Absa has entered into a vehicle finance alliance agreement with BAIC SA, the local subsidiary of the Beijing Automotive Group Co, as the vehicle manufacturing firm expands its operations in the region.
BAIC SA launched in South Africa in 2016 and has made structural investments in our country, including a state-of-the-art manufacturing and assembly plant in the Coega Industrial Development Zone, near Gqeberha.
For Absa, the alliance represents an opportunity to boost its share of financed vehicles sold in the country as the popularity of affordable luxury brands continues to grow among South Africans. BAIC’s luxury category vehicle Beijing X55, launched locally on 15 November 2022, is a finalist in the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists’ 2023 ‘SA Car of the Year’ award.
The successful launch of its vehicle models, together with a dealer network of 29, has laid a solid foundation for BAIC SA’s expansion.
“We are honoured to partner with an automotive player that has invested in the growth of our continent and has aligned with our values as a purpose-led pan-African bank. We look forward to leveraging off each other’s strengths to drive greater competition in the market and to deliver better value for our customers,” says Charl Potgieter, Managing Executive: Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance.
As a full-value bank, Absa will partner with the automotive manufacturer to offer comprehensive financing options to help fuel BAIC SA’s growth in operations and offer attractive credit solutions to customers. Both BAIC and Absa will stay close to customers and our industry – dealer partners, vehicle importers and manufacturers – to deliver value for the industry.
“There is an increase in the sale of China’s automotive brands in our market, and this is also the case with BAIC-manufactured vehicles, as it prepares to take on competitors locally,” Charl says.
“South African consumers have come to appreciate the growing trend in affordable luxury-branded vehicles and expect more “bang for their buck” when buying a new or used vehicle during these tough economic times. This alliance answers the call from the South African consumer on many levels.”
With three models available locally, BAIC SA has many opportunities to diversify its offering throughout the value chain. Groupwide, Absa is committed to offering BAIC various services that will allow each entity to reach our growth ambitions.
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Chinese automotive giant, Chery, is engaged in talks with multiple car manufacturers in South Africa about sharing production facilities to build its vehicles locally, the company's regional chief has revealed to Reuters.
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September 30, 2025 will be remembered as a landmark day for both the South African automotive sector and for Foton globally, says the Chinese manufacturer after its first pre-production Completely Knocked Down (CKD) Foton bakkie rolled off the assembly line at its local plant.
Chinese automotive giant, Chery, is engaged in talks with multiple car manufacturers in South Africa about sharing production facilities to build its vehicles locally, the company's regional chief has revealed to Reuters.
Motor industry leaders are anticipating a sharp fall in American electric vehicle sales after the elimination of a vital R135 000 tax incentive for purchasers.
