Chery launching a new car brand, a bakkie-SUV hybrid, and a big win for Ford

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

Chery launching a new car brand in South Africa – Details

Chery has announced that it will launch a new car brand in South Africa within the next year.

The marque, known as Lepas (a combination of the words “leap” and “passion”), will position itself as a premium alternative to Chery’s Tiggo Pro series.

Its first car, the L8, is an upmarket SUV similar in size to the Tiggo 8 Pro with a sleeker design and an eye-catching cabin.

New Isuzu 7-seater SUV launched in South Africa

Isuzu has officially launched the updated mu-X seven-seater SUV in South Africa.

The D-Max-based SUV is available in six specifications, with prices starting at R752,300.

The update has added a new flagship variant, the Onyx XT, featuring extra equipment such as a 360-degree camera, ambient lighting, and an exclusive steering wheel.

The Chinese bakkie-SUV hybrid that’s coming to South Africa

Chinese automaker iCar will launch in South Africa in 2026, bringing two new vehicles along with it.

One of these models is the V23, a compact 4×4 with the notable distinction that it is sold as both a bakkie and an SUV.

It will feature one of two powertrains, comprising a battery-electric and range-extender hybrid plant.

Big problems with pothole repairs in South Africa

Many potholes in South Africa reopen shortly after repairs owing to the use of subpar materials.

It’s estimated there are around 25 million potholes around the country, 67% of which have formed within the last five years.

The Automobile Association claims that this epidemic is not simply the result of factors like rain or traffic, but is an indication that the roads are maintained using inferior materials.

Ford is killing it in South Africa

Ford had an excellent first quarter in South Africa, selling a grand total of 8,274 units.

This is 713 more than the company sold over the same period last year, translating to a 9.4% improvement.

The impressive figures were primarily driven by the Ranger bakkie, which holds a 31% share of the double cab market.