The Chinese cars taking on Toyota, VW, and Hyundai in South Africa

Chinese carmakers had another strong month in South Africa in September, which was a record-breaking month for the new-car market and individual brands.

This is according to a report by The Citizen, using data from the Automotive Business Council.

Looking at the list, Chery remained South Africa’s favourite Chinese manufacturer, once again beating GWM, which had beaten it for years.

The Wuhu-based manufacturer sold 3,004 models in the local market last month, 2,251 of which were the hugely popular Tiggo 4 crossover SUV.

GWM was second, with 2,700 total sales in September, half of which were Haval Jolion models, while Chery’s sub-brand Jetour rounded out the podium, thanks to 2,036 sales.

All three manufacturers also found their way onto the top ten best-sellers overall list, beating established brands like Kia, Renault, and BMW in the process.

Another Chery sub-brand, Omoda & Jaecoo, took fourth place on the Chinese rankings with 1,503 sales, claiming 12th place overall, while NEV specialist BYD was fifth-biggest with 659, and 18th overall.

In total, the new-car sector recorded a 12.7% increase year-on-year from 54,706 units sold in September 2025 to 61,645 in September 2026.

Of these, passenger car sales made up 44,291 units, which represented a 14.7% year-on-year increase over the 38,615 units in September 2025.

Light commercial vehicles (LCVs), which include vehicles like bakkies and minivans, increased sales by 9.6%, rising from 13,099 to 14,361 units.

South Africa’s vehicle export market continued its unfortunate decline, with shipments of vehicles built in our car factories dropping by 18.8% to 31,473 units in September.

South Africa’s favourite Chinese cars

The best-selling Chinese cars, including the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and Haval Jolion, have remained some of the best-loved cars in the local market.

These two models regularly outsell the country’s other popular offerings from some of South Africa’s biggest brands, with both recording thousands of sales every month.

Below is a list of the ten best-selling Chinese cars in South Africa in September 2026. Click on their prices for more details about each model.

1. Chery Tiggo 4 – 2,251 units

• Starting price – R269,900

2. GWM Haval Jolion – 1,351 units

• Starting price – R348,950

3. Omoda C5 – 936 units

• Starting price – R339,900

4. Jetour T2 – 757 units

• Starting price – R569,900

5. Jetour Dashing – 584 units

• Starting price – R439,900

6. GWM P-Series – 517 units

• Starting price – R414,950

7. Jetour T1 – 441 units

• Starting price – R514,900

8. Jaecoo J5 – 410 units

• Starting price – R339,900

9. Chery Tiggo 7 – 392 units

• Starting price – R415,900

10. GWM Haval H6 – 385 units

• Starting price – R495,500