The AA in December expressed concern, citing the latest SaferCarsForAfrica crash-test results from Global NCAP thatreveal that the Hyundai Grand i10 has received a zero-star rating for adult occupant protection. AA CEO Bobby Ramagwede said at the time the results were “deeply concerning and highlight a continuing pattern in which vehicles sold in Africa do not meet the same safety standards applied in other regions”. Hyundai said on Tuesday the vehicle in question meets all the safety and homologation requirements applicable in South Africa as stipulated by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS).
“Safety is deeply embedded in Hyundai’s global and local product philosophy,” said Stanley Anderson, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa. “The Hyundai Grand i10 has been engineered to meet all South African road and safety requirements, and the NRCS confirmation provides credible assurance to our customers and stakeholders that these standards have been independently verified. “While additional independent assessments and ratings, such as NCAP, are useful reference points, they continue to evolve and do not replace or override South Africa’s established regulatory standards.” Last year, Hyundai sold more than 36,000 vehicles in South Africa — a market being fundamentally changed by the entry of Chinese brands.
The company, which finished 2025 as the country’s fourth-largest motor brand, sold about 3,000 vehicles in December alone. According to data from Hyundai, the Grand i10 was its strongest-performing model, while the Hyundai Exter also had a strong showing. However, the company, which has been in the South African market for the past 25 years, has an assembly plant in Benoni where it assembles the EX8 and the H-100 bakkie.
Read Full Article on Business Day
[paywall]
It employs nearly 2,200 staff in South Africa, including temporary workers. “Hyundai Automotive South Africa remains engaged with relevant regulators and industry bodies to continue to deliver vehicles that meet the needs of South African motorists while working closely with its global original equipment manufacturer to respond to the increasing safety requirements,” Anderson said.
[/paywall]
