'Chinese automakers want to take over the South African market'
Mike Wills talks Chinese cars on our roads with Mabuyane Mabuza, chair of the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists.
Picture: © pramotephotostock/123rf.com
Are you noticing more and more Chinese-made vehicles on our roads?
Chery and Haval are two of the more well-known brands, but many others are moving into the South African market as well.
Motus earnings fall as pressured consumers opt for cheaper Chinese cars
SA's new vehicle sales drop in August and exports plummet
Competitive pricing is just one of the factors attracting car buyers.
These also include improved quality, strategic partnerships, and an evolving consumer perception, according to Bizcommunity.
Mike Wills discusses the 'invasion' of Chinese cars with Mabuyane Mabuza, chairperson of the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists.
These brands have upped their game since their products were rejected in the local market when they first arrived, Mabuza notes.
They were 'falling apart' the first time round in the mid-2000s, she says with a chuckle.
"But then fast forward to today... it is amazing how the built quality of almost all of these vehicles has improved; you cant fault them."
"People are buying them for their safety features as well as other comfort features that come standard - they're not asking you to put in extra money to buy a vehicle."
Mabuyane Mabuza, Chair - South African Guild of Mobility Journalists
The South African market is 'ripe for the picking' Mabuza says.
"I think the Chinese manufacturers have seen the opportunity and they are taking it. They're not subtle about it; they want to take over the South African market, and they are aggressively marketing these vehicles."
"This is an international phenomenon as such... some of the organisations in America are actually complaining about Chinese invasion..."
Mabuyane Mabuza, Chair - South African Guild of Mobility Journalists
Scroll up to the audio player to hear more detail