South Africa’s automotive industry is evolving rapidly, and trusted journalism is playing an important role in helping the sector navigate change. At the 2026 naamsa Accelerator Awards, powered by WesBank, Cars.co.za has earned recognition for its contribution to the industry, taking home the Automotive Media House of the Year award.
The recognition came during SA Auto Week 2026 in Durban, where Cars.co.za also served as the official media partner. The event celebrated organisations and individuals driving innovation, growth, transformation and progress across South Africa’s automotive value chain.
The occasion brought further recognition for the publication, with Ryan Bubear named Automotive Journalist of the Year.
More Than Automotive News
Cars.co.za’s Media House of the Year award recognises its broader approach to automotive reporting and industry engagement.
Through initiatives such as DealerCon, Dave News and BizCars, alongside detailed coverage of the automotive economy, the platform connects manufacturers, dealers, finance partners, policymakers and consumers.
DealerCon brings automotive retail leaders together to discuss the issues shaping the sector. These include changing consumer behaviour, digital retail, vehicle financing, affordability and the growth of new-energy vehicles.
Meanwhile, Dave News and BizCars deliver industry-focused reporting and analysis on commercial, economic and policy developments affecting mobility in South Africa.
Together, these platforms aim to create a clearer picture of an industry facing changing market conditions, new technologies and evolving consumer expectations.
Creating Conversations That Move the Industry Forward
Nicole Capper-Austin, Chief Marketing Officer at Cars.co.za, described the award as a proud moment for the team.
She said the recognition reflects the value of creating platforms where the industry can engage openly with important issues, including retail transformation, electrification, economic policy and consumer trust.
“We do not want to simply report on the automotive industry; we want to help create the conversations that move it forward,” Capper-Austin said.
Cars.co.za also played an active role at SA Auto Week 2026 as the event’s official media partner. Its involvement helped facilitate discussions between government, manufacturers, investors, dealers and other stakeholders.
These conversations focused on the future of automotive manufacturing, trade, mobility and economic growth in South Africa.
Ryan Bubear Recognised for Automotive Journalism
The awards also recognised the importance of clear, independent reporting through Ryan Bubear’s Automotive Journalist of the Year accolade.
Bubear’s work covers vehicle sales, imports, electrification and the wider automotive economy. His reporting aims to make complex industry developments accessible while maintaining accuracy and editorial independence.
Reflecting on the award, Bubear said credible automotive journalism must go beyond announcing new vehicles and products.
He emphasised the need to help readers understand the economic, regulatory and consumer forces shaping the industry, while providing information they can trust.
“In an environment where AI-generated content and misinformation are increasingly common, credible, independent reporting matters more than ever,” Bubear said.
Why Trusted Automotive Journalism Matters
The double recognition highlights the role that quality journalism and industry-focused platforms can play in South Africa’s automotive sector.
Accurate reporting and informed analysis help stakeholders make better decisions across the value chain. This includes original equipment manufacturers, dealerships, financial institutions, policymakers and consumers.
As the industry continues to navigate developments in electrification, affordability, trade and mobility, access to reliable information remains important.
For Cars.co.za, the two awards recognise both its wider contribution to automotive industry conversations and the individual work of a journalist covering the forces shaping the sector.
The honours at the 2026 naamsa Accelerator Awards place the spotlight on an essential part of the automotive ecosystem: helping South Africans understand not only what is happening in the industry, but also why it matters.
