Omoda and Jaecoo recorded a sharp rise in South African vehicle sales in 2025 as Chinese manufacturers continued to expand their footprint in a market under pressure from high interest rates and constrained household budgets.
According to Business Day, combined sales for the two brands climbed by 147% year on year, increasing from 5,097 units in 2024 to 12,597 units in 2025, driven mainly by the performance of the Omoda C5 and supported by newer Jaecoo models.
The Omoda C5 was the strongest performer, with volumes rising by 157.7% over the period. The brands attributed the growth to increasing brand recognition and sustained demand for competitively priced sport utility vehicles, alongside the launch of additional models such as the Jaecoo J5 and Omoda C7. The introduction of hybrid and plug-in hybrid options has also broadened the customer base at a time when fuel efficiency and running costs are becoming central to purchasing decisions.
Sales exceeded internal forecasts of around 11,000 units for the year, highlighting how quickly Chinese manufacturers are gaining acceptance among South African buyers. This shift reflects wider changes in consumer behaviour, as buyers move away from premium and established European and Japanese marques towards vehicles that combine lower prices with high specifications.
Industry data shows that the trend is reshaping dealership performance. As reported by Naamsa, growth in Chinese and Indian brands has coincided with softer demand for traditional mid-range and luxury vehicles, reinforcing the movement towards value-driven purchases. The change in mix has benefited groups with exposure to Asian brands, while putting pressure on long-standing market leaders that struggle to compete on price and feature offerings.
Retail groups have begun adjusting their strategies in response. Motus, the country’s largest automotive dealer, recently increased its exposure to Chinese brands through the acquisition of Penta Group, which distributes Chery, Omoda, Jaecoo and Suzuki. The Competition Commission approved the transaction after concluding that it would not significantly reduce competition in the market, according to Competition Commission statements.
The rapid expansion of Chinese brands such as Omoda, Jaecoo, Haval and Chery is becoming increasingly visible on South African roads. Their growth underscores a structural shift in the industry, where affordability, technology and fuel efficiency are overtaking brand heritage as key purchasing factors. As pressure on household incomes persists and vehicle prices continue to rise, analysts expect Chinese manufacturers to consolidate their position and challenge traditional players more directly in the mass market.