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
The Lepas will officially debut in South Africa in 2026, introducing a different perspective on what a premium SUV can be with an eye aimed at younger, style-conscious drivers seeking modernity, claims the Chinese brand.
To lead the roll-out of the Lepas in South Africa, Chery South Africa has appointed Letitia Herold as National Brand & Marketing Manager.
She brings experience from across the automotive and media industries and will oversee the local launch strategy, partnerships and market engagement for Lepas, aligning the brand with its target market.
“I am honoured to have been chosen to build the LEPAS brand in South Africa,” comments Letitia. “We are speaking to a generation that wants more than just a car, they want an experience that reflects who they are.
The LEPAS L8, which debuted earlier this year, sets a bold tone, with sculpted exterior lines, a spacious interior and the latest driver-assist technologies that can be expected in a premium SUV.
The Lepas will expand its offering across multiple segments, growing a versatile lifestyle suited to everything from family life to executive living, it claims.
The name Lepas blends “leap” and “passion,” reflecting a brand built on movement and vitality.
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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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.