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
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.”
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.