BMW iX3 crowned World Car of the Year 2026 as EVs lead the way
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
- Industry News
- 2 April 2026
Goodyear South Africa has appointed Paul Gerrad (photo) to the position of Managing Director effective from 1 May 2024.
Gerrard takes over from Richard Fourie, who led the company for two years from April 2022.
A seasoned leader with deep experience in operations and supply chain gained from the automotive industry in South Africa and abroad, Gerrard joined Goodyear in 2010 as Group Procurement and Supply Chain Director for South Africa.
In 2016, he moved to Dubai, as Director of the company’s Supply Chain Function for Emerging Markets (Middle East & Africa, South Africa and Turkey). In 2020, he returned to South Africa and took on the role of Manufacturing Director of the Kariega Plant. He will still be based at the Kariega plant for his new role.
“Goodyear South Africa has a proud legacy of being a key contributor to South Africa’s tyre manufacturing industry,” says Gerrard. “I look forward to continuing our successful delivery of high-quality tyre products to the drivers in the country.”
Gerrard holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) degree in Business Administration from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
Retail new vehicle sales continue to surge in South Africa despite global and regional conflicts, local floods and droughts.
South Africa’s new vehicle market delivered a standout performance in March 2026, extending its domestic growth trajectory to the strongest level seen in nearly two decades.