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 Volkswagen Group honoured its 2025 Best Apprentices at a ceremony in Wolfsburg, Germany, held on 27 June 2025. This annual recognition celebrates exceptional performance by apprentices training to become skilled artisans.
In this year’s ceremony, 48 Volkswagen Group trainees from 16 countries were honoured.
Marcus Petersen (photo), a 48-year-old hailing from Graaff-Reinet, aspired to work at Volkswagen Group Africa from a very young age. As fate would have it, he was first employed at VWGA in 1998 as a temporary employee, and within two months, he was afforded permanent employment.
His main interest was electrical engineering; however, owing to financial difficulties, he was unable to finish his studies. This did not deter him from fulfilling his ambitions and just two years after joining VWGA, he was appointed as a Group Leader in Production.
Through further education and financial assistance offered by VWGA, he obtained an Operations Management Diploma in 2014.
“I wanted to pursue my dream of being an electrical engineer, but I was afraid that my age would stand in the way of that. However, when the opportunity for me to study further came, I was thrilled that the organisation would assist me, taking me a step closer to my dream,” Marcus says.
In 2021, he joined the VWGA's apprentice programme to start his new journey and career change. Being the oldest of the group of six, he wanted to prove that age is just a number and should not stand in the way of one's dreams. Currently, Petersen is practising his apprenticeship in mechatronics at the Volkswagen Technical Learning Academy.
“I want to show my colleagues that anything is possible, if you put your mind to it and you work hard for it. Now I have had the opportunity to travel to Germany to receive an award that recognises my hard work, and I couldn’t be happier,“ says Marcus.
“At Volkswagen Group Africa, we are committed to empowering our employees at every stage of their journey. Marcus’s achievement is an example of how dedication, continuous learning and support can unlock excellence,” says Russell Coleman, HR Director at VWGA. “His success is a reminder that growth has no age limit - and that investing in people is investing in progress.”
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.
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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.