Cars.co.za report offers interesting insights
Cars.co.za recently launched Industry Report 2026 at its DealerCon summit, offers insight into the forces shaping South Africa’s vehicle market.
- Dealer News
- 22 September 2026
The Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, Leapmotor, has entered South Africa and its vehicles will soon be available at selected Stellantis dealerships across the country.
Founded in 2015 by tech expert, Jiangming Zhu, Leapmotor has quickly established itself as a serious player in China’s EV market. With full control of its value chain, from battery design to embedded software, Leapmotor has already sold more than 600 000 fully electric vehicles in less than a decade and aims to reach 500 000 annual sales in 2025.
Through a strategic joint venture with Stellantis, Leapmotor International is now embarking on an ambitious global expansion. By leveraging Stellantis’s extensive infrastructure and extensive distribution network, Leapmotor is well-positioned to bring its unique blend of electric vehicle technology to South Africa.
“South Africa is a key market for Stellantis, and the launch of Leapmotor marks an important step in offering innovative new-energy vehicle options through product, innovation and partnerships,” says Stellantis Managing Director, Mike Whitfield.
At the heart of Leapmotor's innovation is its Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) technology. This system incorporates a combustion engine dedicated exclusively to recharge the battery, with no traction on the wheels, thus guaranteeing a 100% electric driving experience, while addressing one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption in South Africa, namely range anxiety.
In South Africa, where challenges like limited charging infrastructure is still a reality, REEV offers a practical solution. By combining electric driving with built-in charging flexibility, the technology ensures reliability across both urban and rural conditions. With fuel costs and the need for affordable, sustainable mobility, Leapmotor positions REEV as a pragmatic response to South Africa’s evolving transport landscape.
“By bringing Leapmotor into our portfolio, Stellantis South Africa reaffirms this commitment,” concludes Mike Whitfield.
Cars.co.za recently launched Industry Report 2026 at its DealerCon summit, offers insight into the forces shaping South Africa’s vehicle market.
Nissan has introduced the Tekton, a new compact SUV for the South African market. The model is built on the Renault‑Nissan alliance’s CMF‑B platform and is closely related to the Renault Duster, sharing engines and mechanical components.
At the recent DealerCon 2026, hosted by Cars.co.za automotive excellence was celebrated by honouring top executives in the automotive retails industry.
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