Chinese vehicle influx: Why WeBuyCars is cautioning buyers to choose a brand wisely
WeBuyCars CEO Faan van der Walt chats to CapeTalk's John Maytham about the long-term outlook for the newer Chinese brands coming into South Africa.
Picture: © pramotephotostock/123rf.com
There's currently an influx of new vehicle brands from China into the South African market, joining those already quite well established here.
Many offer standard features that you'd pay for as add-ons with other brands, adding to their 'bang for your buck' appeal.
WeBuyCars has issued a caution around which Chinese brand you choose to purchase, though.
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John Maytham chats to Faan van der Walt, CEO of the top car-buying platform.
Van der Walt himself only recently drove his first Chinese vehicle and reports that he was pleasantly surprised, in view of some historically negative perceptions.
"I was actually visiting Cape Town and decided to take the leap and take a Haval off our floor to drive and it was unbelievable! We always historically associate these brands with poor quality, with poor resale value, generally with inferior quality - but that's certainly no longer the case."
Faan van der Walt, CEO - WeBuyCars
Van der Walt notes that while there are upward of 50 Chinese brands available in South Africa at the moment, this is a small figure compared to the hundreds of manufacturers in China itself.
It's in view of this competition driving companies to expand internationally, that he's urging caution amongst local buyers.
Not all of the new Chinese brands entering South Africa will make it in the long term, he warns.
"It's great to have different brands and we're geting value for money, but just like we've seen certain European carmakers try to establish themselves here and not making it, I'm sure some of these Chinese manufacturers will also throw in the towel at some point."
Faan van der Walt, CEO - WeBuyCars
"You might end up purchasing a vehicle that has a very poor resale value because they're no longer represented in South Africa. So, rather stick with the known Chinese brands for now until these other brands build a reputation as being reliable and around for the long run."
Faan van der Walt, CEO - WeBuyCars
Van der Walt also discusses the current resale value of Chinese vehicles - take a listen in the interview audio at the top of the article