26/09/2024
Chinese automakers eye opportunities in African market
Chinese automakers are accelerating their global expansion, with a particular focus on increasing their presence in African countries. On Friday, JETOUR Auto, a Chinese automobile brand, unveiled two new right-hand drive (RHD) models, DASHING and X70PLUS, in Johannesburg, South Africa, marking another step forward in its global growth.
In 2023, China exported 4.91 million vehicles, achieving a year-on-year growth of 57.9 percent, making it the world's largest automobile exporter for the first time. The massive growth was propelled by a surge in the exports of new energy vehicles (NEVs), which soared 77.6 percent to more than 1.2 million units last year.
"The global expansion trend offers great opportunities for Chinese auto companies," Li Xueyong, president of JETOUR Auto, told Xinhua in a recent interview, adding that the company has established more than 600 sales and service networks in over 50 countries.
As an economic powerhouse on the African continent, South Africa boasts a mature car market. Since Chinese automakers entered the South African market more than a decade ago, over 10 Chinese brands have established a presence and achieved strong sales.
"We have placed great importance on the South African market, which is highly competitive and mature, and we have made thorough preparations to enter it," said Ke Chuandeng, vice president of JETOUR Auto. He added that the company aims to establish 40 sales networks in the country by the end of this year and sell 30,000 vehicles over the next three years.
As one of Africa's largest car producers, with a history of more than 100 years, South Africa's car market is relatively saturated, making it challenging for new entrants to gain a foothold. However, as more African countries turn to NEVs, Chinese automakers are finding new opportunities on the continent.
Ke Chuandeng (R), vice president of JETOUR Auto, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Johannes
