Good news for petrol prices, a new VW Amarok, and a Chinese Toyota Prado rival coming to South Africa

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

Good news for petrol prices this September

South Africans are set to enjoy reduced petrol and diesel prices in September, thanks to favourable exchange rates and oil prices allowing for an over-recovery.

The latest data from the Central Energy Fund indicates that petrol will drop by roughly 14c per litre, while diesel will see a more substantial drop of 52c per litre.

The better fuel rates are largely the result of a drop in the global oil price and the rand’s gradual recovery.

New Chinese Toyota Prado rival coming to South Africa – What to expect

The Chinese automaker Denza is set to launch in South Africa in 2026 with a brand-new SUV called the B5.

The B5 is a luxury 4×4 that will compete alongside local favourites like the Toyota Prado, Ford Everest, and Land Rover Defender.

The SUV shares a platform with the BYD Shark bakkie, but features an even more powerful plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

South Africans are taking out bigger car loans – And paying the price for it

Motorists are increasingly relying on long-term contracts to finance their vehicle purchases in South Africa.

New data from Lightstone Auto revealed that the average car loan now spans 72 months, and that even longer 84-month and 96-month finance plans are starting to take off.

It’s a worrying indicator that car price inflation has greatly outpaced salary increases, and that vehicles are becoming prohibitively expensive for the average household.

How much money Uber and Bolt drivers earn in South Africa

Bolt and Uber drivers in South Africa reportedly earn less per kilometre than the Sars-recommended allowance for employees using their cars for work purposes.

Widespread e-hailing strikes took place in July, with many claiming that the platforms had increased their commissions from 25% to as much as 50%.

Drivers can earn as little as R3.37 per kilometre, depending on the type of service they provide.

New VW Amarok to debut in South Africa this weekend – Details

VW has announced that a new Amarok will make an appearance at the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami this weekend.

The new model is the 222kW Amarok, which is the only version to feature a petrol engine.

The petrol bakkie is meant to appeal to the nation’s premium 4×4 segment, offering a smoother and more responsive driving experience than an equivalent diesel unit.