Saudi Arabia’s Jameel Motors to Distribute Changan Vehicles in South Africa

Riyadh, April 1 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Saudi Arabia’s Jameel Motors has signed an agreement to distribute vehicles manufactured by China-based Changan Automobile in South Africa, marking the company’s first entry into the country, the two firms announced on Monday.

Under the agreement, Jameel Motors—part of the Abdul Latif Jameel Group—will serve as the official distributor of Changan’s lineup of SUVs, sedans, pickups, and new energy vehicles. The partnership will also include distribution of models from Deepal, a Changan-affiliated brand focused on electric mobility.

South Africa, the largest automotive market in sub-Saharan Africa, recorded more than 500,000 new vehicle sales in 2024. Demand in the market is rising for competitively priced vehicles that offer advanced technology.

With this move, Changan becomes the latest Chinese automaker to enter the South African market, joining Chery Automobile, BYD, Great Wall Motor, and BAIC Motor, which are leveraging price and technology advantages to expand their footprint.

According to a joint statement, the initial models expected to launch in South Africa during the fourth quarter include the electric SUV Deepal S07, the CS75 Pro SUV, the Hunter pickup truck, and the Alsvin sedan.

Jameel Motors stated it will initially focus on the distribution of Changan and Deepal vehicles, with further expansion under consideration as market demand develops.