Chinese brand launching new cars in South Africa

Chinese car manufacturer Chery will introduce several new energy vehicles (NEVs) in South Africa, marking yet further expansion by Chinese automakers in South Africa.

Chery said that it will have 19 new models available across the hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and range-extender electric vehicle (REEV) categories.

The first of these 19 cars were unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2025, where Chery launched its Super Hybrid brand, CSH.

Chery’s history with hybrid technology dates back to 2001. Although hybrid technology was still a futuristic concept for most automakers at the time, Chery started its R&D journey from the ground up.

Chery Chairman Yin Tongyue said the company’s hybrid technology strategy was driven by delivering four essentials: eco-friendly development, affordability, safety, and strong driving range. 

The company now has China’s fastest-growing hybrid segment, and the widest range of hybrid-equipped models in its global lineup.

At Auto Shanghai 2025, the Tiggo 7 CSH, Tiggo 8 CSH, and Tiggo 9 CSH made their public debuts, all three of which are set to launch in South Africa.

The next-generation CSH range will use an advanced hybrid engine boasting a record-breaking 46.5% thermal efficiency.

The range can also be paired with a hybrid transmission offering 93% efficiency, leading to fuel consumption as low as 2 to 3 litres per 100 km.

The dedicated 2.0 TGDI hybrid engine, combined with DHT230 and DHT280 transmissions, delivers up to 280 kw of total system output and a hybrid motor speed of 24,000 rpm.

The CSH brand is designed for versatility, such as off-road conditions. The company said customer power solutions allow drivers to tackle everything from deserts to rugged terrain.

The Super Hybrid Technology lineup of platforms includes the Super Hybrid Off-road Platform, Super Golden Extended-Range Platform, High-performance Electric Platform, and Super Hybrid Platform.

“Advancing hybrid technology means harnessing innovation and new energy to drive sustainable growth and support a greener future,” said Jay Jay Botes, General  Manager for Chery South Africa.

“We believe Super Hybrid technology will become a key growth driver in markets like South Africa, especially as we expand our local lineup with electrified models later this year.”

Chinese cars taking over South Africa

Chinese auto manufacturers are making waves worldwide, and South Africa is no exception. Several new brands are expanding their operations in South Africa.

The world’s largest automotive employer, BYD, recently announced that it will sell three new cars in the South African market, with prices ranging from R640,000 to R1.3 million.

The new cars are the hybrid bakkie SHARK 6, the hybrid SUV SEALION 6, and the all-electric SEALION 7.

The new cars expand BYD’s selection of models in the South African market to six. The brand already offers the BYD ATTO 3, DOLPHIN hatchback, and SEAL sedan in South Africa.

Regarding new entrants, cars from Chinese-based Changan Automobile will soon be sold in South Africa via a partnership with Saudi Arabian-based Jameel Motors.

Jameel Motors will distribute Changan and Deepal products, which are focused on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and new energy vehicles (NEVs), respectively.

The Changan and Deepal cars should be available for purchase in South Africa in Q4 2025. Jameel Motors said that they are ideal for South Africa’s diverse terrain and road conditions.

Additionally, MG recently returned to the South African market in January. The 100-year-old brand was founded in the UK, but joined SAIC Motor (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) in 2007.

The brand has come and gone in South Africa over the last few decades. It returned in 2011 but left again in 2016.

When it returned in January, the company launched the MG ZS crossover, the MG HS SUV, and the MG Cyberster, an electric sports car.

MG became China’s largest single-brand car exporter in 2019 and remains so. It produced 840,000 vehicles globally in 2023, and 88% of its sales occurred outside China.