New MD at Volvo Group in South Africa
- Industry News
- 3 March 2026
Dealer industry news from around Southern Africa
Toyota has unveiled another major leadership realignment, elevating Kenta Kon, its chief financial officer and long‑time confidant of Chairman Akio Toyoda, to the role of chief executive from 1 April 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.
At the recent Automechanika Breakfast, Paul‑Roux de Kock, Chief Analytics Officer from Lightstone, offered a concise yet insightful overview of an automotive sector undergoing significant structural and behavioural shifts.
At the Automechanika CEO Breakfast in Johannesburg, Retail Motor Industry (RMI) CEO Ipeleng Mabusela emphasised a central truth often overlooked: South Africa’s automotive retail and aftermarket sector is the country’s true engine of mobility.
TransUnion Africa has appointed Jeannine Naudé as Vice President and Head of Africa Regions, effective January 2026, reinforcing the company’s focus on strengthening its presence and strategic growth across the continent.
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.
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) in the United States (US) has renewed its backing for policies aimed at preventing Chinese vehicle manufacturers from establishing a foothold in the US, despite growing expectations that their entry may be inevitable.
Japanese carmakers are scaling back operations in Southeast Asia and Africa as competition from rapidly expanding Chinese manufacturers reshapes the global automotive landscape.
China is set to prohibit hidden or flush car door handles from 1 January 2027, becoming the first country to impose a nationwide ban on the sleek but controversial design.
Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) Minister Parks Tau has welcomed the approval of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Extension Bill by the United States (US) House of Representatives.
South Africa will remain as part of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for the time being, benefitting the country’s vehicle and automotive part exports.
Mahindra has updated its customer support approach in South Africa with a renewed focus on response times, accessibility and parts availability.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin