Chinese automakers continue to gain ground in South Africa. We take a closer look at the new passenger-car sales data for October 2026, model pricing, and legacy brand impact…
Chinese passenger-car brands maintain growth across South Africa. Market data shows Chinese manufacturers hold a strong position in total new passenger-car sales. Brands gain consumer favour through competitive retail pricing, high standard equipment levels, and comprehensive warranty packages. Financial pressure drives South African buyers toward price-sensitive choices.
Chinese passenger-car options offer premium features at price points below base model prices of legacy manufacturers. This volume of Chinese imports places financial and operational strain on established brands. Except for manufacturers with production facilities in India and locally produced passenger cars such as the Volkswagen Polo Vivo, traditional European, Japanese, and South Korean companies struggle to match the competitive pricing and rapid product release schedules of these new entrants.
10 best-selling Chinese passenger cars in South Africa in October 2026
The October 2026 sales report from Naamsa demonstrates that Chinese brands hold a strong position in the South African passenger-car market. Chery leads sales with the Tiggo 4 Cross, with the 1 924 units sold positioning it in the top three of South Africa’s 10 best-selling passenger cars. Pricing for this model starts at R279 900. Jetour captured market share across multiple models, led by the T2 (priced from R569 900), with 753 units sold. The company also achieved 646 units for the Dashing (priced from R439 900) and 364 units for the T1 (priced from R514 900).
GWM recorded strong volume through the Haval Jolion (from R348 950), at 1 343 units. Chery sub-brand Omoda followed with 726 units of the C5, which starts at R349 900. Other notable performers include the Chery Q, with 438 units sold, Jaecoo J5 (350 units), and GWM Ora 5 (336). It is worth noting that Geely does not submit sales data to naamsa.
- Chery Tiggo 4 Cross — 1 924 units
- Haval Jolion — 1 343 units
- Jetour T2 — 753 units
- Omoda C5 — 726 units
- Jetour Dashing — 646 units
- Chery Q — 438 units
- Jetour T1 — 364 units
- Jaecoo J5 — 350 units
- Jetour X70 Plus — 339
- GWM Ora 5 — 336 units
Chinese sales trends beyond October 2026
Chinese automakers continue expanding in South Africa through new sub-brands and model launches. Geely entered the local bakkie segment with the Riddara RD6 in late 2026. Chery is gearing up to launch its double-cab bakkie, named Grootman, in the first quarter of 2027. BYD will introduce its Denza luxury sub-brand, which will include plug-in hybrid SUV models such as the B5 and B8. Premium electric brand Zeekr will bring the 7X crossover and 001 shooting brake to market. Changan expands its lineup through the Deepal series, while JAC will introduce the T9 PHEV. Most upcoming Chinese models focus on electrification, making future adoption rates a key metric to monitor.
