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AAAM announces appointment of a new CEO
Victoria Backhaus-Jerling (photo) has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM).
- Industry News
- 13 February 2025
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.
Victoria Backhaus-Jerling (photo) has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM).
The Automotive Industry Transformation Fund (AITF) is set to expand its impact in 2025 with additional funding injection into the sector aimed at accelerating inclusive growth and deepening transformation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address (SONA) provided a clear focus on critical reforms needed to bolster South Africa's economy.