Chinese automakers are accelerating their expansion in South Africa, launching electric, hybrid and range-extended vehicles alongside new pickup models. The launches reflect growing demand for more affordable electrified vehicles and increasing competition in a market traditionally dominated by established brands.
Key Overview
- Chinese brands accounted for 16.8% of South Africa’s passenger car market in 2025, up from 11.2% in 2024.
- Changan launched the Deepal S05 range-extended EV and Changan Uni-S hybrid SUV.
- Dongfeng introduced the Forthing Friday range-extended crossover and battery-electric vehicle.
- BAIC launched its ARCFOX T1 compact electric SUV brand, with the model expected in October.
- Chery, Geely and other manufacturers are entering South Africa’s competitive pickup market.
- Omoda & Jaecoo targets a 40% new-energy vehicle share by the end of 2027.
Chinese Automakers Increase EV Competition in South Africa
Chinese automakers are stepping up their presence in South Africa with a new wave of electric, hybrid, range-extended and pickup truck models, as manufacturers seek to benefit from growing demand for electrified vehicles.
The companies used the annual WesBank Festival of Motoring to showcase electrified vehicles aimed at attracting both price-sensitive and affluent buyers.
The launches highlight the growing influence of Chinese vehicle manufacturers in South Africa, where competitive pricing and expanding model ranges have helped them gain market share.
Chinese brands accounted for 16.8% of the passenger car market in 2025, compared with 11.2% in 2024 and less than 9% in early 2023.
While electric vehicles still represent a relatively small share of overall vehicle sales, adoption has accelerated as Chinese manufacturers have introduced more affordable electrified models.
New Electric and Hybrid Models Enter the Market
Changan and its partner Jameel Motors South Africa introduced the Deepal S05 range-extended electric vehicle, which uses a small petrol-powered engine to recharge its battery while driving.
The companies also introduced the Changan Uni-S hybrid SUV, expanding the manufacturer’s electrified vehicle offering in the South African market.
Dongfeng distributor E Auto Motor launched the Forthing Friday range-extended crossover and Friday battery-electric vehicle, while also introducing Chinese brand Kaiyi.
BAIC introduced its premium new-energy vehicle brand ARCFOX, beginning with the T1 compact electric SUV, which is expected to launch in October.
The expansion comes as Chinese manufacturers seek to establish stronger positions in South Africa’s rapidly changing vehicle market.
Chinese Brands Target South Africa’s Pickup Market
Chinese automakers are also challenging established manufacturers in South Africa’s highly competitive pickup segment.
LDV and Jiangling Motors expanded their bakkie ranges with conventional fuel models, while Geely, through its all-electric Riddara brand, and Chery entered a market historically dominated by Toyota, Ford and Isuzu.
BAIC plans to expand its new-energy vehicle offering beyond the ARCFOX T1 and enter the pickup truck market with future models.
The growing presence of Chinese manufacturers could increase competition across both conventional and electrified vehicle segments.
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Chinese EV Share Continues to Grow
The rapid expansion of Chinese vehicle brands is being supported by increasing consumer interest in electrified vehicles.
WesBank CEO Robert Gwerengwe said Chinese vehicles accounted for about 40% of the new vehicles financed by the company in the previous month, compared with only 0.01% in 2016.
The shift illustrates how quickly Chinese manufacturers have expanded their presence in South Africa.
The companies are also increasingly focusing on new-energy vehicles as they seek to capture a larger share of the country’s transition toward electric mobility.
Automakers Set Ambitious Electrification Targets
Chery-owned LEPAS, which debuted in South Africa earlier in 2026 with internal-combustion-engine models, plans to expand into battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Jay Jay Botes, general manager of LEPAS & Chery South Africa, said plug-in hybrid and battery-electric models have increased and that the company wants to capture a significant share of the market.
Chery-owned Omoda & Jaecoo is targeting a 60 per cent internal combustion engine and 40 per cent new-energy vehicle split by the end of 2027, compared with its current 81% and 19% split.
The target indicates the growing importance of electrified vehicles within manufacturers’ South African strategies.
Outlook
Chinese automakers are likely to remain an important force in South Africa’s vehicle market as they expand their model ranges and introduce more competitively priced electrified vehicles.
The combination of electric, hybrid and range-extended models could give consumers more options while increasing pressure on established manufacturers to expand their own electrified offerings.
With Chinese brands already increasing their market share and manufacturers planning additional EV and pickup launches, South Africa’s automotive market is likely to see stronger competition across both traditional and new-energy vehicle segments.
FAQs
1. Why are Chinese automakers expanding in South Africa?
Chinese manufacturers are seeking to benefit from growing demand for vehicles, particularly more affordable electric and electrified models.
2. How much of South Africa’s passenger car market did Chinese brands hold in 2025?
Chinese brands accounted for 16.8% of the passenger car market in 2025, up from 11.2% in 2024.
3. Which types of vehicles are Chinese automakers launching?
The new models include battery-electric vehicles, hybrids, range-extended vehicles and pickup trucks.
4. What is Omoda & Jaecoo’s electrification target?
Omoda & Jaecoo aims for 40% of its South African sales to come from new-energy vehicles by the end of 2027, compared with 19% currently.
Sources: TimesLIVE, TechCentral, AsiaOne, Engineering News
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