Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa hopes to be a pioneer in the field of electric mobility solutions for both private and commercial use.
Marinus Venter, Head of Product and Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Vans SA, says: “In 2022, we engaged in several insightful conversations regarding the feasibility of electric vans in South Africa.
“We are excited to share that we are on track to introduce our first electric van in South Africa by our target date. We believe that our electric vans will take locally emission-free transport to the next level in South Africa.”
Internationally, Mercedes-Benz Vans continues to accelerate its electric transformation, with the first nine months of the year seeing a one-third increase in sales of electric vans compared to the previous year, internationally.
The Mercedes-Benz Group’s results indicate third-quarter unit sales reached 104 000 vehicles worldwide, a significant increase in comparison to quarter three of 2021, which saw unit sales reach 88 000 vehicles.
This is in line with the Mercedes-Benz Vans objective to set the standard in sustainable and all-electric transport. In third quarter 2022, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Rivian moved to partner on electric van production by signing a memorandum of understanding to initiate a strategic partnership.
Among other things, the two companies aim to build an all-new electric-only production facility, leveraging an existing Mercedes-Benz site in Central or Eastern Europe. Large electric vans for both Mercedes-Benz Vans and Rivian are expected to roll off the assembly line in just a few years.
ZF Aftermarket has named Maic Dressen as Managing Director of ZF Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd and Sub-regional Head for Sub-Saharan Africa and the DomTom regions. He will lead the company’s South African operations and support its growth across the continent.
Volkswagen has marked 75 years of vehicle production and sales in South Africa with a gala event in Kariega attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, while also revealing the new Volkswagen Tengo, the third model to be built at the local plant. The Tengo will be produced for the South African and wider markets.
BAIC South Africa used the Festival of Motoring 2026 at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit to highlight both its established range and new energy vehicle ambitions. The event marked the first public appearance of ARCFOX in South Africa, alongside the unveiling of BAIC’s X55 Plug‑in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.
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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
ZF Aftermarket has named Maic Dressen as Managing Director of ZF Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd and Sub-regional Head for Sub-Saharan Africa and the DomTom regions. He will lead the company’s South African operations and support its growth across the continent.
Volkswagen has marked 75 years of vehicle production and sales in South Africa with a gala event in Kariega attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, while also revealing the new Volkswagen Tengo, the third model to be built at the local plant. The Tengo will be produced for the South African and wider markets.
South Africa’s automotive parts industry has experienced significant contraction in recent years, with official data from the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) confirming widespread job losses and company closures.
