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
An exclusive conference organised by Keyloop, the largest global automotive technology company, will be held in Sandton tonight (Wednesday, 24 April), where the future of the automotive world will be discussed and how to revolutionise growth and customer loyalty.
Keyloop is a global provider of automotive retail solutions that will benefit vehicle dealerships at all levels with innovative software that can enhance, on the one hand, the complete buying experience for customers and on the other, streamline the total business operations.
With this conference, Keyloop will be bring together C-suite executives, management and key decision-makers to discuss the transformative power of experiences in the automotive sector and Keyloop’s Experience-First vision.
The event will also include a dynamic panel discussion with industry experts on the automotive industry and includes the following speakers:
• James Fernandez, CRO Keyloop.
• Paul-Roux de Kock, Chief Analytics Officer, Lightstone Auto.
• Harm Stavast, Sales Director Keyloop.
• Jacqui Barker, Global OEM Director, Keyloop.
The discussion will be followed by ample time for a Q&A session and one-on-one conversations.
The event follows the launch of Keyloop’s Experience-First platform. This marks a fundamental shift in how automotive retailers and OEMs approach selling, driven by consumers who expect brands to provide high-touch interactions and empowering dealers to focus on delivering the x-factor – surprising, delighting and truly connecting with customers.
Keyloop’s product suite includes Dealer Management Systems, Sales & Marketing, Stock Management, managing Aftersales and the Workshop, as well as Customer Care.
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.