A new car brand launching in South Africa, R89 petrol price relief, and a problem for Chinese carmakers

These were the five biggest stories in South Africa’s transport industry this week.

New car brand launching in South Africa next month

Leapmotor is a Chinese car brand that specializes in new-energy vehicles, and it’s coming to South Africa.

The automaker is partially owned by Stellantis, which is the parent company of several other brands including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati, Opel, and Peugeot.

The company is scheduled to launch this September, though it is currently unclear whether it will use its own dealer channel, or make use of the existing Stellantis network.

R89 petrol price relief for South Africa

South Africans are paying up to R89 less to fill up their tanks than they were earlier this year.

The cost of fuel peaked in February at R22.41 per litre for petrol 95, but this has since dropped down to R21.59 per litre following several modest price cuts.

Unfortunately, the reduction could have been much higher, but geopolitical events and the government’s decision to raise the General Fuel Levy have ensured that the cost of fuel is still worryingly high for consumers.

This new law will stop you from selling your car in South Africa

The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) Act will prevent motorists from selling their cars if they have unresolved fines.

The Aarto Act is set to be implemented nationwide from 1 December 2025, with the controversial demerit point system to follow on 1 September 2026.

Michael Pashut, CEO of ChangeCars, warned that this system will prevent individuals from selling their cars, as the fines and demerit points are linked to the owner of the car.

New problem for Chinese car brands in South Africa

Chinese car brands are facing a double blow that could threaten their competitive edge.

In South Africa, the government is threatening to raise tariffs on imported vehicles, undermining their appeal as an affordable transport option.

At the same time, China is currently cracking down on the price war where automakers are engaging in aggressive discount campaigns to dominate the market through their attractive prices.

Indian car brand making a comeback in South Africa

Tata has officially announced that it will re-open its doors in South Africa this month.

The Indian carmaker is poised to re-enter the local passenger car market with a range of affordable models, from hatchbacks to SUVs.

Tata confirmed that it has signed a deal with Motus, which will serve as its local distributor.