Charging an electric truck with off-grid solar power
A historic milestone has been reached with the opening of South Africa's first off-grid solar station for electric trucks.
- New Energy Vehicles
- 16 January 2026
Mazda Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd celebrated its seventh anniversary on 1 October as an independent national sales and service company and distributor of Mazda products.
Retail sales kicked off with a Mazda3 1.6 Dynamic 5dr as the very first vehicle to be sold during 2014 when Mazda re-invented itself after parting ways with Ford.
The first month of trading during 2014 saw 306 vehicles being retailed. Ever since, the most preferred exterior colour among our Mazda customers was, and still is, Mazda’s exclusive Soul Red Crystal. The most popular vehicle, in the 7 years of sales the Mazda CX-5, has sold 25 080 since its launch in 2014 locally.

Some of the proud moments in Mazda’s recent history locally, are:
“An independent Mazda in Southern Africa has allowed us to re-establish and re-ignite the strong heritage and legacy that Mazda and its cars have always had in the South African market. The incredible product that Mazda Corporation continues to produce, and the amazing partnerships we have with our Dealer Partners and all our stakeholders, have made it possible to continuously grow the Mazda Brand since becoming independent seven years ago,” reckons Craig Roberts, MD of Mazda Southern Africa.
“We commend our Dealer Partners for the immense contribution they make in our business. They are seen as our customers – everything we do will focus on them being the centre of our operations, processes and interactions, enabling them to deliver exceptional experiences to their customers, our Mazda owners,” Craig says.
With the local automotive market’s consistent growth, month after month last year, one brand is not giving up a piece of its sales cake slice.
The automotive sector is moving through one of the most transformative periods in its history, shaped by rapid advances in technology and shifting consumer priorities.
Hyundai Grand i10 owners was surprised and shocked to learn that their beloved “set of wheels” was not as safe as what they wished for.