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
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) announced the introduction of the Toyota Hiace PWD (Persons with Disabilities) model, a people-mover that puts accessibility at the heart of mobility.
Toyota says the Hiace Ses’fikile has been reimagined with a suffix that carries a deeper purpose, a version designed to accommodate persons with disabilities.
The Hiace PWD comes fully equipped with an automated rear ramp, making wheelchair access simple and seamless.
Built from the trusted 16-seater Hiace, the PWD model has been carefully adapted to strike a balance between comfort and practicality. It features three rows of original Hiace seats, accommodating nine passengers, as well as the wheelchair securely positioned at the rear so that its occupant is comfortably seated as though in a fourth row.


Safety and convenience are paramount, so the wheelchair bay is fitted with front and rear restraints for stability, and a sturdy ramp extension makes boarding and disembarking effortless. When not in use, the ramp folds neatly away, preserving the spacious interior.
“With this introduction, TSAM affirms its commitment to creating a more inclusive transport landscape. The Hiace PWD is more than just a vehicle – it is a statement of intent, a promise to make mobility accessible to everyone,” says Tasneem Lorgat, General Manager of Marketing Communications.
For families, schools and transport operators alike, it represents an opportunity to make every journey more inclusive, more comfortable and more people friendly.
The Toyota Hiace PWD will be available on a Customer Order Only basis (R761 713), ensuring each model is tailored to the needs of the people who matter most: the passengers.
Every Hiace PWD model comes standard with a 90 000km service plan (nine services) and 3-year/100 000km warranty, with flexible extension options available via Toyota’s vast national dealer network.

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.