CHINESE automotive brands continued to expand their presence in South Africa in the first quarter of 2026, recording strong sales growth and increasing their share of the country’s vehicle market amid rising consumer demand for technology-equipped and fuel-efficient vehicles.
According to South Africa’s Q1 2026 Mobility Insights Report released by credit reporting agency TransUnion on Wednesday, Chinese vehicle sales rose 75 per cent year on year in the first quarter, significantly outpacing the overall passenger and light commercial vehicle (LCV) market growth rate of 12.7 per cent and the roughly two per cent growth recorded by traditional vehicle manufacturers.
It showed that South Africa recorded 114,517 passenger and LCV sales during the quarter, while Chinese manufacturers accounted for more than 19 per cent of total sales, meaning nearly one in every five new vehicles sold in the country came from a Chinese brand. The report attributed the growth to factors beyond pricing, noting that consumers are placing greater emphasis on technology, fuel efficiency, driving range and warranty offerings.
Xinhua
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