SAGMJ

SA Guild of Mobility Journalists - all things motoring related. Keep up to date with the automotive news in South Africa.

[SAGMJ @SAGMJ]

From the original Type 2 Kombi that first rolled off the production line in 1950, through successive generations of the Transporter, Caravelle and Multivan, the Volkswagen Bus has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of society while remaining true to the qualities that made it an icon: versatility, durability, reliability and innovation... read more...

https://t.co/9fxoliEHaL

[SAGMJ @SAGMJ]

Artificial intelligence in modern motoring creates a reliable partnership between human intuition and computational precision, one where neither party is expected to carry the full weight of the drive alone. In increasingly crowded driving environments, practical assistance systems deliver... read more...

https://t.co/ySrPgaXLV9

[SAGMJ @SAGMJ]

The South African Car of the Year programme is known for its rigorous judging process, with vehicles evaluated extensively by an experienced jury representing a broad cross-section of South Africa’s motoring media. How does that make Omoda's recognition particularly meaningful?

Read more of the Omoda Q&A here...
https://t.co/DU3UjSEhPA
@Omoda_SA #OmodaC7 #SACOTY2026

[SAGMJ @SAGMJ]

The Chery Tiggo 4 Cross will be the first vehicle to roll off the Chery Rosslyn production line during the plant’s initial ramp-up phase in the third and fourth quarters of 2027. A planned production total of 15,000 units has been set for this period, with further growth expected as operations mature... read more...

https://t.co/WBy5AtNMin

[SAGMJ @SAGMJ]

Developed on the GWM ONE platform, the ORA 5 introduces a flexible approach to mobility by accommodating multiple propulsion technologies within a single vehicle architecture. The platform has been engineered to support a range of powertrain solutions while delivering the refinement, efficiency and practicality expected from a modern compact SUV... read more...

https://t.co/Esm0VJuygz

[SAGMJ @SAGMJ]

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... read more...

https://t.co/mH8B0DowU2

[SAGMJ @SAGMJ]

The South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) elected a new Executive Committee (EXCO) at its Annual General Meeting on 27 June 2026.

Brendon Staniforth has been elected Guild Chairperson. A longstanding Guild member, Staniforth serves on the South African Car of the Year (COTY) committee and is a COTY juror. He succeeds Mabuyane Mabuza, who served as Guild Chairperson for the past three years.

“Serving as Chairperson of the SAGMJ has been a rewarding experience... read more...

https://t.co/JrNgMcor0N

[SAGMJ @SAGMJ]

Audi South Africa has introduced the third-generation Audi Q3, redefining expectations in the luxury compact SUV segment through a combination of sophisticated design, advanced digitalisation, enhanced safety and everyday versatility. Available in both SUV and Sportback body styles, the all-new Audi Q3 ushers in a new era of Q... read more...

https://t.co/mpDXHagABN

[SAGMJ @SAGMJ]

Imagine driving a derivative of the 2026 South African Car of the Year, but one that combines a traditional internal combustion engine with a rechargeable electric motor and battery. This is the new Jetour T2 i-DM. And with continually rising fuel costs, a car that significantly reduces fuel consumption is a real win... read more...

https://t.co/iAcPQc8fHQ
@Jetour_SA

[SAGMJ @SAGMJ]

Following Jetour’s historic South African Car of the Year victory late last month, Nic Campbell, Vice President of Jetour South Africa, unpacks what the award means for the brand, the growing influence of Chinese automotive manufacturers, and what’s next for Jetour in the local market.

Q: The Jetour T2 has just become the first Chinese vehicle to win South African Car of the Year. What was your reaction when the winner was announced?

Read more...
https://t.co/xMjELYGtLs
#SACOTY2026 @OldMutualInsure @Jetour_SA

[SAGMJ @SAGMJ]

Winter creates conditions that fleet managers and individual drivers alike tend to underestimate. The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says: “One cannot change the weather, but they can adjust their driving in order to change the outcome of more challenging driving scenarios.”

