Across the last two months, several Chinese carmakers have either established or expanded dealership networks in South Africa, highlighting the strong support they have received from local consumers.
It must be noted that it is not only the established badges that are expanding operations, but also the new arrivals, including Chery’s sub-brands iCaur and Lepas.
In mid-May, the latter celebrated the launch of its 27th dealership in South Africa, while the former will see its first dedicated dealership open in Rivonia soon.
Lepas noted that each of its dealerships represents more than a showroom; instead, they are businesses owned by people who know their communities and understand the roads they drive.
“What has moved me most through this rollout is the calibre of the people who have chosen to partner with Lepas,” said Jay Jay Botes, General Manager of Lepas and Chery Group South Africa.
“These dealers are not passive retailers. They are passionate, invested, and deeply committed to the experience every customer has from the moment they walk through the door.”
Lepas noted that the 27 open dealerships represent the foundation, not the ceiling, confirming that further dealer appointments are in advanced stages across South Africa, with new openings expected soon.
Chery’s newest brand, iCaur, is currently developing its first dealership in Rivonia alongside DigiCars Group – whose portfolio already comprises dealerships dedicated to Chery, Omoda, Jaecoo, and Lepas.
Beyond these, Changan and JMC have opened the doors of their new dealerships in uMhlanga and Roodepoort, respectively, with both carmakers plotting further expansion.
Changan confirmed the dealership forms part of its broader national expansion strategy, which aims to establish approximately 45 dealerships across South Africa during 2026.
Changan Umhlanga Dealer Principal Feisal Essack explained that the facility is a result of partnerships and was built on a vision of growth and long-term investment.
“We are proud to partner with a global automotive brand that combines innovation, quality, and value in a way that strongly resonates with the South African consumer,” he said.
Salvador Caetano South Africa, the importer and distributor of JMC, partnered with CFAO Mobility South Africa – which operates a network of 120 dealerships nationwide – to open the JMC Clearwater dealership.
“The brand-new JMC Clearwater facility has been meticulously designed with simplicity and customer interest in mind,” the carmaker said.
Dealerships as important as ever
Earlier this year, the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) explained that while a vehicle purchase can be completed entirely online, the vast majority of South Africans continue to choose physical showrooms over virtual platforms.
The association notes that around 90% of all vehicle sales in South Africa are facilitated through dealer sales, confirming that while digital tools are evolving, dealerships remain the cornerstone of the automotive landscape.
NADA Chairperson Brandon Cohen noted that technology has streamlined the research phase, but hasn’t replaced the need for human interaction.
“Despite rapid technological advances and the rise of virtual dealerships, South Africans still value the local dealer experience,” he said.
“While convenience is the primary driver for online research, allowing buyers to compare models with a few clicks, it does not negate the essential ‘human touch’ required for such a significant purchase.”
NADA has since also credited dealerships with enabling and facilitating South Africa’s new energy vehicle (NEV) transition, especially when it comes to affordable options from emerging badges.
While nearly all customers do their research online before making the final purchase decision, NADA Executive Ryan Seele claimed dealerships remain the ultimate place of trust where they seek final reassurance.
“Demystifying the differences between NEV alternatives such as BEVs, PHEVs, and traditional hybrids is always a key requirement,” he explained.
“Dealers play a crucial role in helping buyers understand how to accurately calculate the expected cost of owning the vehicle they are eyeing, given South Africa’s variable electricity tariffs, home solar integration, and even the impact of seasonal ambient temperatures on real-world battery consumption and range.”
He noted that this guidance extends beyond merely the cost-per-kilometre breakdown based on energy consumption, but rather includes educating consumers on the total cost of ownership.
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