SA IS ABOUT TO GET TWO MORE CHINESE BRANDS - CHANGAN AND DEEPAL. WILL IT AFFECT THE LEGACY BRANDS? PROBABLY.
The local automotive market is about to get a fresh dose of Chinese engineering as Jameel Motors steps in to distribute Changan Automobile vehicles across the country. That means more SUVs, sedans, pickups, and New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) will soon be hitting our roads. But in a market that’s starting to flood with affordable imports, does this latest entry stand out? It may not stand out, but people will certainly take notice, especially with a VAT increase and everything else costing more while salaries have stayed the same for years. Jameel Motors isn’t new to the game - it boasts 70 years of automotive experience and has been distributing vehicles in markets worldwide. Now, the company sees South Africa as a prime expansion target, given that it’s the largest automotive market on the continent. With over 500,000 new cars sold in 2024, demand is strong, particularly for affordable yet tech-packed options. Jameel Motors will initially roll out two brands - Changan, your go-to for combustion-powered sedans, SUVs, and pickups, and Deepal, the brand’s answer to the rising demand for electric and hybrid vehicles. Both brands promise a mix of practicality and modern tech, with vehicles built to handle South Africa’s diverse road conditions. We can expect to see them on showroom floors by Q4 2025. At the helm of Jameel Motors’ South African operations is Marinus Venter, a seasoned automotive pro with 18 years of experience working with brands like Nissan and Mercedes-Benz Vans. His expertise spans marketing, after-sales service, and business strategy - skills that will be crucial in carving out space for Changan in an already competitive market.
Ever heard of Changan? Some have, some haven’t, but just in case, Changan Automobile is one of China’s top four automotive groups, with operations in 70 countries and 2.7 million units sold in 2024 alone - that’s absolutely bonkers for a brand you may not know. The company invests heavily in research and development, with 18,000 engineers across multiple global R&D centers. That dedication to innovation has earned Changan a consistent spot in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study since 2018, as well as recognition from Red Dot Awards for design excellence. For local consumers, this move adds yet another option to the growing list of budget-friendly, feature-packed vehicles on the market. Jameel Motors is also investing in local dealerships and job creation, aiming to build a solid support network for the brand’s success. Jasmmine Wong, CEO of Mobility at Abdul Latif Jameel, expressed confidence in the move: “We are thrilled to introduce Changan to South Africa, bringing cutting-edge technology and quality at an affordable price point. This partnership will offer expanded personal mobility choices for South African drivers.” Meanwhile, XIAO Feng, General Manager of Changan’s Middle East and Africa Business Unit, highlighted the brand’s ambition: “Changan has always aimed to be a world-class automotive brand. With Jameel Motors as our strategic partner, we are confident in our ability to make a significant impact in South Africa.” SA is becoming a hotspot for Chinese automakers, and Changan’s arrival signals yet another shift in the market and even though this is a lesser-known concern, the company’s reputation for value-packed vehicles and advanced technology could see the brand gaining fast traction fast, especially with a distributor as well-established as Jameel Motors steering the ship.
Take a look at the YouTube video from the chaps at AutoDeal.com.ph as they take a closer look at the bakkie called Hunter that will be making its way to local shores soon. Will it sway buyers from the usual brands? These days it may, people are cost-conscious and these cars always cost way less: 2025 Changan Hunter REEV First Impressions | AutoDeal Walkaround | AutoDeal.com.ph
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