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With a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating, all-road capability and added driver-assistance technology on the AWD model, the V23 is designed to help drivers feel more confident behind the wheel. The iCAUR V23 uses transparent corner radar and a 15.4-inch HD central screen to give drivers a clearer view of front, rear and side blind spots. More than a dozen driver-assistance systems, including AEB, Lane Departure Warning, Auto Hold and Electronic Stability Control, support everyday driving situations such as braking, lane changes, hill starts and stop-start traffic. The V23’s 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating, i-AWD system and 210 mm ground clearance strengthen its safety and confidence credentials on wet roads, uneven surfaces and mild unpaved routes. Drivers often face the same pressure points: judging the space around the vehicle, reversing safely, changing lanes, moving through traffic and staying composed when the road surface changes. These are the situations iCAUR has focused on with the V23. The SUV brings together safety and driver-assistance systems designed to make everyday driving easier to manage, from its blind-spot visibility technology to its braking, lane-warning and stability systems. The focus reflects a wider shift in what motorists expect from a vehicle. Research conducted by the AA Driving School found that 78% of drivers surveyed had felt anxious behind the wheel in the previous year. Furthermore, an S&P Global Mobility research shows that safety remains a major purchase consideration, with 91% of global respondents saying they consider safety ratings when buying a new vehicle. A further 81% said they would be willing to pay extra for vehicles with higher safety ratings. One of the most common challenges for new drivers is judging the space around the vehicle. Blind spots, side traffic and rear visibility can make routine manoeuvres feel more difficult, particularly when reversing or changing lanes. The V23 addresses this with …

Rosslyn plant opening reinforces Chery Group’s long-term commitment to South Africa and strengthens the foundation for Lepas’ local growth Lepas South Africa has welcomed the official opening of the Chery Rosslyn manufacturing plant in Pretoria, an important milestone for the broader Chery Group and a strong signal of its long-term commitment to the South African market. The new manufacturing facility marks Chery’s transition from vehicle importer to local manufacturer in South Africa, further strengthening the Group’s presence in one of Africa’s most important automotive markets. Lepas, which forms part of the Chery Group’s growing South African portfolio, was introduced locally in 2026 as the Group’s premium SUV brand. Its arrival reflects the Group’s strategy of offering South African customers a wider choice of brands, products and powertrains, including petrol, hybrid and all-electric options. While the Rosslyn plant represents a major manufacturing milestone for Chery, it also supports the Group’s broader local ambitions, including long-term investment, localisation, job creation, skills development and a growing automotive ecosystem in South Africa. “We are proud to be part of a Group that is investing meaningfully in South Africa,” says Jay Jay Botes, General Manager of Lepas and Chery South Africa. “The opening of the Rosslyn manufacturing plant is an important statement of intent. It shows that Chery Group is not only participating in the local market, but is committed to building a long-term future here.” The Rosslyn facility is one of South Africa’s longest-standing automotive manufacturing sites, originally established in 1963. Chery has confirmed that it will invest in upgrading the plant’s facilities and utilities, with initial production intended to commence in mid-2027. During the ramp-up period in the third and fourth quarters of 2027, planned production is expected to total 15,000 units. Chery has also committed to retaining …

Data for the first half of 2026 shows several recently introduced models selling quickly, while established vehicles such as the Toyota Fortuner and Suzuki Swift continue to turn substantial volumes. For used-car dealers, the amount of time a vehicle spends on the floor is almost as important as the margin it eventually delivers. Quicker stock turn means less capital tied up in inventory, lower holding costs and more opportunities to replace sold vehicles with stock suited to current demand. A vehicle that takes too long to find a buyer, meanwhile, may require price adjustments that begin to reduce the return. According to the latest AutoTrader data, South Africa’s fastest-selling used vehicles changed considerably between the first half of 2025 and the same period in 2026. Only three models appeared in the top ten in both periods, while recently introduced products from Jetour and Tata moved into the leading positions. To prevent low-volume transactions from distorting the results, the analysis was limited to models with at least 100 vehicles represented in the data during each six-month period. Without a reasonable volume threshold, a small number of sales can produce unusually short average selling times that are not necessarily representative of sustained market demand. The fastest-selling qualifying vehicle took an average of 35 days to sell in both periods. In 2025, that vehicle was the Toyota Starlet Cross. In 2026, it was the Jetour T2. Recently introduced models move quickly The Jetour T2 recorded an average selling time of 35 days between January and June 2026. The average example sold for R708,716, had travelled just 2,420 km and carried a 2025 registration year. This suggests that much of the available T2 stock was nearly new, which is not unusual for a recently introduced brand or model. Low-mileage vehicles may enter the used market through demonstrator fleets, trade-ins or customers changing vehicles shortly after …

