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
Suzuki Auto South Africa has officially broken ground for its new head office and distribution centre at Longlake Logistics Park in Gauteng, in partnership with real estate group Fortress.
The sod-turning ceremony marks a major milestone for the Japanese carmaker, celebrating 17 consecutive years of sales growth and reinforcing its long-term commitment to the South African market.
The company will relocate from its current headquarters at Linbro Business Park to a custom-designed 24 507m² facility that will accommodate its expanding operations and workforce. Construction is scheduled for completion by mid-2026.
“We set out to deliver more than just warehouse space for Suzuki,” says Marguerite Oosthuizen, Leasing Consultant at Fortress. “It was about creating a tailored, future-focused facility that embodies the brand, supports its people and enables bold, sustainable growth.”
The new facility will include 2 900m² of modern office space and 19 100m² of warehousing, along with advanced amenities such as training facilities, boardrooms, a workshop and a 100-seater canteen. The warehouse will feature a height clearance of 15m for optimal vertical storage, as well as large yards and easy vehicle access to support efficient logistics operations.
“This move marks a significant chapter in our journey,” says Berto van der Lith, Vice President and CFO of Suzuki Auto South Africa. “Our new headquarters will allow for further improvements to our current operations and support the growth we foresee in the coming years. Suzuki is proud to partner with Fortress, whose team has demonstrated deep insight and commitment to our needs. Onward and upward, we’re counting down the days until we can move in.”
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.