Volvo Car South Africa joins The Sharks as the Official Vehicle Partner in a partnership built on shared values and a drive to set new standards. The Sharks are proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Volvo Car South Africa (VCSA), which will serve as the brand’s Official Vehicle Partner. This collaboration brings together two respected names, each with a reputation for excellence, innovation, and integrity. Volvo has long been recognised as a global leader in automotive design, safety, and sustainability. The Sharks, equally, carry a proud heritage both on the rugby field and in the community. The connection between these two brands is more than just a business arrangement, it is about shared values and a mutual drive to set new standards. “This new partnership with Volvo is a very exciting moment for us,” said The Sharks CEO, Shaun Bryans. “Volvo is a world-class brand with an outstanding reputation for excellence, and we are proud to align with a company that shares our passion for innovation, quality and collaboration.” “Volvo is built on a foundation of safety, sustainability, and innovation,” commented Grant Locke, Managing Director of VCSA. “Partnering with The Sharks allows us to extend these values beyond our vehicles, supporting a team and a community that share our standards of excellence and commitment to impact.” As part of the agreement, VCSA will provide a fleet of vehicles to The Sharks, including the XC60, XC90, and the EX30 – one of South Africa’s best-selling vehicles – ensuring players and management travel in comfort and style. Looking ahead, both organisations will also explore opportunities to collaborate on initiatives that highlight their shared commitment to sustainability, safety, and community impact. This partnership marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for The Sharks and Volvo Car South Africa, two trusted names that continue to raise the bar in their respective fields. Video: …
Volvo Celebrates 30 Years of the Iconic 850 T-5R
A limited edition performance car that redefined Volvo in 1995 continues to inspire today’s electrified driving experiences. 2025 marks 30 years since the Volvo 850 T-5R, a limited edition performance sedan/wagon that combined everyday practicality with exciting performance. Its 2.3-litre turbocharged engine, sport-tuned chassis, upgraded brakes, and distinctive styling made it both fast and unmistakably Volvo. The 850 T-5R’s success set the stage for future performance models, and Volvo’s performance spirit continues today with electrified cars like the EX30 Twin Motor Performance. This year marks the 30th anniversary of one of Volvo’s most iconic performance cars: the 850 T-5R. Introduced in 1995 as a limited-edition model, the T-5R was a bold statement of intent—a sports sedan and wagon that could combine everyday practicality with exhilarating performance, thereby creating a new chapter in the brand’s heritage. Powered by a 2.3-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine producing 165 kW and 330 N.m of torque (300 N.m in the automatic model), the five-speed T-5R could sprint from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, remarkable acceleration for a car designed with families and safety in mind. Volvo engineers did more than just tune the engine; the 850 T5-R benefited from a sport-tuned chassis, upgraded brakes, and distinctive design details—including subtle aerodynamic enhancements and exclusive interior touches. While the 850 T-5R was a wolf in sheep’s clothing, there were subtle signs that marked it as a high-performance machine. A subtle front lip spoiler, along with side skirts and a rear boot lid spoiler, gave the Volvo a more aggressive stance without abandoning the tasteful bones of the 850. Inside, leather and Alcantara seats were paired with walnut wood grain trim inlays. The final clue to the 850’s capabilities was the subtle “T-5R” emblem on the rear fascia. Sporty, 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero tires, were fitted …
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Putting People First for Generations: How Volvo Has Made Safety Its Core, From the Amazon to the EX90
Volvo Car South Africa reflects on a heritage of life-saving innovation as its next-generation electric flagship takes safety into the future. Volvo’s people-first philosophy has guided its safety innovations for decades, from the Amazon’s pioneering three-point seatbelt to today’s EX90 with advanced sensors and driver-assist systems. The brand has consistently developed technologies that protect not only Volvo drivers but also everyone on the road, reflecting a commitment to safety and innovation. In South Africa, Volvo’s legacy continues to resonate, combining modern, sustainable design with the same focus on care, protection, and reliability that has defined the brand for generations. Volvo has always been synonymous with safety and engineering excellence, but its story is more than a record of innovations. It’s a reflection of a brand that has evolved alongside society. From the classic Volvo Amazon of the 1950s to the state-of-the-art EX90 of today, the essence of Volvo remains the same: people come first. The Amazon, one of the most important cars in Volvo history, was built to last and designed with a focus on durability and safety. Before safety was taken as seriously as it is today, few automakers were concerned about crash protection and occupant safety. However, the Amazon would introduce a safety feature that, today, is estimated to have saved more than a million lives worldwide. As the first car in the world to offer three-point seatbelts for front passengers, the Amazon cemented Volvo’s reputation as a manufacturer that put people and their safety at the heart of everything they do. Volvo chose not to patent the design, allowing other automakers to use it and making the roads safer for everyone—not just those driving a Volvo. This ethos has guided every Volvo since the automaker’s founding in 1927, with innovations conceived in Gothenburg shaping some of the most significant advances in road safety. Between then and now, Volvo …
