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
As part of its ongoing partnership with SOS Children’s Villages, Stellantis says it is combatting youth unemployment in South Africa by equipping participants with practical, employable skills.
This week, the automaker welcomed 40 youths between the ages of 15 and 20 to its offices in Midrand, Johannesburg, for an educational session aimed at creating interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and the automotive industry in order to build important, future-ready skills.
The session gave participants the opportunity to learn more about how to build an effective CV, practical tips for the interview process and even the pros and cons of using AI tools in the process. The Stellantis team also volunteered its time to take participants through some immersive training on vehicle safety features and the latest technology in South Africa’s automotive industry.
Talking about the experience, Deidre du Plessis, Stellantis South Africa’s Head of Corporate Communication, said: “This session was an opportunity for us to engage with and inspire the next generation of South Africans, and as much as the participants learn from us, our team gains so much from interacting with them. I was particularly inspired by their thinking and questions regarding new technology like electric vehicles, and I hope that today’s session has inspired some interest in pursuing a career in South Africa’s automotive industry.”
“The visit to Stellantis gave our young people a window into the world of the South African automotive industry and the inspiring innovations to come. We are deeply grateful to Stellantis for opening its doors and hearts, and for inspiring our young people to dream of an exciting future,” says Mandy Spies, the Team Leader: Corporate Services, SOS Children’s Villages in South Africa.
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.