Chery names its first bakkie Grootman
Chery has named its first bakkie for South Africa Grootman, a name chosen by South Africans. The model is planned to make its local debut in the first quarter of 2027.
- Product News
- 2 October 2026
Volkswagen recognised dealership excellence at its annual Grand Prix Awards recently held at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Gauteng.
“The 109 teams that make up our dealer network are a vital part of the Volkswagen business. As the ‘People’s Car’, it is crucial that we acknowledge the people who contribute significantly towards our annual sales and whose ongoing hard work and loyalty help drive the Volkswagen brand. Their accomplishments and dedication should never go unnoticed,” said Steffen Knapp, Head of Volkswagen Passenger Cars.
The Grand Prix Awards ceremony recognised 86 dealer network colleagues across 15 award categories, including the two most sought-after awards, the Micro and Macro Group of the Year.
Juraj Dolezal of the Lowveld Group won this year’s Micro Dealer Group of the Year. To be considered for the award, the Group is required to have a minimum of two dealerships contributing a minimum of 2% towards the overall Volkswagen Dealer sales result.
The Macro Dealer Group of the Year award was won by Brad Kaftel of Hatfield Group. It is the Hatfield Group’s fifth consecutive win in this category for the group. To qualify for this category, the dealership must contribute at least 8% towards the overall Volkswagen Dealer Sales result.
The coveted Dealer of the Year award was won by Lemmy Dolezal of Alan Hudson Motors who is a first–time winner in this category. The Dealer of the Year award is given to the Dealership that delivers the best and most consistent overall results across the business.
Chery has named its first bakkie for South Africa Grootman, a name chosen by South Africans. The model is planned to make its local debut in the first quarter of 2027.
Netcare Diagnostics (a Netcare Group business) is introducing its first fully electric vehicles to its transport fleet, starting with shorter urban routes for collecting patient pathology specimens.
South Africa’s new vehicle market recorded aggregate domestic sales of 61 645 units in September 2026, an increase of 12.7% compared with the 54 706 units sold during September 2025.
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