Gqeberha plant gives Foton a base as Tunland PHEV, Galaxus arrive
Foton has started building vehicles in South Africa, and the first overseas vehicle manufacturing base of BAIC Group is now in Gqeberha.
- Industry News
- 4 November 2026
Haval Motors South Africa has appointed Conrad Groenewald to the newly created position of Chief Operations Officer. The appointment is effective from 1 July 2022.
Haval says that the appointment fits into its investment strategy to grow its presence in the Southern African market, increase its market share and create more effective marketing strategies. It also aims to grow its product portfolio significantly in the next 18 months.
Conrad was the Director of Sales Operations at Ford South Africa. Before taking up this role at Ford, he spent many years in the local automotive industry and three years in China on an international assignment. This, according to Haval, gives him a sound understanding of Chinese business and relations between the two countries.
Says Conrad: “It is not often that you are presented with an opportunity to join a young and upcoming brand in the automotive sector. I look forward to the challenge and trust I can add to the tremendous growth Haval is experiencing in Southern Africa.
“Haval is currently the fastest-growing automotive brand when measured year on year. From what I was privileged to do far, all I can say, is that I am joining the team at a very exciting time.”
GWM is in its 15th year of operations in SA, and Haval has been on sale for the past five years.
Foton has started building vehicles in South Africa, and the first overseas vehicle manufacturing base of BAIC Group is now in Gqeberha.
South Africa's trade relationship with the United States (US) faces another significant challenge following the announcement that the country is to lose its preferential access to the American market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
South Africa’s new vehicle market continued to grow in October, but the automotive industry and consumers faced mounting cost pressures as higher fuel prices added to the cost of motoring and operating commercial fleets.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
Foton has started building vehicles in South Africa, and the first overseas vehicle manufacturing base of BAIC Group is now in Gqeberha.
South Africa's trade relationship with the United States (US) faces another significant challenge following the announcement that the country is to lose its preferential access to the American market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
South Africa’s new vehicle market continued to grow in October, but the automotive industry and consumers faced mounting cost pressures as higher fuel prices added to the cost of motoring and operating commercial fleets.