Chinese cars jump from 0.01% to 40% of South African vehicle finance in a decade

Chinese models accounted for roughly 40% of new vehicles financed in July 2026, compared with just 0.01% in 2016, according to figures cited by Reuters⁠.

The remarkable change was highlighted as manufacturers including Changan, Dongfeng, BAIC and Chery used South Africa’s largest motor show to introduce another wave of electric vehicles, hybrids and pickup trucks.

The launches included Changan’s Deepal S05 and Uni-S, BAIC’s ARCFOX T1 and Chery’s electric Riddara pickup.

Price is changing the market

Chinese brands have expanded by offering more equipment at prices below many equivalent European and Japanese vehicles.