Jetour, a Chinese car brand that officially launched in South Africa in September 2024, has quickly made a name for itself. In just a few months, it’s already outselling major carmakers like Mercedes-Benz, Honda, and Mazda in the country.
Jetour is part of China’s Chery Holding Group and specializes in crossovers and SUVs. While it began under Chery, Jetour became its own fully independent brand by 2021, with a focus on comfort, safety, advanced technology, and environmentally friendly vehicles. Since 2018, the brand has sold over 1.2 million cars globally and now operates in more than 60 countries through a network of over 1,200 partners.
When Jetour entered the South African market, it made a strong impression right away. The company opened 40 dealerships across the country and set up a large parts warehouse in Kyalami, Johannesburg, to ensure fast and reliable service.
Johnny Fang, Managing Director of Jetour South Africa, said the brand is aiming to become the top choice for South Africans who want stylish, safe, and dependable vehicles. Jetour’s first local models—the X70 Plus and Dashing—are designed to appeal to middle- and upper-level buyers. The company set an ambitious goal to sell 800 cars per month within its first year.
To support these goals, Jetour has invested in a smart, efficient logistics system. According to Shaun Riley, the brand’s Logistics and Warehouse Manager, Jetour’s warehouse uses advanced tools and a digital-first strategy to manage parts quickly and accurately.
“Everything we do in logistics feeds into that moment when a customer gets their car back on time, fixed properly, and without hassle,” Riley said.
Jetour’s momentum is backed by recent data from Naamsa (National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa), which showed Jetour sold 620 passenger cars in May 2025. That’s more than established brands like Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Volvo.
The total South African passenger car market also grew significantly, with 31,741 cars sold in May 2025—up 30% compared to May 2024. This boost is partly due to lower inflation (2.8%), a stronger Rand, and the South African Reserve Bank’s decision to cut interest rates, which made car financing more affordable.
As credit conditions improve and consumer confidence rises, Jetour appears well-positioned to keep growing—and possibly reshape South Africa’s car market in the process.
