South Africa’s automotive market is undergoing a dramatic transformation as Chinese vehicle manufacturers establish themselves as formidable competitors in both new and used car segments, challenging decades of European and Japanese dominance.
Recent industry reports from DealerCon 2025 reveal the extent of this shift. According to Absa’s research, Chinese imports have made significant inroads into new vehicle sales, with used vehicles expected to follow this trend. The data shows Chinese brands now account for approximately 20% of new vehicle sales in the crucial R300,000 to R750,000 price segment, trailing only Japan’s 50% market share. Most remarkably, Chinese manufacturers have captured the top position in the R450 000 to R600 000 bracket, demonstrating their ability to compete effectively in higher value segments.
This new vehicle success is beginning to translate into the used car market, though the transformation remains in its early stages. The Cars.co.za Industry Report reveals that Chinese brands currently represent 6.45% of all stock on the platform, a dramatic increase from just 0.76% in 2015. This represents growth of 748.7% over the decade, highlighting the accelerating pace of Chinese brand adoption.
However, the used car market tells a more complex story. Despite representing 6.45% of available stock, Chinese vehicles account for only 3.24% of leads on Cars.co.za. This disparity suggests that whilst Chinese vehicles are entering the used market in increasing numbers, consumer demand hasn’t yet caught up with availability.
The most popular Chinese models reflect the brands' strategic focus on crossovers and SUVs. Established players like GWM, Haval and Chery are seeing their market share grow substantially, with GWM and Haval increasing by 14% and Chery by 35% since January 2023 alone.
Residual values present another compelling aspect of this revolution. Cars.co.za data shows that major Chinese models like the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and Haval Jolion are holding their value comparably to established rivals in the compact crossover segment. This performance challenges historical perceptions about Chinese build quality and suggests these vehicles could prove sound financial investments.
The timing of this Chinese surge appears particularly strategic. With traditional European brands facing pricing pressures and supply constraints, Chinese manufacturers have filled market gaps with well specified vehicles at attractive price points. Their focus on technology rich offerings, particularly in the crossover segment that South Africans increasingly favour, has proven astute. As more Chinese vehicles enter the market through strong new car sales, the pre-owned sector will inevitably see increased availability, with consumer acceptance expected to strengthen as familiarity grows.
