Chinese Auto Brands Zoom Past U.S., EU, and Japanese Competitors in South Africa

Great Wall Motors' Ora 03 is the latest entrant in South Africa's increasingly comeptitive auto market where Chinese brands are steadily moving up the sales ranks. Image via Great Wall Motors.

The latest auto sales data for South Africa reflects the growing prominence of Chinese brands: They are not yet at the top of the table, but they are moving up fast, and more Chinese competitors are rapidly entering the market.

In January 2024, two Chinese brands were among the top ten highest-selling auto brands in Africa’s largest passenger vehicle market:

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest China-Africa news and analysis.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China-Africa relations.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in Africa and throughout the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.