Chinese EV brands accelerate European dominance as US buyers remain hesitant in 2025

Chinese automaker BYD is making significant inroads in South Africa’s used EV scene, with sales soaring by 673% in the first half of 2025 and plans to triple its dealership network by 2026, signalling a disruptive shift in the local electric vehicle market.Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD is quickly gaining ground in South Africa’s used car scene, showing strong early signs of success—even though official new vehicle sales figures haven’t been released yet. According to Autotrader’s Mid-Year Car Industry Report, sales of used BYD models shot up by a remarkable 673% in the first half of 2025. This kind of growth outstrips several other Chinese automotive brands active in the area, like Chery, GWM, Jaecoo, and Omoda, which suggests that BYD’s footprint in the local EV market is steadily expanding. Now, if you take a look at some other numbers—they’re pretty telling too. The number of views on BYD listings jumped a whopping 744% year-on-year, and customer inquiries about BYD vehicles increased by an incredible 1,369%. Such figures clearly indicate that more and more South African consumers are showing interest and demand at the used vehicle level. It’s like they’re curious or even eager to get their hands on this brand’s offerings. Still, it’s worth noting that BYD’s market share is, at this point, still growing—its models haven’t yet cracked the top 10 most sold used EVs in the country. Getting into specifics, BYD began its South African adventure with just one EV model—the Atto 3 SUV—and four dealerships. Since then, the company has expanded its local lineup to include four more vehicles: the Seal, which is a fully electric, pretty upscale sedan; the Sealion 7 SUV; and two plug-in hybrids, the Sealion 6 and Shark 6. These latter three models were only introduced during the period the report covers, so their impact on used sales up to June 2025 is still quite limited. By mid-2025, BYD's local lineup grew to six models. What’s more, the Dolphin and Atto 3 ranked as the eighth and ninth most-listed EVs on Autotrader for the first half of 2025. BYD’s strategy seems solid; it kicked off modestly in 2023, with just one EV and only four dealerships. Fast forward to mid-2025, and the company now offers six different models and operates through 15 dealerships—showing quite an aggressive push for growth. Looking ahead, BYD has some quite ambitious plans: they aim to expand their dealer network to between 30 and 35 locations by the end of 2026. That’s roughly a tripling of their current presence, which is around 13 to 15 outlets. This move definitely demonstrates a dedicated effort to carve out a stronger space in South Africa’s competitive automotive scene. Industry experts also note that this expansion fits well with the rising local demand for new energy vehicles—sales increased from about 7,800 units in 2023 to over 15,600 in 2024. Pretty impressive, right? One upcoming model to watch is the Dolphin Surf (also called the Seagull or Dolphin Mini, depending on the market). It’s set to launch locally on September 14, 2025. This compact hatchback aims at the more budget-conscious end of the EV market, with insiders suggesting a price tag close to R350,000. That’s quite a bit lower than the R400,000—sometimes more—seen for some used Dolphin models. By introducing a competitively priced option, BYD seems to be making strides toward making EV ownership more accessible to a broader range of South Africans, which could really help boost its market penetration. Even with all these promising signs, BYD has yet to release official sales numbers for new vehicles in South Africa. That makes it tricky to nail down exactly what share of the market they hold or how new sales compare to used vehicle trends. Interestingly enough, the entire South African EV scene shows a bit of a paradox: while sales of fully electric cars on platforms like Autotrader went up by 65% in the first half of 2025 compared to last year, official registration data shows a 24% dip in new EV sales over the same period. It’s a peculiar situation, possibly hinting at a shift toward buying used EVs or maybe delays in data reporting. Looking at the used EVs bought through Autotrader, premium European brands like Volvo and BMW still rule the roost. The Volvo EX30 was the top seller during the first half of 2025, with 64 units, followed by the Volvo XC40 and the BMW i3. But, with BYD’s growing dealer network and diverse range of models, it’s starting to challenge these established players more seriously. All in all, BYD’s impressive performance in South Africa’s used EV market, along with their plans to expand and a new affordable model on the horizon, indicate a significant shake-up in the country’s electric vehicle scene. Although they’re still not reporting official new car sales figures, their rapid dealership growth and surging consumer interest strongly suggest that BYD is positioning itself to be a serious contender—maybe even a rival to the likes of Tesla—as South Africa moves further into its electric future. Source: Noah Wire Services

