Chinese vehicle manufacturer expands footprint in Zimbabwe – herald

Source: Chinese vehicle manufacturer expands footprint in Zimbabwe – herald

Ivan Zhakata

Herald Correspondent

CHINESE vehicle manufacturers continue to expand their footprint in Zimbabwe, intensifying competition in the sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment through competitive pricing, advanced technology and enhanced after-sales support, with JETOUR becoming the latest global brand to establish operations in the country.

The company officially launched its Zimbabwe operations on Monday, announcing plans to expand its dealership and service network beyond Harare while offering what it describes as an industry-leading 10-year or one-million-kilometre engine warranty to boost consumer confidence.

Speaking at the launch, JETOUR South Africa vice president Mr Becks Chen said Zimbabwe was a strategic market in the company’s African expansion strategy, with plans already underway to establish additional showrooms and service centres in Bulawayo and Mutare.

“Currently, we have one showroom and two service stations. In the future, we will add new showrooms and service stations in cities such as Bulawayo and Mutare, making it even more convenient to serve our customers,” he said.

Mr Chen said JETOUR South Africa maintains more than US$3 million worth of spare parts, with emergency components capable of reaching Harare within three days.

He said JETOUR has identified Zimbabwe as an important market under its global “Travel+” strategy.

“The heart of our ‘Travel+’ strategy is one simple idea — to connect our products with your lifestyle,” said Mr Chen.

He said the company now operates more than 2 000 sales and service outlets across 100 countries and regions, supported by four global research and development centres, six specialised research institutes and 19 production bases.

Mr Chen said the company’s flagship T2 model recently won the 2026 South African Car of the Year award, becoming the first Chinese vehicle to receive the accolade in four decades.

JETOUR Zimbabwe dealer principal Mr Michael Hove said the launch marked more than the opening of a new showroom and described it as the beginning of the brand’s long-term investment in Zimbabwe.

“Today, we are not just opening the doors to a showroom in Eastlea. We are launching a movement,” he said.

Mr Hove said the company was introducing a range of vehicles tailored to the needs of Zimbabwean motorists, including the Dashing, X70 Plus, T1 and the award-winning T2.

“We understand the Zimbabwean driver. You need a vehicle that is elegant enough for the streets of Harare, smart enough for the modern executive, and rugged enough to conquer the open terrains of our beautiful country. JETOUR is built exactly for this balance,” he said.

He said the company was seeking to redefine customer confidence in the local automotive sector through an extensive warranty package and dependable after-sales service.

“We are incredibly proud to offer an unmatched 10-year or one-million-kilometre engine warranty,” Mr Hove said. This is our statement of trust. We promise that we are standing by you, our customer, for the long run.”

He said the warranty will be backed by a reliable spare parts supply chain and certified technicians based in Harare to ensure efficient servicing and maintenance.

Beyond its commercial ambitions, Mr Hove said JETOUR intended to contribute to community development through youth empowerment initiatives and the JETOUR Africa Expedition programme.

“JETOUR is not just here to sell cars. We are here to integrate into the fabric of Zimbabwe, supporting local youth, driving community development and empowering local talent,” he said.

The entry of JETOUR adds to the growing presence of Chinese automotive brands in Zimbabwe as manufacturers increasingly target the country’s expanding SUV market with competitively priced vehicles, improved technology and stronger after-sales support.