Changan Auto Partners with Saudi Arabia's Jameel Motors to Enter South African Market

As Chinese automakers continue their global expansion, Changan Automobile has signed a distribution agreement with Saudi Arabia's Jameel Motors, marking its official entry into the South African market.

Market Background

South Africa is the largest automotive market in Africa. According to data from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa, the country's new vehicle sales exceeded 500,000 units in 2024. In January this year, South Africa's passenger vehicle market saw an 18.3% year-on-year sales growth, demonstrating strong market vitality.

Partnership Details

The collaboration between Changan and Jameel Motors will focus on distributing SUVs, sedans, pickup trucks, and new energy vehicles in South Africa. Jameel Motors will primarily promote Changan's two major brands: the Changan brand for traditional fuel vehicles and the Shenlan brand for new energy vehicles.

Market Entry Plan

Jameel Motors plans to launch the first batch of Changan vehicles in South Africa by the fourth quarter of 2025. This also marks Jameel Motors' first entry into the South African market.

About Jameel Motors

Jameel Motors is part of the Abdul Latif Jameel Group, a Saudi family-owned conglomerate with diversified businesses across the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey. As a multinational automotive distributor, Jameel Motors has established long-term partnerships with numerous renowned automotive brands, operating across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Its portfolio includes international brands like Toyota, Lexus, and Hino, as well as Chinese automakers such as BYD, GAC, and Geely.

About Changan Automobile

Changan is one of China's top four automakers, with operations in 70 countries and regions worldwide. In 2024, Changan achieved sales exceeding 2.7 million vehicles. The company is recognized for its safety, innovation, and technological R&D, having won the JD POWER Initial Quality Award for five consecutive years and numerous international honors including the Red Dot Award.

Leadership Team

The South African operations will be led by Marinus Venter, who brings 18 years of automotive brand leadership experience, having previously launched innovative models for brands like Nissan and Mercedes-Benz.

This partnership not only represents Changan's strategic expansion into South Africa but also signifies Jameel Motors' continued global growth. Through this collaboration, both parties aim to meet diverse mobility needs in South Africa, drive long-term market growth, and contribute new momentum to the country's economic development.

Reported by TopUsedCars.com journalist Xiao Mi