Unlike a normal road surface, which draws residual warmth from the ground beneath it, a bridge... read more...

https://t.co/9wfPtJ6Woo

[SAGMJ @SAGMJ]

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has expanded the Amarok model line-up with the introduction of a new derivative, further strengthening its offering in the premium bakkie segment. Based on the Amarok Style, the Dark Label derivative introduces a more distinctive and design focused interpretation of the range. It is offered with a choice of the 2.0 TDI (125kW) and... read more...

https://t.co/mICfG2RVfy

[SAGMJ @SAGMJ]

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has expanded the Amarok model line-up with the introduction of a new derivative, further strengthening its offering in the premium bakkie segment. Based on the Amarok Style, the Dark Label derivative introduces a more distinctive and design focused interpretation of the range. It is offered with a choice of the 2.0 TDI (125kW) and... read more...

https://t.co/mICfG2RVfy

[SAGMJ @SAGMJ]

As Youth Month commemorations kick into high gear, the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) has called for a critical shift in how the nation approaches youth unemployment and graduate employability. NADA highlights that while the country is producing graduates at scale, addressing the employment gap requires moving beyond academic qualifications toward environments that foster true work-readiness... read more...

https://t.co/tlrLwJD5qf

[SAGMJ @SAGMJ]

Kariega – Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has reached another major production milestone with the production of one millionth current generation Polo at its Kariega Plant.

The milestone vehicle is a smoky grey, right-hand-drive Polo GTI destined for the South African market... read more...

https://t.co/8LYDXwQYVn

[SAGMJ @SAGMJ]

Aggregate domestic new vehicle sales in May 2026 reached 51,071 units, the best May monthly figure since 2013, representing an increase of 5,784 units, or 12,8%, compared to the 45,287 vehicles sold in May 2025. In contrast, export volumes decreased to 29,392 units, a contraction of 4,8% relative to the... read more...

https://t.co/kHTGJORAue

[Thami Masemola @ThamiMasemola]

Another difficult Category for the Jury, with seriously strong contenders vying for the best new Premium car in the country title. In the end it was the revitalised German that snatched it.

PREMIUM
WINNER: Audi A5
Contenders: Lexus GX, Volvo EX90, Hyundai Santa Fe

#SACOTY2026
#SACOTY
#COTY2026

[Old Mutual Insure @OldMutualInsure]

The results are in. 🏆
After months of testing, evaluation, debate, and competition, South Africa’s best have officially been crowned at the 2026 South African Car of the Year Awards.
🥇 Grand Prize Winner: JETOUR T2
🥈 2nd Place: Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI
🥉 3rd Place: Audi RS Q8

From innovation and performance to design, safety, and driving experience — these vehicles stood out where it mattered most.

A huge congratulations to the winners, finalists, judges, manufacturers, and every team behind the scenes who continue to push the automotive industry forward.

Proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Insure.
@SAGMJ #SACOTY2026 #CarOfTheYearSA #ProtectWhatBuiltYou #OldMutualInsure

[Xplore ZA @XplorZA]

The @Jetour_SA T2 winning South African Car of the Year is more than a trophy win. It’s a signal that the local motoring landscape is changing fast.

South Africans are no longer buying heritage alone. Technology, value, design and ownership experience now matter just as much.

The question is no longer if Chinese brands can compete. It’s how quickly they will dominate the conversation. 🚗🇿🇦

Read More: https://t.co/wBYDOGStqE

#40YearsOfCarOfTheYear #SACOTY2026 #JetourSouthAfrica #XploreZA #MotoringSA

[SAGMJ @SAGMJ]

The South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) has announced the winner of the 2026 South African Car of the Year (COTY) competition at a glittering event in Johannesburg. In its landmark 40th year, the COTY competition bestowed top honours on the Jetour T2, one of seven Chinese brands and 18 vehicles competing, marking the first-ever victory for a Chinese brand... read more...

https://t.co/rKA5C75MGW
@OldMutualInsure #SACOTY #SACOTY2026 #2026sacoty