Top dealerships rewarded at Toyota’s Dealer of the Year awards
Rola Toyota Somerset West picked up the top award as Dealer of the Year at the manufacture’s awards held last under the theme, Challenge and Innovate.
- Dealer News
- 13 March 2026
The South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) has announced the 18 finalists for the 2026 South African Car of the Year (COTY) competition, with nearly a third of the finalists being Chinese vehicles.
Only one Japanese and one Korean vehicle made the list, with the balance of finalists coming from European manufacturers.
The finalists were selected from more than 55 new and qualifying vehicles launched in 2025. Shortlisted after extensive consideration, each vehicle was assessed for quality, safety, performance and suitability for South African conditions. They will now advance to a rigorous three‑day evaluation at Zwartkops Raceway in Tshwane.
The 2026 SA Car of the Year finalists, in alphabetical order, are:
This year, one third of the finalists are Chinese brands, reflecting their growing influence and the increasing presence of new energy vehicles competing for category wins and the overall title. Traditional brands continue to dominate the performance and luxury segments, setting the stage for another intense rivalry that reinforces their strong position in the local market.
Following the test days, the jurors’ scores will be compiled and submitted to the final scoring round. At this stage, Lightstone Auto data will be used to calculate segment share based on sales volumes and to assess specification-adjusted pricing against direct competitors within each segment.
The Motor Enthusiast’s Choice public vote returns for a third consecutive year, giving the public the opportunity to participate in Old Mutual Insure’s SA COTY initiative. Watch out for upcoming social media posts highlighting road safety, innovation and lifestyle as part of the company’s ongoing campaign.
The 2026 SA COTY winners will be revealed at a glittering gala event in Johannesburg during the first week of May.
Rola Toyota Somerset West picked up the top award as Dealer of the Year at the manufacture’s awards held last under the theme, Challenge and Innovate.
The National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) once again delivered a standout experience at its annual conference on 12 March.
Events unfolding in the Middle East, combined with disruptions to oil shipping routes, have once again highlighted how dependent the world remains on crude oil and refined fuels.
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The National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) once again delivered a standout experience at its annual conference on 12 March.
Events unfolding in the Middle East, combined with disruptions to oil shipping routes, have once again highlighted how dependent the world remains on crude oil and refined fuels.
A recent webinar hosted by Keyloop explored how the automotive retail sector can adapt to rapid technological change, increasing data complexity and the growing role of artificial intelligence. The session examined how dealers, manufacturers and mobility providers can reduce operational friction while improving customer journeys.