The sale of Chinese and Indian brands in Motus’ South African retail business increased by more than 200% in the 2026 financial year compared with the year before, says CEO Ockert Janse van Rensburg.

Speaking earlier this month at the JSE-listed group’s financial results for the year ended June 30, he noted that Motus had retained its traditional brands, but also added a number of popular emerging and growing brands as part of its diversification strategy.

The group now represents 43 vehicle brands in South Africa.

Newcomer brands – some newer than others – include BYD, BAIC, GWM, Chery, Haval, Jaecoo, Mahindra, Sinotruck and Tata Motors.

Janse van Rensburg said this broadening of Motus’ retail portfolio had been duplicated successfully at the group’s Australian and UK businesses.

Chinese vehicle sales were up 44% for Motus in Australia and 300% in the UK compared with the previous financial year.

In the UK, Motus grew from selling a single Chinese brand in 2024, to five brands, with these sales now accounting for more than 20% of total new vehicle sales in the 2026 financial year.

In Australia, Chinese vehicle sales accounted for 14% of Motus’ total new-vehicle sales through eight dealerships.

Affordability played a role in the success of the newcomer brands, especially in the domestic market.

CFO Brenda Baijnath said South African consumers remained on the hunt for affordable vehicles, with Motus’ financing deals currently signed at an average of R350 000.

“The market remains unable to absorb price increases.”

Motus reported a 1% increase in revenue to R113.6-billion, with operating profit up 4%, to R5.7-billion.

The particularly strong vehicle-sales performance in South Africa was partially offset by more subdued contributions from the group’s international operations, notably the UK Aftermarket Parts and Australia Retail businesses.

South Africa also remained the primary driver of the group's performance, contributing 60% to revenue and 68% to operating profit for the period.

Within the group, the Import and Distribution business saw a 13% increase in revenue and a 30% jump in operating profit.

Between the five brands Motus imports into South Africa – Kia, Hyundai, Renault, Mitsubishi and Tata Passenger – sales volumes increase by 15% in the financial year, to 74 188 units.

Newcomer Tata Passenger has now moved up from selling around 600 units a month to roughly 800 units a month.

The Retail and Rental business reported flat revenue, with operating profit up 1%.

This business was boosted by a buoyant South African new-car market, and sold 94 938 new vehicles, an increase of 15%, and 90 890 pre-owned units, an increase of 5%.

Within the Retail and Rental business, SA Retail reported a 5% increase in revenue and 8% jump in operating profit.

The improved performance could be attributed to higher vehicle sales volumes (particularly at the importer dealers), the introduction of growing volume brands, the expansion of Chinese representation, and the improved performance as a result of the turnaround strategy implemented in previously loss-making dealerships.

Vehicle Rental reported a 6% increase in revenue and 8% increase in operating profit.

UK Retail saw a 4% drop in revenue in pound sterling, and 4% increase in operating profit, while Australia Retail saw an 1% increase in revenue in Australian dollars, but a 17% drop in operating profit.

The Mobility Solutions business reported a marginal decline in revenue, but saw a 5% increase in operating profit to R1.39-billion.

Aftermarket Parts reported a 2% growth in revenue to R15.6-billion, with operating profit inching up 1%, to R1.4-billion.

Looking ahead, Janse van Rensburg said Motus remained focused on executing its strategy of diversification across all of its geographies, brands and revenue streams.

“Motus is also well positioned to capitalise on structural industry shifts, including the growing acceptance of Chinese vehicle brands and evolving customer mobility needs, while maintaining strict cost control to deliver long-term shareholder value.”

He said Motus would look at increasing its share of Chinese car sales, adding that organic growth remained possible in each of the segments in which Motus operates.

Also, any potential acquisitions would not carry a price tag larger than R1-billion.