Local Growth and Global Support

LDV South Africa recently hosted its dealer conference, with representation from dealerships across the country. Among those present was Mr Joy Zhu, Africa Regional Director for SAIC Motor International, reinforcing the brand’s global backing and commitment to growth in South Africa.

The conference saw Managing Director of LDV South Africa, Frank Chien, along with newly appointed South African CEO, Gerhard Moolman, outline the brand’s current product lineup and future growth plans. They also highlighted upcoming model launches, with the next new vehicle expected in South Africa as early as May.

Also in attendance at the dealer conference, which was held at LDV’s South African headquarters in Johannesburg, was a team from WesBank – LDV’s finance partner, whose involvement underscores the brand’s established financial support and accessibility in the South African market.

“Dealers are the backbone of our brand,” says Zhu, who has been with SAIC Motor International for 26 years, including heading up operations across the Middle East, Australia, and South America. “In Africa, not having a bakkie or pickup in your model lineup already puts brands a step behind the competition,” he says, highlighting the important role LDV vehicles can play in meeting local transport needs.

Known globally for its quality and value for money panel vans and bakkies or pickups, LDV has recently expanded into the South African SUV segment too.

Launched into South Africa earlier this year, the LDV D90 is a seven-seater family vehicle that combines strong on‑ and off‑road performance with a 2.0‑litre bi-turbo diesel engine, 8‑speed transmission and 4X4 with diff lock. It comes equipped with advanced safety and driver‑assist features, as well as modern tech comforts.

“LDV is no longer a single-product brand,” says Moolman. “From panel vans to double cabs and family SUVs, we now offer a full ecosystem of vehicles for every customer who walks through our doors. We want every dealer to feel like a valued partner, and it’s important to grow sustainably, avoiding over-saturation while supporting both our dealers and customers.”

The dealer conference also highlighted LDV’s commitment to parts, training and after-sales support, including the opening of a new parts and training centre in Gauteng in the coming months.

“We are committed to supporting dealer profitability and offering South Africans great-value, high-spec, quality vehicles,” Moolman says.

SAIC Motor Corporation Limited, LDV’s parent company, is China’s largest automaker and a leading global player, consistently ranked among the top Fortune Global 500 companies. The company has also maintained its position as China’s top automaker for over 18 consecutive years.

In 2023, SAIC sold over five million vehicles globally, with LDV being one of its strongest global brands.

LDV has continued to demonstrate strong performance over the last few years, with 100 000 LDV vehicles sold in Europe by 2024. In Australia, where the brand has had a presence since 2014, 21 000 units were sold in 2023 alone. Last year, LDV sold over 232 000 vehicles globally.

“Building a great brand is about partnerships. A massive opportunity lies ahead of us in South Africa, and this is just the beginning. Together with our dealers, we will continue to grow, strengthen the brand, and deliver vehicles that meet our customers’ needs and expectations,” says Zhu.