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
Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) has donated two Electric (EV) trucks to the Nelson Mandela University (NMU), as part of its long-term relationship with the institution.
The aim is to foster collaboration between the industry and academia to upskill students on the ever-evolving technologies and trends in the automotive sector.
“Our collaboration with the Nelson Mandela University has helped align the university’s curriculum with current industry trends. This is particularly important as our focus is to help improve the quality of education and equip young people with the requisite skills for the future world of work,” says Celestin Ndhlovu, Executive Vice President for Corporate Services at Isuzu Motors South Africa.
The two EV trucks are powered by rechargeable batteries that supply energy to electric motors enabling them to travel without emitting exhaust fumes. This is important for reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Nelson Mandela University has welcomed the donation of the EV trucks saying it will enhance the university’s learning and teaching environment and help the institution to include the latest technologies in its curriculum. “Students from different faculties will gain valuable exposure through these electric vehicles. They will now be familiar with the Battery Management Systems, High Voltage Battery packs and High Torque motors,” says Andrew Young, Engineering Director at the Nelson Mandela University.
“Our engineering relationship with IMSAf started with simple component testing and went on to performance testing of some of the ISUZU ICE engines on our test equipment. This resulted in students being familiar with products produced at IMSAf and being able to contribute to manufacturing the vehicles as soon as they have completed their studies,” Andrew adds.
The two ISUZU EV trucks (NPR 400 and FTR 850) were converted at the company’s Vehicle Conversion and Distribution Centre (VCDC) in Gqeberha in 2019 by an Australian-based company that specialises in EV technology. Tests that include battery range, charging cable compatibility and speed, as well as gradability tests were conducted to determine how effective the units can launch on an incline.
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.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Cars are the ultimate symbol of freedom, independence and individualism. They offer the freedom to ‘go anywhere,’ whenever it suits and with whom one chooses.
Sarah Redshaw
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.
SA Auto Week 2026 is scheduled to take place in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, from 13 to 16 October, with the event marking five years of SA Auto Week.