Auto China 2026 promises to be milestone event
Auto China 2026 marks another milestone in the evolution of an event that has tracked China’s rise from emerging market to global automotive powerhouse.
- Industry News
- 16 April 2026
Hot on the heels of the Ford Transit Custom, the Blue Oval released its Ford Tourneo locally.
What’s new?
It is brand-new and shares its mechanicals with the Transit Custom Panel Van. Ford described the Tourneo as a multi-activity vehicle. It is designed to enhance the ownership experience for both personal use and business customers, offering spacious room for up to eight occupants.
Initially available in Trend specification and a long wheelbase configuration, it is powered by a 2-litre single turbodiesel engine (100 kW & 360 Nm) and a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Additional models will join the Tourneo line-up later this year.
An optimised vehicle platform ensures generous cabin space, with three rows of seating for up to eight occupants. The enhanced interior specification starts with a flexible, new track-mounted seating system in the second and third rows, which allows maximum adaptability when arranging the cabin for people and luggage.

The tracked seating enables customers to slide seats forward or back along notched tracks set into the rear cabin floor, or to lift seats out completely. The three second-row seats can each be moved independently, while the third row has a two seat/one seat split.
The new seats are lighter than those in the outgoing model and the second row features integrated seatbelts, so reconfiguring the cabin – including into a useful six-person conference layout – can be done more quickly and easily. With the second- and third-row seats removed, a massive 6.8m3 of loading volume is unleashed, along with the ability to carry three standard Euro pallets.
Price:
Tourneo Trend LWB Bus 2.0L 8AT (R999 200).
Hyundai Automotive South Africa is expanding its Hyundai Grand i10 range with the introduction of a new Executive derivative, as competition intensifies in the price-sensitive entry-level vehicle market.
Geely has launched the new Geely Auto E2 in South Africa, adding a compact all electric hatchback to its growing local line up.
Ford’s new Territory will go on sale in the coming weeks in South Africa.