The legend is back - VW introduces updated Golf GTI
Volkswagen will introduce the updated Golf GTI to the South African market in the last quarter of 2025. Well over 2.3 million GTIs have been sold worldwide.
- Product News
- 2 September 2025
Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) says it embraces diversity by promoting the inclusion of women in an industry that was historically male dominated.
In the past, women have faced barriers and stereotypes that hindered them reaching their full potential, especially in science, technology and engineering disciplines. However, as awareness and efforts to promote gender equality have grown, the automotive sector has experienced growth in women occupying previously male dominated roles.
Russell Coleman, VWSA Human Resources Director, says there are visibly more female artisans, technicians and engineers entering the job market. “Volkswagen is committed to include more women across all divisions of the company, and we are experiencing noteworthy progress on this front,” he says.
Russell says that the global automotive group regards diversity and inclusion as a central foundation for the economic success of the company, and VWSA subscribes to the same views. “We continue to develop and train young women to ensure a substantial skills base. Similarly, we give female operators the opportunity to further their training and qualifications through the Volkswagen Learning Academy,” he added.
Moreover, Russell says women are treated equally within the organisation. Last year, VWSA appointed Martina Biene as the Managing Director and Chairperson of the board, the first ever female to be appointed in this position in South Africa. “By fostering an inclusive environment that values and supports the talent of women, we can harness the untapped potential of a diverse workforce, driving innovation and creating a better future for all,” he says.
VWSA further extends its commitment to women empowerment and development into the community. The Train4Life programme, which runs in schools, is a VWSA education and sports initiative that features an U15 girls' soccer tournament, and a comprehensive life skills programme designed to empower and upskill Grade 8 female learners.
The initiative, which combines soccer training and life skill lessons, aims to unlock the potential of young women and encourage them to aspire to greatness. To date, this programme has supported close to 10 000 Grade 8 female learners from various schools in Tembisa and Alexandra in Gauteng and continues to be rolled out in other areas.
Volkswagen will introduce the updated Golf GTI to the South African market in the last quarter of 2025. Well over 2.3 million GTIs have been sold worldwide.
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles is back in the country and has just introduced its all-new Tiago.
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) notes that August continued the positive trend for new-vehicle sales in South Africa, reflecting strong consumer demand and activity across the market.
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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 National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) notes that August continued the positive trend for new-vehicle sales in South Africa, reflecting strong consumer demand and activity across the market.
Although the tariff clouds are gathering over the South African economy with serious implications for the local automotive export industry, local sales of new vehicles are soldiering on at a decent pace.
Automechanika Johannesburg successfully hosted its final CEO Breakfast for 2025 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, bringing together senior automotive industry leaders for strategic discussions as the co-located Festival of Motoring roared into life.