Nissan names new Navara ambassadors
Nissan South Africa has appointed its first brand ambassadors for the agricultural and mining sectors as part of an effort to strengthen its ties with two of the country's most vital economic industries.
The Japanese carmaker has selected Wandile Sihlobo, a leading agricultural economist, alongside industrial engineers Shaldon Naicker and Gavin Kirstein, to represent its locally built Navara pick-up range for 2026.
The announcement follows the conclusion of Nampo, the southern hemisphere’s largest agricultural trade show, where Nissan highlighted its 60-year manufacturing heritage in South Africa.
Mr Sihlobo, who serves as the chief economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa and sits on the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, is an academic and author who frequently contributes to the national discourse on farming and rural development.
Mr Kirstein brings 15 years of experience in power transmission and mechanical engineering, specializing in components used across heavy manufacturing and farming. Mr Naicker, the founder of 1Leaf Consulting and former vice-president of engineering at Sasol Mining, specializes in underground operations and asset management.
All three ambassadors have taken delivery of the company's flagship Navara PRO-4X double-cab models, which are manufactured at Nissan's Rosslyn plant near Pretoria. The vehicles are equipped with a 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine and specific off-road hardware designed to navigate harsh commercial environments.
Mohamed Abdel Samad, the managing director of Nissan Africa, said the appointments represent an investment in the country's industrial leaders. He added that the vehicle manufacturer plans to introduce three new models to the African market over the next 12 months.
Reichardt Groenewald, Nissan South Africa’s sales director, said the new ambassadors exemplified the key sectors that the company has supported over six decades of operating on the continent.
The trio join South African international rugby players Aphelele Fassi and Jordan Hendrikse, who were named as lifestyle ambassadors for the automotive brand earlier this month.
