5 important things that happened in South Africa’s car industry this week

These were the five biggest stories in South Africa’s automotive industry this week.

VW “very worried” about future of South African factory

The head of VW’s global passenger car brand, Thomas Schaefer, has said that he is “very worried” about the company’s future in South Africa.

The executive noted that South Africa’s poor economic conditions have caused the country’s Kariega plant to lose its appeal as a site for investment.

A similar sentiment was expressed by Ford South Africa’s CEO, who among other grievances spoke of the high cost it has to pay flying in parts due to the delays at the country’s ports.

New Toyota Hilux Champ engines and interior revealed

Thailand has officially launched the new Toyota Hilux Champ bakkie, which may also be coming across to local showrooms in due time.

The Champ is intended to be a more affordable light-commercial vehicle than the standard Hilux, with 11 different configurations on offer in the Southeast Asian economy.

The launch event has also provided the first images of what the finished vehicle looks like, including its interior.

New Isuzu D-Max X-Rider for South Africa

Isuzu has confirmed it is bringing back the X-Rider nameplate to South Africa, and that it is arriving shortly.

The X-Rider is meant to be one of the more stylish D-Max bakkies on offer while still falling towards the more affordable end of the price spectrum.

The company has not listed the official price yet, but did announce it will be available in three specifications.

Chinese Jaecoo J8 confirmed for South Africa

Jaecoo has confirmed that the J8 luxury SUV will arrive in South Africa in the last quarter of 2024.

The J8 is the larger sibling of the J7, which is also getting a local introduction and will debut in the first three months of next year.

Jaecoo is the newest automaker to be opening its doors in South Africa, functioning as an upmarket subsidiary of Chery.

New engine under consideration for VW Amarok in South Africa

VW has announced that a new engine is under consideration for the VW Amarok built in South Africa.

The second-generation bakkie is currently available with four different turbo-diesel plants, but this could be joined by a new turbo-petrol unit in the future.

The engine in question is a 2.3-litre petrol produced by Ford, and which is also expected to appear on the Ranger as a plug-in hybrid in 2024.