New cars unveiled at South Africa’s biggest motor show, and Airlink sets a world record at a rugby stadium

Suzuki is comfortably sitting as South Africa’s second biggest car brand, a title that previously belonged to the Volkswagen Group.

While Toyota is still the undisputed leader in the local market, Suzuki has grown rapidly to the point where it now consistently outperforms VW, a feat that would have seemed impossible a few years ago.

Over a 19-month period ending in July 2026, Suzuki came second 17 out of 19 times on each month’s best sellers list. The brand first overtook VW in early 2024.

Suzuki’s success is attributed to its catalogue of affordable cars, which have resonated with cash-strapped motorists in South Africa’s stagnant economy.

Global oil prices rose as tensions spiked in the Middle East this weekend, with the US and Iran trading fire and a tanker hitting mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude prices climbed to $91 per barrel as the two sides exchanged strikes for the first time in a month. Iranian media reported that a supertanker was hit with two mines in the Strait.

The rand is currently trading at R16.16 per US dollar, maintaining a relatively strong position against the greenback.

5 important things

R150,000 price cut for popular crossover in South Africa: Since its introduction early last year, the current-gen Renault Duster imported to South Africa has shifted from Romania to India. The Romanian Duster cost R489,999 while the new Indian models start at R339,999. [TopAuto].

Flyover at rugby stadium sets a world record: Two Airlink planes set an unofficial world record on Saturday when they flew at low altitude over Cape Town Stadium during the Springboks vs All Blacks game. At 12 metres above the stadium, it was the lowest flight recorded by the flight tracking platform Flightradar24. [MyBroadband].

Chinese brands unveil new bakkies, SUVs, and EVs at motor show: The 2026 Festival of Motoring took place this weekend, and Chinese brands were out in full force with several new models, including Dongfeng, Changan, Chery, GWM, LDV, Geely, BAIC, and more. [Reuters].

Chinese carmakers facing surprise checks from regulators: Beijing is tightening its oversight of rapid development cycles that have sparked concerns about vehicle safety. As Chinese brands expand into South Africa and other markets, there are concerns that a safety scandal could tarnish their overseas reputation. [Bloomberg].

Chery’s new luxury car brand launching an SUV in China this week: Freelander will launch the 8 SUV in its home market on 3 September. The Freelander 8 is a full-size SUV with a range extended electric vehicle (REEV) powertrain with two electric motors that produce 610kW. [CarNewsChina].