Vehicle sales data points to a shift in South African buying behaviour. Chinese car brands are reshaping the automotive market, offering new vehicles at prices that challenge the second-hand market.

With modern technology, competitive pricing and attractive warranties, buyers are reconsidering the value of buying used cars. As more affordable electric models enter the market, EV ownership is becoming accessible to more South Africans, creating growing demand for charging infrastructure.

“This is not regarded as a short-term surge, but a structural reset, ​as for decades the market was shaped by badge and prestige, but it is now being redefined by price-driven consumer choices and tighter household budgets, with little brand affinity,” NAAMSA

BYD South Africa had expanded to 53 dealerships by July 2026 and was targeting 60–70 locations by the end of the year. Geely South Africa currently operates approximately 33 dealerships nationwide, with plans to expand to around 50 dealerships by the end of 2026.