Chinese Vehicle Brands Surge in South Africa Amidst Overall Sales Growth
South Africa's new vehicle market is experiencing a significant upswing, with September marking a continuation of growth. Alongside this, Chinese vehicle brands are making notable strides, increasing their presence and market share within the South African automotive industry.
South Africa's New Vehicle Sales Exceed Expectations
New vehicle sales in South Africa reached 54,700 units in September, a 24.3% increase compared to the 44,000 units sold in the same month last year. This marks the highest sales figure for September since 2015 and signifies a year of continuous growth for the local industry. The overall positive performance indicates a strong recovery and growing consumer confidence in the South African market.
The Rise of Chinese Automotive Brands
A key trend in the South African automotive market is the increasing popularity and market share of Chinese vehicle brands. Currently, 15 Chinese brands operate in the country, with Great Wall Motors (GWM) and Chery already securing positions among the top 10 best-selling brands. This signifies a growing acceptance and preference for Chinese vehicles among South African consumers.
Expansion and New Entrants
The landscape of Chinese vehicle brands in South Africa is set to expand further. Brands like Changan, Geely, and JMC are expected to return to the market, while Deepal is poised to make its debut before the end of the year. The arrival of iCaur and Lepas next year will bring the total number of Chinese brands operating in South Africa to 21.
Current Chinese Brands in South Africa
The current roster of Chinese vehicle brands available in South Africa includes:
- BAIC
- BYD
- Chery
- Dayun
- Dongfeng
- Foton
- GAC
- GWM Haval
- JAC
- Jaecoo
- Jetour
- LDV
- MG
- Omoda
- Riddara
However, only a select few of these brands, including GWM, Chery, Omoda & Jaecoo, Jetour, MG, Foton, JAC, and BAIC, report their sales figures to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa).
September Sales Performance
While Toyota and other established brands maintain their dominance, the September sales figures for Chinese brands are noteworthy. Chery and its sub-brands Omoda & Jaecoo and Jetour achieved impressive rankings, occupying the second, third, and fourth positions, respectively. MG, surprisingly, secured fifth place after only two months of reporting sales. Despite these gains, the Toyota HiLux remained the best seller, with 5,047 units sold, beating Ford Ranger and Tesla Model Y.
September 2023 Chinese Vehicle Sales Figures
| Brand | Sales |
|---|---|
| GWM | 2,620 |
| Chery | 2,264 |
| Omoda & Jaecoo | 1,201 |
| Jetour | 815 |
| MG | 557 |
| Foton | 410 |
| JAC | 225 |
| BAIC | 124 |
