Great Wall Motor Company Limited of China has announced that it will directly enter the South African market by granting distribution rights to Haval Motors South Africa, a wholly owned subsidiary.
The previous distributor, of course, was Great Wall Motors SA, which commenced distribution of GWM vehicles in 2007. Since then, it has established a national network of more than 60 dealerships, claiming to have sold over 50 000 vehicles.
GWM China also revealed that it will introduce its Haval sub-brand into South Africa “in the near future” through the self-same Haval Motors SA.
“Haval is a premium range of SUVs that will be very well suited to the South African motoring public’s needs, and will offer a fantastic alternative to the established brands in the SUV segment,” the automaker said in a statement.
Charles Zhao, managing director of Haval Motors SA, said that he planned to “continue to maintain and grow GWM’s position as the most successful Chinese brand in Southern Africa”.
“The South African market plays an important part in our international expansion strategy and going forward we will continue to distribute vehicles, offer parts and service support as well as administer warranties through the already established dealer network,” Zhao said.