IN THE NEWS
Charging ahead: Volvo’s early bet on an electric South Africa
When the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric arrived in South Africa in the second half of 2021, the question on most people’s minds was whether an electric car made any sense here.
Freight needs to show women the full range of careers it offers
Logistics has a visibility problem and it is costing the industry women.
South Africa’s freight and logistics sector is not short of ambitious women. Rather, it is short of women who know the sector exists as a career.
Volkswagen Group Africa sets new monthly production record
Kariega – In the latest of a series of milestone achievements, Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has set a new record for the number of vehicles built in one month.
Engen Tierberg supports learning at Parow East Primary School with new laptops and whiteboards
Learners and teachers at Parow East Primary School are set to benefit from new classroom resources following the handover of three laptops and six whiteboards by Engen Tierberg Convenience Centre, further strengthening a long-standing partnership between the dealer and the school.
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
