JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Africa's young population, rapid urbanization, and growing demand for green and intelligent mobility offer vast opportunities for Chinese automakers, said Ke Chuandeng, president of Jetour International.
In an interview with Xinhua on Friday, Ke said Chinese automakers need to move beyond simply selling vehicles in Africa to "co-creating with Africa."
Since entering the African market in 2018, Jetour has sold more than 160,000 vehicles across the continent, ranking among the top five automotive brands in the African market.
In May, the company's T2 SUV was named South Africa's 2026 Car of the Year by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists. It was the first Chinese vehicle to win the title in the award's 40-year history, marking a milestone in the growing presence of Chinese automakers in South Africa.
"Today's African consumers are young and discerning. They are looking for vehicles that offer more than basic mobility, with better design, technology and quality," Ke said. To this end, he said Jetour's approach has always been to put African consumers first, from vehicle design to after-sales service and brand building.
Recently, a Jetour convoy completed a 12,030-km journey across 12 African countries in 73 days. The four models, T1, T2, G700 and F700, took on some of the continent's most challenging terrain, from plateaus and deserts to forests and mining areas. Rigorous tests were also conducted on Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, and in the Great Rift Valley.
The expedition gave Jetour firsthand experience of Africa's diverse terrain and driving conditions, and a deeper understanding of local motorists' needs, Ke said. These insights will help the company further refine its vehicles for the African market.
As rising fuel prices continue to drive up running costs, the shift to new-energy vehicles (NEVs) and greener mobility is becoming increasingly urgent across Africa. Chinese automakers, including Jetour, Great Wall Motor and Chery, have expanded their presence in South Africa in recent years, introducing a range of hybrid and electric models.
"With rising oil prices, the cost of vehicle ownership has become a growing burden for African consumers, making the shift to NEVs all the more inevitable," said Ke, adding that NEVs, compared with fuel-powered vehicles, offer greater scope for integrating intelligent technologies and are better able to meet consumer needs.
During its regional event also on Friday, Jetour showcased its flagship hybrid SUV, the G700, and its hybrid pickup truck, the F700. The two models combined fuel efficiency with extended driving range and featured vehicle-to-load technology that allows them to double as mobile power sources in remote areas.
"What Chinese automakers can do is bring proven technologies and products tailored to local needs to Africa, helping consumers save on fuel in cities and travel longer distances without worrying about range," Ke said.
Beyond offering quality products and services, a lasting commitment to Africa also means understanding local communities and becoming part of them, Ke said.
"Jetour is not here for short-term gains. We genuinely want to grow alongside local communities," he said, adding that corporate philanthropy should focus on empowering communities to become self-reliant and build their own capacity for development.
Over the years, Jetour has incorporated its "Travel+" concept into efforts to address local challenges.
In Africa, the company has made wildlife conservation a key focus, working closely with the Cheetah Conservation Fund, founded by renowned conservationist Laurie Marker, to protect cheetahs and their habitats.
Looking ahead, Ke said a long-term commitment to the African market required strategic resolve and sustained efforts to deepen localization. Jetour currently operates three factories in Africa, with four more under development. Production of the T2 model at South Africa's Rosslyn plant is expected to begin in mid-2027.
"True globalization starts with localization," said Ke. "We will bring production, technology and the broader industrial chain to local markets to support sustainable, long-term development and better contribute to Africa's automotive industry," he said.
