Chinese carmakers are preparing for what could be their most prominent showing yet in the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists’ Car of the Year competition. The growing momentum of these brands in the local market is not only being reflected in rising sales figures, but also in the number of eligible models now competing for one of the country’s most respected motoring honours.
The Car of the Year competition is underway, with Guild members currently casting their votes for vehicles they believe deserve to make the finalist list. Each member has 25 votes to allocate to models from a selection of 40 new vehicles launched locally this year.
Although 25 votes are available, the final number of contenders is not fixed, as the percentage spread of votes determines which models progress to the next round. An elected jury will ultimately decide the winner from the finalists.
Of the 40 vehicles on this year’s eligibility list, a remarkable 27 are Chinese. This marks the strongest presence the country’s manufacturers have ever had at this stage. Their extensive representation raises the question of whether they will convert this visibility into finalist positions, and perhaps even challenge for the overall title, currently held by the locally built BMW X3.
The roster of eligible Chinese contenders includes a diverse line up such as the BAIC B30, several BYD Sealion models, the BYD Dolphin Surf, the Changan Alsvin, CS75 Pro, Deepal S07 and Hunter, as well as the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV and Tiggo 9. Geely appears with the E5 and E5 EM 1, while GWM fields the Haval H7. Other names include Jaecoo, Jetour, LDV Auto, Leapmotor’s C10 REEV and MG with the Cyberster, HS, MG3, ZS and ZS Pro, along with the Omoda C7.
Chinese brands currently command about 15 per cent of local passenger car sales, based on November figures. Models like the Chery Tiggo 4, the Haval Jolion, the Omoda C5, the Jetour T2 and the Chery Tiggo 7 continue to record strong monthly volumes. Their progress in the Car of the Year competition has accelerated too, with four Chinese finalists last year, compared to two the year before.
Finalists for the 2025 to 2026 title will only be confirmed early next year. Meanwhile, Changan, Jetour and Chery are also competing for top honours in Nigeria’s Car of the Year awards where the Changan CS55 is looking to defend its 2024 success.
Image: AI generated
