Jameel Motors, a provider of mobility solutions, and Changan Automobile signed an agreement to distribute sport utility vehicles (SUVs), sedans, bakkies and new energy vehicles (NEVs) in South Africa.
This marks a new market entry for Jameel Motors. The South African market represents a significant long-term investment opportunity, given that it is the largest automotive market in Africa, with new vehicle sales totalling over 500 000 vehicles in 2024, as well as the growing demand for affordable vehicles with the latest technology, says the group in a statement.
In January 2025, the new passenger car market saw an increase of 18.3% in cars sold year on year. Jameel Motors says it is committed to creating jobs and developing local dealerships, contributing to the economic growth of the country.
Jameel Motors will initially focus on the distribution of Changan and Deepal products. Changan offers sedans, SUVs and bakkies with combustion engines (ICE), while Deepal focuses on NEVs. Both brands’ vehicles are planned to be available for purchase in Q4 2025.
Jasmmine Wong (CEO – Mobility: Abdul Latif Jameel) states: “We are thrilled to announce Jameel Motors’ market entry to South Africa, especially as we do so with Changan Automobile, a forward-thinking automotive player with exceptional products. We are looking forward to driving long-term growth in the market and empowering drivers across South Africa with expanded and superior personal mobility choices.”
Xiao Feng, General Manager, Changan Automobile Middle East and Africa Business Unit, says this is a new milestone for their business in South Africa. Changan Automobile are confident that, through the strategic cooperation with Jameel Motors, they will be a key player in the South African market.
Jameel Motors in South Africa will be headed by Marinus Venter, with 18 years’ experience leading automotive brands. Having been at the forefront of introducing new vehicle models to the market for the likes of Nissan and Mercedes-Benz Vans, he brings with him extensive expertise in after-sales, marketing, business planning, product management, customer service and parts.
Marinus says he is honoured to join a business that is building on 70 years of automotive excellence, as they introduce Changan and Deepal vehicles to South Africa. “By leveraging Jameel Motors' extensive experience and Changan Automobile's renowned focus on safety, quality and technology, I believe we can effectively meet the diverse automotive demands of South African drivers and deliver a positive market experience."
For decades, buying a car has been as much about emotion as practicality. Shiny brochures, polished showroom floors and persuasive sales talk often overshadowed the cold, hard numbers of ownership. But today, where information is currency, consumers are no longer satisfied with glossy marketing – they want data, and they want it now.
According to a Reuters report, South Africa is engaged in discussions with Chinese automotive manufacturers to encourage local investment, with at least one company showing considerable interest in establishing production facilities in the country, a senior government official revealed on Wednesday.
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I always do like seeing other people dance in their cars. It's one of the things that makes me happy.
Ariel Gore
For decades, buying a car has been as much about emotion as practicality. Shiny brochures, polished showroom floors and persuasive sales talk often overshadowed the cold, hard numbers of ownership. But today, where information is currency, consumers are no longer satisfied with glossy marketing – they want data, and they want it now.
According to a Reuters report, South Africa is engaged in discussions with Chinese automotive manufacturers to encourage local investment, with at least one company showing considerable interest in establishing production facilities in the country, a senior government official revealed on Wednesday.
Europe’s automotive sector, once a global leader, is facing what McKinsey describes as “the largest transformation in the industry’s history”.
