New Chinese brand sells more cars than Mercedes-Benz and Mazda in South Africa

Jetour, which only launched its cars in South Africa in September 2024, is already selling more vehicles than many top brands, like Mercedes-Benz, Mazda, and Honda.

Jetour is a Chinese vehicle manufacturer established by the Chery Holding Group, producing crossovers and SUVs.

In September 2024, Jetour entered the South African market with 40 dealerships and a large parts warehouse in Kyalami, Johannesburg.

The brand targeted mid- to high-level South African consumers seeking comfort, elegance, safety, and reliability.

Jetour South Africa’s MD, Johnny Fang, said they aimed to replicate Jetour’s worldwide success in South Africa and unveiled ambitious targets.

They wanted to sell 800 units per month within the first year of operation, with their Jetour X70 Plus and Dashing models the first to enter the local market.

The company achieved its sales target. With their initial two models, the brand has climbed into the top 15 passenger vehicle brands.

It did not stop there. In November 2025, Jetour recorded its highest monthly sales with 1,235 vehicles sold.

Jetour extended its dealer network to more than 50 dealerships nationwide, along with 212 approved panel beaters covering all provinces across South Africa.

Its parts supply performance remains efficient, with a first-fill rate of 98.8% and a first pick accuracy of 99.6% achieved this year.

2025 also saw Jetour South Africa achieve Gold Status in the 2025 NADA Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI).

Jetour launched the T-Series in October 2025 – a range of SUVs designed for adventure, versatility, and everyday comfort.

The Jetour T2 was announced as a semi-finalist in the Car of the Year Awards, organised by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ).

The company said it planned to build on this momentum with higher sales targets, upgrades to existing models and a continued focus on innovation.

New car sales in South Africa

 The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) said South Africa’s new vehicle market delivered a strong performance in November 2025.

This growth was supported by easing inflation, meaningful fuel price relief, and a more accommodative interest rate environment.

There was also a strengthened sovereign risk profile following South Africa’s first credit rating upgrade in nearly two decades.

Aggregate domestic new vehicle sales reached 54,896 units in November 2025, increasing by 6,113 units year-on-year.

Year-to-date, the new vehicle market in South Africa was 15.4% ahead of the corresponding period in 2024.

“South Africa’s macroeconomic landscape presented a rare alignment of positive shifts in inflation, fuel pricing, fiscal credibility, and monetary policy,” Naamsa said.

TransUnion Africa CEO Lee Naik said South Africa’s automotive market shifted into top gear in the third quarter of 2025.

According to TransUnion’s Q3 2025 Mobility Insights Report, total new-passenger-vehicle sales reached 111,697 units, 23.4% higher year-on-year.

New vehicle inflation dropped to a record low of 1.5%, creating one of the most competitive pricing environments in recent memory.

Naik said affordability and choice are redefining South Africa’s automotive landscape, especially in the new car market.

“Consumers are seeking greater value and flexibility, and manufacturers that meet this demand through innovation and pricing discipline are winning the race,” he said.

He said the market’s transformation is being led by Chinese manufacturers expanding nearly nine times faster than the overall market.

Their combined share has quadrupled since 2021 to exceed 15%, driven by competitively priced, feature-rich SUVs and sedans.

Top-performing value brands YoY included JAC (67% volume increase), GWM (54%), Mahindra (42%) and Chery (35%).

“The success of value-driven models shows how affordability, technology and trust are now the true levers of brand growth in South Africa,” he said.

Jetour’s cars in South Africa

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