Dealer industry news from around Southern Africa
At the Automechanika CEO Breakfast in Johannesburg, Retail Motor Industry (RMI) CEO Ipeleng Mabusela emphasised a central truth often overlooked: South Africa’s automotive retail and aftermarket sector is the country’s true engine of mobility.
TransUnion Africa has appointed Jeannine Naudé as Vice President and Head of Africa Regions, effective January 2026, reinforcing the company’s focus on strengthening its presence and strategic growth across the continent.
On 20 February 2026, at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in Australia, the new WorldSBK season roars to life, promising one of the most dynamic championships in recent memory.
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) in the United States (US) has renewed its backing for policies aimed at preventing Chinese vehicle manufacturers from establishing a foothold in the US, despite growing expectations that their entry may be inevitable.
Japanese carmakers are scaling back operations in Southeast Asia and Africa as competition from rapidly expanding Chinese manufacturers reshapes the global automotive landscape.
China is set to prohibit hidden or flush car door handles from 1 January 2027, becoming the first country to impose a nationwide ban on the sleek but controversial design.
Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) Minister Parks Tau has welcomed the approval of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Extension Bill by the United States (US) House of Representatives.
South Africa will remain as part of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for the time being, benefitting the country’s vehicle and automotive part exports.
Mahindra has updated its customer support approach in South Africa with a renewed focus on response times, accessibility and parts availability.
Strong sales momentum has driven an increase in parts stock, ensuring uninterrupted supply, faster turnaround times and peace of mind for customers by keeping vehicles on the road and businesses operating without costly downtime, says DFSK South Africa.
SVI Engineering, specialist manufacturer of armoured products in South Africa, has released a series of Transformer-inspired videos via its social media channels, highlighting how the company leverages its extensive expertise in the military and security fields to deliver civilian protection.
The positive momentum of new vehicle sales in 2025 seems set to continue in 2026, with January building on the previous year’s success, says the Automotive Business Council (naamsa).
The new car buying trend has continued unabated into the new year, with January figures reflecting a 7.5% increase in total vehicle sales and passenger car volumes rising by 7.1%.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen