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- Product News
- 2 September 2025
Ford South Africa has appointed Tarryn Knight (photo) as its new Head of Marketing.
With nearly two decades of marketing experience with German passenger and commercial vehicle brands, Tarryn will lead the strategic direction of Ford’s marketing communications, events and sponsorships, building on the company’s more than 100-year legacy in South Africa and its exciting new product range.
“We are delighted to welcome Tarryn to the Ford family as the Head of Marketing and look forward to the new energy and ideas she will bring to the company as we accelerate our drive to deliver exceptional products and services for our customers,” says Neale Hill, president, Ford Motor Company Africa.
“A lot of work has gone into refreshing and updating our product portfolio over the last two years and redefining the complete customer experience,” he says. “Having achieved year-on-year growth in 2024 in a declining market shows that we’re on the right path, and we will continue driving this strategy forward in 2025. We have no doubt that Tarryn and her marketing team will play an instrumental role in helping raise the bar further this year and beyond.”
Tarryn joins Ford after almost five years as Head of Marketing, PR and Product at Audi South Africa. Prior to this, she was Marketing Communications and Product Manager for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles South Africa. She also worked as Senior Brand Manager and Marketing Research Manager for Volkswagen Group South Africa.
“Joining the longest-standing vehicle manufacturer in South Africa, and one with such a unique place in the global automotive story, is a proud moment for me,” she says. “In addition to the warm welcome I’ve received into the Ford Family, I’ve already experienced some of the company’s exciting partnerships and incredible CSR projects. I’m looking forward to sharing and growing the Ford brand story even further with my new team.”
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) notes that August continued the positive trend for new-vehicle sales in South Africa, reflecting strong consumer demand and activity across the market.
Although the tariff clouds are gathering over the South African economy with serious implications for the local automotive export industry, local sales of new vehicles are soldiering on at a decent pace.
Automechanika Johannesburg successfully hosted its final CEO Breakfast for 2025 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, bringing together senior automotive industry leaders for strategic discussions as the co-located Festival of Motoring roared into life.