Behindthewheel

Chinese automakers are making inroads into Africa by understanding and meeting local needs

Our market share has witnessed a continuous growth since 2013, despite the weak market demand resulting from the global economic downturn. When the economy slows down, people need good and affordable vehicles more than at any other time.

In its spacious showroom in Isando, a small town northeast of Johannesburg, the Chinese automaker First Automotive Works (FAW) displays its most popular vehicle models assembled in its Port Elizabeth plant.

“It’s called the J5,” Ngoni Chaitwa said pointing at a large white truck. “It can pull a trailer with a load up to 34 tons. We call it ’Beautiful Africa’ because it is doing very well in Africa.”

Ngoni Chaitwa, a salesman who has been with the company for three years, said that FAW vehicles are doing very well in the market, mostly because they are reasonably priced, competitive and most importantly, made in South Africa. This makes having access to spare parts and maintenance much easier.

With the deepening of China-africa cooperation, Chinese automakers have begun setting up factories in Africa in recent years, turning the dream of “Made in Africa for Africa” into a reality. began in the 1970s when its vehicles were used in the construction of the Tanzania-zambia Railway. “Demand has kept on rising ever since in this area,” said Hao Jianyu, Deputy CEO of FAW South Africa, “We are probably the first Chinese brand to have set foot on the continent.”

According to Hao, FAW started selling and shipping