Automotive Business Review

Oct 27, 2026 Buzz

Incentives a strategic lever as SA’s auto sector transforms rapidly

As competition intensifies and customer expectations evolve, incentive programmes are a critical tool across the automotive value chain An influx of new international brands, evolving consumer expectations and mounting operational pressures are…

Oct 27, 2026 Buzz

The Phoenix: South Africa – A Failed State And Gangster Paradise, All Rolled Up In One

In the past week, I have received two interesting communications. One an email from the AA, and one from a WhatsApp group. Too long to give our readers chapter and verse, so I have had to shorten them, which is a pity. But I am sure you will get the…

Oct 27, 2026 Mobility

Hybrid-battery warranties are expiring: repair, replace or sell?

As more South Africans turn to hybrids to manage rising fuel costs, a new question is emerging for early buyers: what happens when the factory battery warranty expires? Hybrid electric vehicles are quickly gaining ground in South Africa. According…

Oct 27, 2026 Buzz

Cars.co.za recognised for its role in shaping South Africa’s automotive industry

Cars.co.za has been named Automotive Media House of the Year at the 2026 naamsa Accelerator Awards, powered by WesBank. Ryan Bubear also received the Automotive Journalist of the Year award. SA Auto Week 2026 in Durban unveiled this double honour,…

Oct 27, 2026 Buzz

Why Time Is the Most Overlooked Driver of Workplace Productivity

For decades, the daily commute has been treated as a fixed part of working life. It was seen as the necessary trade-off for access to talent, opportunity and centralised offices. A cost absorbed into the structure of how work gets done. That…

Oct 27, 2026 Buzz

Borrowing More, Growing Less: South Africa’s Economic Failure

South Africa’s tax burden is reportedly at a record 26.8% of GDP, while government debt is projected to reach R6.9 trillion by 2028/29. Yet economic growth remains weak, and taxpayers continue to shoulder the cost. The Finance Minister claims South…

Oct 27, 2026 Motorsport

Aliyyah Koloc saves her best for last: Fifth overall at Yecheng Rally closes Buggyra ZM Racing three-event China campaign

Straight after China, Aliyyah and co-driver Marcin Pasek head to the Qatar International Baja, where Buggyra CEO Martin Koloc returns to race. Aliyyah Koloc and her co-driver Marcin Pasek finished fifth overall at the Yecheng Rally, the last of…

Oct 27, 2026 Buzz

Collective Bargaining: Theory vs. The Hard Reality

A recent article by SEIFSA attempts to portray collective bargaining as the saving grace of business, and in particular, the Steel Manufacturing sector. The statement is made that collective bargaining does not operate within a vacuum, but within…

Oct 27, 2026 Buzz

Wolfgang Marzin elected to UFI Board of Directors

Wolfgang Marzin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Messe Frankfurt, has once again been appointed to the Board of Directors of UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. His three-year term of office will begin after the General…

Oct 26, 2026 Buzz

GAC Motor Invests in a Brighter Future Through Nelson Mandela Day Bursary

A meaningful act of generosity is opening doors to a brighter future for one young student at Generation Schools Taroko. In celebration of Nelson Mandela Day, GAC Motor reaffirmed its commitment to creating meaningful change by sponsoring a bursary…

Oct 26, 2026 Mobility

Call On Municipalities To Publish Repair Dates For Broken Traffic Lights Across South Africa

The Automobile Association (AA) of South Africa has called on every municipality to publish a list of its broken traffic lights and streetlights. Each fault should carry a reference number and a repair date. The AA wants the most urgent repairs done…

Oct 26, 2026 Buzz

MIWA and RMI support skills development at College of Cape Town

Developing a pipeline of qualified automotive artisans requires close collaboration between industry and education. The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) and the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) are continuing to supportthis goal…

Oct 26, 2026 Motorsport

Rotax Crowns 2026 Cape Max Champions

Killarney finale delivers WP champions, top action The Western Province Rotax Max Challenge concluded its 2026 regional season in fine style with a thrilling day of splendid racing at the Killarney Kart Track on Saturday. With titles on the line and…

Oct 26, 2026 Buzz

Hyundai crowned Manufacturer of the year for 2026

Hyundai has been crowned the overall Manufacturer of the Year at the 2026 Southern African Vehicle Rentaland Leasing Association (SAVRALA) Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) Awards, held in Sandton, Johannesburg on Thursday, 22 October 2026. Hyundai…

