Distribution group Jameel Motors will launch China’s Changan vehicles in the local market towards the end of the year.

Technically, Changan Automobile is not an entirely new face in South Africa, as the brand was sold here for a short period from 2006 onwards. There was even a somewhat vague promise of a local manufacturing plant.

This time around, however, Changan vehicles will be distributed by Jameel Motors, which is also a newcomer to the South African automotive market.

The Chinese automotive industry of 2025 is also not cut from the same cloth as that of the early 2000s, as it has since morphed into a much more globally competitive beast with more appetising products.

Jameel Motors says it will distribute Changan sports-utility vehicles, sedans, pickup vehicles, as well as hybrids and electric vehicles, in South Africa.

The group says the South African market “represents a significant long-term investment opportunity”, given that it is the largest automotive market in Africa, with “growing demand for affordable vehicles with the latest technology”.

Jameel Motors will focus initially on the distribution of Changan-branded internal combustion engine vehicles, as well as Deepal-branded new-energy vehicles.

The current planning is that the vehicles will be launched in South Africa in the fourth quarter of the year.

“We are thrilled to announce Jameel Motors’ market entry to South Africa, especially as we do so with Changan Automobile, a forward-thinking automotive player with exceptional products,” says Abdul Latif Jameel Mobility CEO Jasmmine Wong.

“We are confident that, through the strategic cooperation with Jameel Motors, we will be a key player in the South African market,” adds Changan Automobile Middle East and Africa business unit GM Xiao Feng.

Jameel Motors is headed by Marinus Venter in South Africa, who has notched up experience at the local Nissan and Mercedes-Benz Vans business units.

“I believe we can effectively meet the diverse automotive demands of South African drivers and deliver a positive market experience,” he notes.

Jameel Motors has operations in more than ten countries across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and, most recently, Australia.

Changan Automobile is one of China’s four largest automotive groups, with a presence in 70 countries and sales of 2.7-million units in 2024.

The company last year relaunched its brand in the Middle East and Africa at a function in Saudi Arabia.

According to its strategic plan, Changan will gradually introduce ten models to the Middle East and Africa.

The auto maker also promised to establish spare parts centres and technical support centres in the region, “enhancing customer response times by 50%”.

Changan says it is aiming for yearly overseas sales of more than 1.2-million units by 2030, with the Middle East and Africa critical to this plan.