Only a few years back, Chinese-manufactured cars were seldom seen on South African roads, with these automakers viewed as peripheral players. This narrative is rapidly evolving, as Chinese car manufacturers are now surpassing some well-known Western, American, and Japanese brands.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable uptick in South Africans purchasing Chinese brands such as Chery and Haval, a sub-brand of Great Wall Motors (GWM), driven largely by their affordability and a wealth of features. In light of increasing consumer interest, several Chinese carmakers are now considering establishing manufacturing and assembly facilities in South Africa.
The majority of these cars are powered by internal combustion engines, but there is no doubt that electric vehicles will soon follow.
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According to S&P Global Mobility, the South African SUV market experienced significant shifts between January and August in comparison to the same timeframe last year.
Chinese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) collectively increased their sales volume by as much as 86%, augmenting their overall market share to 15%. This growth was propelled by Chery, whose vehicle sales climbed by 27% to over 16,000 units, and Haval, which experienced a 45% increase to more than 12,000 units, as reported by S&P Global Mobility.
Although Japanese giants Toyota and Suzuki still dominate in terms of unit sales, their individual market influence is diminishing, with both brands registering declines in market share during the same period.
According to W. Gyude Moore, a distinguished fellow at the Energy for Growth Hub think tank and a former minister of public works in Liberia, the trend observed on the roads indicates that Chinese vehicles are set to take a significant role in the future of mobility in South Africa.
“I’ve been visiting Johannesburg for the past decade, and there is a clear trend showing an increase in the number of Chinese vehicles on the roads,” Moore noted.
Walt Madeira, principal analyst for vehicle forecasting in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at S&P Global Mobility, highlighted that Chinese carmakers are attracting local buyers and competently challenging Western brands with affordable pricing, feature-rich cars, extended warranties, and robust market expansion.
Distinguishing themselves from competitors, Chinese brands incorporate advanced features—such as significant touchscreens, driver assistance technologies, and premium interiors—into their basic models as standard offerings.
Sales of vehicles manufactured in China have surged dramatically in South Africa over recent years, prompting some brands to explore the possibility of constructing manufacturing and assembly facilities within the country. Photo: Xinhua.