Oct 26, 2026 Buzz

Building a transport system that connects South Africa’s people and economic opportunities

Integrated planning, infrastructure maintenance and innovation are essential to creating safer, more reliable and resilient transport networks that support South Africa’s economic future South Africa’s transport networks are fundamental to the…

Oct 26, 2026 Mobility

In-motion wireless charging system holds potential to address EV adoption bottlenecks, says GlobalData

While global EV adoption expands, growth in key markets is constrained by charging infrastructure gaps, grid capacity limits, and consumer concerns about battery range and charging times. Automakers and infrastructure operators face mounting…

Oct 26, 2026 Buzz

ZF Aftermarket Showcases ZF [pro]Tech Start at Automechanika Johannesburg

Exhibiting in the MIWA Pavilion at Automechanika Johannesburg from 27-29 October 2026, ZF Aftermarket South Africa is showcasing ZF [pro]Tech Start, its free-to-access workshop support platform designed to help independent workshops improve…

Oct 26, 2026 Buzz

Car scratch? Here's how to tell if you can fix it yourself

It only takes a second. A shopping trolley brushes against your car, you misjudge a tight parking space, or someone opens their door a little too enthusiastically. And just like that, there's a scratch that definitely wasn't there this morning. The…

Oct 26, 2026 Buzz

Horse Powertrain opens gravity-powered casting facility in Brazil

Horse Powertrain opens new casting facility at its plant in Curitiba, Brazil Facility can cast 210,000 aluminum cylinder heads per annum Investment of $R200mn (~€35mn) localizes production of cylinder heads for HORSE H10 and HORSE H13 engines…

Oct 23, 2026 Buzz

Opinion Piece: Building A Lasting Foundation - Why Proactive Risk Management Is Key To Saudi Arabia's Gold Boom

Saudi Arabia is rapidly transforming its industrial landscape under Vision 2030, establishing mining as a foundational pillar of economic diversification alongside oil and petrochemicals. Gold lies at the heart of this strategy, backed by…

Oct 23, 2026 Mobility

What Does It Cost South Africa When Transport Stops Working?

As operating costs rise and supply chains face mounting pressure, October Transport Month highlights a critical question: what will it take to keep South Africa moving reliably? South Africa’s transport challenge is not simply about infrastructure.…

Oct 23, 2026 Buzz

Saving Lives Should Never Be A Publicity Stunt

The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) notes with disappointment another crash-test publicity stunt from the Chery Group, which took place earlier this week at a Chery Summit in China. The Chinese carmaker states, on its Chery International…

Oct 23, 2026 Mobility

Hyundai Launches Mighty GT11 as it Targets SA’s Commercial Vehicle Market

Hyundai Automotive South Africa is stepping up its presence in the commercial vehicle market with the launch of the new Hyundai Mighty GT11, a heavy-commercial truck designed to meet the demands of businesses operating in distribution, logistics and…

Oct 23, 2026 Motorsport

Dunlop Salutes Its 2026 National Champions

Julian, Jason, Aqil, Charl, et al seal Dunlop titles Zwartkops Raceway’s National Extreme Festival crowned the bulk of South Africa’s Dunlop-shod National circuit racing champions on Saturday, drawing the curtain on a fiercely contested 2026…

Oct 23, 2026 Buzz

Weld Clean With Tork Craft Chipping Hammers

Heavy-duty chipping hammers keep it neat and tidy Post-weld cleanup is an essential part of any fabrication job. Whether you are building a roll cage, repairing a chassis, or laying down structural steel in the workshop. South Africa’s favourite…

Oct 23, 2026 Motoring

LEPAS AURA Global Premiere at Global Elegance Night: Driving Leopard Aesthetics Evolution with Natural Energy

On October 22, LEPAS unveiled AURA at Global Elegance Night during the inaugural LEPAS Global Elegant Lifestyle Week, marking the world premiere of the LEPAS Concept Car. Rooted in LEPAS’s “Natural Energy” philosophy, the LEPAS All-New Concept Car…

Oct 23, 2026 Buzz

Days to go to source, connect and explore at Automechanika Johannesburg

With just days to go until Automechanika Johannesburg 2026, automotive industry professionals can plan threedays around their business priorities, from sourcing parts and workshop equipment to investigating repair challenges and meeting potential…

