Roland Reddy, long-time sales executive at Metro Cars in the capital of KwaZulu-Natal, has two lesser-spotted vehicles he recommends to any spaza owner or courier contractor, if he can only get them to trust cars from China.
“The Chinese are getting a raw deal,” says Reddy, “and let me go show you what I mean.”
As we walk through the dealership, he says he is proud to be working in what locals consider the most trusted multi-franchise dealer in the KZN Midlands, thanks to the family owners’ commitment to the community since they started 44 years ago.
In the far corner of the dealership, Reddy points to a JMC single cab next to a Changan van and starts ticking off their good points.
“Take JMC. These guys date back to 1968 and build the Ford Transit in China. This bakkie comes with the previous 2.4 TDCi Ford Transit engine with a really solid 4x4 system. And check how nice it is inside. It’s basically the previous generation Ranger, drive away for R299 000.”
He said the main competitors are from the Mahindra Bolero and the GWM Steed 5.2-litre 4x4.
“This Steed 4x4 sells for R255k, so that’s less than the JMC, but it’s for a two-litre petrol engine. If you go places where you’ll need a 4x4, I recommend you take a diesel. Trust me, I fish a lot, and you don’t want to get stuck with a high-revving petrol engine. You want low-down torque from a diesel that’s in the JMC.”
Turning to the Changan van behind the single cab JMC, Reddy says this range of small workhorses from China all offer good deals for small businesses. “They say after lockdown, many people will continue working from home. That means they will need stuff delivered to their homes. For guys looking to start a courier company to cash in on this, I say get this little Chinese offering; it’s the most affordable van in the country.
Asked about reliability, he points to the narrow gaps between the panels. “Check the welding on this. It’s all built by robots. Changan is a big player in China, and they tell me these vans are like the Nissan 1400 over there. It’s got a three-year, 100k-warranty, and our workshop services them, so I can tell you they are easy to maintain and as tough as nails.”
In the wake of the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape, Mercedes-Benz SA has partnered with Gift of the Givers to deliver urgent aid to flood-affected communities in Butterworth and Mthatha.
The Thorp Motor Group did the official breaking of new ground for its latest and most ambitious development yet – a brand-new Motor City in Sandown that will bring four of the Group’s leading vehicle brands together under one roof.
The Lepas will officially debut in South Africa in 2026, introducing a different perspective on what a premium SUV can be with an eye aimed at younger, style-conscious drivers seeking modernity, claims the Chinese brand.
Advertisement
Advertisement
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
The Thorp Motor Group did the official breaking of new ground for its latest and most ambitious development yet – a brand-new Motor City in Sandown that will bring four of the Group’s leading vehicle brands together under one roof.
One of the topics that comes up often when I write articles is “waste” within a dealership. Quite often, expenses are cut when times are challenging but often, waste is confused with expenditure.
The story of Gabisile Fakude will surely be an inspiration for many who have an eye on the automotive industry as a career, especially for those who have not traditionally been associated with this world as a career path.
