Kia’s Tasman bakkie arrives in South Africa
Kia has taken a bold step into one of South Africa’s most competitive automotive segments with the launch of the Tasman, its first-ever double cab bakkie.
- Product News
- 9 April 2026
South Africa is scrambling to protect its economy after USA’s President Donald Trump signed sweeping tariff measures targeting the country's key exports, potentially putting 100 000 jobs at risk, reported Reuters on 1 August.
The executive order signed Thursday (31 July) imposes import duties on dozens of nations including South Africa, with implementation set for next week. This escalation is part of Trump's broader push to reshape global trade dynamics in America's favour.
President Cyril Ramaphosa maintained a measured response Friday, emphasising South Africa's commitment to diplomatic solutions. "All channels of communication remain open to engage with the USA, and our negotiators are ready pending invitation from the USA," he said.
The government is rushing to finalise emergency support for affected exporters, with the President promising details would be announced soon.
The timing couldn't be worse. The USA is South Africa's second-largest trading partner after China, importing everything from Mercedes-Benz vehicles and steel to wine and citrus fruits.
The automotive sector faces particular vulnerability. Industry representatives are calling it a "socio-economic crisis in the making," with the Reserve Bank warning of massive job losses in agriculture and manufacturing.
"If one considers that access to the USA was through AGOA, which was tariff-free, increasing tariffs to 30% effectively nullifies that market," explained SEIFSA CEO Tafadzwa Chibanguza, referencing the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa notes that $1.8 billion in exports now hangs in the balance.
Opposition parties have criticised the government's response, with the Democratic Alliance dismissing the proposed support measures as inadequate for addressing the scale of the crisis.
Kia has taken a bold step into one of South Africa’s most competitive automotive segments with the launch of the Tasman, its first-ever double cab bakkie.
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has reached another major milestone with the production of the 500 000th unit of the current Polo for the export market.
OMODA has expanded its South African lineup with the arrival of the C5 SHS hybrid, a new addition to the C5 range.
Advertisement
Advertisement
You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
Unknown
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has reached another major milestone with the production of the 500 000th unit of the current Polo for the export market.
Nissan South Africa has agreed to sell its Rosslyn production facility after 60 years of operation. The plant, which produced models such as the 1400 ‘Champ’ bakkie, NP200 and Navara, was acquired by Chery SA. The Chinese automaker has sold over 80,000 vehicles locally since 2021 and is now strengthening its African presence.
Following an intense national selection process that pushed participants to the limit, South Africa’s representatives for the 2026 Defender Trophy global final have been decided.