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
Subaru Southern Africa has appointed Toshimitsu Tanaka as its new Managing Director. He succeeds Andrew Marshall, who retires after five years of service.
Toshimitsu, a seasoned executive from Japan, brings with him over 30 years’ experience in the global automotive sector. His international career spans key leadership roles across Africa, North America and Asia, including his most recent position as Deputy Managing Director of Subaru Southern Africa, a role he has held for the past two years.
Before joining Subaru, he held senior positions within the Toyota Tsusho Group, including Assistant General Manager for Toyota Tsusho Africa, Group Manager at Toyota Tsusho Corporation and Vice Division Head at Toyota Tsusho America. He also played a pivotal role in establishing Toyota Tsusho Africa’s facilities in Durban as project leader – a career milestone that speaks to his commitment to innovation, growth and teamwork.
“It’s a great honour to take the helm at Subaru Southern Africa. This is a brand that represents confidence, adventure and loyalty – not only in the products we build but in the people we serve. My focus will be on expanding our presence and enhancing the customer experience across the region. I look forward to working closely with our dealer network, our partners and, most importantly, our customers to take Subaru to even greater heights,” Toshimitsu says.
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.