{
  "id": 9138609,
  "title": "Dongfeng importer confirms Kaiyi brand for South Africa",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/dongfeng-importer-confirms-kaiyi-brand-for-south-africa",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-22T12:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/motoring/electric-kaiyi-vehicles-coming-to-south-africa/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "At the Kyalami Festival of Motoring in August, Dongfeng unveiled a pair of Kaiyi models, the e-Qute 04 hatch and the X3 compact SUV known as the Showjet, which are expected to become South Africa's most affordable electric vehicle range. Dongfeng, in association with E Auto Motor South Africa, will be the sole importer and distributor of the Kaiyi brand, which was previously distributed under the Cowin Auto brand.\n\nThe e-Qute 04, introduced in China three years ago, is set to be renamed EQ04 and will have a sticker price between R280 000 and R300 000. The EQ04, with dimensions of 3 725mm in length, 2 520mm in wheelbase, 1 608mm in height, and 1 700mm in width, boasts a 28kWh battery pack that drives a single 40kW/110Nm electric motor on the front axle. Claiming a range of 310km based on China's CLTC cycle, the EQ04 is reported to offer between 237 and 960 litres of boot space.\n\nFollowing shortly after the EQ04, the X3/Showjet will be referred to as EQ05, with a projected price range of R520 000 to R550 000. The EQ05, featuring the same frontal design as the Jetour X50e sold in Indonesia, has a length of 4 443mm, a wheelbase of 2 632mm, a height of 1 646mm, and a width of 1 831mm. It will employ a 59.6kWh battery pack powering a single 120kW/280Nm electric motor, promising a range of 410km and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.9 seconds.",
  "summary": "Despite its links with Chery, Kaiyi will be marketed and imported without any input from Wuhu.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "South Africa faces potential rifle replacement controversy amid allegations and strategic challenges",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/south-africa-faces-potential-rifle-replacement-controversy-amid",
        "published": "2026-09-22T09:38:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}