Chery has quickly grown into one of the strongest names in the South African new energy vehicle (NEV) space, with more local buyers choosing its hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. With four models to choose from—the earliest of which were launched in June—the automaker has made a big impression on the local automotive landscape and is now one of the leading purveyors of electrified vehicles in South Africa.
In August, the CSH line-up—comprising the hybrid Tiggo 4 Cross CSH, and the Tiggo 7 CSH, Tiggo 8 CSH, and Tiggo 9 CSH plug-in hybrids—achieved a combined total of 227 sales for the month, making it one of the best-performing NEV ranges in the country.
“This is a clear sign that drivers are ready to embrace electrification when it’s delivered with the right balance of technology, efficiency, and value,” said Jay Jay Botes, General Manager for Chery South Africa.
The Tiggo 4 Cross CSH, which holds the title of South Africa’s most affordable hybrid vehicle with a starting price of R439,900, was Chery’s best-seller, accounting for 122 units. It was followed by the Tiggo 7 CSH (50 units), the Tiggo 8 CSH (33 units), and the Tiggo 9 CSH (22 units). With an all-electric range of 160 km, the Tiggo 9 AWD Vanguard CSH offers one of the longest electric ranges of any plug-in hybrid in South Africa—all at a price under R1 million.
Value is at the heart of Chery’s NEV offering. Not only is the Tiggo 4 Cross the most affordable hybrid in the country, but the Tiggo 7 CSH is also South Africa’s most affordable plug-in hybrid, priced at R599,900.
Chery’s approach is simple: advanced cars should be within reach of more people. While electrification is often reserved for the premium end of the market, Chery has focused on democratising hybrid and plug-in hybrid technology. By offering feature-rich, efficient cars at competitive prices, the automaker has made it easier for South Africans to take their first step into electrified driving.
“Our goal has always been to make smarter, cleaner driving accessible to more people,” added Botes. “Seeing how quickly drivers have responded to our line-up of new energy models shows that South Africans are ready for this shift, and we’re proud to be the brand helping them make it.”
This strong momentum is only the beginning. Chery’s rise in the new energy vehicle segment underlines its commitment to reshaping what drivers can expect from electrification: turning advanced technology into something more people can experience, enjoy, and afford.
