. Larrissa Naidoo (Motus Honda & Subaru Westrand GP).
5. Chantal Lennox (Rola Group VW Vredenburg KZN).
* Top Achievers Category Top 5:
1. Melissa Grobbelaar (SMH Land Rover & Jaguar The Glen Oakdene GP).
2. Marlyce Naidoo (We Buy Cars Springfield KZN).
3. Shivani Dawood (Motus Kia Ballito KZN).
4. Shaaira Khan (We Buy Cars Head Office GP).
5. Jazz Riggien (Halfway Ford Waterfall KZN).
* Key Contributors Category Top 6:
1. Shiksha Singh (Motus Kia The Glen GP).
2. Carissa Jagmohan (Angel Motor Group Chery Midrand GP).
3. Trudie Horn (Carter Renault & Mitsubishi Melrose Gauteng).
4. Patricia Nonyane (CMH Chery Fourways Gauteng).
5. Sandra Russel (CFAO VW Kraaifontein WC).
6. Stella Petkova (Lindsay Saker VW Alberton GP).
* Outstanding Commitment Category Top 5:
1. Nicki Cottle from Kia SA (Head Office GP) also received a long service award.
2. Tristina Paul (Hatfield Motor Group Mazda Midrand GP).
3. Sue-Mari Smit (BMW Montana LMG Group).
4. Sarojini Padayachi (Stellantis SA Centurion GP).
5. Chantal van der Merwe (CMH Nissan & Suzuki Hillcrest KZN).
* Leadership Category Top 5:
1. Preshana Dita (We Buy Cars Head Office GP).
2. Bronwyn Dyter (Hooper Motors Pty Ltd Hyundai Oudtshoorn WC).
3. Anthea Walter-Girout (Motus Kia Umhlanga KZN).
4. Maureen Schoeman (Roux Rand Properties Ford Oudtshoorn WC).
5. Shernel Mouton (Motus BMW Vereeniging GP).
* Excellence Category Top 5:
1. Thilosh Moodally (BMW SA Pretoria GP).
2. Michelle Rautenbach (Motus Toyota Kempton Park GP).
3. Verene Petersen (Chery SA Bryanston GP).
4. Sithabile Maphumulo (Motus Renault SA Bruma GP).
5. Caroline Matshika (Bidvest McCarthy Toyota Edenvale GP).
These women joined forces to raise significant funds for RADA thereby ensuring that 365 girls won't miss school next year owing to having their period. They also supported one of the top 50 finalists, ensuring her attendance at the event and reinforcing what this movement is all about.
Auto China 2026 marks another milestone in the evolution of an event that has tracked China’s rise from emerging market to global automotive powerhouse.
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