The new Toyota Hilux shown its face
Toyota has unveiled the ninth generation of its iconic Hilux bakkie in Thailand, and this time, a full electric version joins the line-up.
- Product News
- 10 November 2025
The South African automotive industry is deeply entrenched in international supply chains. Export-driven growth continues to benefit the automotive industry and spurs activity in downstream sectors.
While exports and export-led growth offer numerous advantages, they are not without challenges. Dependence on external demand, vulnerability to global market economic fluctuations and trade barriers are potential downsides.
Thus, for the South African automotive industry, a balanced economic strategy that includes domestic market development remains essential, particularly in the current context of the inevitable transition to new-energy vehicles.
The various national and international annual automotive events bring together leading manufacturers, suppliers, OE and aftermarket components, equipment, new innovations, the latest models and services under one roof, along with conferences and panel discussions.
Automotive events and exhibitions are valuable for the domestic automotive industry in many ways. In addition to unlocking business opportunities, the showcasing of products, the launching of new products and connecting with customers, they also provide an essential platform for thought leadership round tables allowing leaders from government, business and labour to deliberate, discuss and share knowledge of and insights into relevant topics.
Must-attend national and international events on the calendar of the domestic automotive community in 2025 include the following:
South Africa:
International:
Toyota has unveiled the ninth generation of its iconic Hilux bakkie in Thailand, and this time, a full electric version joins the line-up.
Ford South Africa is making changes to its powertrain offerings for the Ranger bakkie and Everest SUV ranges. It is good news for buyers of these vehicles, but not so for the workers who will lose jobs at the manufacturers’ plants in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape.
In a dramatic departure from bulky rooftop solar panels, Mercedes-Benz has engineered an almost impossibly thin photovoltaic coating that blankets entire vehicle surfaces, potentially adding thousands of kilometres to electric vehicles’ range annually without compromising design aesthetics.
Advertisement
Advertisement
You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do.
Henry Ford
Ford South Africa is making changes to its powertrain offerings for the Ranger bakkie and Everest SUV ranges. It is good news for buyers of these vehicles, but not so for the workers who will lose jobs at the manufacturers’ plants in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape.
Dunlop Tyres SA has announced the appointment of Marcia Noxolo Veronica Mayaba as its Commercial Director, effective November 2025.
Jeanne Esterhuizen, who leads the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), has issued a compelling appeal to the wider automotive aftermarket sector to sustain and strengthen its commitment to safety excellence, environmental responsibility and superior operational standards. These are cornerstones she believes are vital for developing a resilient and ethically sound industry.