It has been more than two decades since Mahindra first introduced the Bolero to South African buyers. Back in 2004, the platform arrived with little fanfare but plenty of practicality. Now, after a few years of quietly figuring out what comes next, the brand is ready to roll out something built on that same trusted foundation.
“The Bolero has been one of the more trusted platforms in the country,” says outgoing Mahindra CEO, Rajesh Gupta who moves to Mumbai and takes charge of the whole of Africa. “Very few brands in this country can speak about a platform that has been tried and tested by thousands and thousands of customers.”
Showing the Bolero Max for the first time at the Nampo Show in Bothaville, Rajesh pointed out customer needs have become more intense.
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“South Africa is seeing more service industry players, contractors and other commercial users entering the market. With products like the NP200 no longer available locally, the demand for medium-sized pickups just keeps growing.
“So Mahindra is introducing a platform approach with the next phase of its local lineup. The new offering will sit a notch below the existing pickup range and will include three variants with unique payload capacities: 1,3 tonnes, 1,5 tonnes and 1,7 tonnes. That last one, the 1,7 tonner, is not currently offered by anyone else in the country. Mahindra will be the first to bring it in.”
The new model features a flat deck and some unusual engineering. The company is not saying much about the technical details just yet, with a launch planned for around the end of June. What they will say is that the design has been aimed at delivering a low cost per kilometre, with total ownership costs positioned in a unique way. The vehicle is intended for customers looking for a more city-friendly pickup for specific utility work.
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Meanwhile, Toyota South Africa Motors is back at Nampo Harvest Day 2026, which remains the largest agricultural exhibition in the southern hemisphere. The company’s long participation at the event is seen as a marker of its commitment to the farming community. This year’s theme is Resilience through Innovation, bringing together agricultural workers, industry leaders and innovators.
“For Toyota, Nampo gives us a real chance to connect meaningfully with the people who rely on our vehicles every day to power their livelihoods and ambitions while contributing to our economy,” says Leon Theron, senior vice president for sales and marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors. “We are very pleased to continue our participation because agribusiness is a key part of our customer base.”
Visitors to Toyota Avenue can expect a lineup that blends traditional and new energy vehicles, including the much-anticipated new generation Hilux, which will make its first public appearance. It will be joined by the new Land Cruiser FJ, the bZ4X electric vehicle, and the new RAV4. Lexus will showcase the GX and the fully electric RZ, while Hino Trucks will demonstrate its role in supporting the logistics and transport sectors.
Toyota is also attempting a series of Guinness World Records at Nampo Park today to celebrate the new Hilux. Thousands of Hilux owners are expected to take part in the event, which will include live entertainment, giveaways and spot prizes. One participant will win a new generation Hilux Xtra Cab with insurance and accessories.
“We know this is quite ambitious, but we are excited about the prospect of being multiple Guinness World Record holders. What will make this even more special is sharing it with our Hilux community,” added Theron.
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Looking further ahead, Ford has confirmed that the Ranger Super Duty will arrive in South Africa in 2027. Developed after direct talks with customers, the new bigger bakkie is aimed at emergency services, farmers, utilities, forestry workers, miners and infrastructure technicians. It will be offered in double cab and single cab configurations.
“Ranger Super Duty blends the smart features and advanced safety of the award-winning Ranger with heavy-duty capability. This will be a first of its kind model introduction in South Africa,” says Neale Hill, president of Ford’s Africa operations.
The vehicle will also serve as an overlanding platform for adventure enthusiasts, with the ability to tow larger caravans and tackle extreme terrain. Ford’s Pro Convertor programme will allow customers to work with dealers to adapt the vehicle for specific industry or personal needs, from bulletproofing to loadbed modifications.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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