RZ electrical vehicle from Lexus makes local debut
Lexus South Africa new RZ, the brand’s first globally available, purpose-built battery electric vehicle (BEV), has arrived on local shores.
- Product News
- 5 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.
Lexus South Africa new RZ, the brand’s first globally available, purpose-built battery electric vehicle (BEV), has arrived on local shores.
Chery’s luxury brand, a stand-alone nameplate has arrived in South Africa with more larger models (L8) that will be added to the Lepas line-up later.
The global automotive sector enters 2026 amid profound and rapid transformation, defined by technological acceleration, shifting policies and evolving consumer priorities., according to a white paper published by Messe Frankfurt in partnership with Frost & Sullivan.
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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
The global automotive sector enters 2026 amid profound and rapid transformation, defined by technological acceleration, shifting policies and evolving consumer priorities., according to a white paper published by Messe Frankfurt in partnership with Frost & Sullivan.
Continental has achieved a major milestone in its global sustainability strategy by fully eliminating coal and heavy fuel oil from all its tyre production sites.
The global oil market is under pressure, with geopolitical instability driving prices higher and directly impacting consumers at the pump.