Chinese Automakers Taking SA (And The World) By Storm
While the South African automotive market sees the introduction of new models from Chinese automakers almost monthly, there are hundreds of other brands on offer from the Far East nation. Here are four taking the world by storm.
MG
If it sounds like that familiar name and badge, it is! While officially of British origin, MG has become one of the most globally recognized car brands, predominantly under SAIC ownership since 2006. In 2022, it emerged as the most popular “domestic” brand beyond China’s borders. Its potential lies in its capacity to manufacture appealing and highly competitive electric vehicles suitable for both developed and developing economies. Notably, in the first half of 2023, MG secured its position as the fourth best-selling Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) brand in Europe, surpassing established mainstream competitors like Renault, Peugeot, and Hyundai.
With nearly a century of history in the automotive industry, MG’s recent success can be attributed to SAIC’s stewardship. In fact, MG’s sales have skyrocketed from a modest 3,500 units in 2013 to approximately 450,000 units just last year.
The MG story from this millennium is potentially one of the most calculated, utilising a familiar European name to gain market share in its continent of origin while all production and profits are handled by SAIC. Like many in this list, it is unlikely the formerly British automaker will arrive in South Africa any time soon, it changing to an electric vehicle-only brand by 2027. For now, their lineup includes EV, PHEV and ICE models.
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BYD
Ceasing production of internal combustion-powered vehicles last year, BYD is the only automaker on this list that has recently expanded into South Africa’s ranks. Offering the Atto 3 for upwards of R768 000, the brand serves as one of the most affordable entries into the world of electrification. In Europe, it remains relatively modest, but the company has been making significant strides in other global markets. It has established itself as one of the world’s most rapidly expanding automotive brands, primarily due to its diverse lineup of plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles.
Did you know: BYD stands for ‘Build Your Dreams’, and was founded in 1995 to make electric batteries. Since then, it has merged into the gap of creating EVs through its subsidiary BYD Auto which we have here.
BYD occupies a unique niche, straddling the line between the mainstream and premium segments. This positioning enables it to penetrate other markets like Latin America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, where not everyone can afford high-end electrified vehicles. Impressively, BYD has introduced six production models since January 2022. More impressively, the automaker also boasts an all-electric supercar that has some impressive tech and ludicrous performance.
Lynk & Co (Geely Group)
Geely? Yes, that Geely. They existed in South Africa for a brief moment before exiting, once more. Despite this, the massive conglomerate owns Geely Auto, Geometry, Lynk & Co, Livan, Proton Cars, Volvo Cars, Polestar, Zeekr, Lotus Cars, Lotus Technology, Smart, London Electric Vehicle Company and Radar Auto to name most. While some of these are joint ventures, this is nonetheless an impressive portfolio.
Their subsidiary Lynk & Co boasts a Chinese-Swedish heritage. Founded in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2016, the focus of the brand is on internet connectivity and innovative purchasing platforms and targets a young professional demographic. This means that their lineup of EVs and PHEVs is a fairly common sight in Europe. There are plans to expand into the US, too. While also moving towards an electrified future, the brand could potentially arrive in South Africa. With a dealer network of Proton and Volvo already existent in the country, this might offer the next viable entry point for a Chinese automaker.
NIO
Electric only! With an impressive and extensive product lineup, NIO is often referred to as the “Chinese Tesla” and has emerged as one of the Asian nation’s prominent players.
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NIO’s potential strength lies in its technological prowess, particularly in battery performance and software capabilities, as well as its innovative battery replacement program. However, as a premium brand, it has yet to establish a global presence and requires additional time and awareness to secure a substantial foothold in the European market. That said, it is unlikely we will see the automaker in South Africa anytime soon.
Which Chinese automaker would you be most excited to see in Mzansi or consider buying used from?
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