Chery names its first bakkie Grootman
Chery has named its first bakkie for South Africa Grootman, a name chosen by South Africans. The model is planned to make its local debut in the first quarter of 2027.
- Product News
- 2 October 2026
Soon another Chinese automotive manufacturer will see its products on South African roads with an agreement between GAC Motor and Salvador Caetano Auto on the distribution of vehicles, spare parts and services in South Africa.
GAC Motor, a subsidiary of GAC Group, founded in 1997, is one of the China’s major vehicle manufacturers, with 113 000 employees and ranked No 165 by Fortunate Global 500.
Salvador Caetano Group is an international group dedicated to the automotive industry and sector; it’s present on three continents, in more than 41 countries and has more than 7 000 employees. Founded in 1946, the Salvador Caetano Group has more than 75 years’ experience and currently has over 100 companies established in Europe, South America and Africa in the following business areas: Industry (automobiles, buses and aeronautics), automobile import and distribution, mobility, industrial equipment, workshops and services.
Both parties signed a strategic agreement for the distribution and retail operations in South Africa.
“This agreement settles the beginning of an important milestone for Salvador Caetano Auto, starting with our presence in South Africa with the possibility of enlarging this partnership to other markets in the future,” says Sérgio Ribeiro, Executive Board Member of Salvador Caetano Auto and CEO of Global Automotive Distribution.
He also highlights the strategic importance of this partnership: “This strategic partnership marks the beginning of a significant investment that will enable us to rapidly establish GAC Motor as a relevant automotive player in South Africa.”
Wang Shunsheng, Deputy General Manager of GAC Motor, adds: "Dedicated to the automotive industry for years and present on three continents, GAC Motor has accelerated the process of international business. This partnership with Salvador Caetano Auto in South Africa is the start-up of the cooperation of both parties.
“Both companies will leverage their respective strengths to bring quality products to South Africa, while building a strong dealership network focused on customer satisfaction.”
GAC Motor has a wide range of sedans, SUVs and commercial vehicles, and more details of what is earmarked for South Africa will be revealed at a later stage.
Chery has named its first bakkie for South Africa Grootman, a name chosen by South Africans. The model is planned to make its local debut in the first quarter of 2027.
South Africa’s new vehicle market recorded aggregate domestic sales of 61 645 units in September 2026, an increase of 12.7% compared with the 54 706 units sold during September 2025.
SA Auto Week 2026 is scheduled to take place in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, from 13 to 16 October, with the event marking five years of SA Auto Week.
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South Africa’s new vehicle market recorded aggregate domestic sales of 61 645 units in September 2026, an increase of 12.7% compared with the 54 706 units sold during September 2025.
SA Auto Week 2026 is scheduled to take place in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, from 13 to 16 October, with the event marking five years of SA Auto Week.
South Africa’s domestic new-vehicle market strengthened in September, recording 61 645 sales, its highest monthly total of 2026. Sales increased by 3 747 vehicles, or 6.5%, from August’s originally reported total and were 12.7% higher than in September 2025.