Young motorists put affordability ahead of status
- Industry News
- 13 August 2026
Dealer industry news from around Southern Africa
Headlines around South Africa’s new car sales might suggest the market has been overtaken by a wave of affordable, tech-laden Asian entrants.
The move towards software-defined vehicles is changing the way carmakers think about features, services and customer experience.
South Africa's automotive sector continued its recovery during the first quarter of 2026, supported by improving economic conditions, stronger consumer confidence and favourable financing conditions.
Hyundai Automotive South Africa is celebrating the success of four of its apprentices after they delivered outstanding performances at the 2026 Motus Top Apprentice Awards, with two earning first place.
South Africa has been urged to move quickly to protect and strengthen its automotive manufacturing sector as uncertainty around Volkswagen’s global operations highlights the growing pressure facing carmakers worldwide.
South Africa entered 2026 with improving economic conditions, offering greater support for consumers and the automotive sector after several challenging years.
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has marked a major milestone in its local manufacturing history with the ceremonial line off of the ninth generation Hilux at its Prospecton plant in Durban.
Isuzu Motors South Africa has invested close to R2 million in a new artificial intelligence, coding and robotics laboratory at Khulile Primary School in Motherwell, Gqeberha, giving 650 learners access to digital learning technologies.
Lightstone Auto’s July 2026 report shows that South Africans under the age of 35 are buying fewer cars than they did a decade ago. Stagnant incomes, high youth unemployment and rising living costs have squeezed disposable income, making it harder for younger buyers to enter the market.
Chery South Africa has confirmed that the Tiggo 4 range will be the first model produced at its Rosslyn manufacturing plant, with local production scheduled for the second half of 2027.
Mahindra South Africa joined forces with Miss Soweto 2025/26, Lungile Siyaphi, to distribute food parcels to families in need at the Mamlangeni Community Centre in Orlando, Soweto.
The Outdoor and Adventure Expo will return to B’sorah near Hartbeespoort Dam from Friday 14 August to Sunday 16 August.
Tshililo Nelwamondo has been named Volkswagen Group Africa's (VWGA) Best Apprentice for 2026 after being recognised at the annual Best Apprentice Awards ceremony held in Wolfsburg, Germany in June 2026.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen