Why New Automotive Brands Are No Longer the Risky Choice

Luxury used to centre around exclusivity, excess, and often – inaccessibility. But as vehicles have become more technologically complex and ownership realities more demanding, the definition of luxury has quietly changed. Today, true luxury is trust.

A New Kind Of Car Buyer Is Emerging In South Africa South Africans have always had a practical relationship with their cars. But over the past few years, that relationship has changed in ways the industry can no longer ignore. Economic pressure, rising fuel costs, new technology and the reality of loadshedding have changed expectations. At Changan, where every vehicle is built with real life in mind, we’ve been watching these patterns closely to understand what truly matters to people who rely on their vehicles every day. Value For Money, As An Anchor Affordability now drives most vehicle decisions. Buyers are cautious, comparison-driven and focused on long-term costs.The TransUnion South Africa Vehicle Pricing Index recently highlighted that used-vehicle financing has outpaced new-vehicle financing, reflecting cost-conscious behaviour across the market. Nedbank’s Motor Finance Corporation (MFC) research shows that rising interest rates have tightened credit access, making consumers more sensitive to monthly repayment structures and total cost over time. For Changan - known globally for delivering more features, more technology and more safety at a price that makes sense - this shift aligns with our belief that value should be made accessible to all South African drivers. New vs Used Despite budget pressure, perceptions are also changing. TransUnion’s Mobility Insights Report found that competitively priced Chinese entrants are drawing buyers back toward new vehicles by offering modern features, safety and strong value at accessible pricing levels. Changan’s growth across Africa reflects this trend: drivers want the peace of mind of a new vehicle with warranty support, advanced safety systems, and the latest engineering - all without stretching their budgets beyond what’s realistic. This points to a buyer who is weighing every Rand carefully, but still wants something reliable, up-to-date and future-ready. Ownership Models Are Evolving Traditional financing is no longer the default. According to TransUnion South Africa, younger consumers are increasingly exploring subscription models, leasing options and alternative access arrangements. Nedbank MFC reports that extended terms, including 84-month financing with balloon structures, are becoming far more common, revealing a desire for flexibility as a form of affordability. It’s a signal that access matters just as much as ownership - and that manufacturers must simplify choices, support flexible journeys, and create vehicles that deliver long-term confidence. At Changan, we design with this lifecycle in mind, ensuring low running costs, durable engineering and accessible servicing. Fuel Costs and Real-World Conditions Fuel price volatility continues to influence buying decisions. Consumers are prioritising efficiency, but not at the expense of power. Research by market research company KLA found that while practicality leads decision-making, 80% of South Africans still prefer powerful engines because durability and capability matter on diverse road surfaces. Changan’s powertrains, many of which benefit from highly efficiency technology, are engineered to balance performance and real-world fuel savings - ensuring you get the strength you need without punishing your pocket. Loadshedding and infrastructure concerns are also influencing how consumers view energy-dependent technology, long-distance travel and charging accessibility. Electric Vehicles: Optimism Meets Caution South Africans are enthusiastic - but realistic. KLA research shows that while 72% believe electric vehicles represent the future, 71% still prefer petrol vehicles due to infrastructure gaps and range anxiety. However, TransUnion reports that hybrid and plug-in hybrid sales have grown more than 60% year-on-year, suggesting that transitional technology is gaining traction as a practical stepping stone toward electrification. As one of the world’s leaders in EV and hybrid development, Changan continues to invest heavily in the technologies that will make electrification more attainable. Our global R&D network - including the Changan Global Research & Development Centre - ensures we stay at the forefront of cleaner, smarter, future-focused mobility. The Digital Buyer Has Arrived The car-buying journey now begins online. TransUnion Africa reports a 27.9% year-on-year increase in Gen Z finance volumes, with 76% of buyers turning to social platforms for research before ever visiting a dealership. Consumers are more informed, more comparison savvy and expect in-vehicle technology - from smart safety systems to seamless smartphone integration - as standard rather than premium. Changan’s intelligent cabins, voice-activated systems, advanced driver-assistance technologies and intelligent connectivity meet these expectations head-on, making high-end innovation attainable for everyday driving. What This Means From Changan’s Perspective South Africans want vehicles that make sense for real life. They want value without compromise, technology that feels useful and uncomplicated, durability suited to real roads and real ownership, and confidence that their choice will stand the test of time. This is where Changan continues to excel: · Real value backed by global engineering · Quality built and tested across international R&D centres · Safety systems that support every journey · Technology that uplifts daily life · Reliability shaped for African conditions · And long-term support through solid dealer networks and accessible servicing. Our role and goal is to meet South African customers where they are, listen closely and help define a future where innovation feels attainable, practical and genuinely supportive of the way South Africans move.

A Global Powerhouse Arrives Sun City South Africa; 25 October 2025: Jameel Motors South Africa introduced Changan into South Africa with a high energy overnight stay at Sun City, one of South Africa’s most iconic destinations. Comprising a gala dinner and brand expo both hosted at the Superbowl, this premium event brought together over 330 media representatives, valued customers, fleet operators, strategic stakeholders, and dealer partners. It was a celebration of innovation, lifestyle, and the brand’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences beyond the road. The Sun City Celebration At the gala dinner, guests enjoyed a curated itinerary of luxury hospitality with some of South Africa’s top local talent including the Mzansi Youth Choir and Jay Something with the evening hosted by industry veteran Katlego Maboe. The entertainment was a spectacular showcase of South African culture. A vibrant fusion of sound, rhythm, gymnastics, and dance, all celebrating the spirit of innovation and creativity. From the words of Lebo Mashile, poet and iconic South African to the Mzansi Youth Choir’s energy and Jay Something’s smooth tones, guests were wowed from one entertainment set to the next. Marinus Venter, Country General Manager Jameel Motors South Africa, said “What you see around you tonight is not just the launch of a new car brand. It’s the result of countless hours of work by a handful of people with a shared belief that we could build something special, right here, in South Africa. Changan is not entering South Africa as just another name in the market. We’re here to set a new standard where quality, technology, and reliability meet real value.” Mr Xiao Feng, General Manager Changan Automobile Middle East and Africa spoke about partnership saying: “The future of mobility belongs to those who dare to imagine, who innovate, and who collaborate.” The Cars of Tomorrow, Available Today The experience was rounded off with immersive brand engagement, including test drives of the latest models, interactive sessions with product specialists, and networking opportunities in a world-class setting. The brand expo showcased Changan’s current lineup of the Alsvin sedan, CS75 Pro SUV, Hunter Range and Deepal S07 EV. Guests were treated to an exclusive preview of two upcoming models set to launch in Q1 2026, the sleek Changan Uni-S and the innovative Deepal S05 REEV. Guests praised the event as a bold and confident entry into South Africa’s competitive automotive market, with one dealer remarking, 'It’s been a while since I’ve attended a launch as impressive as this one.” The event reflected Changan and Jameel Motors South Africa’s commitment to creating meaningful connections and showcasing how its vehicles complement the aspirational lifestyles of South African drivers.

