China’s Jetour is quietly orchestrating a multi-pronged push into South Africa’s auto market, leveraging little-known sub-brands to broaden its reach. While the marque’s Dashing SUV and X70 Plus have already gained traction since their 2023 debut, fresh intelligence reveals a seven-model rollout plan that includes vehicles from its Shanhai new-energy division — albeit wearing Jetour badges.
Nic Campbell, Vice-President of Jetour South Africa confirms two hybrid models — the T5 SUV and P5 bakkie — will enter local showrooms by 2027 under Jetour branding, despite originating from Shanhai. This discreet rebadging mirrors tactics used by sibling brand Omoda, which markets Exeed models as its own.
Jetour T2
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The T5 plug-in hybrid (PHEV), previewed as a concept in Beijing, could shake up the adventure SUV segment with a claimed 560 kW/795 Nm powertrain pairing a 2,0-litre turbo engine with dual electric motors. At 5,4 metres long, it positions itself as a potential rival to full-size stalwarts such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, though production specs remain under wraps.
More intriguing is the P5 — a midsize PHEV bakkie designed to challenge the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux hegemony. While technical details are scarce, spy shots of Zongheng’s F700 pickup in China suggest bold styling cues may trickle down to Jetour’s offering.
Shanhai’s L6 PHEV — a electrified version of Jetour’s existing Dashing SUV — could become a wildcard entry. Priced between R600 000-R800 000 if launched, it would undercut premium hybrids like BMW’s X1 30e (R1,05-million) by significant margins.
Jetour L6
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“South Africa’s shift towards electrification is inevitable, but affordability remains critical,” says Campbell “Jetour’s potential to deliver hybrids below R800k could pressure established brands to rethink pricing strategies.”
The brand’s measured approach contrasts with its rapid growth — 2 504 vehicles sold in five months through a 45-dealer network. Parent company Chery Holdings’ muscle ensures parts stockpiles (R60-million in the Johannesburg warehouse including stocks of the unique GiTi tyres fitted as original equipment) and decade-long engine warranties, addressing lingering scepticism around Chinese marques.
Challenges persist. The T5’s 2026 timeline allows rivals time to counter, while SA’s lagging EV infrastructure could dampen PHEV appeal. However, Jetour’s dual focus on combustion engines (T0-T2 SUVs) and hybrids creates a transitional buffer.
As the brand eyes Namibian and East African markets, its success may hinge on maintaining dealer rigour — showrooms must exceed 300 sq/m — while convincing bakkie loyalists to gamble on an unproven PHEV workhorse. For now, Jetour’s hybrid whisper campaign suggests it’s playing the long game in a market ripe for disruption.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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