Jetour, a sibling brand of Chery, is gearing up to hit Mzansi with a bang by September 2024. The Chinese automaker is bringing two exciting models: the Jetour Dashing, a 5-seater, and the Jetour X70 Plus, a 7-seater SUV.
The Rise of Chinese Automakers
South Africa’s new-vehicle market has seen an influx of Chinese brands lately who are performing rather well. Haval, Chery (along with its sub-brands Omoda and Jaecoo), LDV, BYD, JAC with the T9, and Foton with the upcoming Tunland G7, have all made their presence felt. Now, Jetour is ready to join the party.
Same Same but Very Different
Jetour operates independently from Chery South Africa, despite being owned by the Chery Group. Unlike Omoda and Jaecoo, Jetour has its own R&D and sales strategies. This separation is consistent worldwide, making Jetour a ‘sister’ brand rather than a sub-brand. Think about the relationship between VW and Audi and you have it spot on.
Jetour is understandably optimistic about the brand’s prospects, inspired by the success of the aforementioned Chinese brands like Haval and Chery in the local market. To begin with, Jetour plans to launch the X70 Plus 7-seater and the futuristic-looking Dashing 5-seater by September 2024.
What to Expect
Both models will come in Momentum and Deluxe variants, offering a total of four choices. The Dashing, with its sleek futuristic design and LED headlamps, aims to stand out among medium sized SUVs. Meanwhile, the X70 Plus offers a more conventional look with 7 seats, catering to larger families.
Power and Performance
Both the Dashing and X70 Plus will be powered by a 1.5 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine, delivering 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque. These models will feature dual-clutch auto transmissions and front-wheel drive. The engine is sourced from the Chery Group, similar to what’s found in the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro.
Jetour isn’t stopping there though. Pro variants of the Dashing and X70 Plus, featuring a more powerful 1.6 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 145 kW and 290 Nm, are expected to roll out early next year. By 2025, the rugged Jetour T2 compact off-roader, boasting a 186 kW/390 Nm 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine, will also join the lineup.
Strategic Expansion
Jetour plans to establish 40 dealerships across South Africa within the first year. Some will be standalone, while others will be part of multi-franchise setups. This strategic expansion aims to cover market areas not addressed by Chery, targeting legacy brands instead. The brand expects to sell around 800 units per month once all four models are on sale and are bullish about South Africa’s economic prospects.
Conclusion
Jetour’s entry into South Africa marks an exciting chapter in the local automotive scene. With a lineup of stylish and powerful SUVs, and the previously held stigma of Chinese brands vanishing by the day, the brand is poised to make a significant impact.
Check back in for more updates as Jetour gears up for its grand debut.