Tasleem Gierdien3 July 2025 | 7:30

Chinese car affordability drives increased competition in South Africa

In 2019, 11,000 Chinese cars were imported to South Africa. Now, we’re bring in about 50,000 to 60,000 per year.

Chinese car affordability drives increased competition in South Africa

Picture: © pramotephotostock/123rf.com

Several Chinese car brands are making a noticeable impact in the South African automotive market, offering everything from budget-friendly vehicles to more premium models.

Leading the charge are brands like Chery, Haval (a division of GWM), BYD, along with emerging names such as Omoda, Jetour, and JAC.

These manufacturers are experiencing rapid sales growth, driven by competitive pricing, attractive features, and growing consumer trust in the quality and reliability of their vehicles.

According to the latest market research, new vehicle sales in South Africa have grown by 18% year-on-year, with passenger car sales showing an even stronger increase of 21%.

Currently, the top-selling vehicles in the country are:

  • Toyota Hilux

  • Suzuki Swift

  • Ford Ranger

  • Toyota Corolla Cross

  • Hyundai Grand i10

  • VW Polo Vivo

  • Suzuki Fronx

  • Chery Tiggo

  • Isuzu D-Max

  • Haval Jolion

With over 40 Chinese models now available locally — some priced below R280,000 — affordability is certainly a draw. However, it’s the combination of value, advanced technology, premium features, and robust warranty packages that’s redefining expectations and disrupting both the new and pre-owned vehicle markets, says Van der Walt.

Van der Walt says the Chinese car market brings 'increased competition'.

"It's interesting to see what's happening in the South African car market. The Chinese brands are making inroads, and it creates increased competition in the market, putting the legacy manufacturers under pressure, making them step up their game."
- Faan van der Walt, CEO - WeBuyCars
"Over the last five years, things have changed. In 2019, only 11,000 were imported to South Africa, now, it's somewhere between 50,000 and 60,000... There's no stopping it... They are highly competitive in our market."
- Faan van der Walt, CEO - WeBuyCars
"Initially, these cars were met with scepticism. The brands were seen as inferior quality, there were concerns about reliability and the long-term value of these cars, but now that's a thing of the past. They've proven their worth. The quality is up there, and they compete and make a good case when someone's looking to buy a vehicle."
- Faan van der Walt, CEO - WeBuyCars

Van der Walt also explains that new Chinese car brands 'hold reasonable value' because they are 'affordable' while used vehicle sales 'remain steady' at WeBuyCars.

"They're so cheap when they are new, they don't depreciate much because it's such good value for money... It's not different to the depreciation of more expensive and well-known brands... There are so many affordable vehicles coming to the market."
- Faan van der Walt, CEO - WeBuyCars

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.