VW celebrated top dealers and top motoring groups
CFAO‘s Mc Duling Motors under the leadership Allan Stiles as Dealer Principal scooped the top award as Dealer of the Year at VW’s recently held Grand Prix Awards.
- Dealer News
- 5 May 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.
CFAO‘s Mc Duling Motors under the leadership Allan Stiles as Dealer Principal scooped the top award as Dealer of the Year at VW’s recently held Grand Prix Awards.
Nissan’s decision to drop a planned $500 million investment in electric vehicle (EV) production at its Canton, Mississippi plant is the latest indication that established manufacturers are reassessing how quickly the market will shift to battery power.
Donald Trump has threatened to increase United States (US) tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union to 25% from next week, up from the 15% rate set under last year’s so-called Turnberry framework.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
Donald Trump has threatened to increase United States (US) tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union to 25% from next week, up from the 15% rate set under last year’s so-called Turnberry framework.
No, the Chinese are not coming to take over – they are already busy accomplishing it.
Motorists and households already under pressure will have to dig deeper into their pockets yet again from Wednesday, with sharp fuel and energy price hikes taking effect across South Africa.