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 announced the appointment of Takashi Nishida as its new Chairman (Non-Executive Director), effective 1 April 2026.
Takashi succeeds Satoshi Yamaguchi, who is retiring after an exemplary 43-year career with Isuzu Motors Limited. Satoshi served as Managing Executive Officer: Light Commercial Vehicle Business and Chairman of Isuzu Motors South Africa.
With a career at Isuzu spanning nearly three decades, Takashi brings extensive global experience to his new role. He began his career in Aftersales and Parts operations before transitioning to Overseas Sales, where he has focused significantly on the African market over the past two decades.
His international postings have included secondments to Isuzu Truck South Africa (2007-2010), Isuzu Motors International Operations Thailand, Isuzu Motors Sub-Saharan Africa (2016-2017), and Isuzu Motors International in Dubai (2017-2022).
In addition to his role as Chairman of IMSAf, he will serve as Vice President of the International Sales Division, International Parts Business, and Trade Management at Isuzu Motors Limited.
“We are delighted to welcome him to this leadership role in South Africa,” says Billy Tom, President of Isuzu Motors South Africa. “His deep understanding of our market, combined with extensive international experience, will be instrumental as we continue to drive sustainable growth and further expand the IMSAf business.”
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.