Hyundai Secures Top SAVRALA Manufacturer of the Year Award

The automaker claimed the top overall ranking at the 2026 industry ceremony held in Sandton, Johannesburg.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Car Types

A close-up of a shiny chrome automotive emblem reflecting soft daylight, symbolizing industrial precision and excellence in the automotive sector. — Hyundai was named Manufacturer of the Year at the 2026 SAVRALA awards in Sandton, South Africa, marking the brand's first top ranking since 2009. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Hyundai earned the overall Manufacturer of the Year title at the 2026 SAVRALA awards, achieving the highest combined score across rental and leasing categories. This marks the first time the manufacturer has taken the gold award since 2009.

Why it matters

These awards serve as an independent benchmark to strengthen professional relationships and drive service improvements across the South African automotive industry. The process relies on biannual surveys that measure performance against 40 distinct criteria.

Assessments for the awards are conducted through industry-specific surveys measured against 40 criteria. Market analysts at Lightstone Auto forecast that total new light-vehicle sales in South Africa will exceed 620,000 units throughout 2026.

The players

Hyundai

This global automotive manufacturer produces a wide range of vehicles and secured the top overall ranking at the 2026 SAVRALA ceremony.

Isuzu

This manufacturer specialises in commercial vehicles and bakkies, finishing in second place overall at this year's awards.

Toyota

A dominant force in the South African automotive market, this company placed third overall and secured its ninth consecutive Rental Value Award.

Lufuno Nephawe

As a representative for Toyota, this individual was recognised with the Best Technical Representative award for both rental and leasing divisions.

Lightstone Auto

This data and analytics firm has served as the independent research lead for the SAVRALA awards since 2010.

The details

Isuzu secured the top rental position, while Toyota maintained its streak by winning the Rental Value Award for the ninth consecutive year. Other notable recognitions included MINI receiving the Tutuka Award for the second year in a row.

The 2026 SAVRALA Manufacturer of the Year awards ceremony was held on 22 October 2026.
Hyundai previously earned the overall Gold Award in 2009.
Lightstone Auto became the lead for independent research for these awards in 2010.

Roadmap

These results highlight the shift in competitive standing among major manufacturers as they vie for dominance in the rental and leasing sectors. The rankings indicate how brands like Hyundai are successfully challenging the historical market dominance held by long-standing leaders like Toyota and Isuzu.

Drivers using rental or leased vehicles may benefit from the improved service standards and industry accountability these awards incentivise. High-performing manufacturers typically prioritise better maintenance and customer support infrastructure to maintain their competitive edge.

The takeaway

Recognising top-performing manufacturers helps provide consumers with clearer indicators of service reliability within the rental and leasing market. Staying informed about these industry benchmarks can assist motorists in selecting providers that maintain the highest operational standards.