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.”
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Volvo has confirmed that its vehicles will now integrate Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence system. This development builds on the company’s existing collaboration with Google, which already provides Android Automotive OS and Google services in Volvo models.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
Volvo has confirmed that its vehicles will now integrate Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence system. This development builds on the company’s existing collaboration with Google, which already provides Android Automotive OS and Google services in Volvo models.
New vehicle sales in 2026 continued their positive trend in April, with the 47 979 units sold marking the best April figure since 2013. This represents a remarkable performance by local automotive retailers despite a host of economic headwinds and a challenging trading environment.
April 2026 marked a turning point in South Africa’s economic landscape, as global energy markets were jolted by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, according to naamsa | The Automotive Business Council.
