The Cars.co.za Podcast Cars.co.za

Rob Yao joins us again for episode 2 of this series we've decided to call China Chat. It focuses on everything automotive occurring in China, where Rob has fantastic insights being an interpreter for some Chinese automotive companies. 

In this episode, Ciro and Rob discuss how many new models brands like Haval and Chery are making in the next few years as well as which models could be introduced in SA.



Then they look at some of the wild and crazy vehicles, particularly in the bakkie segment, that have potential to threaten the likes of the Hilux and Ranger locally. Let us know what your thoughts in the comments below and as always, like and subscribe so we can get this content out to as many people as possible.

The Chinese car industry has evolved rapidly over the last decade. What started out as a copycat culture has developed into a global machine that is penetrating the world's automotive industry. How have Chinese cars developed and what is the culture that has led them to such speedy growth? Rob Yao has unique insights into the Chinese culture as a professional translator.

Rob has been the in-between voice for the Chinese manufacturers wherever they have looked to expand. His unique insight provides an interesting take on what to expect from the Chinese moving forward as well as where the Chinese plan on leading the way.

In this exclusive podcast, Ciro de Siena sits with Naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa on the state of the SA car industry.

Naamsa (National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA) is the trusted voice for and on behalf of the South African automotive industry. Its job is to support the local industry through engagement with the government on behalf of the automotive industry in South Africa.

Its CEO, Mikel Mabasa chats with Ciro De Siena in this tell-all podcast ranging from its endorsement of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards to dealings with the government surrounding EV taxes and local production. If you enjoy digging into the behind-the-scenes of big business as well as the politics that go with it then this one is definitely worth a watch/listen.

We were grateful to be joined by Martina Biene, MD of Volkswagen SA, for a wide-ranging and candid interview with Ciro De Siena in our Cape Town podcast studio. Martina offered us tonnes of info about the future of Volkswagen in South Africa, including plans for hydrogen, plug-in hybrids, the cost of new Polos, the challenges around the the theft of Polo, the secret new model that they will be building in Kariega, the possibility of a half-tonne bakkie and the widely discussed delay of the Golf 8 R launching in South Africa.

In our latest podcast, Ciro De Siena is joined by Kabelo Rabotho, from Nissan South Africa. What does the future hold for this Japanese brand in SA?
What’s the future of Nissan? Wide-ranging chat with Kabelo Rabotho, Country Director Nissan SA

What do you want to know about the Nissan brand in South Africa? You’ll probably find the answer in this interview.

Join us in the Cars.co.za podcast studio where Kabelo Rabotho joins Ciro De Siena for an in-depth discussion of Nissan’s future both globally and particularly in South Africa.

Kabelo Rabotho was candid in his answers and gave us some exclusive insight into the future of the brand, and what they have planned for South Africa.

With the comprehensive EQ portfolio, Mercedes-Benz SA is confident that it can make inroads into the premium EV segment. We also chat about the Mercedes-Benz facility in East London and the challenges facing the South African EV landscape.