top of page
All Articles
PoliPlay


The countdown begins: BYD South Africa set to unveil the new ATTO 2 DM-i
Image: courtesy of motorpress Fresh off the successful launch of the BYD ATTO 8, BYD Auto South Africa is preparing to introduce another exciting addition to its growing local line-up. On 10 and 11 June 2026, BYD will officially unveil the all-new ATTO 2 DM-i to South African media and stakeholders, marking the latest chapter in the brand's ambitious expansion within the local new energy vehicle market. While the full details remain under wraps until launch, BYD can reveal th

Sifiso Ngobese
Jun 42 min read


Volkswagen Group Africa produces one millionth Polo in Kariega
Image: courtesy of motorpress Plant Kariega builds one millionth current generation Polo Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has reached another major production milestone with the production of one millionth current generation Polo at its Kariega Plant. The milestone vehicle is a smoky grey, right-hand-drive Polo GTI destined for the South African market. VWGA’s Plant Kariega started manufacturing the current generation Polo in 2017. About 86% of these vehicles were exported to i

Sifiso Ngobese
Jun 42 min read


Reliability and Low Running Costs Swings Fleet Owner to Hino
Image: courtesy of motorpress AA Bakery, situated in Walkerville, south of Johannesburg, is in the process of changing its fleet to Hino trucks only from a mix of Hino plus two competing brands due to the reliability and low running costs of a sample group of Hino trucks which were evaluated under regular operating conditions over a couple of years. Ashen Ajoodha, the CEO of the Super Soft Group of which the AA Bakery is the major component, says that the current cost of oper

Sifiso Ngobese
Jun 43 min read


2026 Nissan Pathfinder recognized by IIHS, Consumer Reports as Top Choice for Teen Drivers as retail sales surge
Image: Nissan revealed the new 2026 Nissan Pathfinder today with a bold design and enhanced technologies, reaffirming its role as the ultimate companion for family road trips, everyday commutes and spontaneous getaways. Pathfinder will make its public debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, from November 21-30. Proudly assembled in the U.S. since 2004, Pathfinder continues to empower families to explore more, connect more and do more of what they love. The refreshed Pathfinder is

Sifiso Ngobese
May 274 min read


Nissan appoints first Navara agricultural and industrial ambassadors for 2026
Image: courtesy of motorpress Nissan South Africa is driving its support of the local agricultural and mining industries with the announcement of three new brand ambassadors who all have roots firmly planted in these vital economic activities. Top South African agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo and engineers Shaldon Naicker and Gavin Kirstein have been appointed as Nissan’s inaugural Nissan Navara agricultural and industrial brand ambassadors of 2026. Fresh from exhibiti

Sifiso Ngobese
May 263 min read


Mercedes-Benz South Africa Cars Celebrates Outstanding Performance at the Agent of the Year Awards 2026
Image: courtesy of motorpress Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars honours its agents for their unwavering support and commitment. Sixteen exceptional winners recognised for their outstanding achievements across various facets of retail operations. The event marks a historic double milestone: 140 years of the automobile and the exclusive South African debut of the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram and S 680 V12 Edition. Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) Passenger Cars celebrated the r

Sifiso Ngobese
May 252 min read


The Art of the Open Road: The Mercedes-Maybach SL Monogram Series graces South Africa
Image: Courtesy of motorpress Two curated design concepts “Red Ambience” and “White Ambience” at market launch Chrome fin and upright star on the bonnet as well as aerodynamic scoop behind the seats redefine proportions Maybach pattern forms a stylish design element linking exterior and interior A New World of Open-Air Cruising. The Mercedes-Maybach SL Monogram Series redefines the roadster as a masterpiece of sensory indulgence. It is the sportiest and most extravagant model

Sifiso Ngobese
May 222 min read


Volkswagen partners with Mastertons for limited-edition coffee blend
Image: courtesy of motorpress The People’s Blend will celebrate Volkswagen’s legacy in South Africa Volkswagen and Mastertons are amongst Nelson Mandela Bay’s oldest brands Kariega/Gqeberha – As part of their celebrations of 75 years of building Volkswagens in South Africa, Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) is partnering with another long-standing brand in Nelson Mandela Bay. As the oldest coffee roastery in South Africa, producing coffee in Gqeberha since 1924, Mastertons Coffe

Sifiso Ngobese
May 192 min read


Hino Sales Holding up Despite Turmoil in Global Automotive Industry
Image: courtesy of motorpress “Sales by Hino and the other Japanese truck manufacturers are showing more resilience than their European counterparts in a global automotive industry that is in greater turmoil now than ever in its 150-year history,” says Anton Falck, Vice President of Hino South Africa. He was speaking at a media briefing at the Nampo agricultural show at Bothaville on May 11. Uncertainty about the future, ever-changing legislation, and tariff barriers as well

Sifiso Ngobese
May 195 min read


Jaguar Type 01 drives iconic Monaco circuit
Image: courtesy of motorpress New Jaguar Type 01 prototypes lap historic circuit ahead of Monaco E-Prix Distinctive wrap reveals the dramatic silhouette like never before Type 01 is enhanced by technology proven on track by Jaguar TCS Racing New luxury four-door GT will drive like no other electric car Jaguar Type 01. A distinctive new wrap for the Monaco circuit. A showcase like no other for the new luxury four-door GT. Type 01 prototypes lap the Monaco circuit ahead of the

