IN THE NEWS
EVEN MORE DASHING!
An SUV that was designed by an ex-Porsche designer was always going to turn heads.
Leadership Diversity Key to Driving the Automotive Sector’s Transformation
The global automotive sector is undergoing its most profound evolution in decades, with the aftermarket sector squarely at the forefront of this dynamic shift.
As ISUZU gears up for its all-New Generation Truck launch, the brand reflects on more than 60 years of truck excellence in South Africa
As ISUZU Motors South Africa prepares to unveil the next chapter in its commercial vehicle journey, the company is reflecting on a proud heritage spanning more than six decades of understanding the South African market, more than 100 years of ISUZU engineering excellence, our unique customer partnership expertise and our ecosystem of aftersales excellence which is all backed by unwavering reliability.
Suzuki ‘Driven By Her’ campaign celebrates the women shaping SA’s journeys
This Women’s Month, Suzuki Auto South Africa is inviting South Africans to celebrate the women who inspire, support and drive us forward through its new national campaign, Suzuki Driven By Her.
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 07 – 2026
MAGAZINE
