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
The mighty little Suzuki Jimny is gearing up to set another big record at Jimny Gathering 2025.
Taking place from 25 to 28 September at the Louvain Guest Farm in the Western Cape’s Outeniqua Mountains, this much-anticipated event will once again bring together Jimny fans from across the country for a celebration of off-road fun, custom builds and the unique lifestyle this 4x4 inspires.
This year’s programme is packed with activities, including a chance for attendees to secure their place in the record books.
“It’s happening, we’re going for another Guinness World Record,” says Jimny Gathering MC, South African comedian and proud Jimny owner, Schalk Bezuidenhout. “This time, for the most cars to close their doors at the exact same time. Ja, you heard me – a synchronized Jimny door slam. So polish your hinges, fill your tank and come join the action.”

The attempt follows on from the 2023 Jimny Gathering’s memorable achievement of setting the record for the most vehicles to switch on their lights simultaneously. For the 2025 edition, the challenge will be a collective effort involving all guests and Jimny owners.
To qualify as an official record, Guinness World Records requires a minimum of 250 vehicles, with at least one door on each participating vehicle closed within five seconds of the starting signal.
“We believe the coordinated and simultaneous closing of the doors will be a fun and exciting spectacle to witness and one that will look fantastic across various social media platforms,” says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager at Suzuki Auto South Africa.
“Our first record at the inaugural Jimny Gathering in Clarens proved massively popular. It felt only fitting to try for another at this year’s event. In 2023, close on 800 Jimny, LJ, SJ and Samurai models from all over South Africa took part.
“We’re expecting to beat that number when we line up for the final countdown at the Louvain Guest Farm on 27 September. Hopefully everything goes according to plan, and we can see the Jimny chalk up another world record.”
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.