Chinese car brands accelerate their expansion in South Africa

In the TransUnion Q2 2026 Vehicle Pricing Index (VPI) / Cars.co.za Industry Report, data verifies that the combined retail market share of Chinese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) reached approximately 22% of total passenger and light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales.

The expansion is evident not only in the number of brands but also in the retail networks being established to support them. Manufacturers are investing in dealerships, after-sales support and parts availability as they seek to establish lasting businesses in South Africa.

Dealerfloor looks at this rapidly changing automotive landscape.

Established brands expand their networks:

Great Wall Motor (GWM) entered South Africa in 2007 and has developed a portfolio that includes GWM, Haval, Tank, P-Series and Ora. The group now has approximately 111 dealerships across its network, including outlets in neighbouring countries.

Chery returned or re-entered South Africa in 2021 and has expanded considerably since then. Its official dealer locator lists 103 outlets, including locations in neighbouring countries.

The Chery Group has also established Omoda and Jaecoo, Jetour, iCAUR and Lepas operating as separate entities in South Africa.

Jetour is available locally since 2024 and operates its own local retail network of more than 60 dealerships.

The newer Lepas with around 42 appointed outlets and around 32 iCAUR outlets add further diversity to the Chery Group's portfolio. Both Lepas and iCAUR arrived at the beginning of this year in South Africa.

Chery Group’s other brands, Omoda and Jaecoo, operate together through Brand O&J in South Africa also since 2024 (with Omoda arriving first in 2023), and more than 60 dealerships across the country.

BYD entered the South African passenger-vehicle market in 2023. Its official Contact Us page lists 55 dealership locations across the country. The brand's range includes battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, reflecting the growing availability of Chinese new-energy vehicles in the local market.

GAC Motor entered South Africa in 2024 and has established 28 operational dealerships, with plans to expand its network to 40 locations. Its growing presence adds another competitor to the country's passenger-car and SUV market.

Jetour launched in South Africa in September 2024 with an initial network of 40 dealerships. Its network has since expanded as the manufacturer develops its local product offering and retail presence.

Geely returned to South Africa in 2025. Dealerfloor reported that 33 dealerships were operating shortly after its return, with approximately 50 targeted by the end of this year.

Changan's dealer network is expanding as it introduces vehicles to South African buyers with 40 dealerships according to reports since its local introduction in 2025.

Dongfeng established itself in 2024 has 14 dealerships listed on its official South African dealer locator, while MG's official website lists 49 dealerships nationwide. MG re-entered South Africa in 2025.

BAIC's dealer locator displays 47 listings, including outlets in neighbouring countries and has a local presence since 2018 in the country.

Commercial vehicle brands add to the total:

Chinese manufacturers are also expanding in the commercial vehicle market. JAC Motors established its South African operation in 2017 with 10 dealerships and one commercial vehicle. The manufacturer now has more than 70 dealerships across South Africa and neighbouring countries with a variety of leisure bakkies and larger commercial vehicles.

Foton has a network of 65 dealerships across South Africa, supporting its commercial vehicle and bakkie offerings and returned to South Africa in 2025. The manufacturer has also invested in after-sales support and local assembly operations with BAIC.

JMC has 33 authorised dealerships across South Africa. Its range adds another commercial vehicle specialist to the growing selection of Chinese manufacturers operating in the country. The brand has had a presence since 2007 but picked up speed with dealer network growth and a new range of bakkies during 2025.

LDV is another bakkie/SUV brand, which arrived here in 2024 and has 17 dealerships currently while DFSK boasts 24 dealerships.

A growing network of Chinese brands:

The combined dealership presence of Chinese manufacturers is becoming an increasingly important feature of South Africa's automotive industry. Each brand's outlets contribute to this expansion, even where several marques operate from the same premises.

The figures also illustrate the different stages of development among manufacturers. Some, including GWM and Chery, have established substantial networks over several years. Others, such as Geely, Changan, Lepas and iCAUR, are building their presence through new dealership appointments and expanding model ranges.

As the number of brands increases, dealership representation remains an important measure of their local presence. It provides an indication of the scale of their retail operations and the infrastructure being established to support customers.

• Sources: Dealer locaters indicated on different brand’s websites and previous Dealerfloor reporting. Some dealerships have been allocated, but not completed, and there are also a few satellite dealerships.