On January 28, the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa called for deeper localisation, job creation, and meaningful transformation in South Africa’s automotive industry, as it assessed progress on the South African Automotive Industry Master Plan 2035.
The Department of Trade, Indus

On January 27, multiple sources reported that the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, South Africa, stated that the government is considering imposing new tariffs on imported cars from India and China.
South Africa is considering imposing tariffs of up to 50%. The government would use duties to protec

On January 28, LEPAS announced that the first batch of over 500 LEPAS L4 vehicles were shipped to Durban Port, South Africa. The company will use feedback from this shipment to improve its products and services, supporting further market expansion and brand growth.
The LEPAS L4, built on Chery Group’s new LEX intelli

On January 28, Global NCAP announced a two-star adult occupant protection rating for the Toyota Corolla Cross under its SaferCarsForAfrica campaign, citing the absence of standard side head protection for the South African market.
The crash test report noted that while the bodyshell was rated as stable, the footwell

On January 26, Lepas announced that it will unveil the all-new L4, at the Cape Town Met, in South Africa.
The new L4 is built on Chery’s latest-generation LEX platform and is offered with a choice of refined powertrains, including a responsive 1.5L turbocharged gasoline engine and an advanced hybrid system. The vehic

On January 26, LDV, a brand primarily associated with SAIC Motors, announced the arrival of the first shipment of the all-new Terron 9 and D90 in South Africa. 
The LDV Terron 9 is available in Premium and Flagship variants, powered by a 2.5L turbo-diesel engine, with prices starting from ZAR 779,900. Meanwhile, the

On January 23, Nissan announced that it has reached an agreement to sell its manufacturing assets in Rosslyn, South Africa, to Chery SA, the South African subsidiary of China’s Chery Automobile.
Subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, including regulatory approvals, Chery SA will purchase the land, buildings

On January 15, JAC Motors launched the new T6 2.0L CTi single-cab bakkie in South Africa, priced from ZAR 299,900. The T6 single-cab is being rolled out globally in right-hand-drive markets after its earlier launch in left-hand-drive regions. It was developed to meet fleet and commercial needs, with a focus on fuel e

On January 13, Dunlop Tyres South Africa partnered with its Original Equipment partner, Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf), to bring world-class tyre expertise directly onto the production line at IMSAf’s Struandale plant in Gqeberha. It will help in localisation and create opportunities for local businesses.
Based on

On January 13, Tata Motors South Africa announced plans to launch two new models in 2026, including the Tata Nexon and the Tata Sierra.
The Tata Nexon is a compact crossover positioned between the Punch and the Harrier. It features tech-focused cabin, a modern touch panel, an illuminated logo, and a large centre con

On January 12, Volkswagen Group Africa (VGWA) announced that most of its team has returned to work and production has officially resumed at Kariega plant, after the New Year’s holidays. The VWGA team produced over 159,000 vehicles in 2025.
Based on VGWA social media update

On January 7, the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) announced that sales of new passenger and commercial vehicles in South Africa increased 19.2% year-on-year to 48,983 units in December 2025. In 2025, the full year sales volume increased 15.7% year-over-year to 596,818 units.

On December 15, LEPAS, part of Chery Group, announced that it will officially enter the South African market in February 2026, introducing its L4, L6, and flagship L8 models. The brand was officially introduced locally in November 2025.
The Lepas vehicles are built on the all-new LEX platform, upgraded by Chery Group

On December 10, Samvardhana Motherson International Limited announced that it had completed the acquisition of the remaining 10% stake in Motherson Lumen Systems South Africa (Pty) Ltd, following fulfillment of all conditions precedent on December 10, 2025. With this transaction, executed through its indirect subsidi

On December 8, Renault unveiled the new Captur for the South African market. It is offered in three trims i.e., Techno, Iconic, and the top-spec Esprit Alpine.
All variants are powered by a 1.3L turbocharged gasoline engine paired with a dual-clutch (EDC) automatic gearbox, which generates output of 113 kW and 270 Nm

On December 4, Global NCAP announced that the Hyundai Grand i10 received a zero-star rating for adult occupant protection in its #SaferCarsForAfrica assessments. The results are valid for South Africa.
The tests revealed significant shortcomings in the model’s adult occupant safety, indicating a high risk of life-thr

On December 3, Salvador Caetano South Africa, the importer and distributor of JMC, introduced the Carrying Plus truck, a commercial vehicle designed for demanding professional use.
The Carrying Plus is powered by a 2.8-litre diesel engine is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, that delivers 68 kW of power and 21

On December 2, Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) finished the second phase of its solar photovoltaic (PV) carport project at the employee car park and service centre in its Kariega plant, South Africa.
The solar project started in 2022 as part of VWGA’s plan to shift toward renewable energy. The first phase, completed i

On November 27, VSL Manufacturing unveiled its new ZAR 750 million manufacturing facility located next to the Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) assembly plant in Struandale, South Africa.
VSL raised just over ZAR 300 million with support from the IDC, AITF, and BIS. Isuzu Motors South Africa invested ZAR 260 million

On November 27, Salvador Caetano South Africa reintroduced JMC brand to the local market. The brand’s return includes a plan to open 40 JMC dealerships across the country by 2026, with showrooms receiving the JMC Vigus Single Cab and Double Cab models this week.
The 2025 Vigus range offers two powertrain options. The