Dakar - South African crews dig deep as second week begins
The 2026 Dakar Rally roared back into action on Monday with Stage 8, a gruelling 481km loop around Wadi Ad Dawasir.
- Industry News
- 12 January 2026
Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa has announced the appointment of Natasha Jardim (main photo) as its new Managing Executive. She succeeds Nadia Trimmel, who is moving to a new position within the Mercedes-Benz Group.
Natasha Jardim, a seasoned professional within the Mercedes-Benz family, has been a key figure in the organisation since 2000. With a remarkable career trajectory that began in sales and extended through various leadership positions, Natasha has consistently demonstrated her commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. Her journey has been marked by the ability to refine operations, enhance dealership performance and foster strong partnerships across the industry.
Throughout her tenure, Natasha has proven her ability to lead with a customer-centric approach, focusing on delivering the highest quality of service and innovation. Her leadership in sales and dealer support has solidified her reputation as a visionary who prioritises the needs and aspirations of customers. Natasha's proven track record in sales leadership, coupled with her strategic mindset, will be instrumental in guiding Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa into its next phase of growth.
“I am honoured and excited to step into this role at a pivotal time for Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa,” says Natasha Jardim. “Our focus will remain on delivering exceptional experiences for our customers by embracing innovation and sustainability. Together with our dedicated team, I look forward to driving our mission of providing the world's most desirable vans and services.”
Alongside Natasha, Marinus Venter, who has dedicated the past three years to spearheading the product and marketing departments at Mercedes-Benz Vans SA, has now broadened his responsibilities to include customer service support.
With over 15 years’ experience in the automotive industry and a track record of notable achievements in after-sales, Marinus brings both extensive expertise and a dynamic approach to his expanded role.
The 2026 Dakar Rally roared back into action on Monday with Stage 8, a gruelling 481km loop around Wadi Ad Dawasir.
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