Changan Automobile has officially confirmed its entry into the South African automotive market, with plans to establish a presence before the end of the year. The Chinese manufacturer has partnered with Jameel Motors, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Abdul Latif Jameel, to distribute Changan and Deepal vehicles in South Africa.
Changan and Deepal Set to Expand in South Africa
Jasmine Wong, CEO of Mobility at Abdul Latif Jameel, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are excited to introduce Jameel Motors to South Africa, especially alongside Changan Automobile, a forward-thinking automaker with outstanding products.”
The first wave of vehicle launches is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025 and will include a range of models such as a bakkie, SUV, sedan, and a new-energy vehicle.
Xiao Feng, General Manager of Changan Automobile for the Middle East and Africa, highlighted the strategic importance of this expansion. “This marks a significant milestone for our business in South Africa. As a leading Chinese automotive company, Changan is committed to establishing itself as a world-class brand. We are confident that our partnership with Jameel Motors will allow us to become a major player in the South African market.”
Who is Changan?
Changan is a state-owned Chinese automaker with roots tracing back to the 19th century as a weapons manufacturer. In 1959, the company secured its first contract for automobile production, initially focusing on military vehicles for the Chinese government.
The company’s shift towards civilian car manufacturing began in 1984 when it entered a trade cooperation agreement with Japan’s Suzuki. Over the decades, Changan has emerged as one of China’s “Big Four” state-owned carmakers, alongside SAIC, Dongfeng, and FAW Group. In 2024, it sold over 2.7 million vehicles across 70 countries, showcasing its growing global presence.
With its South African expansion, Changan will introduce various models, including SUVs, sedans, pickup trucks, and new-energy vehicles, under the distribution of Jameel Motors.
Two New Chinese Car Brands Coming to South Africa
While specific models have yet to be officially confirmed, images released by Jameel Motors suggest the following vehicles could be included in the lineup:
Changan Hunter
The Changan Hunter is a midsize pickup truck comparable to the Toyota Hilux. It is part of the F70 lineup, available in multiple configurations:
- 1.9-litre turbo-diesel
- 2.4-litre turbo-petrol
- 2.5-litre turbo-diesel
- 2.0-litre turbo-petrol range-extender hybrid
The Hunter model specifically refers to the hybrid version, where the combustion engine acts as a generator for electric motors that drive either the rear or both axles. The rear-wheel-drive version features a 130kW e-motor, while the all-wheel-drive model adds a 70kW front motor.
With a 31kWh battery, the Hunter offers an electric-only range of 180km, contributing to a total driving range of 1,031km. Notably, the F70 platform is shared with the Peugeot Landtrek, as both vehicles were developed in collaboration with Stellantis.
Changan CS75 Pro
This C-segment crossover is comparable to the Volkswagen T-Roc. The model shown in promotional material appears to be the CS75 Pro, a more affordable variant introduced in early 2024.
It is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, producing 141kW and 310Nm, with power delivered to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Changan Alsvin
The Alsvin is a budget-friendly B-segment sedan, primarily targeting Middle Eastern markets such as Pakistan. The current generation has been in production since 2017 and features a 1.5-litre petrol engine generating 78kW, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox and a front-wheel-drive system.
Given the shrinking number of affordable sedans in South Africa, the Alsvin could emerge as a valuable addition to the market.
Deepal S07
The Deepal S07 represents Changan’s entry into the new-energy vehicle sector. This model is available as both a fully electric vehicle (EV) and a range-extender hybrid:
- The EV version features a front-mounted 160kW e-motor with 320Nm of torque and an 80kWh battery, offering a range of 475km.
- The range-extender hybrid employs a 1.5-litre engine to power a 177kW e-motor, supported by a 39kWh battery, delivering an impressive total driving range of 1,200km.
Key Features of Changan and Deepal Vehicles
| Model | Engine Options | Power Output | Transmission | Drivetrain | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Changan Hunter | 1.9L Diesel, 2.4L Petrol, 2.5L Diesel, 2.0L Hybrid | Up to 130kW (EV) | Manual & Auto | RWD/AWD | 1,031km range (Hybrid) |
| CS75 Pro | 1.5L Turbo Petrol | 141kW / 310Nm | 8-speed Auto | FWD | Modern infotainment system |
| Alsvin | 1.5L Petrol | 78kW | 5-speed Manual | FWD | Affordable sedan option |
| Deepal S07 EV | Electric (80kWh) | 160kW / 320Nm | Single-speed | FWD | 475km range |
| Deepal S07 Hybrid | 1.5L Engine + 39kWh battery | 177kW | Automatic | FWD | 1,200km range |
Looking Ahead
At this stage, Changan has yet to reveal its official model lineup and pricing details for South Africa. More information is expected as the launch date approaches in Q4 2025.
With its strategic partnership with Jameel Motors and a diverse selection of vehicles, Changan aims to establish a strong foothold in the South African market, offering a mix of affordability, performance, and innovation in the automotive space.
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