Chinese and Indian automakers are rapidly expanding their footprint in South Africa, with dealership networks reporting surging sales and rising profits. Picture Credit: Dealer Floor
By Aisha Zardad
South Africa – Emerging Chinese and Indian automakers are rapidly transforming South Africa’s dealership landscape, driving strong performance across major retail networks as consumers increasingly prioritise affordability and value.
JSE-listed Super Group says early investment in these fast-growing brands has significantly boosted results for six months ended 31 December 2025. The group reported that its South African supply chain and dealership operations underpinned robust interim performance, with local dealerships outperforming the broader automotive market in both new and used vehicle sales.
A key driver of this growth has been demand for competitively priced Asian brands. New-car sales volumes from emerging Chinese and Indian manufacturers surged by 102% compared to the prior term and now account for nearly 30% of the group’s total new vehicle sales.
During the reporting period, Super Group expanded its footprint by adding three Geely dealerships, two Tata Motors outlets, two Mahindra dealerships, one GWM outlet and one Ford dealership. The group now operates 28 dealerships representing emerging Chinese and Indian brands — reflecting a broader market shift as many South Africans find traditional European models increasingly unaffordable.
The financial impact of this strategy has been significant.
Key financial metrics for the six months to 31 December 2025 include:
- Revenue: R22.68 billion (up 7.0% from R21.20 billion in December 2024)
- EBITDA: R1.96 billion (up 5.9% from R1.85 billion)
- Operating Profit: R1.10 billion (up 8.7% from R1.01 billion)
- Profit Before Taxation: R834.0 million (up 24.8% from R668.1 million)
- Headline EPS (continuing operations): 155.4 cents (up 28.0%)
- EPS (continuing operations): 157.5 cents (up 26.1%)
Within South Africa specifically, the dealership division recorded revenue growth of 12.7% to R6 billion, with operating profit reaching R209.2 million.
However, headline earnings from total operations declined year-on-year, largely because the prior comparative period included profits from the SG Fleet business, which was sold in April 2025. The current reporting period was also impacted by a R382 million impairment of AMCO’s carrying value.
The momentum is not limited to the domestic market. Super Group’s UK dealership operations also delivered improved results following restructuring efforts and the addition of Chinese brands, contributing to a 50.4% increase in operating profit in that region.
The results point to a structural shift in South Africa’s automotive sector. As price sensitivity intensifies, Chinese and Indian manufacturers are rapidly gaining mainstream acceptance — reshaping dealership portfolios and altering the competitive dynamics of the country’s vehicle market.
