Bloemfontein-built range of bakkies are 'South African tough'

A Bloemfontein-built range of bakkies has been described as possibly South Africa's best-kept secret.

Brandt BRV is a family-owned business launched in the Free State in 2013.

The company promises strong, tough, proudly South African hand-built vehicles.

"It's got the look of an old-school Landrover", comments Bruce Whitfield.

He gets the lowdown from owner, founder and primary designer Stian Brandt.

Brandt BRV started as a vision to build something for South Africa and for South Africans, says Brandt.

"We started in 2013 building this vehicle... At the time I was only 23 years old, starting to design my brand. We've been busy now for ten years and it's been an uphill battle, but it's been great."

"I'm very proud of the car that we're building."

Stian Brandt, Founder - Brandt BRV

To date, the independent manufacturer's seen 55 vehicles roll off its production line, but they're aiming for 20 a month at the end of the year now that they've moved into bigger premises.

"Now, I've got an order of 17, so I'm still building for the next six months, and hopefully it will pick up."

"I always say to my employees that I don't have a ceiling, so of course I don' want to do just 20 a month. I would like to get to the hundreds and then to a thousand."

"It took us a while to get to a point where there are no comebacks - we worked very hard since 2013 to build a vehicle that is 'South African tough', and I think we're at that point now, so we're ready to scale up."

Stian Brandt, Founder - Brandt BRV

Brandt says they are engaging with government to try and get funding to ramp up their production line.

He also notes that his partner is in Texas in the US, where they're hoping to ship vehicles to as well.

"I believe it's a great product for South Africa, but obviously there's huge demand overseas."

Stian Brandt, Founder - Brandt BRV