Combined Motor Holdings (CMH): South Africa's Mixed-Mobility Powerhouse
Combined Motor Holdings is a premier South African investment holding company with deep roots in motor retail, vehicle rental, financial services, and distribution sectors. Its story reflects decades of strategic growth, diversification, and customer-focused innovation.
Early Foundations: 1976–1980s
1976: CMH was founded by Jebb McIntosh and Maldwyn Zimmerman, beginning as a combined Chevrolet and Datsun dealership operation based in KwaZulu-Natal.
Over the late 1970s and early 1980s, the group expanded through mergers of multiple motor dealerships, strengthening its presence in retail automotive.
Rise and Listing: 1987
In 1987, Combined Motor Holdings Limited achieved a major milestone by listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), becoming a publicly traded entity.
Expansion & Diversification: 1990s–2000s
1999: CMH acquired the South African franchises for National and Alamo, restructuring them under National Alamo within CMH, marking its first move into the car-hire sector.
2006: As part of its Black Economic Empowerment strategy, Thebe Investment Corporation acquired a 15% stake in CMH for approximately R294 million.
2008: CMH rebranded and launched First Car Rental as its in-house car-hire subsidiary, following the separation from National/Alamo, expanding its rental footprint significantly.
Strengthening the Group: 2010s to Present
CMH evolved into a comprehensive investment holding company operating across five key business segments:
Motor Retail & Distribution,
Car Hire (through First Car Rental),
Financial Services,
Workshop Equipment (NWE Workshop Equipment),
Fleet Solutions and Digital Marketing.
It established a robust dealership network representing major brands such as Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Honda, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Renault, Suzuki, among others.
The company currently employs around 2,500–3,000 staff across South Africa and provides over 60 car rental branches nationwide through First Car Rental with a fleet in the thousands of vehicles.
Present Day: A Market Leader
CMH is proudly known as “The Leading South African Motor & Car Hire Group”, a title prominently displayed across its corporate signage and marketing.
With its diversified structure and commitment to customer satisfaction, CMH is a trusted provider for South Africa’s automotive needs—from car sales to rentals, financing, servicing, and fleet solutions.
