Zuko Komisa
- Chery Group sold 5,221 units in January 2026, claiming 3rd place overall and surpassing Volkswagen’s 4,774 units.
- Success is anchored by the Tiggo 4 Pro’s dominance and the rapid market penetration of sub-brands Jetour, Omoda, and Jaecoo.
- NAACAM CEO Renai Moothilal highlights that this shift reflects a growing demand for high-value imports amidst changing domestic economic pressures.
The South African automotive landscape witnessed a historic shift this January as Chery Group officially ascended to the third-place spot in national vehicle sales.
By moving 5,221 units across its Chery, Omoda, Jaecoo, and Jetour brands, the group successfully overtook legacy giant Volkswagen Group Africa.
This milestone is not just a victory in numbers; it is a clear signal that the “new guard” of automotive excellence has arrived, blending high-tech luxury with a value proposition that South African consumers are finding impossible to ignore.
For the Chery Group, this achievement validates a rapid and strategic expansion that began with its relaunch in late 2021.
Chery’s trajectory is being fueled by a “customer-first” philosophy that pairs cutting edge features with aggressive, accessible pricing.
Kaya Biz with Gugulethu Mfuphi spoke to Renai Moothilal, CEO of the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM), who views this as a defining moment for the sector.
He notes that the rise of brands like Chery represents a broader trend of high vehicle import penetration.
This shift challenges local manufacturers to innovate further, while simultaneously offering South African motorists a level of standard technology and safety features previously reserved for the ultra-premium segments.
Listen to the full conversation here:
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