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
A vehicle best known for delivering goods across South Africa’s cities is now delivering unforgettable safari experiences in the bush.
In an innovative collaboration between Hyundai Tzaneen and Leopard Rock Guest Lodge, based Hoedspruit in Limpopo, the trusted Hyundai H100 has been successfully repurposed as a game drive vehicle, proving its versatility far beyond its traditional role as a business transportation truck.
Originally conceptualized by Safari Hunting Frames, who specialize in vehicle conversions to showcase the bakkie’s durability and adaptability, the initiative quickly gained traction with the Hyundai Tzaneen and the Leopard Rock Guest Lodge Game Drive teams.
Since launching, the vehicle has transported more than 10 000 tourists, travelled over 40 000 kilometres and recorded zero mechanical breakdowns, an impressive demonstration of its reliability in bush conditions.
According to Nick Madzivandzira, Dealer Principal at Hyundai Tzaneen, the project was designed to challenge perceptions about what the iconic vehicle can achieve.
"The Hyundai H100 is already a favourite among entrepreneurs and small businesses because of its strength, frugality and value for money,” Nick says. “We wanted to show that its reliability extends far beyond urban deliveries. If it can perform consistently in the rugged conditions of the bush without a breakdown, it proves just how capable this vehicle really is.”
Quintus Strauss, Owner of Leopard Rock Guest Lodge says the light commercial vehicle has proven to be a valuable addition to their operations and success.
"When Hyundai and Safari Hunting Frames approached us with the idea, we immediately saw the potential,” Quintus says. "Game drive vehicles must be dependable, comfortable and cost-effective. The Hyundai H100 has exceeded expectations. Transporting more than 10 000 visitors to date without a single mechanical issue, is a remarkable achievement.”
Beyond demonstrating the vehicle’s durability, the initiative highlights how collaboration between the automotive and tourism sectors can unlock new possibilities, transforming a trusted urban delivery vehicle into a reliable tourism mobility solution, Hyundai states.
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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The Nissan Navara Warrior by Premcar has reached its first year on sale in South Africa, offering buyers a more capable, off-road-focused version of the standard Navara bakkie.
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