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What AutoTrader’s Report Reveals About KwaZulu-Natal’s Evolving Used Car Market
KwaZulu-Natal remains one of South Africa’s three biggest used car markets, but what buyers want has changed. Here’s what AutoTrader data shows. As one of the country’s top three markets for used car sales, KwaZulu-Natal represents 12% of South Africa’s market share, with 43,613 sold units in the province in 2024, according to the 2024 AutoTrader Annual Car Industry Report. This trails only behind the Western Cape and Gauteng, which saw sales of 67,801 and 201,443 units, respectively, last year. Although several used cars have remained popular over time, there have been interesting changes in the preferences of KwaZulu-Natal used car buyers, with minor variations between the top sellers in 2024 compared to 2021. Whereas the Volkswagen Polo was KwaZulu-Natal’s favourite used car in 2021, the Ford Ranger has since become the province's preferred mode of transport in 2024. This comes as no surprise, as the Ranger is the best-selling used vehicle in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, the Eastern Cape, the Northern Cape, and the North West. The Ranger isn’t the only bakkie on the top 10 list — the Hilux holds third place, while the Isuzu D-Max comes in at tenth. Add the Fortuner in sixth, and it’s clear that KZN car buyers favour higher ground clearance and a degree of ruggedness. This likely reflects the province’s challenging road conditions, with unfinished infrastructure and frequent potholes making tougher vehicles a practical choice. “KwaZulu-Natal may not be the largest used car market, but it’s an insightful one,” says George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader. “The province’s shift toward lifestyle-focused vehicles, especially bakkies and SUVs, reflects a broader change in how South Africans think about practicality, versatility, and value. It’s less about status and more about how well it fits into everyday life, whether that’s navigating uneven roads or heading out for a weekend escape.” Bakkies also align well with the lifestyle of many families in …
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AutoTrader’s 2025 Mid-Year Report Shows Hybrids Leading South Africa’s Green Motoring Shift
Recent used car sales trends hint at which vehicles are capturing attention and setting the pace for South Africa’s eco-friendly motoring transition. Hybrid vehicles are leading South Africa’s shift to cleaner motoring, with New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sales increasing 82% year-on-year (YoY). According to AutoTrader’s latest Mid-Year Industry Report, conventional hybrid vehicles are leading the transition to electric cars in South Africa. In fact, hybrids account for 84% of all NEVs sold between January and June, making them the actual driver behind eco-friendly transport in South Africa. At the forefront of this trend is the locally manufactured Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, the country’s most popular hybrid model and the nation’s top-selling NEV. While fully-electric vehicles (also known as BEVs) grew by a healthy +65% YoY, they remain a smaller slice of the market compared with hybrids. The best-selling EV, the Volvo EX30, amassed 64 sales during this period, which is lower than the seven best-selling used hybrids (see table below). The Corolla Cross Hybrid dominates the segment, with an impressive 700 examples sold in the first six months of the year. During the same period, 2,049 hybrid cars were sold, underscoring the strong demand for these vehicles. In total, 2,446 new energy vehicles were sold, showing that hybrids are dominating the segment. “What’s happening in South Africa isn’t just a shift in vehicles, it’s a shift in mindset,” commented George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader. Buyers are seeking solutions that balance practicality with sustainability, and hybrids are demonstrating that the path to cleaner mobility doesn’t have to compromise everyday life or come at a high cost. The market is showing incremental change can drive real momentum toward a greener future.” Unsurprisingly, Toyota—a pioneer of hybrid technology, having introduced the Prius as far back as 1997—dominates the charts, with the RAV4 Hybrid following in second place, having …
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AutoTrader Reports Strong August Sales Growth as Hatchbacks and Bakkies Cement Their Popularity Amongst SA Motorists
