The transformation, documented in recent industry reports, reveals a market in transition where Eastern brands are challenging decades of European and Japanese dominance.

According to the Absa report at the recent DealerCon 2025, Chinese imports have made "significant inroads into new vehicle sales", with used vehicles expected to follow this trend. The data shows Chinese brands now account for approximately 20% of new vehicle sales in the crucial R300 000 - R750 000 price segment, trailing only Japan's 50% market share. Most remarkably, Chinese manufacturers have captured the top position in the R450 000 - R600 000 bracket, demonstrating their ability to compete effectively in higher-value segments.

This new-vehicle success is already beginning to translate into the used car market, though the transformation is still in its early stages. The Cars.co.za Industry Report provides deeper insight into this evolution, revealing that Chinese brands currently represent 6.45% of all stock on the platform, a dramatic increase from just 0.76% in 2015. This represents growth of 748.7% over the decade, highlighting the accelerating pace of Chinese brand adoption.

However, the used car market tells a more complex story. Despite representing 6.45% of available stock, Chinese vehicles account for only 3.24% of leads (buyer inquiries) on Cars.co.za. This disparity suggests that whilst Chinese vehicles are entering the used car market in increasing numbers, consumer demand hasn't yet caught up with availability.

The most popular Chinese models in the used car market reflect the brands' strategic focus on crossovers and SUVs. The data shows that established Chinese players like GWM/Haval and Chery are seeing their market share grow substantially, with GWM/Haval increasing by 14% and Chery by 35% since January 2023 alone.

Interestingly, the cross-consideration data reveals changing consumer behaviour. Buyers considering Chinese vehicles are increasingly looking at other Chinese brands rather than traditional European or Japanese alternatives.

Residual values present another compelling aspect of the Chinese revolution. Cars.co.za data shows that major Chinese models like the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and Haval Jolion are holding their value comparably to established rivals in the compact crossover segment. This performance challenges historical perceptions about Chinese-build quality and suggests that these vehicles could prove sound financial investments for consumers.

The timing of this Chinese surge appears particularly strategic. With traditional European brands facing pricing pressures and supply constraints, Chinese manufacturers have filled market gaps with well-specified vehicles at attractive price points. Their focus on technology-rich offerings, particularly in the crossover segment that South Africans increasingly favour, has proven astute on the new and pre-owned sides.

Looking ahead, the used car implications are significant. As more Chinese vehicles enter the market through strong new car sales, the pre-owned sector will inevitably see increased availability of these models. Current market dynamics suggest that as familiarity grows and more vehicles establish service histories, consumer acceptance in the used car market should strengthen.

The Chinese automotive revolution in South Africa represents more than simple market share gains. It reflects changing consumer priorities, evolving perceptions of quality and value, and the successful execution of focused market strategies.

Whilst the used car market currently lags behind new-vehicle adoption, all indicators suggest this gap will narrow as Chinese brands establish themselves as permanent fixtures in South Africa's automotive landscape.

Fast facts about new Chinese vehicles sales during August this year:

• The top-selling brands from China during August:

GWM: (including Haval, Tank and Ora) sold 2 436 units, which places it 6th overall among all brands and represents a 6.5% increase from the previous month.

Chery: recorded 2 160 units sold and finished in 8th place for the month.

Omoda & Jaecoo: sold 1 069 units and held steady at 14th place overall.

Jetour: sold 717 units, maintaining its position in 15th place.

• Worth mentioning:

Foton: sold 324 units, with the Tunland G7 leading the commercial vehicle sales, followed by the Truckmate and View models.

MG Motor: reported 453 sales in August 2025, with the MG ZS accounting for the majority of its volume.

GWM Steed: sold 136 units in the light commercial vehicle (bakkie) segment.