There was a time when local motorists would laugh off suggestions of ever buying a Chinese-manufactured car from Chery or Haval, mainly due to below-par design and unreliability. It's funny how times and perceptions have changed because South Africans have fallen in love with them.
Using Naamsa monthly vehicle statistics for October 2022 as a bookmark, Haval Motors sold 1 827 units, and Chery sold 1 229 units - beating the likes of Ford (513), Honda (183), and Mazda (330) while closely rivaling Kia (1 588) and Renault (1 997). It's worth noting that those figures exclude bakkies and heavy-duty vehicles.
In total, there are currently four Chinese car brands operating in South Africa - BAIC, Chery, GWM, and its subsidiary Haval and JAC.
Even though the Volkswagen Polo, Renault Kwid, and Suzuki Swift's are frequently populating the road, there are now equally as many Chery Tiggo and Haval Jolion or H6 models taking up the same space. But why are people now all of a sudden going for Chinese cars, when it was previously a 'poisoned chalice?
That is largely down to great build quality, a modern and attractive design, and refined engines. I've personally driven the Haval H6 GT/HEV and Chery Tiggo Pro 4, and it's a serious contender to the market across the board regarding attention to detail and overall workmanship. The greatest feather in its cap is its affordable offering and an SUV. If it makes sense on the pocket, people will buy it.
People want bigger cars, and the popularity of SUVs have skyrocketed, prompting many automakers globally to focus efforts on mass production. Market research was done in China to target the South African market. Automakers like BAIC, Chery, and Haval couldn't dare miss the mark a second time because that would be humiliating.
Being a one-trick pony is reaping the rewards for now. Chinese automakers (in SA) have a limited number of models, like Suzuki, with entry-level city and passenger vehicles in their ranks. But, as that saying goes, don't fix it if it's not broken. The current process of SUV-only production is the way forward for not only Chinese automakers, but worldwide.
Like a new coach at a football team or a kid with bags of potential, all they need is time to shine and show what they're about.
Now that you've got the knowledge, it's time to shop! Head to gumtree.co.za or your Gumtree app (click for Apple & Android), and don't forget to use your location settings to find local service information close to home.
Using Naamsa monthly vehicle statistics for October 2022 as a bookmark, Haval Motors sold 1 827 units, and Chery sold 1 229 units - beating the likes of Ford (513), Honda (183), and Mazda (330) while closely rivaling Kia (1 588) and Renault (1 997). It's worth noting that those figures exclude bakkies and heavy-duty vehicles.
In total, there are currently four Chinese car brands operating in South Africa - BAIC, Chery, GWM, and its subsidiary Haval and JAC.
Even though the Volkswagen Polo, Renault Kwid, and Suzuki Swift's are frequently populating the road, there are now equally as many Chery Tiggo and Haval Jolion or H6 models taking up the same space. But why are people now all of a sudden going for Chinese cars, when it was previously a 'poisoned chalice?
That is largely down to great build quality, a modern and attractive design, and refined engines. I've personally driven the Haval H6 GT/HEV and Chery Tiggo Pro 4, and it's a serious contender to the market across the board regarding attention to detail and overall workmanship. The greatest feather in its cap is its affordable offering and an SUV. If it makes sense on the pocket, people will buy it.
People want bigger cars, and the popularity of SUVs have skyrocketed, prompting many automakers globally to focus efforts on mass production. Market research was done in China to target the South African market. Automakers like BAIC, Chery, and Haval couldn't dare miss the mark a second time because that would be humiliating.
Being a one-trick pony is reaping the rewards for now. Chinese automakers (in SA) have a limited number of models, like Suzuki, with entry-level city and passenger vehicles in their ranks. But, as that saying goes, don't fix it if it's not broken. The current process of SUV-only production is the way forward for not only Chinese automakers, but worldwide.
Like a new coach at a football team or a kid with bags of potential, all they need is time to shine and show what they're about.
Now that you've got the knowledge, it's time to shop! Head to gumtree.co.za or your Gumtree app (click for Apple & Android), and don't forget to use your location settings to find local service information close to home.
