Chinese cars to shake up market
In the past year the Chinese vehicle offering in the city has grown to at least seven different brands, usually by piggybacking on established car dealership networks.
While some dealers say their sales have been slow so far, others claim there has been a flood of interest in what they call “value for money cars”.
In on the action are the big groups, like Tony Cotterell’s Ancot Trust, Automall and Motorland, which have struck deals with Chinese automakers.
The newest addition is McCarthy Value Centre, which has opened its first dealership in East London, offering the low-cost 13-seater “Foton” taxi.
The dealership’s owner, Clarence
Mngadi, said they had already received 106 orders since the first Foton demo models arrived in East London one month ago.
“Unfortunately, we can’t meet that
order,” said Mngadi, but added that the first Foton shipment was due soon in Durban harbour.
McCarthy Value Centre managing
director Mark White said they were rapidly increasing their dealer networks in the country to assist the roll-out of the new Chinese vehicles.
The company had also bought 28 Shell Autoserv branches to handle the servicing of the Foton taxis and the Meiya sport utility vehicles that will be launched next month.
Motorland owner Frans Strauss said their Chinese vehicle offering, which included Soyot, City Blitz and Asia Wing, was extended to the Geely sedan last week.
Starting at R76000, the Geely offers air-conditioning, airbags, ABS, leather seats and a fuel-injection engine.
“In the first week we sold 10 Geely cars. Our buyers are from across the board.
“Many people can’t afford to buy a car priced above R100000. Now they can get a car for R70000,” he said.
Victor Nel, who sells Chana from the Motor Mania used car dealership in Amalinda, said their sales had been slow since the car was launched in December last year.
While some dealers say their sales have been slow so far, others claim there has been a flood of interest in what they call “value for money cars”.
In on the action are the big groups, like Tony Cotterell’s Ancot Trust, Automall and Motorland, which have struck deals with Chinese automakers.
The newest addition is McCarthy Value Centre, which has opened its first dealership in East London, offering the low-cost 13-seater “Foton” taxi.
The dealership’s owner, Clarence
Mngadi, said they had already received 106 orders since the first Foton demo models arrived in East London one month ago.
“Unfortunately, we can’t meet that
order,” said Mngadi, but added that the first Foton shipment was due soon in Durban harbour.
McCarthy Value Centre managing
director Mark White said they were rapidly increasing their dealer networks in the country to assist the roll-out of the new Chinese vehicles.
The company had also bought 28 Shell Autoserv branches to handle the servicing of the Foton taxis and the Meiya sport utility vehicles that will be launched next month.
Motorland owner Frans Strauss said their Chinese vehicle offering, which included Soyot, City Blitz and Asia Wing, was extended to the Geely sedan last week.
Starting at R76000, the Geely offers air-conditioning, airbags, ABS, leather seats and a fuel-injection engine.
“In the first week we sold 10 Geely cars. Our buyers are from across the board.
“Many people can’t afford to buy a car priced above R100000. Now they can get a car for R70000,” he said.
Victor Nel, who sells Chana from the Motor Mania used car dealership in Amalinda, said their sales had been slow since the car was launched in December last year.