Cars.co.za report offers interesting insights
Cars.co.za recently launched Industry Report 2026 at its DealerCon summit, offers insight into the forces shaping South Africa’s vehicle market.
- Dealer News
- 22 September 2026
Isuzu Motors South Africa has been awarded the prestigious Best Exporter Award in the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) category and the SJL Flex Environmental Merit award at the recent Eastern Cape Exporters awards held in Gqeberha.
The awards celebrate local businesses making an international impact, together with showcasing the talent and tenacity of some of the province’s top economic contributors.
The Best Exporter award in the OEM category recognises ISUZU’s growth and expansion in the export market while the SJL Flex Merit Award acknowledges the company’s efforts in making a positive impact to the environment and operational efficiency.
Isuzu has deepened and further grown its export market from the Eastern Cape to 25 markets across the African continent culminating in the company being the number one Eastern Cape-based automotive exporter into the African continent for 2022. This has had a positive effect on revenue growth and sustainable profitability, allowing the company to make a significant contribution to the country’s economy.
“Isuzu Motors South Africa has a BOLD agenda of creating a thriving automotive sector in Africa and driving the re-industrialisation of the African continent. We are extremely proud to receive the Best Exporter award in the OEM category as we are fully committed to growing the business throughout Africa, with focus on expanding our footprint and supporting trade initiatives and partnerships.
“Growth brings vast opportunities for us as a business, our dealers, the industry and country,” says Penelope Mkhwanazi, Senior Vice President for Revenue Generation in Rest of Africa and International Markets.
Penelope continues: “Over the past three years, Isuzu Motors South Africa has seen an increase in its sales by 59% in the 1-ton pick-up segment in the rest of Africa markets, sub-Saharan Africa. We have achieved 195% growth of commercial vehicles in the ROFA markets compared to the previous financial year.”
Isuzu also received the SJL Environmental Merit award for the third time recognising the interventions implemented to protect the environment.
The company achieved a 13.3% reduction in water usage and a 7.5% reduction in energy usage at all its sites while maintaining the recycling ratio of 99% for non-manufacturing facilities. Isuzu improved the recycling ratio for the main manufacturing operation from 95% in 2021 to 97% in 2022 with all company facilities continuing to be landfill-free since 2018.
Cars.co.za recently launched Industry Report 2026 at its DealerCon summit, offers insight into the forces shaping South Africa’s vehicle market.
Nissan has introduced the Tekton, a new compact SUV for the South African market. The model is built on the Renault‑Nissan alliance’s CMF‑B platform and is closely related to the Renault Duster, sharing engines and mechanical components.
At the recent DealerCon 2026, hosted by Cars.co.za automotive excellence was celebrated by honouring top executives in the automotive retails industry.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Cars are the ultimate symbol of freedom, independence and individualism. They offer the freedom to ‘go anywhere,’ whenever it suits and with whom one chooses.
Sarah Redshaw
Car recalls often raise concern among owners, but the National Automobile Dealers' Association (NADA) says recall campaigns show that manufacturers are accountable and committed to quality, safety and customer care.
Affordability is driving a structural shift in South Africa’s vehicle market, with SUVs gaining significant ground as consumers increasingly seek competitively priced, well-equipped vehicles.
South Africa’s used car market continued to grow during the first half of 2026, despite pressure on household budgets and a 25 basis point interest rate increase in May.