Automechanika Johannesburg 2026 returns October 27-29. It is a key event in Africa’s automotive service industry, highlighting technological advancements, skills development, and digital transformation, while serving as a hub for market trends and networking among industry professionals.

ZF Aftermarket provides workshops with access to advanced technologies that are reshaping the automotive industry. The company are a leading supplier of mobility products and systems that support both passenger cars and commercial vehicles, that helps ensure vehicles remain efficient, safe, and aligned with global sustainability goals.

Automechanika Dubai returns from 10–12 November 2026 at Dubai Exhibition Centre, bringing together 1 500+ exhibitors across 11 product sections. Meet international suppliers, compare products across 11 sections and explore new sourcing opportunities across the automotive aftermarket. With 1 500+ exhibitors expected, the event brings the market together in one visit this November in Dubai.

Real Research combines hard data with on-the-ground intelligence and have seen the trends that have shaped the automotive sector for more than 20 years. Justin Swanepoel provides understanding on why and where the market is moving to for clients which helps their businesses stay ahead of market changes.

Volkswagen Group Africa’s Plant Kariega set a monthly record by manufacturing 17 009 vehicles in July 2026, surpassing last year’s record. The plant has produced over 4.8 million vehicles since 1948, marking VW’s 75th anniversary in South Africa.

Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s mentorship programme now includes 60 Gauteng learners, offering skills in communication, logistics, and workplace exposure to build confidence and career opportunities.

Ford South Africa has launched a corporate manifesto to reaffirm its commitment to local manufacturing, investment, and job creation, promoting collaboration for a fair automotive industry amid rising competition from imports, as it enters its second century.

MG Auto Paint, founded by Mikale Gungaram in 2000, has now grown from a family shop in Alrode South to two branches. Partnering with Kay Gungaram, they focus on technical knowledge and dependable service. They have enhanced their presence in Gauteng with the new Wadeville branch.

The Auto Body Partner Industry Roadshow concluded a major South African tour, addressing rapid technological shifts and tightening commercial margins. The event brought the repair sector together to highlight advanced ADAS diagnostics, AI data analytics, digital claims acceleration, and OEM repair standards.

Akira Nakai of RAUH-Welt Begriff completed his first RWB Porsche build in Africa at Idle Auto Expo. Supported by Adendorff Machinery Mart, crowds witnessed Nakai’s hands-on craftsmanship transforming Porsches into unique masterpieces amidst a vibrant exhibition of automotive culture.

The rapid growth of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in South Africa necessitates enhanced safety and training protocols for technicians. Essential safety equipment includes insulated safety gear and lithium-ion extinguishers. Infrastructure development and investment in specialized tools are critical to support this evolving industry.

Luxor Paints has captured over 40% of South Africa’s automotive refinish market through long-term growth leading into 2026. Their competitive advantage relies on strong customer service, robust distribution, personal relationships, and the agility of local manufacturing over large multinational brands.

The collision repair industry faces a challenging market driven by rapid electric vehicle adoption and influxes of complex Chinese cars. To survive, repair businesses must heavily invest in advanced equipment, specialised high-voltage safety training, and diagnostics while still servicing older internal combustion vehicles.

Deidre Toerien’s journey from family business receptionist to owner of Silverton Spray Painters & Panelbeaters exemplifies resilience and relationship-building in a male-dominated industry. She emphasises the importance of honesty, continuous learning, and earning respect while inspiring women in automotive careers.

Andile Khumalo transitioned from electrical engineering to automotive repair after joining C3 Academy. She has developed high-precision panel beating skills, emphasising that modern body shops demand extreme attention to detail for safety calibrations and flawless vehicle alignment.

Ubuntu offers a powerful business principle: success depends on the health of the entire value chain. Repairers, suppliers, OEMs, dealerships and insurers are interconnected, making fair dealings, timely payment and commercial empathy essential to sustaining strong, resilient collision repair businesses.

Eazy Paint, a Midrand-based collision repair supplier, distributes premium Spies Hecker and value-driven Duxone coatings nationwide. Operating a massive 1 800sqm warehouse with 25 staff members, the business provides technical support, logistics solutions, and consumables to optimise workshop productivity and costs.

The GAV Air Technology five-piece NYCA spray gun kit includes a washing pistol, tyre-inflating gun, blowing gun, spray gun with a bottom tank, and coil. Made from lightweight carbon nylon, it holds 700cc and is priced at R1 230.50.

The DV1 Basecoat features an easy-to-read digital gauge for precise inlet pressures, enhancing gun performance and color matching. Its ergonomic design combines the air inlet and valve for comfort, while the B2+ Aircap supports faster, efficient application in varying conditions.

Envirobase High Performance is a waterborne basecoat that minimises solvent emissions, ensuring compliance with legislation. It offers excellent colour reproduction and covering power. The new OneVisitTM Modifier enables efficient application, while T4904 Blending Adjuster enhances the blending process.

Collision repairers must ensure safety while handling hybrids and BEVs since there are so many arriving on our roads. Hurricane Equipment offers specialized EV tools, rubber boots, gloves, and safety gear, all meeting high specifications.

The GAV Carbon Nylon Cleaning Gun comprises 20 cupliners, 50 lids and one cup with a capacity of 600ml. This reduces preparation time for spraying.

U-POL’s S2025 4:1 HS Primer offers excellent build and easy sanding for automotive refinishing. The MAXIMUM 2:1 Clearcoat provides a crystal-clear finish with superior gloss retention and dispays excellent flow and non-sag properties.

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.

China’s rapidly expanding vehicle industry is reshaping global automotive markets, bringing faster development, continuous re-tooling and increasingly sophisticated products. But repairability, parts supply and insurance costs remain challenges. For South Africa and Africa, collision repairers and insurers need to understand these changing dynamics.

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.

BYD’s Dolphin Surf offers two EV models for South Africa, enhancing accessibility with substantial ranges, advanced features, and a modern interior. The vehicle’s safety ratings indicate the need for repair technicians to adapt to electric vehicle service and maintenance.

Hyundai South Africa has launched the CRETA 1.5 Premium and CRETA 1.5T N Line, enhancing its compact-SUV range. The Premium focuses on affordability and practicality, while the N Line offers sporty features, advanced safety systems, and superior equipment, backed by long warranties and service plans.

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.