IN THE NEWS
Intelligent safety is the co-pilot South African drivers need
Every time you open a news app or scroll through tech headlines, it sounds like the driverless future is around the corner. In some countries, fully autonomous vehicles, driverless taxis, and artificial intelligence taking complete control of the steering wheel have already arrived.
ZF Aftermarket Maximizes Vehicle Uptime with Maintain – Repair – Replace Strategy
To keep vehicles on the road for longer, ZF Aftermarket is expanding its Maintain – Repair – Replace strategy for the powertrain lifecycle.
Demand for EVs continues its growth across Europe and South Africa with Chinese brands increasing market share, new OLX data shows
Every electric vehicle market tracked by OLX Group (“OLX”) is still growing at double- or triple-digit rates, and Chinese automotive brands are capturing a growing share of that demand, according to new data published recently.
ESG Conference Sets New Standard for Purpose-Driven Leadership in Logistics, Transport and Supply Chain
Speakers at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport South Africa’s ESG Conference held on 23 June 2026 have called on the logistics, transport and supply chain sectors to move beyond ESG compliance and make leadership, skills development and community impact measurable across the value chain.
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