Despite industry challenges, Bosch remains optimistic about 2025, prioritising strategic investments in North America and silicon carbide chip production, while implementing cost-cutting measures to navigate a fluctuating market.Despite encountering quite a few hurdles in the global car industry, Bosch is still expecting a modest uptick in its automotive supplier division this year. The company predicts that sales will rise by roughly two percent, which, honestly, is pretty resilient given the sluggish vehicle production, weaker demand overall, and setbacks in electrification and automated driving tech. This outlook was shared during the IAA Mobility fair in Munich—so, it seems Bosch has the resilience to grow even when the broader market kind of stagnates. Last year, the automotive supplier side saw revenues dip slightly—by about 0.7 percent—to €55.8 billion, which still made up more than 60 percent of Bosch’s total revenue, that topped €90 billion. Bosch’s range of products isn’t limited just to classic automotive parts like powertrains, safety features, steering, brakes, and sensors. They also supply automakers with high-performance computing hardware, customized to meet software needs. It’s a combo that Bosch CEO Stefan Hartung points to as a real edge in the market. Hartung mentions, “Bosch can do both—software and hardware,” and he adds that no matter how advanced the software gets, a vehicle can’t move without some pretty sophisticated hardware underneath. That said, pushing toward software-focused mobility will likely squeeze profit margins further, which means the company will need to keep cutting costs across all divisions. The giant industrial company has been feeling the pressure on competitiveness in several areas, notably in the automotive supplier business in Germany, but it’s not just there—sectors like heating, household appliances, and power tools are also feeling the pinch. To tackle this, Bosch has rolled out some pretty comprehensive cost-cutting plans since late 2023. These include substantial layoffs around the world, especially in Germany’s supplier operations. Looking into 2025, Bosch is cautiously optimistic. They’re forecasting organic sales growth of somewhere between 1 and 3 percent after adjusting for currency fluctuations, as per their early May 2025 statements. It’s a careful stance—maybe even a bit conservative—given ongoing global trade uncertainties, volatile markets, and potential hurdles from tariffs and infrastructure investments in Europe and Germany. Still, Bosch managed to increase sales by around 4 percent compared to the previous year in the first quarter of 2025. That’s quite a contrast to Schaeffler, a competitor that reported a drop of nearly 3 percent. Shows the overall softness in the automotive parts industry, you know? Bosch aims to hit an operating margin of 7 percent by 2026 but admits that reaching that target won’t be easy. They’re expecting to reduce their workforce further, especially in Germany and across Europe, though they haven’t provided concrete timelines or numbers yet. Despite all this, Bosch remains confident about its strategic position, especially in North America. Even with new U.S. tariffs announced earlier in 2025, the company emphasizes its “local-for-local” production approach—along with an integrated international network—which allows it to stay flexible and efficient while serving various markets. This strategy really underscores Bosch’s long-term commitment to North America and hints at plans to keep expanding there. On the tech front, Bosch is making significant investments, particularly in semiconductors critical for electric mobility. In December 2024, the U.S. Commerce Department reached a preliminary deal to give Bosch up to $225 million in subsidies to support a $1.9 billion project at a plant in Roseville, California—focused on making silicon carbide power semiconductors. This project is part of a larger U.S. effort to bolster domestic chip production, which is worth around $52.7 billion and aims to position Bosch as a key supplier for electric vehicles, telecom, and defense by 2026. Once up and running, this plant should produce over 40 percent of the U.S.’s silicon carbide device capacity. Additionally, Bosch announced in April 2023 that it acquired U.S.-based TSI Semiconductors, planning to invest more than $1.5 billion into upgrading its Roseville site for silicon carbide chip production. On top of that, they acquired HydraForce, an American hydraulic tech firm, integrating it into Bosch Rexroth to expand its industrial offerings. Of course, even with these ambitious moves, Bosch’s financial execs remain cautious. In April 2024, CFO Markus Forschner pointed out ongoing cost pressures and job cuts, especially with vehicle production stagnating and intense pricing competition, notably in China. The company is projecting revenues to grow between 5 and 7 percent in 2024, and operating margins might hold steady or slightly improve from around 5.3 percent in 2023. Still, Forschner emphasized that market conditions remain tough, and that restructuring and process improvements are ongoing slowly. All in all, Bosch's measured growth outlook and its strategic investments reveal a company carefully navigating the ongoing transformation in the automotive supply chain. It’s no surprise that Bosch continues to lead as the world’s top automotive parts supplier—reporting annual sales exceeding $50 billion back in 2022—and it remains a central player in shaping the future of mobility, for sure. References: - Paragraph 1 – ¹, ⁷ - Paragraph 2 – ¹ - Paragraph 3 – ¹, ⁷ - Paragraph 4 – ², ⁶ - Paragraph 5 – ³ - Paragraph 6 – ⁴, ⁵ - Paragraph 7 – ⁷, ¹ Source: Noah Wire Services

