Industry News
Festival of Nissan celebrates 65 years in South Africa previewing a bold new future

Nissan SA
(PRETORIA, South Africa): Nissan South Africa is holding the inaugural Festival of Nissan at Gallagher Estate from September 21 to 23 2026, a three-day celebration of the brand’s 65-year legacy in South Africa and a powerful statement of its upcoming product line-up for the country.
Centred around the South African launch of the all-new Nissan TEKTON, one of the first markets following the model’s global reveal in India in June, the festival brings media, dealers, employees, fleet owners, customers and fans of the brand together.
The programme includes the all-new TEKTON, a sneak preview of upcoming models, test-drive experiences of the latest Nissan models, a heritage display, enthusiast showcases and a Dealer of the Year gala.
“Nissan is committed to Africa, this is a continent with incredible potential and is truly the world’s last automotive frontier. We see South Africa as a critical gateway to unlocking the potential of the African Century,” says Jordi Vila, President, Nissan Africa & Europe and AMIEO DVP Brand & After Sales.
Nissan’s new long-term direction, he says is, guided by its customer-centric vision; “Mobility Intelligence for Everyday Life”, is designed to drive sustainable competitive advantage across next-generation technologies, a streamlined product portfolio, a redefined global market approach, and an industrial model organised around clearly defined vehicle families,” he says.
The TEKTON is an important expansion of the Nissan SUV range, which Nissan pioneered a generation ago with the X-TRAIL. It is the latest model launch in a series that the company promised this year, which will be followed by the all-new Patrol, early next year. The seventh edition of Nissan’s oldest running nameplate is powered by a high-output twin-turbo V6 with advanced digital integration, and is a major contender in the global luxury performance SUV market.
For Mohamed Samad, Managing Director, Nissan Africa, Africa’s automotive growth will be powered by the SUV segment and as such the festival is an important regional milestone. “The launch of the all-new Nissan Tekton in South Africa illustrates the evolution of our regional strategy: bringing globally relevant products to African customers, supported by strong market insight, a trusted dealer network and a commitment to long-term value. Our focus is clear: to compete with purpose, earn customer confidence every day and build a Nissan brand ready for Africa’s future.”
South Africa has been part of Nissan’s story for 65 years and the festival represents a defining moment for the local business says Juan Wheeler, Managing Director, Nissan South Africa.
“South Africans know Nissan. For 65 years, our vehicles have been part of daily life, and with that legacy comes the responsibility to introduce models that speak to the real needs of this market. It’s a story built on trust, resilience, people and products that have moved generations; and it’s particularly pleasing to have two uniquely South African Nissan institutions taking part in this festival in the form of the Nissan and Datsun Heritage Museum in Bothaville and the GT-R and Z Club.
“This week, we are honouring our legacy, celebrating our people and charting the future of a Nissan that is modern, competitive, connected and committed to South Africa.”
“Great automotive brands are built through moments that connect product, people and purpose,” said Ramy Mohareb, Head of Brand and Communications, Nissan Africa. “The Tekton with its bold Patrol-inspired design, smart connectivity, practical space and confident turbocharged performance, is crafted to stand out. It is designed for a segment in the market, young families making their first move up and we have no doubt that it will become another iconic Nissan nameplate in the SUV segment.”
ENDS
