BY Mabuyane Mabuza
The English dictionary describes a disruptor as a person, event or activity that causes a disturbance or a problem. Chinese OEMs are causing such beautiful problems in the auto space and consumers are the beneficiaries. They continue producing head-turning vehicles that boast the latest cutting-edge technology. In fact, they have made the motoring space so exciting that as motoring journalists we wait with anticipation for what is coming our way next. Yes, there are some issues with after-service here and there, but that does not take away from their ingenuity and the vast investments they have channeled towards research and development (R&D) to ensure that they deliver on mobility of the future, today.
A study by McKinsey & Company, affirms that technology-driven trends will revolutionise how industry players respond to changing consumer behaviour.
This, the research adds, will be mainly driven by the demand for more tech such as digitization, automation, and new business opportunities. These forces will give rise to four disruptive technology-driven trends in the automotive sector: diverse mobility, autonomous driving, electrification, and connectivity.
Though the “traditional” role players of the motor industry seem to be on solid ground, there are clear signs of the winds of change within the sector.
Fortunately for us, South Africa is no exception when it comes to these changes.
The Chinese motor companies have been on a charm offensive in the past five years or more, fighting for a chunk in the pie. And the results are taking over our freeways, byways, and shopping malls. The recent BRICS conference that took place in Sandton was another showcase of their prowess. We have become so accustomed to presidents and dignitaries being ferried in German-made luxury. Chinese automakers showed that they too can produce cars that are good enough to ferry global leaders.
So, who are these future disruptors?
Well, look no further than the Haval/GWM stable.
Let’s face it, would you have imagined that Haval would release products such as the H6 GT, the Jolion, and the P Series? I bet you wouldn’t have imagined this, ten years ago. Fast forward to 2023, you see a Haval approach, one cannot help but notice.
Chery has also done the same.
I remember the Chery Tiggo of yesteryear, it looked like an attempted Toyota Rav4. The workmanship was utterly shabby, review after review, it was clear that no effort had been put into that car. The Chinese left South Africa and other markets, tail between their legs.
Almost fifteen years later, the Chery brand is back but this time around, as a real brand that says I have made mistakes, learned my lessons, and have grown from it.
Baic also did the same, they came in and got it all wrong. They now seem to have learned valuable lessons. All three brands pride themselves on advanced car tech, modern designs, and modern engines. These are winning formulae.
They also carry the tag of being competitive. For now, they are what we call good alternatives. Only time will tell if they are able to shake things up and disrupt the market.
