Rumours abound about Merc’s East London plant
More and more rumours are surfacing about the possible sale, or part sale, of Mercedes-Benz’s East London manufacturing plant.
- Industry News
- 11 March 2026
Ashley Reddy (photo) is the new Head of Aftersales and Dealer Network Management at Audi South Africa. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having spent 15 years in various leadership positions within the automotive industry.
With a focus on aftersales and dealer development, Ashley's background includes experience in parts sales, pricing strategies, customer service, warranty management and business process improvement. Her leadership skills have been honed through years of involvement in strategy implementation, forecasting, cashflow management and project execution.
Ashley began her career in the automotive industry as an assistant accountant at BMW before transitioning into sales at Hyundai. Most recently, she served as the General Manager for Aftersales at Mercedes-Benz Vans, where she led significant initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and drive business growth.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ashley Reddy to Audi South Africa,” says Sascha Sauer, Head of Audi South Africa. “Her extensive experience and proven track record make her a valuable addition to our team. We look forward to leveraging her expertise as we continue to deliver exceptional service and support to our customers and dealer network."
“I am absolutely delighted to join Audi South Africa. It is a brand that resonates with my personal mantra of continuous improvement. I look forward to a great partnership with the Audi dealer network and to driving the business to continued success,” she says.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ashley is passionate about inspiring young professionals, particularly in the aftersales sector where women are underrepresented. She dedicates her time to mentor and empower individuals, finding it both fulfilling and rewarding.
“Ashley’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Audi SA as the company strengthens its position in the market and drives innovation in the automotive industry,” Sascha concludes.
More and more rumours are surfacing about the possible sale, or part sale, of Mercedes-Benz’s East London manufacturing plant.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Tuesday (10 March) they would not let any oil and other related products out of the Middle East until United States (US) and Israeli attacks cease, prompting US President Donald Trump to threaten to hit Iran "twenty times harder" if it blocked exports.
With tensions and conflict in the Middle East raising concerns about global energy supplies, attention has again focused on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important oil shipping routes in the world.