
Looking for your next set of ‘wheels’ using social media
Never underestimate the power of social media, especially when you go car hunting.
- Industry News
- 9 July 2025
This year will see a near record number of vehicles competing for the title of South Africa’s Car of the Year (COTY) for 2024.
The winner of the competition, run by the South African Guild of Motility Journalist (SAGMJ) and sponsored by Old Mutual Insure, will emerge from the 18 finalists, 921 last year, chosen by the judges of the 38th annual COTY competition.
The spotlight will not only be on the overall winner, but also on the different category winners with the big announcement during May. From this year, there will be a special category for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as they are integrated into the different segments according to price and specification where they can compete.
In the meantime, the evaluation of all the finalists will take place at Zwartkops racetrack in Pretoria from 4 to 6 March. Here the judges will assess the vehicles, and the final scoring round incorporates data from Lightstone Auto, utilising automated scoring based on market segment sales volumes and spec-adjusted competitor pricing.
The Motor Enthusiast's Choice (public vote) returns for the 2024 COTY competition. Watch out for upcoming social media posts featuring each finalist and vote for your favourite by liking it. The vehicle with the most likes wins, and three fortunate voters will secure an off-road driving course sponsored by Old Mutual Insure and the SAGMJ.
A golf day where the vehicles will be on display with their COTY branding is planned for 23 February at Silverlakes Golf Club in Pretoria.
Never underestimate the power of social media, especially when you go car hunting.
In the wake of the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape, Mercedes-Benz SA has partnered with Gift of the Givers to deliver urgent aid to flood-affected communities in Butterworth and Mthatha.
The Lepas will officially debut in South Africa in 2026, introducing a different perspective on what a premium SUV can be with an eye aimed at younger, style-conscious drivers seeking modernity, claims the Chinese brand.