The VW Vivo Xpress is back and built locally
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is re-entering the growing urban delivery market with the launch of the Vivo Xpress which will be available for sale from February 2026.
- Product News
- 9 February 2026
Time to enter is running out for prospective participants in the 16th Simola Hillclimb, which will be held in the Knysna region later this year from 30 April to 3 May.
To enter the event, applications must be submitted on or before 31 January.
The Simola Hillclimb is regarded as South Africa’s premier hill climb and the leading motoring and motorsport lifestyle event.
“We have received an impressive number and calibre of entry applications thus far, and are delighted with the response for both Classic Car Friday and King of the Hill,” says Leon Smith, Simola Hillclimb sporting director. “With the 31 January deadline just more than a week away, we encourage all aspiring competitors to submit their applications as soon as possible.
“Our goal every year is to deliver an exciting line-up of cars and drivers to keep the field competitive and the spectators enthralled,” Leon says. “The level of local and international interest continues to grow each year, and we look forward to raising the bar even higher in 2026.”
The 16th edition of the Simola Hillclimb takes place from 30 April to 3 May 2026. The opening day on 30 April begins with scrutineering for the Classic Car Friday contenders, followed by the spectacular parade along the Knysna Waterfront, both of which are open to the public with free access.
Classic Car Friday on 1 May allows a total of 65 competitors spread across 10 classes, from the golden oldies of a century ago to many of the legendary cars that ruled the streets and racing circuits over the decades that followed, right up to the early 2000s.
King of the Hill runs over two days on Saturday 2 May and Sunday 3 May. It comprises 84 entries featuring standard road cars, dream-worthy supercars, highly tuned road-legal machines, wild modified saloon racing cars and thoroughbred single-seaters and sports prototypes.
From 1 February 2026, the submitted entries will be reviewed by the Simola Hillclimb organisers. Accepted drivers will receive their invitations to participate by 14 February 2026.
There is a profound realignment in consumer expectations, brand positioning and technological priorities, with Germany losing long held advantages in its domestic market while China rapidly moves up the value chain.
Over the past weekend, reports surfaced of a letter sent by Martina Biene, chairperson and managing director of Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA), to President Cyril Ramaphosa warning of the increasingly precarious position of South Africa’s automotive sector.
On 20 February 2026, at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in Australia, the new WorldSBK season roars to life, promising one of the most dynamic championships in recent memory.