
The legend is back - VW introduces updated Golf GTI
Volkswagen will introduce the updated Golf GTI to the South African market in the last quarter of 2025. Well over 2.3 million GTIs have been sold worldwide.
- Product News
- 2 September 2025
Subaru Southern Africa has appointed Toshimitsu Tanaka as its new Managing Director. He succeeds Andrew Marshall, who retires after five years of service.
Toshimitsu, a seasoned executive from Japan, brings with him over 30 years’ experience in the global automotive sector. His international career spans key leadership roles across Africa, North America and Asia, including his most recent position as Deputy Managing Director of Subaru Southern Africa, a role he has held for the past two years.
Before joining Subaru, he held senior positions within the Toyota Tsusho Group, including Assistant General Manager for Toyota Tsusho Africa, Group Manager at Toyota Tsusho Corporation and Vice Division Head at Toyota Tsusho America. He also played a pivotal role in establishing Toyota Tsusho Africa’s facilities in Durban as project leader – a career milestone that speaks to his commitment to innovation, growth and teamwork.
“It’s a great honour to take the helm at Subaru Southern Africa. This is a brand that represents confidence, adventure and loyalty – not only in the products we build but in the people we serve. My focus will be on expanding our presence and enhancing the customer experience across the region. I look forward to working closely with our dealer network, our partners and, most importantly, our customers to take Subaru to even greater heights,” Toshimitsu says.
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) notes that August continued the positive trend for new-vehicle sales in South Africa, reflecting strong consumer demand and activity across the market.
Although the tariff clouds are gathering over the South African economy with serious implications for the local automotive export industry, local sales of new vehicles are soldiering on at a decent pace.
Automechanika Johannesburg successfully hosted its final CEO Breakfast for 2025 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, bringing together senior automotive industry leaders for strategic discussions as the co-located Festival of Motoring roared into life.