Women drive Hyundai’s success as brand strengthens partnership with SPAR.

Johannesburg, 11 November 2026.  Women’s growing influence in South Africa’s automotive market was among the key themes highlighted at the 2026 SPAR Grand Prix Awards, where Hyundai Automotive South Africa celebrated a  partnership with the country’s premier women’s 10km road-running series.

The awards recognized the athletes’ outstanding performances across five races hosted in Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, Gqeberha and Johannesburg.  Together, the events recorded approximately 80,000 participants and finishers, demonstrating the scale and reach of the series.

“At Hyundai Automotive South Africa, we believe that when women move forward, our nation moves forward with them.  Our partnership with the SPAR Women’s Grand Prix is about celebrating excellence, challenging boundaries and creating opportunities for women to realise their full potential,” said Thembeka Ngubane, Finance Executive at Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

The partnership has a clear commercial dimension, with Hyundai’s internal research revealing that 67% of Hyundai EXTER buyers in South Africa are women aged between 20 and 50.  This impressive buying power highlights the importance of female consumers in shaping automotive purchasing trends.

“Women are shaping households, communities, the economy and their influence in the automotive market continues to grow.  Our partnership with SPAR allowed us to celebrate that influence while creating both economic and social opportunities,” added Ngubane.

During this year’s series, five lucky entrants, one at each of the five race events, drove away with a brand-new Hyundai EXTER, valued at R269 900.  The vehicles were awarded through lucky draws open to all entrants at each respective race.  Hyundai has been a valued partner of the SPAR Grand Prix for the past two years, adding tremendous excitement and value to the series.

Ngubane also congratulated Glenrose Xaba on successfully defending her title and being crowned the 2026 SPAR Grand Prix champion, as well as the other race winners and athletes recognized at the event.

SPAR Group Head PR, Sponsorship and Communications Mpudi Maubane announced that SPAR would sponsor the awards again next year and that preparations for the 2027 Grand Prix were already underway.

“The SPAR Grand Prix has helped to nurture generations of athletes who have gone on to represent our country with distinction.  Our ambition is not simply to see women cross finish lines, but to help create a society where every woman and girl can pursue her dreams without fear, barriers and limitations.”