Will SA’s Chinese car gold rush drive out legacy brands? A motoring expert weighs in...
WeBuyCars CEO warns that smaller Chinese car brands may leave the South African market, but not everyone agrees.
Picture: © pramotephotostock/123rf.com
Jakob Mashokoa (in for Clarence Ford on CapeTalk) speaks with motoring expert Ciro De Siena.
Listen below:
Chinese car brands have rapidly gained popularity in South Africa.
However, WeBuyCars CEO Faan van der Walt warns consumers to be wary when buying these cars.
With roughly 50 Chinese brands to choose from, he argues that not all of them will survive.
“We have had this gold rush of Chinese brands in South Africa. We have had 14 Chinese brands launch in the same amount of months.”
- Ciro De Siena, Motoring Expert
If these brands leave our markets, owners of these vehicles could be stuck with unsupported cars, shortages of parts and poor resale value.
However, De Siena says Chinese brands have been so strong that they may even drive more established brands out.
He believes Stellantis brands, specifically Alfa Romeo, will be the first to go.
“They are really struggling.”
- Ciro De Siena, Motoring Expert
Other brands he feels may be at risk are Nissan or Jaguar.
RELATED: Chinese vehicle influx: Why WeBuyCars is cautioning buyers to choose a brand wisely
De Siena says that all the current Chinese brands in our country are great options for someone looking for a new car.
“My guess is 80% of these brands are here to stay.”
- Ciro De Siena, Motoring Expert
Scroll up to the audio player for more.