Chery is a global automotive manufacturer that has firmly established its presence in South Africa, offering a growing range of vehicles tailored for local roads and conditions. The brand is committed to investment in the region, with plans to expand its footprint through local partnerships, dealership networks, and assembly operations.
Chery’s vehicles are known for their modern design, advanced technology, and strong value proposition, making them an increasingly popular choice among South African drivers. Backed by years of innovation and global experience, Chery is steadily gaining recognition in both the passenger and SUV segments across the country.
Chery has emerged as a major player in the wave of Chinese vehicles now dominating South African roads. The brand first entered the local market in 2008, backed by Bidvest, and quickly gained traction due to its affordability and value-for-money offerings. Bidvest's role included providing infrastructure, dealer networks, and key market insights that helped introduce Chery to South African consumers.
Following a hiatus, Chery relaunched as Chery South Africa in 2021. Now operating independently, the brand has rapidly grown its local presence. Its popular Tiggo SUV range—from the entry-level Tiggo 4 Pro to the top-tier Tiggo 8 Pro Max—combines budget-friendly pricing with bold styling, high-tech features, and competitive performance. Chery is quickly becoming a household name for South Africans seeking affordable SUVs that don’t compromise on comfort or features.
Chery’s story is one of ambition, perseverance, and a whole lot of trial and error. Based in the Chinese city of Wuhu—pronounced exactly as you’d say it when seeing the price tag—Chery has been in the automotive industry since 1997.
What they lack in longevity, they’ve made up for in innovation and price. Chery started as a scrappy upstart in a space dominated by state-owned giants and foreign joint ventures. In fact, it was created as a provincial government side project aimed at boosting local industry. Today, Wuhu’s local government owns and operates the company, a rare example of municipal-level ownership in the global car industry.
Chery’s first car was the Fengyun, using a licensed SEAT chassis. This allowed them to enter the global car game through the backdoor. By the mid-2000s, Chery was cranking out budget sedans like the QQ—a small city car that resembled the Daewoo Matiz and led to legal drama with General Motors. But despite the controversy, the QQ was a hit in China, helping Chery make a name for itself as a fearless (and sometimes cheeky) competitor.
The local line-up includes the popular Tiggo SUV range — from the city-focused Tiggo 4 Pro and mid-sized Tiggo 7 Pro, to the luxurious, family-ready Tiggo 8 Pro and Pro Max. New sub -brands like the Omoda 5 and Jaecoo 7 are also helping to push Chery into more premium territory, while maintaining their affordability advantage.
These models are available at over 95 Chery dealerships across the country.
Chery has quickly established itself as a serious player in the South African market by offering well-specced vehicles at competitive prices, supported by one of the most extensive warranty packages around. Whether you’re shopping for a compact SUV like the Tiggo 4 Pro or a full-size seven-seater like the Tiggo 8 Pro Max, Chery positions itself as a brand that offers real value and after-sales peace of mind.
Chery vehicles come with robust support built in — from standout warranties to value-added service programs designed for long-term peace of mind. Most models include a standard service plan, with maintenance intervals every 15,000 km following an initial check-up at 5,000 km. The brand’s 10-year / 1-million kilometre engine warranty, exclusive to first-time owners, sets a new benchmark in the industry. This is complemented by a 5-year / 150,000 km comprehensive vehicle warranty and 5-year roadside assistance, offering serious reassurance to South African buyers.
| Vehicle Make & Model | Average Accepted Premium | Minimum Accepted Premium |
|---|---|---|
| CHERY - TIGGO | R 1360 | R 259 |
Launched in 2023, the CheryCare Program brings added convenience through 15% service discounts, chauffeur and courtesy vehicle options, and easy access to approved workshops and genuine parts. Combined with Chery’s growing nationwide dealer and service footprint, owners are well covered wherever they travel. When it comes to insurance, hippo.co.za makes it easy to protect your Chery and your budget. Our platform lets you: Compare quotes from South Africa’s top insurers side by side Save up to R455 per month on average* Explore and bundle with Vehicle tracking solutions with Hippo that may help reduce your premiums Thanks to Chery’s strong safety credentials — including features like stability control, multiple airbags, ISOFIX, and tyre pressure monitoring systems — many models qualify for better insurance rates. So, whether you're cruising in a Tiggo 4 Pro, upgrading to a Tiggo 7 Pro, or loading up the family into a Tiggo 8 Pro Max, Hippo helps you find the right cover at the right price.
Prices quoted are correct at the time of publishing this article. The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or medical advice.
