BMW iX3 crowned World Car of the Year 2026 as EVs lead the way
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
- Industry News
- 2 April 2026
Mercedes-Benz Vans produced quite impressive numbers in 2022 despite the global challenges in the parts supply and logistics departments. Mercedes-Benz Vans delivered 411,000 units to customers worldwide in 2022, achieving a 4% increase. Of these units 14,700 were eVans, reflecting a 15% increase.
Mercedes-Benz ended off 2022 with the best-ever 4th quarter retail sales growth. From October to December 2022, the group sold 121,000 vans worldwide, which is 14% more than in the prior-year quarter. The most significant increase came from privately positioned vans, which saw a 17% increase in deliveries around the globe.
Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa also experienced a boost in sales in the private sector for the local market. The Mercedes-Benz V-Class proved to be a must-have luxury people-mover for South Africa’s VIPs. The team ended 2022 with the V-Class reaching its highest retail sales ever recorded. Overall, Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa increased year-on-year sales by 8% whilst surpassing their 2022 target by 4%. The Customer Service aspects of the business experienced similar successes in 2022, ending the year with a 5.9% increase in revenue compared to 2021.
Nadia Trimmel, the president of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, says: “From a global and local perspective, we can look back on our achievements in 2022 with pride. As always, 2022 brought many unexpected challenges and hurdles, nevertheless, backed by our incredible customers and driven by our highly qualified and motivated team, we were able to achieve outstanding results in the end.”
Looking to the future, Trimmel says: “As always, in 2023, we will continue to embrace our customers by offering the world’s most desirable vans and services. As part of this goal, we have high aspirations for our 2023 results, and we are determined to exceed expectations in all that we do this year.”
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
Retail new vehicle sales continue to surge in South Africa despite global and regional conflicts, local floods and droughts.
South Africa’s new vehicle market delivered a standout performance in March 2026, extending its domestic growth trajectory to the strongest level seen in nearly two decades.