IN THE NEWS
Geoff Lourens to Lead Ford South Africa Product Communications
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (Manufacturing) (Pty) Limited has a new voice for its vehicles. Geoff Lourens joined the company as Product Communications Manager, effective 1 October.
HINO SA DISPLAYS DUAL FUEL TRUCK AT AUTOWEEK IN DURBAN
“We are delighted that the first time we displayed the innovative Hino dual fuel protype truck to the public was at the naamsa I The Automotive Business Council’s SA Auto Week 2026 conference which was held at the Durban Conference Centre from 13-16 November,” says Anton Falck, Vice President of Hino South Africa.
DFSK SOUTH AFRICA CELEBRATES WORLD LPG AUTOGAS DAY AS LOCAL BUSINESSES EMBRACE FUEL SAVINGS
As the world recognises World LPG Autogas Day, DFSK South Africa is proud to highlight the growing importance of LPG Autogas as a practical, cost-effective alternative fuel for South African motorists and businesses.
New Honda CR-V e:HEV: Hybrid Power, All-Wheel Drive and a Lower Price
Last year, the Honda CR-V turned 30. This October, in the model’s anniversary month, Honda’s flagship SUV in South Africa begins its next chapter. The new CR-V RS e:HEV AWD is the first CR-V in the country with hybrid power, it comes with All-Wheel Drive as standard, and it costs R91 400 less than the model it replaces.
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 09 – 2026
MAGAZINE
