Saudi Arabia’s Jameel Motors and Chinese company Changan Automobile have signed an agreement to distribute sports utility vehicles (SUVs), sedans, pickups, and new energy vehicles (NEVs) in South Africa.
This marks a new market entry for Jameel Motors. The South African market represents a significant long-term investment opportunity, given that it is the largest automotive market in Africa, with new vehicle sales totaling over 500k in 2024, as well as the growing demand for affordable vehicles with the latest technology.
In January 2025 the new passenger car market saw an increase of 18.3 percent cars sold year on year. Jameel Motors’ commitment includes creating jobs and developing local dealerships, contributing to the economic growth of the country.
Jasmmine Wong, CEO – Mobility, Abdul Latif Jameel stated that, “We are thrilled to announce Jameel Motors’ market entry to South Africa, especially as we do so with Changan Automobile, a forward-thinking automotive player with exceptional products. We are looking forward to driving long-term growth in the market and empowering drivers across South Africa with expanded and superior personal mobility choices.”
XIAO Feng, General Manager of Changan Automobile Middle East and Africa Business Unit, noted that, “This is a new milestone for our business in South Africa. Changan Automobile, as a leading Chinese automotive company, has been committed to building a world-class automotive brand. We are confident that, through the strategic cooperation with Jameel Motors, we will be a key player in the South African market.”
Jameel Motors will initially focus on the distribution of CHANGAN and DEEPAL products. CHANGAN offers sedans, SUVs, and pickup combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, while DEEPAL focuses on NEVs.
Both DEEPAL and CHANGAN vehicles are ideal for South Africa’s diverse terrain and road conditions. Building on its strong track record, Jameel Motors is well-positioned to meet local customer preferences. Vehicles are planned to be available for purchase in the fourth quarter of 2025.
“I am honored to join a business that is building on 70 years of automotive excellence, as we introduce CHANGAN and DEEPAL vehicles to South Africa. By leveraging Jameel Motors’ extensive experience and Changan Automobile’s renowned focus on safety, quality, and technology, I believe we can effectively meet the diverse automotive demands of South African drivers and deliver a positive market experience,” commented Marinus Venter, Country Manager, Jameel Motors South Africa.
