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
Satish Ranchod is the new Human Resources Director at VW Group Africa, effective 1 November 2025.
Satish joins the Board of Management following a 36-year career with the company, where he has held several leadership positions across various areas of the business.
Having started at Volkswagen in 1989 as a Graduate Trainee in Internal Audit, Ranchod dedicated most of his career to Human Resources, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping compensation, benefits and governance structures that support employee well-being and drive organisational excellence.
Over the years, he has made significant contributions through his leadership on several key committees, including the VWSA Provident and Pension Funds, Risk and Insurance Committee, and Joint Union and Management Benefits Committees, among others. He has also represented VWGA in the Automobile Manufacturers Employer Organisation’s (AMEO) collective bargaining process, where he has led financial modelling efforts since 2016.
Ranchod holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Processing from Rhodes University and has completed the Volkswagen Group Junior Executive Programme at Ashridge Business School in London. He is also a Certified Internal Auditor through the Institute of Internal Auditors (USA) and an Associate Principal Executive Officer with the Council of Retirement Funds South Africa.
“Satish’s long-standing commitment to Volkswagen and his extensive experience in Human Resources make him an invaluable addition to our board of management. His institutional knowledge of our people, culture and business will continue to strengthen VWGA’s position as an employer of choice,” says Martina Biene, Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa.
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.