Kia’s Tasman bakkie arrives in South Africa
Kia has taken a bold step into one of South Africa’s most competitive automotive segments with the launch of the Tasman, its first-ever double cab bakkie.
- Product News
- 9 April 2026
Chery reached a landmark milestone earlier this month when it exported the one-millionth Tiggo 4 to global markets. The vehicle departed from Dalian Port in China, where a special event celebrated this significant achievement.
Senior executives from Chery, key members from the Dalian Free Trade Zone, global partners and media representatives gathered to witness the occasion.
“The Tiggo 4 milestone highlights its widespread recognition as a standout product in Chery’s global line-up and underscores its world-class competitiveness,” commented Verene Petersen, National Marketing Manager for Chery South Africa. “The Tiggo 4 has been instrumental in our success, with 1 172 units sold in February 2025 alone, making it one of South Africa’s most popular passenger vehicles.”
Since its debut in 2018, the Tiggo 4 has captured consumers' attention in more than 70 countries and regions. As one of Chery’s global models, it has played a pivotal role in strengthening its international presence. In 2025, the compact SUV will enter the European market, marking a significant step in the Tiggo 4’s growth.
At the celebration, a senior executive from Chery reiterated the company’s commitment to global excellence. “Reaching the milestone of one million Tiggo 4 units exported highlights the trust our customers have placed in us,” he says. “As we look to the future, we will continue to prioritise our technology-driven approach, leveraging our advanced R&D, robust quality control and efficient service networks to deliver high-quality vehicles to users worldwide.”
The strength of the Tiggo 4 line-up has not only driven sales to exceed one million units in such a short period but has also garnered acclaim from the international motoring press. The Tiggo 4 Pro DCT received the Most Improved Car of the Year accolade at the Top Gear South Africa 2024 awards.
The Tiggo 4 is not the only Chery product to achieve export success in recent months. In November 2024, the company celebrated the same milestone with the mid-sized Tiggo 7.
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has reached another major milestone with the production of the 500 000th unit of the current Polo for the export market.
Nissan South Africa has agreed to sell its Rosslyn production facility after 60 years of operation. The plant, which produced models such as the 1400 ‘Champ’ bakkie, NP200 and Navara, was acquired by Chery SA. The Chinese automaker has sold over 80,000 vehicles locally since 2021 and is now strengthening its African presence.
Following an intense national selection process that pushed participants to the limit, South Africa’s representatives for the 2026 Defender Trophy global final have been decided.