Adeyemi Matthew
Chinese auto brand Jetour has achieved remarkable success across Africa, emerging as one of the fastest-growing SUV brands in Nigeria and South Africa. In just under three years, the automaker has introduced an impressive eight SUV models to the Nigerian market while also recording record-breaking sales in South Africa’s competitive automobile sector.
A statement from Kemi Adeola of Jetour Nigeria highlighted the brand’s rapid growth, noting that no new entrant in the country’s automotive industry had ever rolled out as many models in such a short period.
“In all, Jetour has more than seven models of SUVs in the Nigerian market and is still counting,” Adeola said.
Among the models currently available are the Jetour X50, X70 Hybrid, X70, X70 Plus, X90 Plus, Dashing, T2, and T2 Hybrid. The brand initially launched with four core models — the X70, X70 Plus, Dashing, and X90 Plus — before expanding its lineup with new releases this year.
Surging Sales in South Africa
Jetour’s rapid rise is not limited to Nigeria. In South Africa, where the brand officially debuted in September 2024 with the Dashing and X70 Plus models, sales have been nothing short of impressive.
Within weeks of launch, Jetour sold 568 units, closing in on its year-end target of 1,500 vehicles. By January 2025, cumulative sales had surpassed 2,000 units, underscoring strong consumer reception.
According to data from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa), Jetour sold 620 passenger vehicles in May 2025, outperforming established global brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Volvo. The following month, sales rose to 683 units, securing Jetour’s place among South Africa’s top 15 automotive brands.
“We are excited to mirror Jetour’s worldwide success in South Africa and become the top choice for travel vehicles amongst local customers,” said Johnny Fang, Managing Director of Jetour South Africa.
Recognition and Expansion in Nigeria
Jetour’s success in Nigeria has not gone unnoticed. The Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) named it the Fastest-Growing Auto Brand of 2024, citing its strong market entry and the quality of its vehicles.
Industry icon Chief Michael Ade.Ojo, speaking at the recent opening of NewEra Autovehicle Services Ltd’s Jetour showroom in Lekki, Lagos, praised the brand’s durability and suitability for Nigeria’s demanding road conditions.
“Jetour is not just a stylish automobile but a durable companion built to meet Nigeria’s peculiar demands,” Ade.Ojo said. “The brand’s product line aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s rugged terrain and challenging climate.”
Adapting to Nigeria’s Roads and Green Goals
Jetour emphasized that its models are custom-adapted for Nigerian roads, combining ruggedness with modern engineering. The company also aligned itself with the Federal Government’s environmental sustainability agenda, introducing hybrid models — the T2 Hybrid and X70 Hybrid — to support eco-friendly mobility.
The hybrids, already popular among Nigerian buyers facing high fuel costs, combine power efficiency, low emissions, and affordable maintenance, positioning Jetour as a forward-thinking brand in Africa’s evolving automotive landscape.
A New Force in African Auto Markets
From record SUV rollouts in Nigeria to outperforming luxury brands in South Africa, Jetour’s achievements mark a new chapter in the continent’s auto industry. Its blend of innovation, adaptability, and affordability has resonated with African consumers — and if current trends persist, Jetour could soon become one of Africa’s leading SUV manufacturers.
