'100% fake news': Mazda says rumours of an SA exit stems from a troll

Fifty-year-old Mazda South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to the country, saying it is here to stay. Responding to rumours circulating in the automotive sector that the group was planning an exit from SA, Mazda South Africa's head of marketing and communications, Deolinda da Costa, told News24 on Wednesday these were "100% fake news".She pointed out that the group had a five-decade history in the country and had significant plans for the year ahead, saying the fake news about its apparent exit was being spread by a "troll with baseless predictions that are untrue and not factual and have no grounding".Da Costa also shared a press statement from Mazda SA which reiterated its commitment to SA, as well as its plans for the year ahead. "Mazda South Africa is here to stay with a bright future ahead," said the company's head of finance, Bonite van der Merwe, in the statement."We've strategically partnered with new suppliers, relocated to modern premises with extended leases and collaborated with expert partners such as DSV to enhance efficiencies. These operational changes and partnerships underscore our commitment to growth and adaptability in the local market."Explaining the changes at Mazda South Africa, the company's MD, Craig Roberts, told News24 the group's head office had previously been located in Centurion but had relocated to new offices in Waterfall near Midrand in May 2024.At the same time, the company had moved its operations to supply chain and logistics services group DSV's premises near Germiston Raceway, he said. Roberts said this had been done because of the automotive expertise available at this DSV facility.Furthermore, the location was ideal to service most of Mazda’s dealer partners conveniently, he added. Da Costa said that this move had improved efficiency, making it easier and faster to get products and parts to customers.Mazda said in its statement that its marketing continued to gain traction with customers.Da Costa said the company was "seeing positive momentum on social media, with high consumer engagement and brand appreciation".She said the company also had an exciting Mazda product line-up planned for the year.These included the CX-80, a premium seven-seater PHEV, the new CX-5 Next Generation vehicle, and the Mazda 6e and CX-60 PHEV.It had also introduced a "top-tier" customer relationship management system, focusing on changes to after-market service and with dedicated dealer support and customer care via WhatsApp.Mazda will also introduce a courtesy vehicle for customers having their cars serviced or repaired at dealerships.It was also now offering a five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty and service plan to prospective customers.Roberts was confident that the changes being implemented by Mazda in SA "coupled with a committed and experienced Mazda SA management team", would allow the brand to "continue its positive legacy in the SA automotive market". -FIN24

'100% fake news': Mazda says rumours of an SA exit stems from a troll

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Republikein 2026-02-03

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'100% fake news': Mazda says rumours of an SA exit stems from a troll

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