Pretoria, South Africa; 23 October 2025: Changan South Africa, and its official distributor Jameel Motors South Africa, are proud to announce the official launch of Changan’s Flagship Showroom in Pretoria, marking a significant milestone in their expansion across the country. This event showcased Changan’s strategic positioning in the local market and unveiled its latest range of vehicles, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric mobility. The flagship showroom is 1 of 25 fully trained and equipped Changan dealerships nationwide, currently ready to support sales, service, and parts. This network will continue to expand as the customer base grows, ensuring accessibility and convenience for Changan owners across South Africa. At the event, a diverse range of vehicles was unveiled to meet the needs of South African drivers; the Alsvin sedan, CS75 Pro SUV, Hunter Turbo Diesel, Hunter Hunter Range Extending Electric Vehicle [REEV], and the Deepal S07 EV. This mix of petrol, hybrid, and electric vehicles reflects the importance of giving customers choice and flexibility as the market evolves. Marinus Venter , Country General Manager Jameel Motors South Africa , commented: “Thank you to everyone who joined us, your presence made this launch truly special. We’re really looking forward to what’s ahead. Customers will benefit from Changan Aftersales, a comprehensive support programme including service and maintenance plans, extended warranties, 24-hour roadside assistance, and access to our national dealer network. It’s our way of ensuring complete peace of mind and building trust from day one.” Mr Xiao Feng, General Manager Changan Automobile Middle East and Africa added: ‘We are so excited to be in South Africa with Jameel Motors as our partner and look forward to building our legacy here and being a part of the country’s fabric.” While the unveiling of Changan’s new vehicle range was a highlight of the event, no one expected to meet the country’s first Changan owner. Martinique Lamprecht, a high school student who had just completed one of her exams arrived with her father to take ownership of her brand new Alsvin 1.5 DCT completely unbeknownst to her. “For me, this isn’t just my first car, it’s my freedom, my independence and my own new beginning” said Lamprecht . The launch was attended by key government officials, industry leaders, and media representatives, with addresses from Mr Musa Khumalo, Governance and Support Officer (GSO) City of Tshwane and Phindile Jonas, Deputy Director of Registration and Compliance. Mr Khumalo said on behalf of Member of the Mayoral Committee Sarah Mabotsa, “the City of Tshwane is greatly honoured to be the host and chosen city for Changan’s first flagship dealership in South Africa. This is a powerful vote of confidence in our city’s infrastructure, talent and opportunity. Furthermore, this partnership aligns with the city’s recently launched economic revitalization strategy that seeks to further enhance the automotive industry and position the city as the preferred destination for the automotive sector.” As Changan South Africa continues to grow its footprint, the launch of the Pretoria flagship showroom is more than a milestone, it’s a statement of intent. Every innovation, every customer experience, and every vehicle in the range reflects the brand promise: Driven to Evolve. This commitment means adapting to changing mobility needs, embracing sustainability, and delivering excellence at every touchpoint. With a nationwide network and a future-focused approach, Changan is ready to redefine what South Africans expect from modern motoring.

A New Chapter Begins for Changan and Jameel Motors South Africa Durban, South Africa - On 6 October 2025, a significant milestone was reached as the first vessel carrying Changan Motor vehicles successfully docked at the Port of Durban. This inaugural shipment marks an exciting new chapter for Jameel Motors South Africa and the Changan brand, which is set to launch nationally, later in the month. The arrival of these vehicles represents more than just the start of local distribution - it signals Changan’s commitment to establishing a long-term presence built on trust, innovation and customer-focused service. Delivering Progress: The First Shipment The first vessel brought a mix of Changan vehicles to South African shores, consisting of Alsvin, CS75 Pro and Deepal S07 models. Each vehicle embodies Changan’s global reputation for precision engineering, advanced technology, and superior quality - now ready to meet the needs of South African motorists. This shipment sets the tone for what lies ahead: a steady rollout of Changan’s diverse product range across the country, with new and exciting models planned to join the lineup in 2026. Partnerships That Drive Excellence To ensure seamless operations and exceptional service delivery, Jameel Motors South Africa has partnered with Vehicle Delivery Services (VDS), a trusted local vehicle logistics company. VDS will manage all customs clearance, storage and delivery logistics, ensuring that each Changan vehicle is processed efficiently and handled with the utmost care from port to dealership. This collaboration reinforces Changan’s commitment to building strong local partnerships that uphold global standards. Driving Forward: Innovation, Quality, and Value The arrival of the first Changan shipment marks the start of a journey - one defined by innovation, quality and value. With every new vehicle that reaches South African roads, Changan reaffirms its mission: to make advanced, reliable mobility accessible to all. As the brand continues to grow its footprint across the nation, customers can look forward to a future powered by cutting-edge design, intelligent performance and unwavering support. Driven to Evolve. Ready for South Africa From the port of Durban to dealerships across the country, this milestone represents the momentum behind Changan’s vision – to bring over 160 years of global expertise and trusted engineering to South African drivers who demand tomorrow’s automotive advancements, today.

