Saudi Arabia’s Jameel Motors is boosting South Africa’s auto market through a game-changing partnership with China’s Changan Automobile, set to launch SUVs, sedans, bakkies and cutting-edge NEVs by Q4 2025. This strategic move taps into SA’s rebounding economy where new car sales surged 18.3% YoY in January 2025.
From Benni Blues to EV Revolution
While South Africans remember Changan for the budget Benni hatchback and Chana Star bakkies, the new lineup promises premium tech. The dual-brand strategy will deploy:
- CHANGAN: Combustion-engine workhorses for SA’s rugged terrain
- DEEPAL: Next-gen electric vehicles charging into the NEV space
“This marks our first African foray,” reveals Jasmmine Wong, CEO of Jameel Mobility, noting SA’s 500,000+ annual vehicle sales.
The venture will seed local dealerships and create jobs, though exact numbers remain undisclosed.
Leadership With Pedigree
Heading the charge is auto veteran Marinus Venter, whose 18-year resume includes stints launching vehicles for Nissan and Mercedes-Benz.
“We’re blending Jameel’s 70 years of auto excellence with Changan’s safety-first engineering,” Venter said.
Changan’s credentials are formidable:
- 2.7 million global sales (2024)
- 18,000+ engineers across 6 countries
- J.D. Power quality awards since 2018
- Red Dot Design laurels
Executive Firepower
XIAO Feng of Changan MEA calls this “a milestone,” while Wong emphasises “superior mobility choices” for SA drivers.
The Saudi-Chinese joint venture strategically positions itself as SA’s middle class expands and EV infrastructure develops.
With combustion bakkies for today and electric options for tomorrow, this partnership could rewrite SA’s auto rules. Will legacy brands feel the heat when these models hit showrooms in 18 months? The starting flag drops Q4 2025.
