IN THE NEWS
ZF Aftermarket Announces New EV Repair Kits and Expanded Portfolio for a More Diverse Vehicle Parc
ZF Aftermarket advances its Maintain-Repair-Replace strategy with new targeted repair options for electrified drivetrains
Hyundai STARIA Facelift Launched in South Africa: Upgraded Technology, Sharper Styling and More Refined
Hyundai Automotive South Africa has introduced the facelifted STARIA to the local market, bringing updated styling, a more sophisticated cabin and upgraded infotainment technology to its distinctive premium multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).
DFSK South Africa Expands Its Dealer Network
DFSK South Africa is pleased to announce the opening of two new dealerships: DFSK Vaal, operated by Top Speed Motors, and DFSK Welkom, managed by the team behind BMW Welkom and Park Motors.
HINO SA SUPPORTS PROGRAMME TO PROVIDE BICYCLES TO RURAL COMMUNITIES
Hino South Africa recently provided support for a fourth mountain bike ride linked to conservation through the P.E.A.C.E. Foundation, an NGO which fulfils the People part of ERP (Elephants, Rhinos and People), which seeks to preserve and protect elephants and rhinos living in the wild in South Africa through a strategy based on rural poverty alleviation.
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
