BMW iX3 crowned World Car of the Year 2026 as EVs lead the way
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
- Industry News
- 2 April 2026
Daimler Truck South Africa (DTSA) hosted its biggest event of 2025 – “The Daimler Truck Experience”, under the theme “For All Who Keep Africa Moving” at the Gerotek Testing Facility in Pretoria.
This flagship showcase offers customers and industry stakeholders immersive, first-hand experience of Daimler Truck’s latest advancements in product innovation and transport technology.
Featuring a wide range of interactive activities, including electric truck experiences on the high-speed oval track with the eActros and eCanter models; Ride and handling sessions with the Mercedes-Benz Actros (2645LS/33, 2652LS/33, 4058S/39) and the FUSO TV33-400S; Gradient climbs with the Unimog U4000, FUSO FG 6-136TD, and FJ18-280 AT and straight track runs featuring the Mercedes-Benz Actros 2652LS/33 and eCanter.
Among the many exciting activities and information sessions, a key highlight of the event was the highly anticipated launch of the Allison Automatic Transmission on the FUSO FJ range. This major advancement in the FUSO product offering is designed to meet the evolving demands of today’s transport industries and will be available on the following FUSO models: FUSO FJ16230R SWB AT, FUSO FJ16-230R LWB AT, FUSO FJ18-280R SWB AT and the FUSO FJ18-280R LWB AT.
One of the most compelling showcases at the Daimler Truck Experience was the live demonstration of the latest safety features on the Mercedes-Benz Actros 2652LS/33 RE. From the next-generation Active Brake Assist 6 (ABA 6), demonstrated with an inflatable crash test vehicle, to the Active Side Guard Assist 2, showcased with a cyclist simulation and the precision of Frontguard Assist, it is a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
These advanced systems reflect Daimler Truck’s ongoing commitment to intelligent safety and innovation on the road, not only reducing the severity of potential collisions but ultimately setting out to prevent them altogether.
“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do,” says Olaf Petersen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Daimler Truck Southern Africa. “The Daimler Truck Experience is more than just an event, it’s a powerful platform that allows us to connect directly with our customers and other industry stakeholders, giving them a first-hand look at how our latest innovations and product advancements can drive real value for their businesses.”
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
Retail new vehicle sales continue to surge in South Africa despite global and regional conflicts, local floods and droughts.
South Africa’s new vehicle market delivered a standout performance in March 2026, extending its domestic growth trajectory to the strongest level seen in nearly two decades.
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