If you’re a motor vehicle owner or buyer in South Africa, sooner or later you’re going to need to know the names of the Chinese motor vehicle brands that are making a real impact here. Can you name any of them?
Recently there has been a major shake-up in the automotive industry. Chinese brand Chery is set to take over Nissan’s manufacturing plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, with the transition expected to be completed in 2026. Nissan’s local assembly operations will end, and models such as the Navara pickup will be imported instead of built locally. It’s a symbolic moment that shows how quickly the industry landscape is shifting.
For decades, the South African market has been dominated by vehicles from Europe, Japan, and Korea. That is changing fast. Chinese brands have moved from being fringe players to serious competitors, with several climbing sales charts and expanding dealer networks across the country.
A 20-Year Journey: From Early Days to Market Power
Chery first appeared in South Africa roughly 20 years ago and then re-entered the market around 2021. Today, it is one of the fastest-growing brands on local roads, with models such as the Tiggo 4 and Tiggo 7 becoming common sights.
There’s also an interesting bit of history behind the brand. Early Chery Tiggo SUVs were often said to have “Toyota-like engines.” In reality, they used Mitsubishi-designed engines built under licence. These engines had a reputation for durability, which helped some of those early vehicles stay on the road for many years.
The current generation of Chinese vehicles is very different. Today’s models come with modern engines, hybrid technology, advanced safety systems, and interiors that compete directly with established global brands — often at noticeably lower prices.
The Growing Chinese Footprint
It’s not just one or two names anymore. Several Chinese brands are now well established in South Africa and selling in meaningful volumes, especially in the SUV and bakkie segments.
The key Chinese brands currently active in South Africa include:
Chery – Known for its Tiggo SUV range and expanding model lineup.
GWM (Great Wall Motor) – Parent company of Haval, Tank, and the P-Series bakkies.
Haval – Popular SUVs such as the Jolion and H6.
Omoda – A newer SUV brand that has quickly gained attention.
Jaecoo – A more premium-positioned brand under the Chery Group.
Jetour – Growing its presence in the SUV market.
BYD – A global leader in electric vehicles and hybrids, now selling locally.
BAIC and JAC – Additional Chinese brands active in work-vehicle and SUV segments.
Together, these manufacturers have shifted from niche importers to recognised players in the mainstream market.
Where Are Our Cars Made?
Despite the increase in imports, South Africa still has a significant local vehicle manufacturing base. Major passenger vehicle plants currently operating include:
BMW in Rosslyn, Gauteng
Ford in Silverton, Gauteng
Volkswagen in Kariega, Eastern Cape
Mercedes-Benz in East London, Eastern Cape
Isuzu in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
Toyota in Prospecton, KwaZulu-Natal
Chery is expected to add to this list once production begins at the former Nissan plant.
In addition, there are numerous specialised facilities producing trucks and buses, including plants operated by FAW and Hino.
Why This Shift Matters
Chinese vehicles are often priced very competitively while offering high levels of standard equipment. Features such as large infotainment screens, advanced driver-assistance systems, 360-degree cameras, and panoramic sunroofs frequently come included, while traditional brands may list them as optional extras.
As a result, South African buyers — especially those shopping for SUVs and bakkies — are increasingly willing to consider these brands. Value for money is playing a major role in buying decisions, and Chinese manufacturers have positioned themselves strongly in that space.
Whether we were ready for it or not, the “Made in China” badge is no longer a curiosity on South African roads. It is becoming a core part of the new-vehicle market. With expanding dealer networks, growing sales figures, and local assembly on the horizon, Chinese brands are clearly here for the long term.
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