Dakar 2026 tough on South African participants
The 2026 Dakar Rally delivered one of the most thrilling and competitive editions of the world’s toughest off‑road endurance race.
- Industry News
- 19 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.
The 2026 Dakar Rally delivered one of the most thrilling and competitive editions of the world’s toughest off‑road endurance race.
Volvo Cars has partnered with type specialists Dalton Maag to develop Centum, a bespoke typeface crafted specifically for the in‑car environment.
Time to enter is running out for prospective participants in the 16th Simola Hillclimb, which will be held in the Knysna region later this year from 30 April to 3 May.