The Collision Repair Association of South Africa (CRA) is embarking on a national roadshow to have networking time with body shops, introduce new concepts and ideas with guest speakers and keep their finger on the pulse of the collision repair industry.

From September 8 to 12, 2026, Automechanika Frankfurt will host over 4,400 exhibitors presenting innovations in automotive aftermarket. Topics include AI, electromobility, and digitalization, fostering global networking opportunities amid ongoing industry transformation beyond the event.

Automechanika Johannesburg 2026, held on October 27-29, showcases diverse industry solutions, including parts, electronics, and digital technologies. Visitors will network, attend expert-led conferences, and see live innovations, fostering opportunities for business growth in the Sub-Saharan region.

An agreement was reached between the Competition Tribunal and Hollard, marking Botswana’s first cartel settlement. The case involves allegations of anti-competitive behavior, including price-fixing among car repairers. Investigations continue against other respondents: BIC, Old Mutual, and Autoboys.

Angela’s Picnic attracted a record 800-plus motoring enthusiasts to Riversands Farm Village, celebrating 43 years of automotive passion. The event showcased classic and cherished vehicles while raising more than R1 million for cancer research, hospice care and other charitable causes.

Toyota South Africa Motors has launched the bZ4X, its first fully electric model priced at R1.18 million. With a driving range of 450km, it combines family-friendly SUV traits with off-road capabilities, despite its premium price potentially limiting accessibility for consumers.

Nissan SA announces Juan Wheeler as the new Country Director while retaining his role as Africa RBU Chief Financial Officer. His extensive experience in the Bussan business will strengthen leadership and support growth and operational excellence in the region.

Autorobot and Hurricane Equipment have expanded EzCalipre’s vehicle measurement database with data from 60 new models, including Chinese brands. The partnership strengthens South Africa’s collision repair capabilities, helping body shops keep pace with evolving vehicle technologies, ADAS requirements and repair standards.

Edge Automotive Marketplace is digitising South Africa’s fragmented parts supply chain by creating a secure platform where suppliers can catalogue and sell stock. The system improves parts visibility and unlocks value from redundant inventory while delivering greater efficiency and trust.

PPG introduced the fast-drying Deltron D8178 Rapid Low Energy clearcoat. It optimises refinish processes with flexible drying options, significant energy savings, enhanced productivity, and consistent high-quality finishes, empowering body shops and painters.

The South African Competition Commission accuses Audatex of discriminatory pricing against historically disadvantaged repairers. The firm allegedly charges smaller businesses higher fees for software services. Recent vehicle model influx and repair challenges further complicate the industry, demanding upskilling for technicians.

In a few years, Luxor Paints, partnering with Zheijang Refine, has strengthened its market presence with advanced spray guns and pneumatic sanders. Their products, featuring innovative designs, ensure efficiency and longevity, supported by extensive training for technicians and a diverse distributor network.

Automechanika Dubai 2026 is set for significant growth, with 2,400 exhibitors and strong international participation. The event will spotlight Africa’s rapidly expanding automotive sector, addressing key trends including Chinese brands, electrification, mobility solutions and aftersales opportunities across the region.

The Takata airbag scandal remains one of the automotive industry’s greatest corporate failures. Concealed defects, unstable inflators and delayed action led to millions of recalls, dozens of deaths and lasting consequences for manufacturers, regulators and vehicle owners worldwide.

As electric vehicles become more complex, consumers must ensure their insurance covers manufacturer-approved repairs. Rising repair costs, advanced technology and high write-off rates make choosing qualified repairers essential to protect vehicle safety, performance and long-term value after a collision.

Preea Singh’s four-decade automotive career has taken her from family vehicle trading and drag racing to leading Nissan South Africa’s aftersales and approved body repair programmes. Passionate about the industry, she continues to champion network growth, technical excellence and greater opportunities for women.

The only Triumph Italia 2000 in Africa has enjoyed an extraordinary journey from Italy to Israel, and eventually South Africa. Lovingly restored after decades in storage, this rare Anglo-Italian sports car combines striking Vignale styling with dependable Triumph engineering and a fascinating ownership history.

The VAS 821 101A multifunctional resistance welder delivers precise, high-quality spot welds on Volkswagen Group high- and ultra-high-strength steels. Featuring adaptive process control, automatic monitoring and fault detection, it ensures reliable, manufacturer-approved repairs for modern vehicle structures.

The VAS 821 101A multifunctional resistance welder is designed for Volkswagen Group repairs on high- and ultra-high-strength steels. Featuring adaptive control, automatic fault detection and comprehensive process monitoring, it ensures consistent, manufacturer-approved spot weld quality for modern vehicle repairs.

PPG’s D8178 Rapid Low Energy Clearcoat enhances workshop efficiency with fast,
flexible drying options and a premium finish. Designed to reduce cycle times and
energy consumption, it delivers consistent, high-quality results.

Duxone DX31A accelerator helps body shops overcome slow curing times during colder weather by significantly increasing drying speeds. Part of Duxone’s specialised additive range, it improves productivity and ensures 2K topcoats cure more efficiently, helping painters maintain consistent refinishing performance in Winter.

Glasurit’s P-C-22 Fast-Drying Clear Coat delivers excellent productivity with drying times as low as 20 minutes at 40°C. Ideal for electric vehicle repairs, it reduces energy consumption, requires minimal polishing and helps body shops improve throughput, lower costs and increase profitability.

The DeVilbiss lightweight air regulator provides precise input air control for consistent spray-painting results. Easy to read and adjust, it is particularly valuable for applying modern pearl and interface pearl coatings that require low air pressures for flawless refinishing.

