Volvo Car South Africa (VCSA) has appointed Grant Locke (photo) as its new Managing Director (MD), succeeding Tarcísio Triviño, who served as MD since October 2024.
Grant previously served as Global Head of Financial Services at Volvo Cars, leading a 60-person team and playing a key role in evolving the brand’s global financial services strategy. Before that, he was Head of Commercial for Volvo’s Mobility and Financial Services division.
“We are pleased to welcome Grant to Volvo Car South Africa. His blend of commercial acumen and leadership in digital transformation will strengthen the business as we continue to accelerate our growth locally,” commented Marishka Govender, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at VCSA.
Grant’s task is to lead VCSA’s operations, driving strategic growth, refining the customer experience and advancing the company’s electrification ambitions in South Africa. His appointment comes at a time of rapid change in the local automotive sector, where evolving mobility trends and digital innovation are reshaping how consumers and automakers engage.
He brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in commercial business, with a focus on financial services. Before joining Volvo, he worked in South Africa’s financial services sector with OUTvest, an investment service platform developed within OUTsurance.
VCSA is entering the next phase of its network restructuring, focusing on strengthening its national dealer network by rebuilding service coverage for existing clients and establishing a robust distribution and service network nationwide, the company says.
“This renewed approach underscores the brand’s commitment to give South African customers convenient access to first-rate service and support. As Volvo continues to expand its electrified product portfolio, this investment in the local retail footprint forms a critical part of its long-term growth strategy in the country, balancing innovation and sustainability with a customer-centric approach,” the statement continues.
“I am delighted to be joining Volvo Car South Africa at such a pivotal moment for the brand and the broader industry. I look forward to working with the talented team at VCSA to build on the company’s strong foundation and to help shape the future of mobility,” says Grant.
As fuel prices continue to climb across South Africa, many motorists are beginning to question whether owning a car still makes financial sense. With in-land petrol prices now at R26.63 a litre and diesel costs rising sharply in May, transport expenses are placing growing pressure on household budgets.
Pinewood.AI has added two new embedded modules to its Business Intelligence Solution, giving dealers and OEMs greater insight into financial performance and the customer journey, it says.
Two new off-grid, solar-powered charging stations for electric vehicles (EV) have been switched on as part of the Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) network.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Pinewood.AI has added two new embedded modules to its Business Intelligence Solution, giving dealers and OEMs greater insight into financial performance and the customer journey, it says.
Margins are shrinking, customers are under financial strain, and competition is intensifying across South Africa’s motor retail sector. Against this backdrop, dealerships are being forced to rethink how they remain profitable while still building customer trust and long term sustainability.
Ford will launch seven new models in Europe by 2029, it announced recently, as it seeks to grow its flagging passenger car sales, fend off fierce competition from Chinese rivals and maintain an edge in the continent's commercial vehicle market.
