
Scrapping of VAT increase, widely welcomed
The National Treasury’s announcement on the scrapping of the proposed increase in Value-Added Tax (VAT) has been widely welcomed.
- Industry News
- 24 April 2025
Following the promotion of Jason Brunninger to the new Head of Sales and Marketing for Coaches in North America, DTSA announced the appointment of Deon de Vries (main photo) as the new General Manager for Mercedes-Benz Buses in South Africa.
In his newly appointed role, Deon will assume strategic leadership responsibilities across various critical areas, including Sales, Parts, Services, Marketing and Network Steering for Mercedes-Benz Buses in Southern Africa.
Deon holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and a Diploma in Marketing. His career began in 1997 when he assumed various roles in parts and after-sales operations. In 2004, he assumed the role of Parts Manager. Subsequently, in 2008, he took up the position of National Parts Manager in Botswana, gaining extensive experience in Heavy Commercial Vehicles, Buses and Power Generation sectors.
He joined DTSA in 2015, as a Regional Sales Manager (RSM) for Mercedes-Benz Trucks, eventually filling the role of Head of Sales for Mercedes-Benz Trucks in 2019, playing a pivotal role in Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ upward sales trajectory and market-share leadership for three consecutive years.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead Mercedes-Benz Buses in Southern Africa. I eagerly look forward to engaging with our customers and contributing to the division’s ongoing success, supported by the DTSA team and network,” Deon says about his new appointment.
Maretha Gerber, President and Group CEO, Daimler Truck Southern Africa: “I am thrilled to have Deon take the helm of our bus division. Deon has consistently demonstrated exceptional ability, expertise and dedication during his tenure at DTSA, significantly contributing to our company’s success.
“We once again thank Jason Brunninger for the significant contribution he made to the bus business in Southern Africa, and we extend our best wishes to Deon in his new role. We eagerly anticipate witnessing his leadership propel the team to new heights.”
The National Treasury’s announcement on the scrapping of the proposed increase in Value-Added Tax (VAT) has been widely welcomed.
A Cape Town vehicle repairer, who has had a consumer’s vehicle for almost two years and failed to complete repairs to the vehicle by an agreed date, has been fined R100 000 by the National Consumer Tribunal and ordered to refund the vehicle’s owner the R77 000 he paid for the repairs.
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