News / Local
WATCH: Chinese car sales on the rise in Zimbabwe
07 Sep 2015 at 09:50hrs | Views
Zimbabwe's efforts to increase economic links with China have led to a jump in sales of Chinese vehicles. They're so popular, they're overtaking even the more established international brands.
Zimbabwe's "Look East" policy aiming to expand trade relations and offer priority to Asian investors.. has provided a much needed boost to the nation's economy. At a consumer level Zimbawean drivers are finding chinese vehicles an attractive option.
Latest statistics show that sales of Great Wall Motors Limited have overtaken more established models like Nissan, Toyota, Mercedes and Jaguar. Sales of GWM vehicles more than doubled in the six months to June.
"What helped our sales this particular first half was actually the introduction of a new model that GWM introduced which happens to be its flagship that was voted the best bakkie in South Africa for 2015 its actually the Steed 6."
"They have actually gone all out on this vehicle, typically a double cab is very difficult to sit in the back particularly if you are tall, they have actually increased the leg room so anyone can fit in the back," said Belle Hayter, the sales manager.
GWM, a Chinese automobile manufacturer formed in 1984, is now being recognized as a market leader. The distributor of GWM vehicles, sold 43 units up from 19 recorded during the same period last year.
Most finance houses were skeptical about the brand as well, so it has taken quite a lot of education engagement with them, so they have actually seen the benefit, so they have come to the party and offered finance for the models now because before, the stance was they wouldn't provide financing for the Chinese vehicles because of the resell value but they have come to the party and we are now offering our clients finance through some of the finance houses.
Although some investors have been skeptical about entering Zimbabwe's motor industry..many who have are seeing the benefits. Demand for vehicles in Zimbabwe has risen considerably with resdients spending $469 million on imported cars last year.
Zimbabwe's "Look East" policy aiming to expand trade relations and offer priority to Asian investors.. has provided a much needed boost to the nation's economy. At a consumer level Zimbawean drivers are finding chinese vehicles an attractive option.
Latest statistics show that sales of Great Wall Motors Limited have overtaken more established models like Nissan, Toyota, Mercedes and Jaguar. Sales of GWM vehicles more than doubled in the six months to June.
"What helped our sales this particular first half was actually the introduction of a new model that GWM introduced which happens to be its flagship that was voted the best bakkie in South Africa for 2015 its actually the Steed 6."
GWM, a Chinese automobile manufacturer formed in 1984, is now being recognized as a market leader. The distributor of GWM vehicles, sold 43 units up from 19 recorded during the same period last year.
Most finance houses were skeptical about the brand as well, so it has taken quite a lot of education engagement with them, so they have actually seen the benefit, so they have come to the party and offered finance for the models now because before, the stance was they wouldn't provide financing for the Chinese vehicles because of the resell value but they have come to the party and we are now offering our clients finance through some of the finance houses.
Although some investors have been skeptical about entering Zimbabwe's motor industry..many who have are seeing the benefits. Demand for vehicles in Zimbabwe has risen considerably with resdients spending $469 million on imported cars last year.
Source - CCTV.com
