The Toyota Starlet goes from zero to hero
- Industry News
- 3 September 2026
Dealer industry news from around Southern Africa
Rising new vehicle sales in South Africa continue to confound industry commentators and many people actively involved in the automotive industry.
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has celebrated a major manufacturing achievement after producing the one millionth current-generation Polo at its Kariega facility in the Eastern Cape.
South Africa’s new vehicle market delivered its best May performance in over a decade, underscoring the resilience of consumer demand despite mounting economic pressures.
While South Africa’s new vehicle market has shown resilience in early 2026, the broader economic environment is shifting towards more challenging terrain, according naamsa (The Automotive Business Council).
South Africa’s automotive industry continued to strengthen its position as a global export hub in 2025, with vehicle and component exports reaching record levels despite rising trade uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and shifting global demand patterns.
Tata Africa, headquartered in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa, has reinforced its presence on the continent with the official opening of a new branch in Saint‑Louis, Senegal.
With the vision of shaping a centre of excellence for Eastern Cape entrepreneurs, Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) and Raizcorp joined hands to establish the Volkswagen Business Support Centre in Kariega.
Isuzu Motors South Africa has begun distributing the latest D-Max from its Gqeberha plant to dealerships across the country, with further shipments planned for more than 30 African markets.
South Africa’s fast evolving automotive industry faces an urgent challenge in ensuring technical aftersales skills keep pace with increasingly advanced vehicle technology.
The Jetour T2, one of seven Chinese brands and 18 vehicles competing, won this year’s title as South Africa’s Car of the Year.
Price, mileage and brand familiarity remain the dominant factors in most used-car enquiries, yet safety ratings are increasingly shaping the way dealers can present value.
The idea of buying a car once and owning every built-in feature outright is starting to look dated, according to a report in SBD Automotive.
Stellantis is accelerating its push into software defined vehicles through an expanded partnership with Qualcomm Technologies that will bring more advanced driver assistance, connectivity and in car digital systems to its next generation vehicles.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen