3 Fast-Growing Car Brands Dominating The South African Market
Three car brands – Chery, Great Wall Motors (GWM), and Suzuki – are experiencing significant growth in South Africa. With rising sales and increasing popularity, they’re meeting the changing demands of local consumers.
Let’s discuss how these brands are taking over the local market.
Chery: Affordable Quality For The Masses
In just a decade, Chery has gone from a relatively unknown player to one of South Africa’s fastest-growing car brands. With a staggering 1749% increase in sales, Chery has firmly established itself in the local market. From only 1725 units sold in 2014 to 31897 units in 2024, the brand’s success story is one of affordability paired with solid features.
Chery’s popularity can be attributed to its focus on providing well-equipped, budget-friendly vehicles that cater to the growing demand for value-for-money cars. The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, in particular, has become one of the best-selling models in the country, even breaking into the top 10 brands, outdoing established names like Honda and Mazda.
With an average price point well below that of its European counterparts, Chery is tapping into the need for affordable vehicles without compromising on quality.
GWM: Leading The Charge In SUVs
Great Wall Motors (GWM) is another Chinese brand that’s making big strides in South Africa, particularly in the SUV segment. Known for its robust vehicles like the Haval Jolion, GWM has rapidly gained popularity for offering feature-packed cars at competitive prices.
The brand’s growth is evident, with GWM consistently ranking among the top 10 best-selling brands in the country, thanks to models that offer consumers everything they want — affordability, style and reliability.
What sets GWM apart is its focus on practical and stylish SUVs, an increasingly popular segment among South African buyers. The Haval Jolion, for example, is not only an affordable SUV but also boasts modern tech and a comfortable driving experience, making it a top choice for families.
GWM’s focus on this growing market has proven to be a winning formula, with sales figures continuing to rise year on year.
Suzuki: Dominating The Budget Market
Suzuki’s growth in South Africa is another success story in the local automotive market. The Japanese brand has long been a leader in the budget car segment, and it continues to dominate with its affordable, reliable, and fuel-efficient models.
Suzuki is the second most popular brand for imported vehicles, with nearly half of all passenger vehicles in South Africa coming from India, where Suzuki manufactures many of its models.
Suzuki’s success can be attributed to its ability to meet the needs of cost-conscious consumers without sacrificing quality. Models like the Suzuki Swift and Vitara have become staples in the local market, offering a combination of affordability, low running costs and impressive fuel efficiency.
Suzuki’s focus on providing a solid driving experience at a competitive price has made it a go-to choice for many South Africans looking for a practical and economical car.
The Growth Drivers: Affordability And Value
Whether it’s Chery’s feature-rich SUVs, GWM’s stylish and affordable range, or Suzuki’s reputation for reliability, these brands are tapping into a key demand: affordable mobility without compromising quality.
These three brands are proving that the future of the South African car market is not only about long-established names but also about new players delivering on what matters most to consumers.
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