In August 2026, FAW Vehicle Manufacturing (South Africa) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "FAW South Africa") Kuha factory ushered in a historic moment - the 25000th complete vehicle was officially produced. Since the first vehicle was taken off the production line in 2014, this factory located in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape Province, has completed a magnificent transformation of a Chinese commercial vehicle brand on the African continent in twelve years.
From 1 to 25000, steadily increasing 'South African speed'
In July 2014, FAW South Africa's Kuha factory was officially put into operation with a total investment of 600 million rand, jointly funded by China FAW and the China Africa Development Fund. It is one of the largest industrial investment projects in South Africa by China to date. Since the 1000th complete vehicle was produced, the factory's production capacity has continued to climb: it exceeded 5000 units in 2019, crossed the 10000 unit mark in 2023, and reached 20000 units in July 2025. The recent production of 5000 units has only been 11 months, and the leap from 20000 units to 25000 units fully demonstrates the strong demand for liberated products in the market and the continuous improvement of factory manufacturing capabilities.
Hardcore product strength builds market confidence
FAW South Africa always adheres to the principle of "customer-centric" and continuously optimizes product performance in response to the harsh long-distance transportation conditions in southern Africa. Heavy duty products represented by JH6 have gained the trust of more and more local fleet operators due to their excellent fuel efficiency, outstanding durability, reliable after-sales support, and outstanding full lifecycle cost performance.
In March 2026, the all-new flagship model Liberation J7 will be launched, further consolidating the product's competitiveness. The production of the 25000th complete vehicle coincides with the beginning of the new product cycle, and the future development momentum is promising.
Continuous investment to empower South Africa's industrial upgrading
FAW South Africa has always integrated its own development into the economic and social development of South Africa. This year, FAW South Africa focused on discussing the production capacity improvement and digital transformation projects of the Kuha factory. In early June, 20 production equipment upgrades and transformations were achieved, and the digital production project of the final assembly workshop was successfully launched. In the second half of the year, the logistics system will be digitized, with the goal of increasing the annual production capacity from the originally designed 5000 units to 8000 units by 2028. At the same time, the Kuha factory has established a new training venue. So far, about 2500 people have trained and graduated from the factory, which has been highly recognized by the local government and labor union.
The shining business card of Sino South economic and trade cooperation
The operation of the Kuha factory not only serves the local market in South Africa, but also leverages African industrial policies to export its products to the countries of the Southern African Development Community and the Indian Ocean islands. It is the largest export brand of South African commercial vehicle manufacturing enterprises, fully demonstrating the rooting of FAW Jiefang's globalization strategy in South Africa and the strong vitality of Chinese brands in the African market.
Standing at a new starting point of 25000 units, FAW South Africa will continue to uphold the craftsmanship spirit of "striving for excellence and pursuing excellence", give back to customers with better products and services, and continue to write a wonderful chapter of Chinese manufacturing on the African continent.
