Go and Change: Celebrating GAC Newcastle’s Multi-Decade Journey

The spirit of innovation and growth continues to drive the “Go and Change” movement as Walkot Cars celebrates nearly four decades of serving the Newcastle community.

Established in the 1980s as a family-run business, the dealership has evolved from a primarily used-car operation into an approved franchise for GAC Motor and JMC Motors under the Salvador Caetano Group umbrella. The appointment as the first official JMC dealer in South Africa marked a significant milestone — not only for the brand, but for a dealership rooted in a smaller town like Newcastle.

Located in the heart of Newcastle’s CBD, the 700 square-metre facility has become a recognised local landmark. It features four workshop bays, four wash bays and two prominent showrooms showcasing the latest GAC and JMC models. Over two dozen trained staff members support a loyal customer base, with a strong emphasis on sales excellence, finance and insurance expertise, and attentive aftersales service.

Walkot Cars has earned multiple accolades from finance institutions and has been recognised as Best of Newcastle in the Vehicle Dealership category for five consecutive years — a testament to its commitment to service and community trust.

As part of the Salvador Caetano Group, one of Africa’s leading mobility networks, the dealership represents global automotive brands known for innovation, performance and reliability. Its growth reflects the expanding national footprint of both GAC and JMC, as market share and consumer confidence continue to rise.

Walkot Cars stands as a compelling example of how family values, strong partnerships and forward-thinking leadership can transform a local dealership into a dynamic force in South Africa’s evolving automotive landscape.