Chinese automakers expanded their share of the South African passenger car market to 16.8% in 2025 from 11.2% a year earlier, industry data showed on Friday, as competitively priced, technology-rich sport utility vehicles and long warranties reshaped competition. The domestic new vehicle market has entered a period of recalibration marked by affordability pressures, shifting consumer expectations and intensifying global competition, auto industry body naamsa said in its annual report on Friday. The most dramatic shift in 2025 has been the "meteoric rise" of imported Chinese brands in South Africa's light vehicle market, offering modern technology, competitive pricing and long warranties that have helped them move into the mainstream, it added. "This is not regarded as a short-term surge, but a structural reset, as for decades the market was shaped by badge and prestige, but it is now being redefined by price-driven consumer choices and tighter household budgets, with little brand affinity," naamsa said. There were 15 Chinese brands operating in South Africa's new vehicle market in 2025 - including leading manufacturers like BYD, Chery, and GWM - up from eight in 2024, with more expected to enter in 2026.