Oct 23, 2026 Motoring

OMODA X makes global debut, previewing the next generation of OMODA design

The OMODA X made its global debut in Wuhu, China, previewing the next evolution of OMODA’s Cyber Mecha design language. The X builds on the design direction introduced by the C4, which is due to launch and later enter production in South Africa in…

Oct 22, 2026 Motoring

Africa Expedition Brings Jetour’s Travel+Philosophy To Life

There is something powerful about a brand that goes beyond talking about a philosophy and rather brings it to life. For Jetour, the recent Africa Expedition documentary expedition was exactly that – a real-world expression of its Travel+ philosophy,…

Oct 22, 2026 Buzz

VUEROID announces new dash cam for first-time users

Easy to Use - Designed to Look Like a Smartwatch Features Hands-Free Voice Commands & Touchscreen VUEROID https://vueroid.com, a leading high-resolution dashcam technology brand, announced today the launch of the VUEROID H1 QHD Infinite Dash Cam.…

Oct 22, 2026 Buzz

Dubai Supreme Council of Energy launches the sixth edition of the ‘Emirates Energy Award’

The ‘Emirates Energy Award’, worth USD 1 million, under the theme “Innovating for Sustainable and Resilient Energy” The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy launched the sixth Emirates Energy Award (EEA) 2026–2028, held under the patronage of HH Sheikh…

Oct 22, 2026 Buzz

Cars.co.za recognised for its role in shaping South Africa’s automotive industry

Cars.co.za has been named Automotive Media House of the Year at the 2026 naamsa Accelerator Awards, powered by WesBank. Ryan Bubear also received the Automotive Journalist of the Year award. SA Auto Week 2026 in Durban unveiled this double honour,…

Oct 22, 2026 Buzz

Chery showcases technology ecosystem beyond the vehicle at 2026 International User Summit

Chery is showcasing how its automotive technologies are being extended into robotics, autonomous mobility, aviation, agriculture and energy. Highlights include AiMOGA Robotics, Level 4 Robotaxi technology, eVTOL mobility, ultra-fast charging and…

Oct 22, 2026 Buzz

FAW Trucks Southern Africa Claims Two Wins at the 5th Annual Naamsa Accelerator Awards

FAW Trucks Southern Africa has secured two category wins at the 5th Annual Naamsa Accelerator Awards, taking the Heavy Commercial Vehicle of the Year (CA 15) and Extra Heavy Commercial Vehicle of the Year (CA 28) honours during South African Auto…

Oct 22, 2026 Buzz

Automotive Machinist qualification marks major milestone for South Africa’s automotive aftermarket

South Africa’s automotive aftermarket has reached an important milestone in strengthening one of its most specialised technical trades, with the successful completion of the new Automotive Machinist Occupational Trade Qualification. Driven by the…

Oct 22, 2026 Buzz

When superbikes got smarter, racers got tougher

The old-school superbike race plan was simple: Twist the grip, find another gear, and hang on. Today, there’s a lot more going on between the rider’s right hand and the rear tyre. Data is analysed, electronicsare fine-tuned, fitness is treated as…

Oct 22, 2026 Motoring

GWM Introduces the Segment defining All-New HAVAL H7

The New generation Haval H7 with a boxy silhouette design Six derivatives across ICE, HEV and PHEV power, including a 280 kW/670Nm Hi4 flagship capable of 0-100km/h in 5.8 seconds GWM South Africa introduces an all-new generation of the HAVAL H7, a…

Oct 22, 2026 Buzz

Combined 540 Years of Loyalty: Hyundai Honours 34 Cape Town Employees

From Cleaners, Technicians, Sales Persons to Dealer Principals: they Drive the Brand’s Success Hyundai Automotive South Africa celebrated the long service of thirty-four employees at a ceremony in Cape Town, recognizing their long-service, loyalty,…

Oct 22, 2026 Mobility

LPG Autogas offers practical alternative for South Africa’s mobility future

As rising fuel costs and the transition to cleaner mobility put pressure on South African motorists and businesses, the Automotive Remanufacturers’ Association (ARA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI),will showcase…

Oct 22, 2026 Buzz

Opinion Piece: How smart TES partnerships turn workforce flexibility into a cost-saving lifeline

In the current South African economic climate, the traditional reflex to rising cost pressures has often been a grim one. When margins shrink and the regulatory environment shifts, businessesoften feel cornered into issuing pink slips as the only…

Oct 22, 2026 Motorsport

2026 PRI Show Education Program to Feature Expert Insights and Practical Solutions

Performance Racing Industry (PRI) will offer an expanded education programme at the 2026 PRI Show, taking place from 10–12 December at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Industry experts will share insights on…

