On November 23, the ” China Automotive Industry South Africa Forum & Founding Ceremony of Chinese Automotive Industry Federation of South Africa “, hosted by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), co-hosted by BAIC International Development Co., Ltd. (BAIC International) and organized by BAIC SA Investment (Pty)Ltd. (BAIC SA), was held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

This Forum aimed to strengthen the information exchange between Chinese automobile manufactures in overseas regional markets, deepen their regional cooperation, bind them together for the opportunities and challenges , and enhance the overall image and competitiveness of Chinese brands.

Among attendees were representatives from eight Chinese automakers: BAIC International, Foton, Brilliance Auto, DFCV, Great Wall Motor, FAW, Sinotruk and King Long Motor, and representatives from financial institutions such as China-Africa Development Fund and ABSA Bank, as well as representatives from local dealers. Mr. Shi Jianhua, deputy secretary general of CAAM, chaired this Forum. Mr. Wessel Steffens, general manager of ABSA Bank Vehicle & Asset Finance, introduced the automobile market development and automobile finance environment of South Africa. Mr. Liu Weisong, vice president of BAIC International, introduced the development situation and vision of BAIC International in South Africa, as well as the financial platform of BAIC SA. Other enterprise representatives exchanged views on issues such as opportunities and challenges faced by China’s automobile industry in South Africa, the difficulties and suggestions of automobile finance services for Chinese automakers, the supply chain of FAW South Africa Plant, and the overseas market information platform solution of the China Automobile Internationalization Alliance.

Subsequently, the representatives signed the Constitution of China Automobile Industry Alliance in South Africa at the Forum. Mr. Shi Jianhua announced the founding of the “China Automobile Industry Alliance in South Africa”.

The successful hosting of the 2015 China Automobile Industry South Africa Forum and the founding of the ” Chinese Automotive Industry Federation of South Africa ” mark a firm step of Chinese auto brands in group globalization and a positive change in Chinese automobile brands’ development in South Africa from “going out” to “going in”. BAIC SA will seize this opportunity to cement cooperation with Chinese auto manufactures, so as to jointly develop the South African market and provide local consumers with more convenient financial services and better travel choices.