IN THE NEWS
HINO Hand-Over 5 Hino 300 Diesel Hybrids to SMSA Africa Logistics Group
One to two years ago, HINO provided vehicles for NAMLOG (Namibia Logistics) to test in its operations. Since then, NAMLOG has gained a new investor and been renamed SMSA Africa Logistics Group.
Range Rover Sport Electric: Tuned for visceral dynamism
New Range Rover Sport Electric is tuned to reward those who relish every drive. Stiffer body and lower centre of gravity than PHEV models, and faster torque response than Range Rover Electric
From Police Van to STARIA: Hyundai Helps Youngsters Chase Golf Dreams
A television story showing a police van transporting young golfers to the course struck a chord with a Cape Town-based Hyundai Dealer Principal, resulting in the dealership getting involved in solving the youngsters’ transport challenge.
Preparing SA’s Automotive Aftermarket for the Electromobility Era
It is tempting to look at the measured pace of fully electric vehicle adoption on South African roads and conclude that the automotive aftermarket still has time to adapt.
EDITOR BLOG
Fuel Price, Driving the growth of EV’s
Sales in the medium and heavy commercial vehicle segments reflected a positive performance during March 2026. Medium commercial vehicle sales at 823 units recorded a 14,0% increase compared to the 722 units sold in March 2025, while heavy trucks and buses, at 2,310 units, reflected a 14,5% increase compared to the 2,017 units sold in March 2025. Investment decisions in these segments remain closely linked to infrastructure spending, freight volumes, electricity costs, and overall business confidence.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks continues to lead the way in specialized trucking solutions. With a legacy of engineering excellence and a commitment to meeting the toughest transport challenges.
Electric vehicle sales are on the increase despite the slow growth in infrastructure to support this market. Companies like Conti are developing tyres for the Electric Vehicles and we look at their innovations in this issue.
The South African motoring public is spoilt for choice when it comes to electric vehicles with the current array of some 30 fully electric vehicles available. Hybrid vehicles are also in the mix and appear to provide an alternative and a more practical solution for anyone venturing into the realm of electric/ ICE motoring.
However, one of the major hurdles continues to be pricing which is not unique to the South African market. Most manufacturers using the newer technologies such as lithium for batteries have found they are not as readily available as components for ICE mass produced vehicles. The economies of scale are not quite there for electric vehicles in the short term.
On the other side of the coin, the electric commercial vehicle market is expanding rapidly as logistics, public transport and fleet operators shift towards solutions for more sustainable mobility.
Some manufacturers like DFSK have provided alternatives with their D35 Panel Van, offering both electric and gas operated alternatives featured in this issue.
There is no doubt that transport in the various guises has been a dominant factor in producing greenhouse gas emissions, therefore a shift to EV’s is the only way
to decarbonise the atmosphere and lead the way to
economic and environmental transformation.
Acknowledgement to naamsa for vehicle statistics.
Pierre Sanson
Issue 08 – 2026
MAGAZINE
