SHIFTING GEAR

AFRICA EMERGES AS THE NEXT BATTLEGROUND FOR CHINESE AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING GROWTH.

- by Edward Moleke Makwana

As the world’s automotive industry converged in the sprawling halls of the Auto China 2026 show in Beijing in late April, one message became impossible to ignore: Chinese automotive brands are no longer content with simply exporting vehicles to Africa. Increasingly, they are laying the groundwork to manufacture on the continent itself, signalling a potentially transformative shift in Africa’s industrial and automotive future.

With 380,000sqm of exhibition space, more than 1,400 vehicles on display, over 180 global debuts and 70 concept cars unveiled, Auto China has evolved into the world’s most influential automotive showcase. Beyond the futuristic electric vehicles (EVs) and dazzling technology displays, the real story for Africa was unfolding in private boardrooms, executive briefings and expansion conversations.

Chinese brands already account for an estimated 40% of South Africa's new vehicle market, driven by aggressive pricing, fast product cycles and rapidly improving quality. Now, many of these brands appear ready to take the next step: localization.

Perhaps the clearest indication came from Jetour. Speaking at the International Media Alliance conference on the sidelines of the exhibition, Jetour International President Ke Chuandeng confirmed that the Jetour T1 and T2 models will be produced in South Africa from 2027.

The announcement follows news earlier this year that Nissan sold its Rosslyn manufacturing plant in Pretoria to Chery International, Jetour’s parent company. While Chery and Jetour operate separately in South Africa, they remain closely linked globally under the broader Chery Group structure.