The automotive franchise sector is poised for significant expansion over the next decade, spurred by technological advances, a shift towards electric mobility, and digital retail innovations, offering lucrative opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors.The automotive franchise scene is actually gearing up for quite a strong growth spurt over the next decade. You know, it’s mainly due to shifting consumer tastes, advances in technology, and the increasing global appetite for vehicles. From what industry analysts are saying, this market is expected to grow steadily at a compound annual rate—roughly between 4.5% and 6%—all the way through to 2032 and beyond. That certainly makes franchising look pretty appealing as a business opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors eager to jump into the automotive world. One of the biggest factors behind this trend is how much people are now focusing on electric vehicles and sustainability. Franchises that specialize in eco-friendly car solutions are actually expanding — it makes sense, right? They’re adjusting to the industry-wide shift towards low-emission, hybrid, and electric models. And let’s not forget, digital transformation is playing a crucial role here. Franchises are increasingly integrating advanced online sales platforms, digital marketing, and tools to better engage customers. People today—well, at least to me—they expect a kind of personalized, hassle-free experience whether they’re browsing online or visiting a shop in person. Technologies like AI, machine learning, virtual reality, and augmented reality are also being adopted to make sales processes smoother, enhance customer interactions, and even offer immersive vehicle visualizations that are pretty cool. Looking at the options within the market, there are different segments—things like passenger cars, commercial vehicles, repair and maintenance services, and aftermarket products. Main business models include everything from car dealerships and auto repair shops to specialized vehicle service providers. The good news is, this diversity of options means there are plenty of entry points for new franchisees. Plus, these established brands come with recognizable names and proven operational systems, which help reduce some of the risk compared to starting from zero on your own. Some of the bigger players are really pushing forward with innovation and expanding their networks. Take Matco Tools and Snap-On Tools, for example—they’re growing by offering top-notch tools and training programs. Franchise chains focused on service, like AAMCO, Maaco, Jiffy Lube, Big O Tires, Christian Brothers Automotive, and Fibrenew, are still expanding by carving out niche markets and focusing heavily on customer service. And then there are others like Glass Doctor, Midas, Ziebart, and Valvoline, who are leaning into specific services—like auto glass repair, muffler and brake work, vehicle detailing, or quick oil changes, to name a few. The rise of online shopping platforms and digital retailing is really changing how people buy cars and related services. Franchises now have to adapt their operating models to stay competitive. Data analytics and AI-powered systems help customize marketing efforts and streamline inventory management. Interestingly enough, blockchain technology is starting to be used to boost transparency and security—especially in managing supply chains, which is pretty crucial these days. Of course, there are some hurdles too. Franchise owners need to deal with challenging regulations that vary by region—things like emissions and safety standards—that can bump up costs or complicate compliance. Supply chain issues are still a concern, requiring sophisticated management to keep inventories steady and maintain dependable service. Also, the initial investment and ongoing operational costs can be pretty high, which might scare off some potential entrants. But on the upside, franchisors often provide extensive support—like training, marketing assistance, and financing options—that can help ease those barriers. As for the market size, estimates vary a little. Some forecasts put it around USD 315 billion, while others suggest it could reach about USD 382 billion by 2032. To put it in perspective, industry analysts are even projecting the broader automotive sector to hit over USD 6.6 trillion — that’s with a T—by 2032, as new mobility tech, autonomous vehicles, and connected car solutions transform the landscape. In all this, automotive franchising seems poised to take a good chunk of that pie by offering scalable, customer-focused, and tech-enabled business models. For franchisees and investors, the key to success will likely be staying ahead of the curve—adopting innovative approaches that meet consumer demands for sustainability and digital service options. Strong training and operational support from franchisors, combined with a solid understanding of local markets, are crucial for navigating the competitive and regulatory landscape. As the industry continues to develop, embracing new technologies and flexible service offerings will probably be what sets the high performers apart. Overall, the outlook is pretty optimistic, with lots of promising opportunities for those who can adapt quickly and stay in tune with the future trends of automotive innovation. References: - Paragraph 1 – OpenPR, WiseGuy, Market Intelligence, DataIntelo, HTF Market - Paragraph 2 – OpenPR, Market Intelligence, HTF Market - Paragraph 3 – OpenPR, DataIntelo, Global Growth Insights - Paragraph 4 – OpenPR, DataIntelo, HTF Market - Paragraph 5 – OpenPR, GlobeNewswire, HTF Market - Paragraph 6 – OpenPR, DataIntelo, Global Growth Insights - Paragraph 7 – OpenPR, WiseGuy, Market Intelligence, DataIntelo, HTF Market Source: Noah Wire Services