Chinese carmakers look to Africa as global winds shift
But they are counting on price and advanced technology setting them apart from Africa's traditional market leaders and are focusing on offering plug-in hybrids and EVs with a starting price of under R400,000.
'As long as they remain affordable from an upfront cost perspective, they will be differentiated against legacy brands offering similar specifications,' said Greg Cress of advisory firm Accenture.
Omoda & Jaecoo, which launched in Africa in 2023 and operates 52 dealerships in South Africa, Namibia, Eswatini and Botswana, hopes to triple sales in the next 18 months and enter new markets Zambia and Tanzania.
BYD plans to expand its dealership network in East, Southern and West Africa, including a first-time entry into Tanzania.
Steve Chang, BYD Auto South Africa's general manager, said he is not daunted by the slow adoption of EVs and Africa's internal combustion engine-dominated vehicles market.
'I think South Africa and the rest of Africa have a very big opportunity to what I call leapfrog from ICE into renewable energy [cars],' he said. 'Africa is a very big market.'
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