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
Mercedes-Benz South Africa Limited (MBSA) announced that Mark Raine will be stepping down from his role as the Co-Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Mercedes-Benz Cars, effective 31 August 2024.
Mark will be taking up an opportunity to oversee the responsibility for Direct Sales, Omni-Channel Commerce & Data Management in Stuttgart, Germany.
“Mark's three-year tenure with us has been nothing short of exemplary, characterised by unwavering dedication and visionary leadership. We wish Mark all the best in his new position and thank him for steering our market through challenges and transformations, with his international business acumen,” commented Chairperson of Board of Mercedes-Benz South Africa Limited, Wilfried Porth.
Currently Head of Marketing & Sales Mercedes-Benz Cars Singapore and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Singapore Pte Ltd, Claudius Steinhoff (photo) will take over the role of Co-Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Mercedes-Benz Cars.
Claudius started his career with Mercedes-Benz in 2008 as a student at the Cooperative State University Baden-Wuerttemberg. Since 2011, he has held different roles in Treasury, Product Management and as an Executive Assistant to the Head of Region Overseas. In 2023, he completed his Global Executive MBA programme at INSEAD Business School in Singapore.
Claudius took over the responsibility as President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Singapore (MBSG) in October 2020. During his tenure, MBSG achieved remarkable results, notably the #1 position in the total market in 2022 and the position as #1 luxury brand in 2023.
The company also successfully introduced fully electric models across every segment it serves locally, while focusing heavily on the implementation of impactful and innovative measures around the strategic pillars: Desirability, Electrification, Digitisation and Sustainability.
“It is my pleasure to welcome Claudius Steinhoff to the leadership team at Mercedes-Benz South Africa. Claudius brings vast experience and knowledge which will ensure continuity in advancing the strategic objectives for Mercedes-Benz Cars locally. Together with the Board of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, we look forward to the incredible work he will steer within the Sales, Marketing, Customer Services and Network Management portfolios,” Wilfried concluded.
Commenting on his appointment, Claudius Steinhoff said: “I am honoured to join the talented team at Mercedes-Benz South Africa, and I am eager to partner with our team and retail partners to deliver remarkable Mercedes-Moments for our customers.”
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.
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.
OMODA has expanded its South African lineup with the arrival of the C5 SHS hybrid, a new addition to the C5 range.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
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