Used vehicle sales grew year-on-year in June 2026, even as month-on-month volumes eased slightly. At a Glance – June 2026 Car Sales Used Cars Sales: 31,363 (-2.7% MoM, +1.1% YoY) Average price: R423,080 (+1.8% MoM, +1% YoY) Top seller (overall): Ford Ranger (1,823 units) Top seller (passenger car): Volkswagen Polo Vivo (1,110) Trend: Used car demand remains resilient, with buyers increasingly prioritising value and efficiency. The latest used car sales data from AutoTrader shows sustained year-on-year growth in June 2026, even as month-to-month sales slipped slightly. The first half of 2026 delivered a strong showing for the used car industry, with sales consistently tracking ahead of last year. A total of 31,363 used vehicles were sold through AutoTrader in June 2026, a year-on-year (YoY) increase of 1.1% compared with June 2025, when 31,008 used vehicles were sold. A 2.7% month-on-month (MoM) decline was recorded compared with May 2026, when 32,224 used vehicles were sold through South Africa’s largest automotive marketplace. With 5,352 vehicles sold, Toyota maintained its position as South Africa’s best-performing brand in the used car market. Despite softer overall sales MoM, used Toyota sales increased from 5,275 units in May 2026 to 5,352 units in June, representing a 1% MoM increase and a 3% YoY increase. Volkswagen came in second with 4,100 units sold, down 3% MoM and 5% YoY, while Ford followed with 3,107 units, down 2% MoM and 3% YoY. When it comes to best-selling models, the Ford Ranger remains king. The Silverton-produced bakkie saw 1,823 used examples sold on AutoTrader, making it the most popular used vehicle in South Africa last month, with a negligible 0.6% YoY increase. The Ranger’s closest rival, the Toyota Hilux, sits in second place, 413 units behind the Ranger. A total of 1,410 used examples were sold last month, and, while the 2.8% YoY decrease in sales has pulled it further away from the Ranger’s crown, it …

The countdown to one of South Africa's most glamorous and anticipated events, the "Njalos" at the Hollywoodbets Durban July 2026, has officially begun. Makubenjalo, in partnership with Martell and OMODA, set the stage ablaze with an exciting announcement of its entertainment lineup during a lavish launch event in Soweto this past weekend. Returning to Greyville Racecourse, Njalos promises an elevated vision that emphasizes luxury, culture, and a contemporary South African lifestyle. This year’s celebration is not just an event; it’s a cultural milestone – a space where music, fashion, and high spirits converge, solidifying its place as a must-visit destination during the Durban July weekend. This year, the entertainment programme is headlined by a dynamic roster of some of South Africa's most celebrated artists. Amapiano sensation Kabza De Small, hip-hop heavyweight Kwesta, and the electrifying DJ Sox will lead the charge, while Uncool MC, DJ Bongz, Leehleza, Vetkoek vs Mahoota, DJ Stokie, and DJ Amanda round out an impressive list dedicated to showcasing the very best in South African music. Honouring their pivotal role in South African music, the legendary group Boom Shaka will also grace the Njalos stage, promising to take attendees on an unforgettable soundtrack journey from the first guests' arrivals through to the late-night festivities. “Durban July is a celebration of style, culture and individuality, which speaks directly to the spirit of the OMODA brand,” says Lungelo Zwane, Marketing Specialist for OMODA and JAECOO. “Last year’s marquee allowed us to connect with our customers in a way that went far beyond the showroom. It was about giving them an experience they would remember. This year, we are taking that same spirit and elevating it even further.” The entertainment set for this year has been carefully curated to encapsulate the vibrant spirit, energy, and evolution of Makubenjalo. The experience will feature an eclectic mix of amapiano, …

Following OLX Group's latest financial results, AutoTrader highlights the local achievements that continue to strengthen its position as South Africa's leading automotive marketplace. AutoTrader demonstrated its leadership as South Africa’s leading automotive marketplace, now three times larger than its nearest competitor, by continuing to strengthen the way South Africans buy, sell, value, and research vehicles online. Over the past year, the company has invested in product innovation, data-led tools, and customer-focused digital experiences designed to solve practical challenges for both consumers and dealers.  This included the launch of AutoTrader Intelligence at Dealer Connect 2025, which introduced AI-powered tools such as the Vehicle Highlights Recommendation Engine, Comments Generator, Image Management, and Dealer Insights. Building on this momentum, AutoTrader has also become the first automotive marketplace in South Africa to integrate its vehicle listings with ChatGPT, enabling consumers to search for vehicles using natural, conversational language within ChatGPT. The integration gives car buyers a more intuitive way to discover relevant listings, while helping dealers extend the visibility of their stock to audiences beginning their search journeys in AI-powered environments.  These AI-led innovations sit alongside broader improvements to AutoTrader’s consumer tools, including Vehicle Evaluation, which gives users a free, real-time car valuations, and Sell My Car, which supports sellers from valuation through to sale with options ranging from private sale to assisted selling and dealer offers.  "AutoTrader Intelligence represents the next step in our innovation journey," says George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader. "By combining trusted market data with artificial intelligence, we're creating smarter experiences for consumers while helping dealers operate more efficiently in an increasingly digital marketplace." Alongside its commercial growth, …