With sales up month-on-month and year-on-year, used car sales data for August 2025 suggests South Africans are turning to value-focused purchases over luxury-driven choices. The South African used car market continues to grow from strength to strength, with the latest figures for August 2025 painting a positive picture of the industry. With healthy month-on-month (MoM) and year-on-year (YoY) increases, it’s clear to see that South African consumers are becoming increasingly confident, especially as interest rates continue to fall. That’s not to say consumers seeking a used car are splurging on luxury cars; in fact, the top 5 best-selling used vehicles remain unchanged, while practical vehicles and affordable hatchbacks continue to dominate. According to the latest sales data from AutoTrader, August 2025 saw 34,402 used vehicles sold. This reflects YoY and MoM increases of +8.5% and +5.7%, respectively, making August 2025 one of the strongest performing months for used vehicle sales. The numbers have been consistently increasing throughout the year, with a notable increase of 2,695 vehicles compared to the same period last year. Unsurprisingly, Toyota remains the most popular brand on the used car market, with a total of 5,778 units sold. This comes as no surprise, as the brand has three models in the top 10 best-selling list (more than any other brand), with Volkswagen following with 4,768 units. Ford remains in third place, followed by Hyundai (4th) and Suzuki (5th). Interestingly, BMW (6th) and Mercedes (7th)—two premium brands—are competing to maintain their position among mainstream marques, ahead of Nissan, Kia, and Renault. When it comes to growth, Suzuki saw the most significant MoM difference, with a +9% increase in sales, followed by Kia (+7%) and Volkswagen (+3%). Three brands saw MoM sales decreases. This includes market leader Toyota (-2%), Hyundai (-1%), and Renault (-1%). Interestingly, Nissan is one of four brands that saw a YoY …
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Celebrating 25 Years of the S60: The Sedan That Took Volvo Into the 21st Century
Unveiled at the turn of the millennium, the first-generation S60 combined Scandinavian style with performance and safety in a way that defined modern Volvo cars. The first-generation S60 debuted in 2000, introducing Volvo’s new design language, sportier driving dynamics, and cutting-edge safety features. With nearly 600,000 units produced, it became a global success, challenging perceptions of what a Volvo could be. The S60 R set a new benchmark for Volvo performance, a spirit that continues today in the T8 Recharge plug-in hybrids. Johannesburg, August, 2025: 2025 is a significant year for the 60 series of the Volvo lineup, with the original S60 sedan celebrating its 25th anniversary. Unveiled in 2000, the svelte, Peter Horbury-designed executive sedan combined Volvo’s signature safety with a more driver-focused appeal, taking the fight to other established European luxury marques. Over its nine-year production run, the Volvo S60 earned global recognition for its design, safety, and performance, with 581,947 examples produced—proof of its enduring international appeal. From the outset, it challenged perceptions of what a mid-size Volvo sedan could be, blending Scandinavian design, advanced safety technology, and innovation—hallmarks that continue to define the S60 to this day. When the S60 was launched as a successor to the conservative S70, it marked a significant shift for the automaker, introducing a sportier and more dynamic profile. Designed for drivers who sought more than just comfort and safety, the S60 offered sharper handling, a sleek, coupe-like silhouette, and a range of engine options that strike a balance between power and efficiency. Based on the P2 platform—which also underpinned the S80 and, later, the XC90—the S60 was offered exclusively with five-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, which provided it with a distinctive soundtrack and strong performance, especially in the case of the T5, which, in its most powerful guise, …
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Snacks, Chats and Rock N’ Roll! Autotrader Unveils What Really Drives South Africa
Johannesburg, August 22, 2025 - Today sees the launch of AutoTrader data that reiterates South Africa is akin to a movie, based on the snacks, chats, rock n’ roll, and even childbirth our customers have experienced in their cars in the past month. Mzansi ranks as one of the highest countries in the world in terms of average time spent in a car. According to a recent News24 article, the average South African spends 16 days commuting to and from work per year. George Mienie, CEO at AutoTrader, says, 'We surveyed 3,500 South Africans to determine new insights into the activities that our customers participate in to keep themselves occupied when they are behind the wheel.' The results were nothing short of fascinating. 48.4 per cent used the time to have a deep, meaningful conversation with themselves. 27 per cent cheated on a loved one with a sneaky snack, compared to the 8 per cent who indulged in a not suitable for work (NSFW) kind of snack, and 34 per cent lived out a popstar fantasy by belting out their favourite tunes. Only four per cent trusted their amateur make-up artistry on the move, while 47 people or 1.3 per cent of respondents, were forced to give birth en route to a hospital. Mienie says, 'Our cars are our quintessential 'Happy Place'. This insight, and human truth, coupled with the research data, inspired our latest campaign and series of ads. The first ad has attracted over nine million views and 32,000 engagements on social media alone thus far: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIvkoP7CkmQ He adds, 'The second went live this past weekend, prior to the start of our national team's defence of the Rugby Championship. Spoiler: We’ll be releasing a social post soon on how to build your own bakkuzzi for the Summer season ahead. Enjoy the ad here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qK-puLwxw4 Angelique Lynch, Marketing Director of AutoTrader, concludes, 'Whether you're snacking, pouting to apply your make-up, or rocking out in your car, …