Bobby Ramagwede, CEO of the Automobile Association of South Africa, plays a pivotal role in the country’s automotive sector, leading an organisation dedicated to improving mobility for all South Africans. Since his appointment in October 2024, he has been a strong advocate for raising the bar on vehicle safety, consistently pushing for higher safety standards in new cars sold locally.

For LDV, Ramagwede’s endorsement of the safety of its vehicles speaks volumes.

LDV launched into South Africa in 2024, with its flagship model, the Terron 9, officially launched at last year’s Festival of Motoring in August.

At LDV’s recent rebranding launch event held in Johannesburg, Ramagwede described the Terron 9 as the safest bakkie in South Africa, boasting a full five-star ANCAP safety rating, awarded by the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme. 

Ramagwede says that while bakkies are often praised for their speed or toughness, it is significant to finally be able to point with authority to a vehicle that can be described as the safest bakkie by far in South Africa.

‘As the advocate for mobility, accessible mobility, affordable mobility and safe mobility, there's no better stage than this stage to talk about a brand that not only tries but actually does what it says it's committed to do,” Ramagwede says.

Ramagwede explains that the AA safety tests popular locally sold cars against the Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP). A minimum three-star ANCAP rating is generally considered a passing safety grade. “Different territories layer on additional tests either because of regional nuances or because they demand more safety. ANCAP, which is the Australia New Zealand variant, similar to Euro NCAP, are by far the safest standards,” he explains.

“When your bakkie scores five stars at ANCAP, you know you have a pretty tough bakkie on your hands, so a round of applause to the LDV team for bringing us a safe vehicle,” he says.

Also speaking at the event, LDV South Africa CEO Gerhard Moolman described the Terron 9 as “quite simply, the bakkie of all bakkies.”

“Achieving a five-star safety rating is no small feat, and it is something we are extremely proud of,” says Moolman. “The Terron 9 isn’t simply another premium double cab. It represents everything LDV stands for. Innovation, capability, comfort, technology, and really exceptional value,” he says.

The relationship between the AA and LDV South Africa extends beyond vehicle safety advocacy, with the two organisations having partnered since 2025. As part of this partnership, the AA uses LDV vehicles to support its work on the road while showcasing the people, places and destinations that make up the region. Their shared mission goes beyond the drive: promoting safety and ensuring that everyone arrives home. Across Southern Africa, AA is driven by LDV.

The LDV Terron 9 is a double-cab designed with the comfort, technology and sophistication of a modern SUV. Available in two specifications and priced from R779 900, the Terron 9 features 7 airbags, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with forward/rear collision warning , lane safety systems and blind spot assist,  parking and visibility support and stability and control systems including traction control, hill-start assist, hill descent control and tyre pressure monitoring.

Powered by a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine delivering 164kW and 520Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and 4x4 drivetrain, the Terron 9 features advanced driver assistance systems and off-road capability, with a towing capacity of 3 500kg. Some of its key features include a leather interior, dual 12.3-inch displays, JBL audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated multifunction steering wheel as well as heated and ventilated seats with a massage-function for the driver’s seat. 

“As your partner, and very proudly so, we look forward to this parking lot of yours growing,” says Ramagwede. About the Terron 9, he joked with guests to pick a number. “No one gets one until I get one!”.

For more information, go to www.ldvsouthafrica.co.za.