For many South Africans, a bakkie is not bought for one job only. It may leave home before sunrise, carrying tools, samples or building materials. By the afternoon, it may be doing the school run. By the weekend, it could be loaded with bicycles, camping gear, a trailer, cooler boxes or everything needed for a few days away. That ability to move between roles has always been part of the bakkie’s appeal, but it has also changed what owners expect from their vehicles. A bakkie is no longer seen only as a workhorse, nor only as a leisure vehicle. Increasingly, it has to be both, while also serving as everyday family transport. This has changed the way many owners approach customisation. The focus is not simply on making a bakkie look tougher or adding one standout accessory. More often, it is about adapting the vehicle around the way it will be used. “A lot of customers are not looking at one accessory in isolation anymore,” said Richard Thompson, Managing Director at CACSA (Commercial Auto Components SA). “They are looking at the whole bakkie and asking how it can work better for them. One owner might need a Hilux or Ranger that can carry tools securely during the week and camping gear over the weekend. Another might want a D-Max or Navara that looks good but still works hard.” That shift is easy to understand in South Africa, where bakkies are expected to cope with far more than smooth city roads. Gravel routes, farms, mountain passes, worksites, muddy tracks and flooded streets all form part of the environment in which these vehicles operate. Many of the country’s most familiar bakkies are also built locally, including the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Volkswagen Amarok, Nissan Navara, Isuzu D-Max and Mahindra Pik Up, which have helped support a strong local aftermarket industry. For owners, the first question is often not what looks best, but what will make the vehicle easier to live with.  Adventure is a good example of something that has become …

Due to arrive in August 2026, the J5 SHS will pair a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with hybrid assistance, delivering 165 kW and 295 N.m while returning a claimed 5.3 L/100 km on the WLTC cycle. The J5 BEV will bring fully electric propulsion to the South African J5 line-up, using a 58.9 kWh LFP battery and 155 kW front-mounted electric motor, with DC fast charging from 30% to 80% in 28 minutes. The new derivatives will broaden the local J5 range to include ICE, hybrid, and fully electric propulsion. OMODA & JAECOO South Africa has announced that the JAECOO J5 line-up will expand in August 2026 with the introduction of two new derivatives: the J5 SHS and the fully electric J5 BEV. The new additions will broaden the appeal of the J5 range, giving South African motorists the choice of petrol, hybrid and fully electric propulsion. Both derivatives will offer the refinement, efficiency and high specification levels expected from Brand OJ. J5 SHS The J5 SHS is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with the brand’s Dedicated Hybrid Transmission. The hybrid powertrain produces 165 kW and 295 N.m of torque, with drive sent to the front wheels. Despite its strong outputs, the J5 SHS returns a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.3 L/100 km on the WLTC cycle, providing a theoretical driving range of more than 900 km on a single tank. A 1.83 kWh NCM battery allows the J5 SHS to operate under electric power at low speeds and in traffic, with the petrol engine engaging when required. Standard equipment will include black leather upholstery, a 13.2-inch infotainment screen, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a panoramic moonroof, a power-operated tailgate, dual-zone climate control and a six-speaker sound system. The J5 SHS will also feature a range of driver assistance systems as standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. J5 BEV The J5 BEV will arrive alongside its …

AutoTrader data shows steady growth in South Africa’s used car market, with the Grand i10 and Swift emerging as notable performers. At a Glance – May 2026 Car Sales Used Cars Sales: 32,224 (+4% MoM, +1.1% YoY) Average price: R415,652 (-1.8% MoM, -3% YoY) Top seller (overall): Ford Ranger (1,800 units) Top seller (passenger car): Volkswagen Polo (1,216) Trend: Affordability and fuel efficiency are reshaping South Africa’s used car market. New data from AutoTrader shows that South Africa’s used car industry enjoyed strong growth on both a yearly and monthly basis in May 2026. This follows four months of solid performance, including an April where sales softened somewhat after an especially strong March. According to South Africa’s largest automotive marketplace, 32,224 used vehicles were sold through the platform in May 2026, an increase of +1.1% year-on-year (YoY) when compared with May 2025, when 31,867 used vehicles were sold. Greater growth was recorded month-to-month, with a +4% increase over April 2026, when 30,971 vehicles were sold through the online marketplace. As expected, Toyota maintained its enviable first-place position as the top-performing brand in the used car market. Some 5,275 examples were sold last month, although the results were somewhat of a mixed bag, with a +2% month-on-month (MoM) increase and a -5% YoY decline. German automaker Volkswagen trailed by more than 1,000 units, with 4,247 sales (+5% MoM, -6% YoY), while Ford remained in third place with 3,178 units (+4% MoM, -7% YoY). And while Ford may sit in third place in terms of brands, the Ranger continues to rule the roost when it comes to South Africa’s best-selling used vehicles. In fact, the locally produced bakkie accounted for more than half of Ford’s used vehicle sales, with 1,800 units sold last month, despite a -7.5% decline in YoY sales. The dependable Toyota Hilux trails the Ranger, with 1,433 units sold last month. An even greater YoY decline …