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
Penelope (Penny) Jabulile Mkhwanazi has been appointed as the Senior Vice President for Revenue Generation Rest of Africa and International Markets by Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf).
In her new role, Penny is responsible for all revenue generation in the Rest of Africa markets, including Sales and Aftersales.
She joins Isuzu from Isanti where she held the position of Chief Executive Officer and says: “I join Isuzu at an exciting and transformative time where our call to action is that of break through and growth. The rest of Africa markets are our greatest opportunity to fulfil this call to action. I am humbled to be part of this journey and confident that the Isuzu team will relentlessly, and with passion, answer this call to action.”
Penny’s impressive work experience spans over 20 years in various industries such as manufacturing, mining, construction, fast-moving consumer goods and entrepreneurship.
Some of Penny’s previous leadership roles include Executive Head Customer Fulfilment for Barloworld Equipment Southern Africa, Country Manager and Director for Zambia Barloworld Equipment, and General Manager Free State Lesotho.
The President and CEO of IMSAf, Billy Tom, says the Isuzu leadership is delighted to welcome Penny on board. “Her vision for the business and experience across the various sectors make her ideally suited to lead and build the long-term growth and sustainability of IMSAf in African markets.”
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.
South Africa’s domestic new-vehicle market strengthened in September, recording 61 645 sales, its highest monthly total of 2026. Sales increased by 3 747 vehicles, or 6.5%, from August’s originally reported total and were 12.7% higher than in September 2025.