Munich, Germany - Changan Automobile made a bold statement at IAA Mobility 2025, unveiling new electric models and smart mobility technologies that underline its global ambition, set to translate into an exciting local vison for South Africa. Under the theme “Changan, Sharing the Future,” the brand displayed its DEEPAL and AVATR lines both inside the Messe München halls and in outdoor showcases across Munich’s city-center. The Deepal S05 was officially launched in Europe at the show, revealing an EV SUV with elegant styling, frameless doors and modern design language tailored for intelligent, sustainable mobility. Changan’s booth emphasized its “smart mobility” roadmap, including electrification, intelligent driving systems, and innovation under the DUBHE Plan 2.0, which commits to accelerating intelligent, low-carbon vehicle solutions. The display also included immersive experiences of connectivity, in-vehicle intelligence, and next-generation technology - giving attendees a look at how Changan’s global developments will translate into real, usable features.

One of China’s “big four” automotive groups, Changan has evolved into a formidable global presence. More than just a manufacturer, the company now stands as a symbol of engineering strength technological intelligence and international ambition. Operating in over 75 countries and exporting to 77, Changan’s reach is more than merely aspirational. The brand’s physical footprint includes 14 manufacturing bases and 34 plants worldwide, reinforced by an expansive network of over 9,000 sales and service touchpoints. Nearly 12,000 professionals fuel this operation, which is evidence of a brand not only built to compete, but to lead. 

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, August 26, 2025: Jameel Motors has opened new headquarters in Menlyn, Pretoria, and secured 25 dealer locations across the country to look after the Changan brand, which returns after an absence of more than a decade. In March it was announced the state-owned Chinese brand would return with a range of up to 10 models imported by Jameel Motors, an independent distributor dealing with marques including Toyota, Lexus, BYD and MG Motor in 14 countries. From October, the company will start retailing a line-up of Changan-branded SUVs, sedans and pickups powered by internal combustion engines, and an electric S07 SUV from Changan’s new-energy subsidiary Deepal. Headquartered in Chongqing, Changan Automobile is China’s fourth-largest automotive group with a presence in over 70 countries and sales of 2.7-million units in 2024. The opening of the Menlyn headquarters marks a milestone as the brand gears up for its market entry later this year. A team of seasoned motor industry professionals is driving the launch, led by Marinus Venter (country manager), Max de Wit (GM of dealer network and sales) and Raymond Mahlatsi (GM of aftersales). With an average of 20 years’ experience in the automotive sector, the team brings the credibility and expertise needed to compete with established players. Jameel Motors has partnered with two logistics leaders to ensure operations and customer support, with VDS (One Logix) managing vehicle distribution and DP World taking care of parts logistics to ensure availability and on-time deliveries. Construction is under way on a flagship showroom in Brooklyn, Pretoria.

CHONGQING, CHINA, July 29, 2025 China Changan Automobile Group Co., Ltd. proudly announces its official establishment, formed through the strategic integration of key entities including Changan Automobile, Chenzhi Group, and Changan Auto Finance. Anchored by Changan Automobile's 41 years of rich heritage in vehicle manufacturing, China Changan Automobile Group is now dedicated exclusively to the automotive industry, and is poised for unprecedented growth. Boasting a robust registered capital of RMB 20 billion, total assets of RMB 308.7 billion, and an annual revenue of RMB 340 billion, China Changan Automobile Group now integrates the full automotive value chain—spanning vehicle and component manufacturing, automotive sales, financial services, logistics, after-sales care, and motorcycle operations. This new chapter positions the Group to deliver smarter, more sustainable, and more connected mobility solutions to customers worldwide. Employing approximately 110,000 people, China Changan Automobile Group is committed to becoming a global leader in intelligent and new energy vehicles. By leveraging proprietary core technologies and expanding international partnerships, the Group aims to accelerate innovation and redefine the future of mobility. With 117 subsidiaries, 21 manufacturing bases, and a diverse product portfolio, Changan's products have reached customers in 103 countries and regions worldwide. Under the Vast Ocean Plan global strategy, the Group aims to sell 5 million vehicles annually by 2030, including 3 million new energy vehicles (NEVs). Overseas sales are projected to account for 30% of total volume. While each of Changan Automobile's established brands—AVATR, DEEPAL and CHANGAN—will continue to operate with their unique identities and strengths, uniting under the China Changan Automobile Group umbrella enhances their abilities to serve customers worldwide with greater focus, agility, and innovation.