Description
Mazda South Africa is preparing for an important 2027.
At naamsa AutoWeek 2026, Cars.co.za BizCars host Alan Quinn sat down with Bonite van der Merwe, Managing Director of Mazda Southern Africa, to talk about the future of the brand in South Africa — and some significant new products that could be on the way.
Mazda has confirmed that it is preparing to introduce its first plug-in hybrid vehicle in South Africa in 2027, as the local market gradually moves towards new-energy vehicles.
But Mazda’s strategy isn’t about abandoning petrol and diesel overnight.
The brand plans to introduce electrified products progressively, responding to the pace at which South African consumers actually adopt the technology while continuing to offer internal-combustion vehicles where they still make sense.
And there could be another exciting arrival.
Mazda South Africa is also working with Mazda Motor Corporation on the potential return of one of the brand’s most iconic nameplates:
the Mazda MX-5.
In this episode, Alan and Bonite discuss:
Mazda’s position in the South African market
How the local automotive landscape is changing
Mazda’s approach to new-energy vehicles
Why the brand is choosing a gradual transition to electrification
Mazda’s first South African plug-in hybrid
Preparing Mazda dealers for new technology
What South African consumers expect from the Mazda brand
Mazda’s product plans for 2027
The possible return of the Mazda MX-5
Why driving enjoyment remains central to Mazda
What comes next for Mazda Southern Africa
For Mazda, the next chapter appears to be about balancing two things:
New technology and the character that has traditionally made Mazda distinctive.
Electrification is coming.
But so, potentially, is a lightweight roadster with a manual gearbox and a very familiar badge.
Would you rather see Mazda bring the MX-5 back to South Africa, or expand its electrified SUV range first?
Let us know in the comments.
Subscribe to Cars.co.za for more conversations from naamsa AutoWeek with the CEOs, managing directors and decision-makers shaping the future of South Africa’s automotive industry.
Cars.co.za BizCars — conversations with the people shaping the business of cars.
00:00 Welcome to Cars.co.za BizCars
00:48 Meet Mazda SA MD Bonite van der Merwe
02:05 Mazda’s Position in the South African Market
04:15 How the Car Market Is Changing
06:20 What South African Mazda Buyers Want
08:10 Mazda’s Approach to Electrification
10:05 A Plug-In Hybrid Is Coming to SA
12:10 Preparing Dealers for New-Energy Vehicles
13:35 Mazda’s Product Plans for 2027
15:00 Could the MX-5 Return to South Africa?
16:45 Why Driving Enjoyment Still Matters
17:48 What’s Next for Mazda Southern Africa
18:10 Final Thoughts
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