IN THE NEWS
GWM Expands Tank 500 Range with New 3.0-Litre Turbo Diesel
GWM South Africa has expanded its flagship Tank 500 range with the introduction of a new 3.0-litre turbodiesel offering, giving customers a powerful luxury SUV.
Volvo Cars launches long-range plug-in hybrid variants of best-selling XC60 and XC90 SUVs
Volvo Cars today launches its first ever long-range plug-in hybrids for the European and American markets, with an expected arrival in South Africa during the first half of 2027.
Isuzu Motors South Africa’s Literacy Investment Helps Drive Measurable Progress in Eastern Cape Schools
Isuzu Motors South Africa has marked National Literacy Week by highlighting the measurable impact of its three-year, R3 million literacy investment in partnership with READ Educational Trust, which has reached 1,390 learners across three schools in Nelson Mandela Bay to strengthen foundational literacy.
How electrified driving is redefining performance for a new generation
For most of driving history, the sound of excitement has been orchestrated by the internal combustion engine (ICE). The roar of exhausts, gear changes and high-revving performance signalled that drama was afoot.
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
