Cheap Chinese imports are hurting South Africa’s car workshops

Cheap Chinese imports are fueling a surge in new vehicle sales in South Africa, with sales volumes increasing by 16.7% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, according to industry reports. This shift towards Chinese cars is largely driven by consumers becoming more value-conscious and comparing total costs of car ownership, a trend that has led to a significant increase in sales. However, this trend is also having a broader impact, with the South African automotive industry facing a growing problem of repairability, affecting not just Chinese imports but also petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicles alike.