Triton brings the challenge to competitors
The bakkie war has intensified with the local launch of Mitsubishi’s next-generation Triton, an evolution in the iconic bakkie’s 46-year legacy.
- Product News
- 21 November 2024
Soon another Chinese automotive manufacturer will see its products on South African roads with an agreement between GAC Motor and Salvador Caetano Auto on the distribution of vehicles, spare parts and services in South Africa.
GAC Motor, a subsidiary of GAC Group, founded in 1997, is one of the China’s major vehicle manufacturers, with 113 000 employees and ranked No 165 by Fortunate Global 500.
Salvador Caetano Group is an international group dedicated to the automotive industry and sector; it’s present on three continents, in more than 41 countries and has more than 7 000 employees. Founded in 1946, the Salvador Caetano Group has more than 75 years’ experience and currently has over 100 companies established in Europe, South America and Africa in the following business areas: Industry (automobiles, buses and aeronautics), automobile import and distribution, mobility, industrial equipment, workshops and services.
Both parties signed a strategic agreement for the distribution and retail operations in South Africa.
“This agreement settles the beginning of an important milestone for Salvador Caetano Auto, starting with our presence in South Africa with the possibility of enlarging this partnership to other markets in the future,” says Sérgio Ribeiro, Executive Board Member of Salvador Caetano Auto and CEO of Global Automotive Distribution.
He also highlights the strategic importance of this partnership: “This strategic partnership marks the beginning of a significant investment that will enable us to rapidly establish GAC Motor as a relevant automotive player in South Africa.”
Wang Shunsheng, Deputy General Manager of GAC Motor, adds: "Dedicated to the automotive industry for years and present on three continents, GAC Motor has accelerated the process of international business. This partnership with Salvador Caetano Auto in South Africa is the start-up of the cooperation of both parties.
“Both companies will leverage their respective strengths to bring quality products to South Africa, while building a strong dealership network focused on customer satisfaction.”
GAC Motor has a wide range of sedans, SUVs and commercial vehicles, and more details of what is earmarked for South Africa will be revealed at a later stage.
The bakkie war has intensified with the local launch of Mitsubishi’s next-generation Triton, an evolution in the iconic bakkie’s 46-year legacy.
Unlike in the past, when dealerships primarily waited for customers to come to them, we now take a more proactive approach, bringing our vehicles directly to places where people gather, allowing them to experience the product first-hand, including offering test drives,” says Gerrie van der Kaay, Dealer Principal at Supergroup Dealerships Jetour Midrand.
JAC Motors added ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) to its X200 2.8L TDI 1.5-tonne single-cab, enhancing safety for both the crew and cargo. This latest upgrade complements the ABS-equipped X200 1.3-tonne double-cab targeted at organisations with labour-intensive crews.
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