Jameel Motors and Changan target South African market

The emerging Deepal electric vehicle brand will be among those offered to South African consumers by Jameel Motors.

April 4, 2025

CAR Magazine 1 minute read

South Africa will soon see the arrival of another Chinese brand when Jameel Motors joins the fray.

The past few years have seen somewhat of a Chinese onslaught in the new vehicle market for South Africa.

In 2025, another will be offered to local buyers when Jameel Motors, a global mobility solutions provider, which has partnered with Changan Automobile, begins to distribute its vehicles. This includes the emerging Deepal electric-vehicle (EV) brand, in late 2025.

This move raises questions about the evolving dynamics of the South African car market and the potential impact of increased Chinese competition. The appeal is clear since South Africa boasts a robust automotive market, with over half a million new vehicle sales annually. However, the market is also price-sensitive and Chinese manufacturers have consistently targeted this segment with competitively priced, feature-rich vehicles. Jameel Motors’ strategy to introduce both ICE vehicles and EVs suggests an attempt to capture a broad consumer base.

The introduction of Deepal’s EVs, however, presents a unique challenge. While the global trend leans towards electrification, South Africa’s charging infrastructure remains nascent. Consumer adoption of EVs will likely depend on the development of this infrastructure and the pricing of these vehicles relative to traditional ICE models.

Changan’s existing presence, alongside brands like Haval and Chery, already indicates a growing Chinese influence. The question now is whether Changan, with Jameel Motors’ distribution network, can further disrupt the established market. This will hinge on factors beyond just pricing and features. After-sales service, parts availability and long-term reliability will be crucial for building consumer trust.