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Volkswagen will introduce the updated Golf GTI to the South African market in the last quarter of 2025. Well over 2.3 million GTIs have been sold worldwide.
- Product News
- 2 September 2025
In Abu Dhabi, a rare car licence plate with the single-digit number "P7" was sold for a whopping $15 million, which is approximately R218 million. Mind you, a standard personalised number plate with seven letters or numbers can cost around R2 500 to R5 000 in South Africa.
The sale of the licence plate set a new bar in the United Arab Emirates, surpassing a previous record set more than a decade ago for a licence plate with the number "7".
The licence plate was sold at a charity auction, with all proceeds going towards Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s global food aid initiative, the 1 Billion Meals Endowment. The auction attracted wealthy bidders from around the world, with the winning bid coming from an anonymous buyer.
The P7 licence plate is considered to be one of the most coveted in the world, as single-digit licence plates are extremely rare and highly sought after. The sale of the licence plate not only broke records but also raised significant funds for a worthy cause.
As the gavel came down on the record-breaking sale, attendees cheered and congratulated the buyer on his/her new acquisition. The sale of the P7 licence plate will be remembered as a historic moment in the United Arab Emirates and serves as a reminder of the wealth and extravagance that can be found in the region.
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) notes that August continued the positive trend for new-vehicle sales in South Africa, reflecting strong consumer demand and activity across the market.
Although the tariff clouds are gathering over the South African economy with serious implications for the local automotive export industry, local sales of new vehicles are soldiering on at a decent pace.
Automechanika Johannesburg successfully hosted its final CEO Breakfast for 2025 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, bringing together senior automotive industry leaders for strategic discussions as the co-located Festival of Motoring roared into life.