BMW iX3 crowned World Car of the Year 2026 as EVs lead the way
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
- Industry News
- 2 April 2026
Hyundai Automotive South Africa continues to experience exceptional consumer interest, with over 10 000 new vehicle finance applications received every month, which is 37% higher than last year.
This is in addition to the consistent sales of over 3 000 Hyundai vehicles monthly.
Stanley Anderson, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa shared these figures, noting that the brand’s appeal spans from entry-level models to premium offerings. “These numbers are more than just statistics as they represent empirical evidence of how deeply South Africans have connected with the Hyundai brand.”
The growing demand also aligns with Hyundai’s ongoing efforts to innovate and localise its offerings, ensuring products are well-suited to South African conditions and consumer needs. “Our vehicles continue to resonate with South Africans because we offer quality, reliability and value for money. These are the three things that matter deeply to our customers,” Stanley adds.
The constant flow of new vehicle finance applications reflects strong market confidence and align with national trends. According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (naamsa) August 2025 New Vehicle Sales Statistics, credit conditions also continued to improve.

Household credit extension rose by 3.1% year-on-year in June, while private-sector credit growth firmed to 5.0% year-on-year, reflecting a gradual loosening in borrowing conditions that supported big-ticket spending, including motor vehicles.
To further support South Africans in realising their dreams of owning a Hyundai, the company is actively engaging with its financial partners to explore collaborative solutions that could improve finance approval rates.
“Recognising the financial pressures many consumers face owing to the rising cost of living, we are prospecting various financing models, including extended loan terms, tailored instalment plans as well as flexible payment holidays,” states Johan Nel, Sales Director at Hyundai Automotive South Africa.
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
Retail new vehicle sales continue to surge in South Africa despite global and regional conflicts, local floods and droughts.
South Africa’s new vehicle market delivered a standout performance in March 2026, extending its domestic growth trajectory to the strongest level seen in nearly two decades.