AirCraft’s range of premium microfibre cloths and drying towels provides safe, scratch-free cleaning, drying and polishing for automotive applications. Complementing the range are lightweight black nitrile gloves that offer comfort, durability and excellent tactile sensitivity for detailing and workshop use.

The GAV58 Coupler Series are reliable air fittings trusted by workshops. Made from solid brass and in various sizes, they offer universal options. They are easy to use additions to every compressor and air tool.

The Indasa HT Line (High Tech) is a high-performance abrasive that features technical advances not found anywhere else. Perfect for use in a wide range of applications from heavy duty sanding to micro-fine finishing.

For great spot repairs that require rapid drying times in clearcoats and primers, Duxone offer a host of special additives like activators to increase curing rates. This is great for a painter that needs to engage faster curing rates with colder weather.

The Takata airbag scandal remains one of the automotive industry’s greatest corporate failures. Concealed defects, unstable inflators and delayed action led to millions of recalls, dozens of deaths and lasting consequences for manufacturers, regulators and vehicle owners worldwide.

China’s automotive expansion is reshaping global markets, forcing Europe and repair industries to confront oversupply, battery uncertainty and growing software complexity. Collision repairers must rapidly develop skills in EV battery assessment, software support and component refurbishment as model variety, shorter lifecycles and Chinese exports intensify.

Andrew Marsh discusses challenges in the automotive industry, including changing business models, reduced dealer profits, EV transition pressures, Chinese vehicle exports, and poor parts support. He argues stronger aftermarket systems, parts availability, and lifecycle vehicle support are essential for sustainable repair and ownership.

Global tensions and corporate disputes at Nexperia, a key semiconductor supplier, have disrupted automotive supply chains. Dutch, US, and Chinese interventions have halted component production, highlighting the vulnerability of vehicle manufacturing to geopolitical and rare-earth dependencies.

BMW revives its revolutionary Neue Klasse with electrified drivetrains, modular hardware, and software-defined features. Echoing its 1960s innovation roots, it introduces a new vehicle platform with four “Superbrains,” aiming to redefine connected mobility, performance, and sustainability through deep, integrated design.

Europe’s push for cheaper small BEVs faces challenges: high battery costs, shrinking margins, and competition from China. Simplified designs may reduce repairability, risking “single-use” cars. Collision repairers face fewer billable hours, while insurers favour salvage. The political ‘cunning plan” may collapse.

Manufacturers worldwide are watching closely, edging nearer to modular, removable structural components in design. Tesla’s 2024 Model 3 introduces bonded and riveted steel sub-assemblies, altering front structure repairs significantly. This shift exemplifies how vehicle architecture evolves, forcing collision repairers to adapt.

Vehicles today demand integrated components to ease assembly and repair. With rising complexity, manufacturers must partner with collision repairers to reduce costs, improve service, and enhance sustainability, especially amid global competition and evolving customer expectations.

ADAS repairs require proper identification and manufacturer guidelines. Careful handling of radar and camera sensors is crucial, as incorrect bumper repairs impact safety. Recalibration is essential, and collision repairers must follow strict procedures to ensure system functionality and vehicle safety.

European vehicle manufacturers face challenges with excess capacity, high labour costs, and the shift to electric vehicles. Despite efforts to cut costs, they struggle with profit margins and rising job losses. For collision repairers, the end of mass production could increase parts scarcity, but a shift toward repair and refurbishment may help.

The BYD Shark 6, a hybrid bakkie, features impressive performance with 321kW and 650Nm torque. It’s designed for off-road and on-road use, offers advanced safety features, and has a luxurious interior with user-friendly technology, priced from R989,900.

addressing concerns about charging infrastructure. It prioritises safety and technology, appealing to consumers looking to transition to electric vehicles without sacrificing convenience and practicality.

The Citroën Basalt has launched in South Africa as an affordable, stylish SUV-coupé. Powered by a 1.2-litre turbo engine, it features a spacious cabin, 470-litre boot, and a 10-inch touchscreen. Two automatic variants are priced from R359 000.

Kia South Africa has launched the Tasman, a purpose-built double-cab bakkie combining heavy-duty capability with advanced technology. Featuring off-road systems, a one-tonne payload, and 3 500kg towing capacity, the local 2.2D automatic range spans LX, SX, and flagship X-Pro variants.

With more than 1 133 Hyundai Staria units sold locally, it’s not just a people carrier, but showcases the OEM’s technology and bold design. You can choose from three main version, Luxury, Elite and Executive – and none of them will disappoint!

Few hot hatches have captured the heart of South Africa quite like the Golf GTI. Now, the legend moves into its next chapter, arriving with more power, sharper design and smarter technology to reinforce its status as the people’s performance car.

The BMW X3 M50 sits at the top of the new X3 range and perfectly blends everyday practicality with impressive performance. Overall, it is a thrilling and sophisticated all-rounder that balances power, comfort, and technology with everyday practicality.

The latest Transit Van 350 LWB from Ford, has been designed for businesses who need versatile and dependable delivery vehicles. It has a combination of space, smart features, strong performance, and advanced safety and will help you operate more efficiently every day.

The Ford Everest XLT 4×4 blends performance, comfort, and advanced safety in a versatile, tech-rich package. With a powerful Bi-Turbo diesel engine, off-road capability, and spacious design, it’s a compelling, value-packed SUV for families and explorers alike.

Built in South Africa, the updated Nissan Navara Stealth delivers rugged style, smooth performance, and refined comfort. With powerful turbo-diesel performance, modern tech, and improved ride quality, it’s tailored for African roads—balancing everyday practicality with adventurous capability in 4×2 and 4×4 versions.