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.
Stellantis Middle East and Africa announced the appointment of Sizwekazi Jekwa Mdingi as the Head of Communication and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for Stellantis in South Africa.
The conflict in the Middle East has thrown global supply chains into disarray, exposing the risks of over-reliance on concentrated hubs.
Kia has taken a bold step into one of South Africa’s most competitive automotive segments with the launch of the Tasman, its first-ever double cab bakkie.
Advertisement
Advertisement
You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
Unknown
Stellantis Middle East and Africa announced the appointment of Sizwekazi Jekwa Mdingi as the Head of Communication and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for Stellantis in South Africa.
The conflict in the Middle East has thrown global supply chains into disarray, exposing the risks of over-reliance on concentrated hubs.
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has reached another major milestone with the production of the 500 000th unit of the current Polo for the export market.
