Name change for major airport, a popular car theft method makes a comeback, and a new locally-made Chinese bakkie for South Africa

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

Name change for one of South Africa’s most successful airports

A plan is in the works to change the name of Lanseria International Airport in Gauteng.

This is according to Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero, who announced the planned name change during his 2025 State of the City Address.

“The city will support this initiative, which will strengthen the airport brand and foster a stronger sense of belonging,” he said.

Popular car theft method makes comeback in major South African city

Private security firm Bull Security has warned of an increase in remote jamming cases, particularly in shopping mall parking lots.

Criminals that use this theft method will wait in a parking area until a person gets out of their car, whereupon they will use a jammer to prevent the car’s remote locking device from functioning.

This leaves doors unlocked, allowing the thieves to steal the car and any valuables left inside.

South Africa getting another locally made Chinese bakkie

Foton has revealed to TopAuto that it will produce the Tunland V9 bakkie in South Africa, starting in 2026.

The Chinese carmaker re-entered the market in mid-2024 and is currently one of the fastest-growing pickup brands in the the country.

The V9 will be be produced alongside another bakkie, the G7, at BAIC’s factory in the Eastern Cape.

BMW’s most affordable sedan goes on sale in South Africa

BMW has officially launched the new 2 Series Gran Coupe in South Africa.

The Gran Coupe shares the same platform as the 1 Series hatchback, making it the most affordable sedan in the automaker’s catalogue.

The 2 Series is available in three specifications, with prices starting at R733,559.

Speed limit lie circulating South Africa

The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) has denied that it’s changing speed limits and fines in the country.

This is in response to a communique circulating in South Africa that claims the agency is currently revising speed limits and enforcing stricter road laws.

The debunked proposal stated that all speed limits would be reduced by 10 to 20km/h, with highways dropping from 120km/h to 110km/h.