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 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:
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.
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.
OMODA has expanded its South African lineup with the arrival of the C5 SHS hybrid, a new addition to the C5 range.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
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.