The head of Mazda in South Africa says the Japanese brand’s local division is “continually looking at” the feasibility of bringing the BT-50 bakkie back to Mzansi…
- BT-50 was axed in South Africa in 2024
- Mazda SA boss hasn’t ruled out return
- Next-gen model tipped for 2028 release
The head of Mazda Southern Africa has left the door open for a BT-50 return, revealing that the Japanese brand’s local division is “continually looking at” the feasibility of re-introducing the bakkie to Mzansi.
As a reminder, the 3rd-generation BT-50 – which was unveiled back in mid-2020, is based on the current Isuzu D-Max and continues to be produced in Thailand – was discontinued in South Africa in March 2024, ending the nameplate’s 18-year run (and even longer B-Series heritage) in the country.
However, Bonite van der Merwe, Managing Director at Mazda Southern Africa, suggested there was a possibility the BT-50 might one day make a comeback to the local market. She made the comments during an interview in Cars.co.za’s custom-built podcast booth at Naamsa’s SA Auto Week 2026 event in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal in October.
“We still have the BT-50 globally. It’s a phenomenal product and bakkies [are] extremely important in South Africa. The light-commercial vehicle segment is important for [our market],” Van der Merwe told us.
“As we assess the industry, we always consider what products we can bring into this market, because we need to be able to be competitive – and for the consumer to look at the BT-50 and say: ‘that makes sense’. So, from my perspective, we are continually looking at it,” she added.
At the time of the slow-selling BT-50’s local axing, Craig Roberts – Van der Merwe’s direct predecessor and then-MD of Mazda SA – said the company had made the “difficult decision” based on the dominance of locally manufactured bakkies (think Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max) and an “extremely challenging landscape for imported vehicles”.
In October 2024, the facelifted Mazda BT-50 was revealed overseas, though remained firmly off the table for South Africa. According to CarsGuide, however, Mazda is already working on a new-generation BT-50, with a potential introduction pencilled in for some point in 2028.
The Australian publication suggests the Japanese automaker has two options regarding the development of a new BT-50. The first is to continue to work with Isuzu and base the fourth-gen bakkie on the next D-Max. The second, meanwhile, is to leverage its joint venture with Changan and use the Chinese firm’s bakkie as a base.
As a reminder, the original BT-50 was revealed back in 2006, based on the Ford Ranger and built at the Blue Oval brand’s Silverton facility right here in South Africa. The 2nd-generation version debuted in Mzansi in 2012, initially again produced locally by Ford, before Mazda SA switched to a Thai-built version at the facelift in 2017. The third-gen model then touched down in Mzansi in 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Mazda considering bringing the BT-50 bakkie back to South Africa?
A: Mazda Southern Africa Managing Director Bonite van der Merwe confirmed to Cars.co.za that the brand is “continually looking at” the feasibility of re-introducing the BT-50 to the local market in the future.
Q: When was the Mazda BT-50 discontinued in South Africa?
A: The third-generation BT-50 was axed in South Africa in March 2024, concluding an 18-year local run for the nameplate due to intense competition from locally built bakkies and tough conditions for imported vehicles.
Q: What are the future expectations for a next-generation Mazda BT-50?
A: Industry reports suggest a new fourth-generation BT-50 could debut around 2028, with potential development paths including a continued partnership with Isuzu (based on the next D-Max) or utilising a platform from joint-venture partner Changan.
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Ryan Bubear
Having written about everything from sport and politics to crime, Ryan eventually settled on motoring. For well over 15 years, he's been penning articles – both online and in print – about the broader automotive industry, though he's particularly fascinated by vehicle-sales statistics. A freelance writer and editor, Ryan has owned a 1971 Austin Mini Mk3 for 20-plus years.