Sifiso Ngobese
May 182 min read


Jaguar Type 01. A name for a new era
Image: courtesy of motopress The new luxury four-door GT encapsulates Jaguar’s spirit of originality, with an unmistakable presence and driving character. The Type 01 name appears on the strikethrough motif where the bonnet meets the windscreen. Bold linear graphics. A signature of future Jaguar. In Jaguar Type 01, the ‘0’ represents electric propulsion and zero tailpipe emissions; ‘1’ denotes its status as the first Jaguar of a new era. Designed, developed and built in the h

Sifiso Ngobese
May 142 min read


Range Rover expands London-inspired editions with two new models, honouring the capital’s coveted neighbourhoods
Image: courtesy of motorpress A celebration of British luxury: Range Rover unveils an exclusive series of editions inspired by London’s most influential neighbourhoods Destinations of distinction: From vibrant Hoxton and elegant Belgravia to Battersea modernism and Westminster grandeur, the four editions will capture the unique character of each postcode Design leadership: The Range Rover Westminster Edition now completes the line-up Plug-in Electric Hybrids: Each Edition is

Sifiso Ngobese
May 75 min read


Nissan to celebrate local heritage at Nampo
Image: courtesy of motorpress Nissan South Africa will be on show at Nampo Harvest Day in Bothaville, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural exhibition, from 12 to 15 May 2026. The brand has confirmed its attendance as part of its focus on the South African market and its investment in the agricultural sector, cementing a partnership that dates to its first pick‑up models in the country more than 60 years ago. To celebrate this long-standing partnership, Nissan will f

Sifiso Ngobese
May 72 min read


Toyota South Africa Motors continues to lead South Africa’s new vehicle market in April
Image: courtesy of motorpess 10 118 new vehicles sold Market share at 21.2% Leader in passenger, LCV and MCV segments Hilux best-selling vehicle in South Africa with segment leadership with a 28.9% market share Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) maintained a steady market share of 21.2% in the new vehicle sales for April 2026. Having shifted a total of 10 188 units, Toyota maintained its market leadership position for the fourth consecutive month. This performance is commensur

Sifiso Ngobese
May 53 min read


New vehicle market delivers strongest April in over a decade despite rising consumer pressure
Image: Supplied South Africa’s new vehicle market delivered its strongest April performance in 13 years, with domestic sales rising 13,0% year-on-year to 47,979 units. The result confirms that underlying demand remains resilient, even as rising fuel costs, inflation risk and a more cautious interest rate outlook begin to test affordability. According to naamsa | The Automotive Business Council, April sales were up from 42,467 units in April 2025. Dealer activity remained the

Sifiso Ngobese
May 52 min read


Kia Carens
Image: courtesy of motorpress 7 Seats for every journey. The Kia Carens is designed for families Extra runs in the family Life comes together in the seven-seater In the Kia Carens every journey makes a statement. The new Carens makes it boldly. The all-new Carens does a great job of combining thoroughly modern SUV styling with MPV practicality thanks to space for a total of seven occupants, while showcasing that people movers can be exciting too. The latest in infotainment an

Sifiso Ngobese
May 54 min read


Chinese car imports and South Africa’s industrial dilemma
Image: courtesy of motorpress South Africa’s automotive industry is being quietly but materially reshaped. A growing influx of lower-cost Chinese vehicle brands is changing the affordability equation for consumers, with many buyers now able to purchase a brand-new vehicle at a price once associated with the used market. For households under financial strain, that is an attractive proposition. For the domestic automotive industry, however, the implications are more complex. Re

Sifiso Ngobese
Apr 304 min read


Volkswagen honours its top-performing dealers at the prestigious annual Grand Prix Awards Ceremony
Image: courtesy of motorpress Dealer of the Year awarded to Allan Stiles of CFAO Mc Duling Motors The Hatfield Group clinches the Macro Dealer Group Award for the ninth consecutive year Volkswagen recently hosted its 33rd Grand Prix Awards ceremony at Inimitable, bringing its dealer network together in Muldersdrift, Johannesburg for an evening of recognition and excellence. The Grand Prix Awards celebrate the outstanding performance, dedication, and achievements of the dealer

Sifiso Ngobese
Apr 282 min read


Stephan Jacobs triumphs in tightly fought 2026 Fortuner challenge
Image: courtesy of motorpress Stephan Jacobs claims overall victory after dramatic final-day showdown All four teams in contention heading into the ninth and final challenge Lelani Loots awarded Spirit Award for standout attitude and teamwork Winner drives home in a Toyota Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 The 2026 Fortuner Challenge, powered by Quartz engine oil, has concluded in emphatic fashion, with Stephan Jacobs emerging as the overall winner after one of the closest contests in the ev

Sifiso Ngobese
Apr 233 min read


Toyota South Africa Motors celebrates performance excellence at Annual Supplier Awards
Image: courtesy of motorpress Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) recently hosted its Annual Business Meeting and Supplier Awards in Umhlanga. The event brought together Toyota’s supplier partners to recognise outstanding performance, strengthen collaboration and share the company’s strategic vision for the year ahead. The prestigious event marked the official introduction of Toyota’s 2026 theme: “Challenge and Innovate” to suppliers. The theme will guide Toyota and its broade

Sifiso Ngobese
Apr 223 min read
bottom of page