Oct 22, 2026 Buzz

APAC automotive 360-view camera market to record 4.9% CAGR over 2026-33, forecasts GlobalData

Designed primarily for low-speed maneuvering, 360-view camera technology helps drivers park, navigate narrow spaces, and identify nearby obstacles. For Asia-Pacific (APAC) consumers, its relevance is increasingly tied to urban density and daily…

Oct 22, 2026 Buzz

Latin Tyre & Auto Parts Expo 2027 Opens Floor Map & Exhibitor List

The Latin Tyre & Auto Parts Expo has released its 2027 floor plan and exhibitor list ahead of the event, which takes place from 14–16 July 2027 at the Panama Convention Center in Panama City, Panama. Described by the organisers as Latin America’s…

Oct 22, 2026 Buzz

SAFLA launches Gauteng region with Eric Pillay appointed as chairperson

The South African Freight and Logistics Association (SAFLA) has launched its Gauteng region, appointing Eric Pillay as regional chairpersonand placing stakeholder engagement, border delays and port bottlenecks at the centre of its agenda. Pillay,…

Oct 22, 2026 Motorsport

Ferrari’s COTA gamble: Will the SF-26’s latest upgrades deliver?

By Graham Duxbury @TheRealDux This weekend’s United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) could provide Ferrari with a crucial opportunity to boost performance. The Scuderia is preparing what is expected to be its final major…

Oct 21, 2026 Motoring

OMODA C4 to kick-start Chery Group’s South African production

OMODA C4 will be the first Chery Group model to enter production in South Africa. Local production will take place at the group’s Rosslyn facility in Gauteng. Petrol, hybrid and fully electric derivatives confirmed for sale in South Africa in 2027.…

Oct 21, 2026 Mobility

Bakers SA Limited Invests in Next-Generation Electric Fleet with 67 New Serco Bodies

Leading logistics provider Bakers SA Limited has further strengthened its commitment to customer service, operational excellence, and innovation through the introduction of 67 new Serco dry-freight bodies mounted on SANY electric trucks. The…

Oct 21, 2026 Buzz

Opinion Piece: Balancing MEIBC compliance with the realities of skilled workers

Employers in South Africa's metal and engineering sector must comply with both Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council (MEIBC) grading requirements and OccupationalHealth and Safety (OHS) legislation. The challenge is that these…

Oct 21, 2026 Mobility

Driverless electric taxi fleets adapt to the unexpected

Self-driving electric taxi fleets could make transportation more efficient and sustainable, but only if vehicles can continuously make smart decisions about where to drive and when to recharge. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in…

Oct 21, 2026 Motorsport

We are ready: the route to Dakar is set!

The Africa Eco Race has outlined the route for its 18th edition, taking participants from Tangier to Dakar from 24 January to 6 February 2027, with reconnaissance teams finalising the remaining details. Registration closes on 1 December 2026.…

Oct 21, 2026 Buzz

Putting people at the centre of South Africa’s transport future

Transport Month highlights the need for safe, affordable and sustainable transport infrastructure that connects communities to economic opportunities, with integrated planning and technology helping to shape more resilient networks. As South Africa…

Oct 21, 2026 Buzz

Build Your Future Workforce with Government-Funded N6 Engineering Students

(Available only in KZN & Gauteng) Finding skilled technical employees is becoming increasingly difficult. NEASA Youth offers employers a simple, low-risk solution to build a sustainable recruitment pipeline while providing valuable workplace…

Oct 21, 2026 Buzz

Three Days at AAPEX = A Year’s Worth of Work

AAPEX 2026 will bring automotive aftermarket professionals together in Las Vegas from 3 to 5 November, offering three days of supplier meetings, product comparisons and industry insights. Taking place at The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum, the…

Oct 21, 2026 Buzz

FAIS Ombud 2025/26 Annual Report Launch

The Office of the Ombud for Financial Services Providers will launch its 2025/26 Annual Report during a webinar on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00. The online event will share key highlights from the past financial year, with…

Oct 21, 2026 Motoring

George Russell and Kimi Antonelli swap pit stops for Grit Stops with Ineos Grenadier

Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team drivers go off-track with the INEOS Grenadier 4X4 ahead of their next race in Austin, Texas As part of the ‘Make Grenadier Your Own’ campaign, the teammates take the vehicles through an off-road ‘Grit Stop’, where…

