Chery’s Lepas moves into premium SUV segment
Chery’s latest international brand, LEPAS, has reached a major milestone as its first model – the L8 – officially rolls off the production line.
- Industry News
- 25 April 2025
Of the 262 281 new light vehicles (passenger cars and light commercial vehicles) that were imported to South Africa in 2021, a staggering 49.3%, came from India.
The remaining portion was imported from 23 other countries, including Japan, China and Germany.
Imports of these vehicles increased from 203 572 units in 2020 to 262 281 units in 2021 – an increase of 28.8%.
Passenger car imports accounted for 78.3% of the total passenger car sales of 340 340 units, while light commercial vehicle imports accounted for 18.1% of total light commercial vehicle sales of 133 078 units.
In the resulting competition between imported and locally manufactured vehicles, South African consumers were the winners as they were spoiled for choice at competitive prices.
The top counties of origin for vehicles imported into South Africa were:
1. India (Tata, Mahindra)
2. Japan (Honda, Toyota, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Datsun, Subaru, Nissan, Mazda, Lexus)
3. China (Baic, Haval, Foton)
4. Germany (Peugeot, Smart, Renault, BMW, Jaguar, Audi, Volvo, Porsche, Mercedes Benz, Fiat, Mini, Alfa Romeo, Land Rover
Chery’s latest international brand, LEPAS, has reached a major milestone as its first model – the L8 – officially rolls off the production line.
A busy year awaits OMODA & JAECOO, with the all-new JAECOO J7 SHS and the OMODA C7 PHEV just two of the new, electrified models due to reach South African shores later this year.
Chery is taking the car-buying experience into the future by blending technology with a human touch.
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Human beings have an innate inner drive to be autonomous, self-determined, and connected to one another. And when that drive is liberated, people achieve more and live richer lives.
Daniel Pink
Chery’s latest international brand, LEPAS, has reached a major milestone as its first model – the L8 – officially rolls off the production line.
A busy year awaits OMODA & JAECOO, with the all-new JAECOO J7 SHS and the OMODA C7 PHEV just two of the new, electrified models due to reach South African shores later this year.
Chery is taking the car-buying experience into the future by blending technology with a human touch.