Kia’s Tasman bakkie arrives in South Africa
Kia has taken a bold step into one of South Africa’s most competitive automotive segments with the launch of the Tasman, its first-ever double cab bakkie.
- Product News
- 9 April 2026
The 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) was held as an elective meeting, allowing members to vote for representatives to the National Executive Committee (NEC) and Regional Committees. This process ensures that NAACAM’s leadership continues to reflect the expertise, experience and regional diversity of its membership.
NAACAM is pleased to announce its incoming NEC for the 2026/2027 term, which combines the experience of returning members with fresh perspectives from new leaders at both national and regional levels.
Leadership Appointments:
Elected National Executive Committee Members:
Andy Dealtry (Ebor Automotive Systems), Brent Oakes (Acorn Black Investments), Gareth Fismer (CRH Africa), George Yerolemou (Acoustex), Goodrich Kowane (Hulamin), Henk van der Merwe (MA Automotive), Hercu Aucamp (Trident Steel), Jean Philippe Marillet (Bosch), Johan Mouton (Metair), Juergen Wolf (MAHLE Thermal and Fluid SA), Ken Manners (SP Metal Forgings), Luca Smargiasso (Malben Engineering), Martin Buchalter (Algoa Component Manufacturers), Milos Despotovic (Maxion Wheels), Paul Johnson (Lear Corporation), Priscilla Weitz (Axalta Plascon).
Regional Committee Representatives:
NAACAM hereby congratulates all elected members on their appointments. The association looks forward to their contributions in guiding strategic priorities, fostering industry collaboration and driving the continued growth and competitiveness of South Africa’s automotive components sector.

Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has reached another major milestone with the production of the 500 000th unit of the current Polo for the export market.
Nissan South Africa has agreed to sell its Rosslyn production facility after 60 years of operation. The plant, which produced models such as the 1400 ‘Champ’ bakkie, NP200 and Navara, was acquired by Chery SA. The Chinese automaker has sold over 80,000 vehicles locally since 2021 and is now strengthening its African presence.
Following an intense national selection process that pushed participants to the limit, South Africa’s representatives for the 2026 Defender Trophy global final have been decided.