Sagola brings virtual reality spray-paint training to Automechanika Johannesburg
Among the exhibitors attracting attention at Automechanika Johannesburg 2026 was Sagola, a globally established manufacturer of automotive refinishing equipment, which made its first-ever appearance in South Africa during the three-day exhibition held from 27 to 29 October at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.
Known for its high-quality paint application systems, Sagola specialises in a wide range of products including topcoat spray guns, primer spray guns, filler spray guns and various specialist painting accessories used throughout the automotive body repair industry.
While visitors were able to explore the company’s extensive product range, one of the biggest attractions at the stand was a virtual reality training platform designed to transform how spray-painting techniques are taught and learned.
Virtual reality meets automotive refinishing
The innovative training initiative, known as SagolaSpray, allows users to experience spray painting in a fully virtual environment. Visitors to the stand were given the opportunity to virtually spray-paint a vehicle door and test their painting technique without using a single drop of paint.
The technology has been developed to provide bodyshop technicians, apprentices and students with practical experience while reducing the costs traditionally associated with training.
By simulating real-world spray-painting scenarios, users can learn correct application techniques, improve consistency and develop the muscle memory required to handle spray guns effectively before progressing to real-world paint applications.
A valuable tool for students and educators
According to the company, the system is particularly useful for beginners and students learning new painting techniques. It provides an opportunity to practise repeatedly in a controlled environment without consuming materials or generating waste.
The technology also offers significant benefits for colleges, trade schools and training providers. By reducing reliance on consumables such as paint, panels and replacement vehicle parts, training institutions can lower operating costs while providing learners with more opportunities to develop their skills.
Once students have achieved a satisfactory level of competence in the virtual environment, they can transition to real paint systems and vehicle components to further refine their techniques.
Supporting the next generation of refinish technicians
With a history spanning more than eight decades, Sagola believes technology-driven training can play an important role in attracting young people to the automotive refinishing sector.
The company sees virtual reality as a way of making technical training more accessible while also supporting environmentally responsible learning practices through reduced material consumption and waste.
The approach aligns with broader industry efforts to modernise training methods and prepare technicians for the increasingly advanced technologies being adopted across the automotive repair sector.
Building awareness and partnerships
For Sagola, participating in Automechanika Johannesburg represented an opportunity to introduce the brand to the South African market and connect with potential partners throughout the automotive aftermarket.
Peter Bloem, Sales Director at Sagola, said the company's objectives for exhibiting included increasing brand awareness and establishing new distribution partnerships within the region.
Looking ahead, Bloem identified one of the main challenges as encouraging the industry to embrace new training methodologies.
“Old-school adoption to new-school methodology” remains a hurdle, he explained, but expressed confidence that the industry will increasingly recognise the value of virtual learning tools.
With growing demand for skilled refinish technicians and ongoing advancements in training technology, Sagola believes virtual reality has the potential to complement traditional learning methods and help prepare the next generation of professionals for careers in the automotive refinishing industry.
