Chinese automaker Chery is accelerating its efforts to capture the South African market with the rollout of a new range of hybrid vehicles, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional combustion engines and full electric mobility.
The company announced this week that it will launch 19 new hybrid models globally in 2025, with the Tiggo 7, 8, and 9 CSH models leading the push. These vehicles will be equipped with Chery’s newly unveiled Super Hybrid technology, which boasts an impressive 46.5% thermal efficiency and fuel consumption as low as 2 to 3 litres per 100 kilometres.
Chery’s move comes as South Africa—and Africa more broadly—grapples with the dual challenges of embracing electric vehicles and building the infrastructure to support them. Earlier this year, South Africa introduced tax incentives for Chinese EV manufacturers, hoping to attract greater investment into its auto industry.
While full EV adoption remains hindered by limited charging networks and high upfront costs, hybrid models offer a practical interim solution. “We believe Super Hybrid technology will become a key growth driver in markets like South Africa,” said Jay Jay Botes, General Manager of Chery South Africa. “We’re excited to expand our local line-up with electrified models later this year.”
Currently, Chery’s South African fleet includes petrol-powered models such as the Tiggo 4 Pro, Tiggo 7 Pro, Tiggo 8 Pro, and Tiggo Cross. The introduction of hybrids marks a strategic shift toward more sustainable mobility, aligning with global automotive trends and growing consumer demand for greener options.
Chery’s announcement is also part of a broader wave of Chinese investment in Africa’s auto market, as manufacturers seek to expand into new regions amid mounting competition and regulatory pressure in markets like the U.S. and Europe.
By offering fuel-efficient, low-emission hybrid vehicles that don’t rely solely on underdeveloped charging infrastructure, Chery is positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s transition to sustainable transport. The company’s Super Hybrid lineup could serve as a vital stepping stone in the continent’s journey toward a greener future.