Oct 21, 2026 Buzz

2027 Medical Scheme Outlook

A fundamental shift in how we use medical schemes The 2027 medical scheme environment continues to be shaped by affordability pressures, healthcare costs above inflation and increasingly complex benefit structures. As a result, the outlook for 2027…

Oct 21, 2026 Buzz

Are employees tuning out? The hidden cost of cybersecurity fatigue

Cybersecurity Awareness Month reminds us that employees are central to an organisation’s defence. Yet when do password rules, multi-factor authentication (MFA) requests, phishing warnings, software updates, and AI policies stop building awareness…

Oct 21, 2026 Motoring

New Audi Q3 Fitted with Original Equipment Continental Tyres

Continental receives original-equipment approval for Audi Q3 EcoContact 6 Q is approved for sizes from 18 to 20 inches Continental supplies factory-fitted tyres for the new Audi Q3 compact SUV, having been granted original equipment approvals for…

Oct 21, 2026 Mobility

Why charging your EV goes much faster than you think

Many South Africans considering an EV stress about charging times. They still see them as a disruption rather than a quick stop at a filling station. But that is changing. In August, Zero Carbon Charge announced it would double the charging capacity…

Oct 21, 2026 Buzz

6 Days to go to source, connect and explore at Automechanika Johannesburg

With 6 days to go until Automechanika Johannesburg 2026, automotive industry professionals can plan three days around their business priorities, from sourcing parts and workshop equipment to investigating repair challenges and meeting potential…

Oct 21, 2026 Buzz

From Seeing Elegance to Experiencing It: LEPAS L6 EV Completes the First-Ever LEPAS Global Elegance Drive

During the 2026 Chery International User Summit, the LEPAS L6 EV completed its first LEPAS Global Elegance Drive on October 19–20 as part of the inaugural LEPAS Global Elegant Lifestyle Week, held under the theme “TOGETHER IN ELEGANCE.” Bringing…

Oct 21, 2026 Buzz

Tork Craft file set: shaped for perfection

Five versatile files ready to tackle any rasping need Clean fabrication and accurate fitment often come down to the most fundamental hand tools on the bench. To that end, South Africa’s favourite tool brand, Tork Craft, has expanded its workshop…

Oct 20, 2026 Motoring

Chery and JLR relaunch Freelander with 460 kW plug-in hybrid SUV

FREELANDER 8 combines a 460 kW plug-in hybrid powertrain, dual-motor AWD and serious off-road capability. New five-seat version and AI Voice Assistant were revealed at the 2026 Chery International User Summit. International rollout starts in the UAE…

Oct 20, 2026 Motoring

iCAUR V25 makes global debut with BEV and REEV powertrains

iCAUR has unveiled the new V25, joining the V23 and V27 to complete its V-Series SUV range. The V25 will be offered with BEV and REEV powertrains, intelligent all-wheel drive and extensive factory-integrated customisation options. iCAUR also…

Oct 20, 2026 Buzz

Ford South Africa Celebrates Technical Excellence as Brendon Jordaan Claims Second Consecutive Skills Contest Win

Eight Technicians selected from more than 540 technicians across Ford’s South African dealer network The annual contest celebrates technical expertise, diagnostic discipline and customer-focused professionalism The national winner will represent…

Oct 20, 2026 Motorsport

Volkswagen Motorsport in fine Zwartkops form

Tait takes maiden pole, Atkinson SupaCup runner-up Volkswagen Motorsport ended its 2026 National Extreme Festival campaign on a high note at Zwartkops on Saturday, with drivers Christopher Tait and Rory Atkinson showing grit and pace in both Astron…

Oct 20, 2026 Buzz

Opinion Piece: A training record cannot stop a fatality: mining leaders must test what works at the point of risk

Every mining fatality is a person who should have returned home. That sad reality must remain the starting point for any discussion about safety performance. At the Mine Health and Safety Summit on 17 September, the Minister reported that South…

Oct 20, 2026 Buzz

CTU takes the Transport Month conversation to the operators behind the journey, enablinga respected and safe commuter transport community

As public transport affordability remains under pressure, Clarendon Transport UnderwritingManagers (CTU) will use the SANTACO Roadshows to hear directly from operators about the realities of running sustainable transport businesses The conversation…

Opinion Piece: Why buying a breathalyzer online could be a costly mistake for South African companies

Oct 20, 2026 Buzz

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