Chinese car brands are making remarkable strides, as highlighted by a recent post from Wu Peng, China’s Ambassador to South Africa, on X.
On March 10, 2025, Ambassador Wu shared exciting news about the growing presence of Chinese automakers in the region, noting that brands like Chery and Great Wall Motors (GWM) each sold over 1,000 passenger vehicles in February 2025 alone. This milestone underscores the increasing trust and popularity these brands—alongside Omoda, Jaecoo, Jetour, BYD, MG, and Dongfeng—are earning among South African drivers.
The backdrop to this surge is a broader trend of Chinese automakers expanding their global footprint, particularly in emerging markets. South Africa, with its diverse consumer base and demand for affordable, reliable vehicles, has become a prime target. According to data from Lightstone Auto, Chinese vehicle brands accounted for 9% of all passenger and light commercial vehicle sales in South Africa by July 2024, up from just 2% in 2019. This growth reflects a strategic focus on offering competitively priced vehicles equipped with modern technology, appealing to cost-conscious buyers in the entry-level and mid-range segments.
Chery and GWM, in particular, have emerged as key players. Chery’s Tiggo 4 Pro and GWM’s Haval Jolion have consistently ranked among the top-selling models from Chinese brands in South Africa. In the first half of 2024, Chery’s market share reached 3.79%, while GWM held a 3.53% share, placing both brands among the top 10 in popular segments like crossover SUVs and compact family cars.
Related
Their success is driven by a combination of affordability, practical features, and increasingly sophisticated designs.
This rise also reflects broader market dynamics. Chinese automakers are capitalizing on their ability to adapt to local needs, offering extensive vehicle portfolios and robust after-sales services. The competitive pressure they exert is prompting established European and Japanese manufacturers to reassess their strategies, fostering a more innovative and consumer-focused automotive landscape in South Africa. Moreover, the influx of Chinese brands is creating opportunities for job creation, skills development, and technological advancement within the country’s automotive sector, as noted in industry analyses.
Globally, China’s auto industry is booming, with 2024 sales reaching a record 2.6 million vehicles—a 38.4% increase—driven by both domestic demand and exports. This momentum positions Chinese brands to deepen their presence in markets like South Africa, especially as global trade dynamics, including potential tariff wars, evolve.
While some South Africans, as seen in responses to Ambassador Wu’s post, question when Chinese brands might establish local manufacturing or assembly plants (similar to European and American brands), the current import model has already reshaped the market.
As Chinese automakers continue to gain trust and market share, their journey in South Africa signals a transformative shift, blending affordability with innovation and setting the stage for a more competitive, diverse automotive future.
