The company bringing American cars back to the South African market

South African motorists will soon be able to buy eight iconic car models sourced from the United States.

This is thanks to a new partnership between Durban-based importer Rospa International and global vehicle conversion specialist Autogroup International.

The collaboration is set to introduce eight highly sought-after American models, which include pickup trucks, SUVs, and muscle cars, all converted to right-hand drive and fully legal for South African roads.

For years, the only American car brands with a consistent presence in South Africa have been Ford and Jeep. 

Ford offers one of the country’s best-selling cars with its locally built Ranger bakkie, while Jeep remains a niche brand catering to off-road fans with the Wrangler SUV. 

However, names like GMC, Hummer, Chevrolet, and even Toyota are set to return to the local market, albeit not through official brand channels.

Rospa International, well known for importing high-performance Japanese vehicles, is expanding its offering. 

The company was founded by Himal Chris Paul, who became fascinated with fast, exotic vehicles after a client introduced him to Japanese sports cars. 

Frustrated by the limited selection and poor condition of available models in South Africa, Paul eventually established a direct supply chain from Japan. 

This led to the formation of Rospa Imports, which quickly gained a reputation for delivering top-tier, hard-to-find performance cars.

Building on that success, Rospa has signed a formal agreement with Autogroup International, a specialist firm that converts American vehicles from left-hand to right-hand drive for export markets. 

With this partnership, Rospa becomes the official distributor and service partner for Autogroup in South Africa. 

The companies said the move will provide local buyers access to American vehicles that were previously off-limits.

This will include full compliance with South African National Standards (SANS), after-sales support, and a 3-year/100,000km warranty.

According to the announcement, at least eight distinct models will initially be available. These include: 

• Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup truck
• Ford F-350 Super Duty pickup truck
• Ford F-450 Super Duty pickup truck
• GMC Sierra 2500 pickup truck
• GMC Sierra 3500 pickup truck
• GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate XL SUV
• Hummer EV
• Toyota Tundra pickup truck

Most of these vehicles will be offered in multiple trims, such as the TRD Pro and Capstone Edition for the Toyota Tundra, and the AT4X AEV and Denali Ultimate trims for the GMC Sierra, giving buyers a wider range of options to suit their preferences.

Potential for more to come

In addition to these pickups and SUVs, the partnership promises to bring a selection of iconic American muscle cars to local shores. 

However, in a previous statement, the company mentioned that the Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chevrolet Camaro were on the cards. This would bring the total number of models available to 11, not counting variant trims.

One of the most appealing aspects of the deal is the assurance that these vehicles will be road-legal in South Africa. 

All models undergo a complete homologation process, ensuring they meet local regulatory standards. 

That means buyers can enjoy peace of mind knowing their imported American muscle car or pickup truck is fully certified and supported locally. 

After-sales service will be handled by Rospa International, which has trained technicians stationed in South Africa’s major cities and access to a dedicated spare parts network.

“This is a major milestone, not just for us, but for South African automotive enthusiasts who have long dreamed of owning a right-hand drive American pickup truck or SUV that meets local standards,” said Rob Hill, CEO of Autogroup International. 

Himal Chris Paul echoed the sentiment, adding that the partnership represents a new chapter for Rospa, opening the door to a new group of clients waiting to access vehicles of this calibre.

International American cars coming to South Africa